Hurghada: Giftun Island Tour with Snorkeling & Buffet Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada day trip is the change of pace: one moment you’re floating above a Red Sea reef, the next you’re stretched out on Giftun Island’s white sand. I like that the trip pairs two chances to snorkel with a proper beach stop, rather than making the boat ride the whole show. I also like the practical package: hotel transfers, gear, a snorkeling instructor, lunch, fruit, and drinks are included.

The trade-off is that the schedule and service can vary. One snorkeling stop may be shorter or may not happen as described, and reports of lunch portions and drink supplies are mixed. Bring breakfast, expect a shared pickup, and treat the published order of stops as a plan, not a promise.

The essential details

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• Two Red Sea snorkeling stops: The plan includes two locations, with coral and fish at each. The amount you see can vary by site and conditions.
• Two hours on Giftun Island: There’s time to swim, relax on the sand, and take photos. Budget separately for the island entrance fee.
• A boat-based buffet lunch: Lunch is served on the deck, with salads and fruit. Food is included, though portion sizes have not been consistent.
• Hotel pickup and return: The day generally runs from about 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Shared transfers may arrive early or late.
• Snorkeling help is available: Gear and an instructor are included. Children who swim can snorkel with an adult beside them.
• Several package choices: The basic trip, a parasailing option, private-transfer group trips, and private-boat trips differ in price and what they include.

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A full day at sea, not just a beach transfer

This is an eight-hour excursion with a mix of bus travel, boat time, swimming, and a beach visit. The basic package starts at a listed US$22.69, while the experience is also advertised from US$26.09. Prices depend on the option selected, so compare the final total, especially if you want parasailing or a private transfer.

The value comes from having several pieces of the day bundled together. You get round-trip transfers, a boat outing, snorkeling gear, an instructor, a buffet lunch, fruit, and drinks. If you’re staying in Hurghada and want a straightforward way to reach the offshore reefs and island beach, that combination can be good value.

Still, the lowest price is not the whole cost. The island entrance fee is paid in cash on the spot: the stated charge is US$5, €5, £5, or 250 Egyptian pounds per person. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna costs an additional 250 Egyptian pounds per person round trip; from Safaga or Soma Bay, it is 500 Egyptian pounds per person round trip. Confirm the amount for your date and pickup area before setting out.

From hotel pickup to the marina

The day begins with a shared transfer to the yacht marina in an air-conditioned vehicle. The listed departure is 8:30 a.m., but the driver may collect other people first, so your hotel pickup could be earlier or later. The operator reconfirms the pickup time in advance. Be ready at the agreed place, and leave a little slack in your morning rather than planning a tight appointment afterward.

The group-van option is described as a vehicle for up to 11 people. That does not tell you the size of the boat group, so don’t assume the excursion will feel private. Once aboard, you can settle on deck and enjoy the Red Sea views during the run to the first stop. The schedule gives roughly an hour and a half for the initial boat ride, though weather and the day’s arrangements can affect the timing.

A useful bit of preparation: eat breakfast before you leave. Breakfast is not listed among the inclusions, and some departures have not provided a morning sandwich. The boat does list unlimited water and soft drinks, along with tea, coffee, and milk, but supply has not always matched expectations. Bring a bottle of your own water if you want a backup.

Snorkeling over coral and schools of fish

The core of the trip is time in the water. At the first reef stop, the plan is to snorkel over coral and look for fish. Gear and a snorkeling instructor are included, which can make the first session easier if you’re new to snorkeling or uneasy in open water. One instructor, Tarek, was singled out for taking time to help people; staff can change from one departure to another.

You don’t need to be an expert swimmer to take part, but the sea is not a swimming pool. Follow the instructor’s directions, use the supplied gear properly, and stay with the group. Children who are good swimmers may snorkel, but an adult must accompany them at all times. If you don’t swim confidently, ask the crew what support is available before entering the water. One account describes a lifeguard holding a flotation tube and guiding a non-swimmer, but you should not count on identical help every time.

The reef experience is not guaranteed to look the same at both stops. Some people have found plenty of colorful fish and coral, while others have seen relatively few fish or coral in poor condition. That’s part of snorkeling in a natural environment: visibility, sea conditions, and the exact site matter. The trip is a good introduction to the Red Sea, but it may not satisfy a keen snorkeler looking for a long, specialized reef session.

There is also a discrepancy worth keeping in mind. The plan calls for two snorkeling locations, yet some departures have included only one, or have provided less snorkeling time than expected. Ask the crew what the day’s plan is once you board. If the underwater time is your main reason for booking, be flexible about the schedule and don’t assume every stop will run for a full hour.

The water can feel cold in winter. A January outing, for example, was enjoyed despite chilly water, but cold can make a long swim less appealing. Bring swimwear and a towel, and consider a light cover-up for the boat ride between stops.

Lunch on the deck, then time on Giftun Island

The boat returns to the group for a buffet lunch, listed as a one-hour stop. Lunch includes salads and fruit, and it is served on the boat deck, so you can eat with a sea view rather than losing time to a shore-side restaurant. Food has been a bright spot for some families, while others have found portions too small or service less generous. If you have dietary needs, ask what is available before choosing your meal; the menu and portion options are not specified.

Drinks are listed as unlimited, including soft drinks, mineral water, tea, coffee, and milk. In practice, supplies may run short, and one account describes a shortage of hot water for coffee. I’d treat the listed selection as what the operator intends to provide, not a guarantee that every drink will be available throughout the day.

Giftun Island is the beach interlude. The schedule allows about two hours on the island, where you can swim in clear water, relax on white sand, and take photos. That’s enough time to enjoy the setting without turning the outing into a full beach holiday. Remember that the entrance fee is separate on the basic package, unless you book an option that specifically includes it.

The names can be confusing: the day is sold as a Giftun Island trip, while Orange Bay appears in the schedule as a two-hour visit, marked optional and subject to extra fees. Island stops and package details can vary. Check the exact option you’re booking and clarify which beach or island stop is included, whether its entrance is covered, and whether any add-on is required.

The second stop and the return ride

After the island, the boat heads to another Red Sea snorkeling location. You may have time to swim or snorkel again, then sit in the sun while fruit is served on board. This is the second chance to see coral and fish, and it helps break up the return journey. As at the first stop, the quality of the underwater scenery can vary, and the time in the water may not match the full schedule.

The day is expected to return to Hurghada around 4:30 p.m. That makes it a substantial outing, so avoid booking a close dinner reservation or onward transfer. The schedule can change with traffic and weather, and shared hotel drop-offs add some uncertainty.

A sunset is mentioned as a possible highlight, but the stated return time is 4:30 p.m. Don’t book this trip specifically for sunset views; the timing may not line up. The boat deck and open-sea views are appealing in daylight, which is the more reliable reason to look forward to the ride.

How to choose the right package

The basic full-day trip is the budget choice, but it excludes the island entrance fee. The version with transfers and parasailing costs more and includes a 10-minute parasailing session if that option is selected. There are also group boat trips with private transfer and private boat trips with transfer, with higher starting prices. Compare what each option actually includes rather than assuming a higher price covers every fee.

The tour is best for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants a structured day at sea without arranging a boat independently. It can also suit non-swimmers who want to enjoy the island and boat ride, though water activities still require care and you should ask the crew about flotation support. Children may snorkel only if they swim well and remain with an adult.

It is less suited to someone who wants a quiet, private outing or a guaranteed long session at pristine reefs. This is a shared trip with a set day plan, and the standard boat experience can involve variable service. The boat has been described as clean and safe, and crew members have been praised for being friendly and helpful, but the overall experience depends on the particular team and departure.

What to bring and what to watch for

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera. Beachwear is useful for the island stop. Keep the day’s cash handy for the entrance fee and any pickup surcharge that applies to your hotel area. The basic package’s island charge is not included, so don’t mistake the low starting price for an all-in total.

Please don’t touch coral or sea urchins. Aside from the damage it can cause, contact can hurt you. Use the gear as instructed, take care when getting in and out of the water, and keep an eye on children.

The operator lists guides in English, Arabic, Russian, and German, plus a snorkeling instructor. Hotspot Wi-Fi may be available on request, but it is not a reason to expect a strong connection at sea. The provider’s overall service record is mixed, so keep your expectations practical: the natural setting is the main attraction, not polished resort-style service.

Should you book this Giftun Island trip?

I’d book it if you want a reasonably priced, full-day introduction to Hurghada’s Red Sea, with the island beach and lunch included in the plan. The best value is the combination of boat time, two intended snorkeling stops, gear, instruction, and transfers. For a first snorkeling outing, that’s a useful package, especially if you’re happy to share the boat and let the crew set the pace.

I’d look at a private or more specialized option if reef time is your top priority, or if you want firmer control over the schedule. Before booking, check the exact island stop, entrance fee, pickup surcharge, and parasailing inclusion for your chosen package. If you go, eat breakfast first, bring cash and sun protection, and stay flexible when the day’s order changes.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The listed schedule runs from about 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Traffic, weather, and shared pickups can affect the timing.

How much time is spent on Giftun Island?

The schedule allows about two hours on the island beach.

Is the island entrance fee included?

Not in the basic package described here. The stated fee is US$5, €5, £5, or 250 Egyptian pounds per person, paid in cash on the spot.

How many snorkeling stops are planned?

Two Red Sea snorkeling locations are planned. The actual number or duration of stops may vary.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and a snorkeling instructor are included.

Can children snorkel?

Children who are good swimmers can snorkel, but they must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The activity has no stated age limit.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with salads and fruit is served on the boat deck.

Are drinks included?

The package lists unlimited soft drinks and mineral water, as well as tea, coffee, and milk. Availability may vary during the trip.

Are hotel transfers included?

Round-trip transfers to and from your hotel are included for the listed service area. Extra charges apply for pickups from some nearby areas, including Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and beachwear. Keep cash available for the island entrance fee and any applicable pickup surcharge.