Giftun Island ( Orange bay ) from Hurghada

Giftun Island is the star here: pale sand, clear Red Sea water, and two chances to snorkel before a short beach stop. For $20.94, you also get hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, and a full day on the water, which makes this one of Hurghada’s stronger low-cost outings.

I like the simple door-to-door setup, and I like that snorkeling equipment and lunch are included rather than added at the last minute. The main compromise is time: the island stay lasts about one hour, so the boat and snorkeling stops take up most of the day.

Key points at a glance

• Two snorkeling stops: You get two separate chances to see the Red Sea underwater, with equipment supplied.
• One-hour Giftun Island visit: Swim, sit on the beach, and take photos, but do not expect a long island stay.
• Hotel pickup and return: Transport from Hurghada is included, with extra charges for several outlying resort areas.
• Lunch and drinks onboard: Coffee or tea, soft drinks, and lunch are part of the package.
• Small maximum group: The excursion accepts up to 20 people, although the boat itself may feel less intimate than that limit suggests.
• Weather controls the water activities: Banana boats and sofa boats are available only when conditions allow.

Why Giftun Island works as a day trip

Giftun Island gives you the sort of Red Sea scenery that is hard to reach on your own. The appeal is not a museum, monument, or guided history lesson. It is the straightforward pleasure of getting out on the water, swimming from a boat, and spending time on a bright sandy beach.

The day lasts about eight hours from pickup to return. That sounds long, but the schedule is filled with transport to the port, the boat ride, snorkeling, island time, lunch, and the return journey. I would think of this as a full-day sea outing, not as an island visit with a little boating attached.

The tour is especially useful if you are staying in Hurghada and want the logistics handled for you. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the harbor, find a boat operator, rent snorkeling gear, or organize lunch. The experience gathers those pieces into one inexpensive booking.

From your hotel to the Hurghada port

Your day begins with hotel pickup in a minibus. The included transfer is a real convenience, particularly if you are traveling with children or carrying towels, swimwear, and snorkeling gear.

Pickup timing can vary by hotel, and one account describes a longer wait outside the hotel. That is worth keeping in mind if you prefer a tightly timed morning. The positive side is that the transfer service has also been described as punctual and conducted in a vehicle that was in good condition.

The standard price applies to Hurghada. If you are staying in El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Makadi Bay, or Soma Bay, expect a transfer surcharge. The listed extra is generally 5 euros per person when at least two people share the transfer, or 10 euros for a single person. That can still be fair, but calculate the final price before booking.

At the port, you board the boat for Giftun Island. The boat is part of the day’s experience, not just a means of getting from one point to another. You will spend a good portion of the outing onboard, so your comfort depends partly on the condition of the vessel and how much space is available.

One account described the boat as somewhat old-fashioned but clean enough, with a friendly crew. That is a fair expectation: this is a value-focused excursion, not a private yacht charter.

The boat ride and the crew

The crew is central to the mood of the day. Mustafa and Bakkar are named as members of the boat team on one departure, while Bisou worked as the photographer. Crew members have also been praised for being friendly, helpful, and reassuring with children.

That family-friendly quality matters. Four children were reportedly comfortable and felt safe with the crew, which suggests that the staff pay attention to more than just getting people in and out of the water. The atmosphere can also include entertainment and a festive feel, so this is not a silent nature cruise.

If you want a quiet, private crossing, you may find the onboard energy more active than expected. If you enjoy a social day with music, activities, and a crew that keeps things moving, the format should suit you well.

Dolphin sightings are possible, but they are not guaranteed and should not be treated as part of the core promise. One outing included dolphins on the way to the island, which would be a memorable bonus, not something to book solely to see.

Two snorkeling stops in the Red Sea

The excursion includes two snorkeling trips. This is one of its best features because you get more than a single rushed look underwater. If the first stop is busy or conditions are not ideal, the second gives you another chance.

Snorkeling is available for beginners as well as confident swimmers, but you should stay within your comfort level and follow the crew’s directions. Equipment is supplied, which saves you from renting a mask and snorkel separately.

The quality of the equipment may not be uniform. One account found the masks acceptable but suggested that newer models would be better. If you own a comfortable mask, bringing it could improve the experience, but the supplied equipment means you can still take part without personal gear.

The underwater world is the reason to bring a waterproof camera, if you have one. You may see colorful fish and coral in the clear water, but visibility depends on weather and sea conditions. The trip does not promise a particular reef, species, or level of visibility, so keep your expectations sensible.

Snorkeling time may feel short to serious swimmers. This schedule is designed to let most people participate, rather than giving experienced snorkelers a long, independent session. That balance works well for families and mixed groups.

One hour on Giftun Island

The island stop gives you time to swim, sit on the sand, and take in the scenery. Giftun’s beach is the visual highlight of the excursion, and even a short visit can feel special after time on the boat.

Still, one hour passes quickly. You may spend part of it walking from the landing point, organizing your belongings, applying sunscreen, or waiting for friends and children. If your main goal is a long, lazy beach afternoon, this schedule will feel limited.

I would use the island stop for a quick swim, photos, and a few quiet minutes on the sand. Do not plan to explore a large portion of the island or settle into a long beach session. The excursion is built around several activities, not one extended stay.

A practical warning concerns shopping at the island or beach facilities. One account described an unpleasantly high-pressure experience at a small shop. Bring what you need with you, including sunscreen, water-friendly footwear if you use it, and personal snacks if required. Included soft drinks help, but the package does not cover every possible purchase.

Lunch, drinks, and water activities

Lunch is served on the boat, usually after part of the water program. This keeps the day moving and avoids the need to search for a restaurant at the island. The food has been described as good, including a suitable option for a vegetarian diner.

Coffee or tea and soft drinks are included. That is helpful on a sunny day, though you should still pay attention to your own comfort and hydration. The supplied information does not promise a specific menu, so dietary needs beyond vegetarian choices should be checked before departure.

Extra water activities may be offered, including banana boats and sofa boats. These are dependent on the weather, so they can change or disappear on the day. Treat them as a bonus rather than a guaranteed part of the outing.

The description also refers to a dolphin tour and banana boat fun, but the detailed inclusions specifically identify snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and the boat trip. I would confirm any special activity you consider essential before booking, especially if you are choosing this excursion for a particular ride.

Value at $20.94

At the advertised price of $20.94 per person, the package offers a lot for a full day: transport from a Hurghada hotel, the boat ride, two snorkeling stops, island time, lunch, hot drinks, soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

That value is strongest if you plan to use the included features. Someone who only wants to sit on Giftun Island may find the one-hour stop too brief. Someone who wants a mix of swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and beach time gets much more from the price.

The cost does not mean everything is included. Services not listed are extra, and transfer surcharges apply from several resort zones. There may also be an entrance fee or other charge connected with activities, since the inclusions list does not cover every fee. Check the final booking details rather than assuming the advertised base price covers every expense.

The maximum group size is 20 people. That gives the trip a more manageable feel than a very large excursion, though the boat may still be shared with other people depending on the departure arrangement.

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend it to you if you want an affordable Red Sea day with several activities already arranged. Families can benefit from the included transport, crew support, and range of things to do. Couples and friends who enjoy an upbeat boat day will also find the format appealing.

It works particularly well for first-time snorkelers because equipment is provided and the crew is present during the water portions. You can try the activity without committing to a specialist snorkeling trip.

You may want a different tour if you prefer a private boat, a quiet atmosphere, a newer vessel, or several hours on the island itself. Serious snorkelers may also want a trip focused more heavily on reef time rather than a mixture of island, lunch, entertainment, and optional rides.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Keep valuables to a minimum, and bring any personal snorkeling gear you strongly prefer. Since the boat is your lunch area and transport for much of the day, a small dry bag can make life easier, though the tour does not specifically provide one.

Booking, weather, and cancellation advice

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity allows most people to participate. The excursion depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you can be offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the local time cutoff applies.

The trip also requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not reached, you can be offered another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Should you book Giftun Island from Hurghada?

Book it if you want strong value, easy transport, and a full day of sea activities without arranging the parts yourself. The best reasons are the two snorkeling stops, included lunch and drinks, helpful crew, and the chance to see Giftun Island for a modest price.

Go in knowing that the island visit is only about an hour, the boat may be older, snorkeling masks may show some wear, and weather can affect the optional rides. With those limits in mind, this is a practical and cheerful choice for a first Red Sea excursion, especially for families and budget-minded visitors staying in Hurghada.

FAQ

How long does the Giftun Island excursion last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours, including hotel pickup, the port transfer, the boat trip, snorkeling, island time, lunch, and the return journey.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip hotel transportation from Hurghada is included. Surcharges apply for pickups from El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and Soma Bay.

How much time do I get on Giftun Island?

The excursion includes about one hour on the island, with time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the beach.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling trips are included in the excursion.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included. The condition and style of masks can vary, so you may bring your own equipment if you prefer a particular fit.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on the boat. Coffee or tea and soft drinks are also included.

Are banana boats and sofa boats guaranteed?

No. Their availability depends on the weather on the day of the excursion.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of weather?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.