Hotels near Giftun Island National Park

The Giftun Islands sit about 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada Marina and form a protected national park that caps daily visitor numbers to preserve the coral. The main beach on Big Giftun (also called Paradise Beach) has powdery white sand and water so clear you can spot parrotfish from the shoreline. Most day trips include two or three snorkelling stops over reef walls where sea turtles, moray eels, and shoals of butterflyfish are common sightings.

Boat trips cost EUR 15-25 per person and typically run from 09:00 to 16:00, with lunch included on board. The national park entry fee (around EGP 50 / EUR 1) is usually bundled into the ticket price. Boats depart from Sekalla port or Hurghada Marina - pick-up from most hotels along the resort strip is standard. The sea is calmest between April and October, though winter trips are still excellent with water temperatures around 22 °C.

Pro Tip: Book a smaller boat (max 20 passengers) rather than the large party boats that carry 100+. You will pay EUR 5-10 more but get quieter snorkelling spots, less crowded beaches, and a far more relaxed day.