Two islands, a scatter of sandbanks and a living reef lie offshore from Hurghada's hotel strip, and almost every day boat in the harbour is pointed at them. The Giftun Islands protected area — محمية جزيرة الجفتون — runs on fixed daily hours, a single conservation charge, and a weather window that narrows after midday. This page sets out what the designation actually means for a normal visit, from Orange Bay to the Mahmya anchorage.
Quick answer
Giftun Island National Park is a protected Red Sea island group off Hurghada, open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, with a conservation fee of 300 EGP per person, per day for international visitors. Access is by licensed boat only. Arriving between 09:00 and 11:00 avoids the mid-day heat and the main Hurghada crowd; afternoon wind can shorten time in the water.
No one sleeps on Giftun. The island group that gives Giftun Island National Park its name has no hotels, no residents and no permanent freshwater, only a handful of day-use concessions and a ranger presence. Distance keeps the place busy without making it easy: the islands sit a short channel crossing east of the mainland, visible from the Hurghada shoreline on a clear morning. Most visitors also arrive assuming there is one island. There are two — Giftun Kebir, the larger landmass, and Giftun Soraya, the smaller one — with sandbanks and fringing reef strung between them. The beach names that circulate online, Orange Bay, Mahmya, Paradise Island, are concessions and anchorages on their margins, not separate destinations. Protection explains almost everything a visitor encounters here. The islands sit inside Egypt's Red Sea Islands Protectorate, administered by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, and the rules follow the reef rather than the tourism. Fixed moorings replace anchors, so coral heads are not dragged. Seabird colonies, including white-eyed gulls and sooty falcons, keep parts of the smaller islets off-limits during nesting. Visitor numbers are logged, and the archipelago absorbs a steady daily flow from the day-boat fleet. The conservation charge is collected per person, at the island, and funds ranger patrols, mooring buoys and waste removal. Snorkelling over seagrass beds and shallow coral gardens, rather than sunbathing, is what the protectorate was designed around. The practical consequence is that a visit is shaped by the boat schedule rather than by a gate. Departures run from Hurghada Marina and the Sekalla jetties, and the crossing is calmest early, before the northerly wind builds. Autumn is among the steadier stretches of the Red Sea year: water stays swimmable through October and November, and summer crowd pressure eases. Anyone planning a Giftun Islands day trip should settle three things before booking — which part of the archipelago the boat actually lands on, whether the protectorate fee is collected on board or on the beach, and how long the vessel stays moored. Those answers vary by operator. The protected area itself does not: fixed daily hours, one conservation charge, and a shoreline that is counted and patrolled. Treating Giftun Island National Park as a managed reef system rather than a beach resort is the single adjustment that makes the rest of the planning straightforward.
“No one sleeps on Giftun: the islands are visited, counted and patrolled, never settled.”
The most effective way to experience Giftun Island National Park is to arrive within the 09:00–11:00 window. Planning your arrival for this time helps you avoid the primary influx of tour boats from Hurghada and limits exposure to peak mid-day temperatures.
Pleasant, 22°C to 28°C
These months offer a balance of comfortable temperatures and manageable visitor numbers before the heat increases.
Very hot, 30°C to 35°C+
High temperatures and peak tourist season make early morning arrival critical for comfort.
Warm, 25°C to 30°C
Water temperatures remain high while air temperatures become more comfortable for outdoor activity.
Cooler, 18°C to 23°C
Days are mild, though water temperatures can feel brisk for extended snorkeling sessions.
Verdict: For the best conditions, aim for an arrival between 09:00 and 11:00 on a weekday during the months of April or October.
Giftun Island National Park operates on a consistent schedule throughout the week to facilitate visitor access. The park remains open daily for public entry.
Giftun Island National Park is located in the Red Sea, approximately 11 kilometers off the coast of Hurghada. The only way to reach the island is via authorized boats departing from various marinas in Hurghada.
Marina to Giftun Island North (Orange Bay)
Marina to Giftun Island South (Mahmya Beach)
Private Charter from Hurghada Marina
Visitors should coordinate departure through licensed operators based in Hurghada marinas. Ensure your boat service includes all necessary transport permits for park entry.
Giftun Island National Park consists of protected ecological zones characterized by shallow turquoise lagoons and thriving coral reefs. Visitors primarily access the island through designated beach zones that prioritize environmental preservation while offering access to the Red Sea marine life.
This beach zone features shallow, sandy areas ideal for wading and swimming in clear waters. It includes wooden walkways designed to protect the shoreline vegetation.
Walk to the end of the wooden jetty for clearer water views.
Located on the southern side of the island, this area is managed to support reef conservation and provides controlled access to house reefs. The zone is bordered by protected coral colonies.
Snorkel early to see active marine life before boat traffic increases.
A protected snorkeling zone accessible from the shore, hosting diverse species including butterflyfish and parrotfish. This area is strictly monitored to prevent damage to the reef structure.
Swim parallel to the shoreline to maintain distance from reef edges.
The quieter side of the island, offering more seclusion and access to rocky coastal formations. These areas are frequented by those interested in shore-based bird watching and quiet observation.
Bring binoculars to spot coastal birds nesting in the rock formations.
Giftun Island sits inside a protected marine area, and the reef fringing its shores recovers slowly from damage. Conduct here is governed by conservation rules enforced by park rangers, not just courtesy.
Everything you need to know about giftun island national park
The entrance fee for international visitors to the giftun island national park is 300 EGP per person per day. This conservation fee is typically handled as part of your excursion logistics, so please check with your tour operator to ensure it is covered.
The best arrival window for this Red Sea landmark is between 09:00 and 11:00. Arriving early helps you avoid the intense mid-day heat and the peak crowds that arrive from Hurghada throughout the morning.
The giftun island national park is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, including weekends. These hours provide ample time to experience the coral reefs and sandy shores during your visit.
Yes, the giftun island national park is a popular destination for families looking to enjoy calm, shallow waters and sandy beaches. While visiting this Red Sea archipelago, ensure children stay hydrated and use sun protection as facilities are limited.
Access to this marine protected area is facilitated by boat trips departing from Hurghada. Visitors typically book a guided giftun island national park excursion which includes vessel transport and often lunch and snorkeling gear.
When exploring the ecosystem of the giftun island national park, bring eco-friendly sunscreen, comfortable swimwear, and a hat. Additionally, carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while enjoying the crystal-clear Red Sea views.