Snorkelling
Colourful coral reefs.
Caprice4540 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · E v Schoonhoven — CC BY 3.0 · Thajsko — CC BY 3.0 · Janek A — CC BY 3.0 · E v Schoonhoven — CC BY 3.0 · V Manninen from Funland — CC BY 2.0 · Thajsko — CC BY 3.0 · E v Schoonhoven — CC BY 3.0
Two sandy islands in the Red Sea off Hurghada, Big Giftun nearer the city and Little Giftun to its east, ringed by coral reefs and clear turquoise water, and lying within a protected marine area that shelters their reefs and sea life. The Giftun trip is Hurghada's best-known boat outing: boats leave the harbour in the morning, stop at coral reefs for snorkelling among colourful fish and coral, then anchor off one of the island's beaches in the afternoon for swimming and lazing on white sand. Big Giftun has several organised beaches, the best known Orange Bay, Mahmya and Paradise, each with its own facilities, umbrellas and prices, while Little Giftun stays quieter and closer to nature. Dolphins sometimes appear on the way. They can only be reached by boat; the protected-area fee is usually included in the trip price, and prices vary widely between operators and beaches. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, as shade is scarce on the islands.
Colourful coral reefs.
Clear turquoise water.
The best-known beaches.
Red Sea, about an hour by boat from Hurghada harbour
Orange Bay is the best known and busiest, Mahmya is quieter with an eco feel, and snorkellers do best on trips with more reef stops.