Information
Landmark: Giftun IslandsCity: Hurghada
Country: Egypt
Continent: Africa
Giftun Islands, Hurghada, Egypt, Africa
Overview
The Giftun Islands sit just off Hurghada’s coast in Egypt, their sandy shores surrounded by the clear, turquoise waters of the Red Sea.The Giftun Islands, with their glassy blue waters, vibrant coral gardens, and teeming sea life, draw visitors for snorkeling, scuba dives, and lazy afternoons stretched out on the sand.The islands belong to Giftun Island National Park, a protected haven where coral reefs glow beneath clear blue water and the region’s rich wildlife is carefully preserved.The Giftun Islands include two main islands-Giftun Kebir, the larger one, and Giftun Saghir, the smaller-plus a scattering of little islets where pale sand meets clear, warm water.You can reach the islands in just 30 to 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada, so they’re an easy day trip-perfect for a quick escape with sea spray on your face.The Giftun Islands sit within the Red Sea Marine Protected Area, where clear turquoise water and untouched reefs lure eco-tourists and anyone eager to explore beneath the surface.Diving and Snorkeling - The coral reefs around the Giftun Islands burst with color and life, from darting clownfish to swaying sea fans, making this stretch of the Red Sea a true haven for snorkelers and scuba divers.These waters teem with life-bright tropical fish flicker through the blue, sea turtles glide past, stingrays sweep the sandy floor, and now and then, a dolphin breaks the surface.The coral reefs remain largely untouched by people, so you can slip into clear blue water and see them just as they’ve been for centuries-vivid, intricate, and teeming with life.The islands are surrounded by plenty of dive spots, from shallow reefs where beginners watch clownfish dart between corals to deep walls that challenge seasoned divers.These reefs are perfect for underwater photography, with glassy blue water and schools of fish flashing silver in the light.Giftun Kebir Island, the larger of the two main islands, boasts wide beaches where the sand feels soft and white beneath your feet.The island’s untouched beauty draws anyone seeking quiet shores, where soft waves lap the sand and the crowds never come.Sharm El Naga Beach, one of Giftun Kebir’s most popular spots, offers glassy, calm water and vibrant snorkeling just a few steps from the sand.At Giftun Kebir, visitors can stretch out in the warm sun, share a picnic on the soft sand, or wander slowly along the water’s edge.Giftun Saghir Island is smaller than its big sister and feels tucked away, with quiet coves where the water laps gently at the shore.Fewer people usually come here, and the air feels calm, like the quiet just after rain.Many people choose it when they want a peaceful escape, a place where the only sound might be leaves rustling in the breeze.The island feels untouched, with wild palms swaying in the warm breeze, making it a perfect spot for anyone who loves nature.The waters around the Giftun Islands burst with life, from darting silver fish to slow-gliding sea turtles.Snorkelers and divers might spot an array of fish, from bright parrotfish and striking lionfish to delicate butterflyfish and bold triggerfish glinting in the sunlight.You might also catch sight of sea turtles gliding past, octopuses weaving through coral, sleek moray eels, and now and then, a pod of dolphins cutting through the waves.These islands draw birdwatchers from far and wide, sheltering flocks of migratory species-herons, terns, and others that wheel through the salt-tinged air.The islands may be famous for their vibrant coral reefs, but on land you’ll still spot wildlife, like small lizards darting across sun-warmed rocks.Eco-tourism and conservation go hand in hand here-the Giftun Islands sit within the Red Sea Marine Protected Area, where clear waters and coral reefs are shielded from overbuilding and damaging human activity.Protecting the coral reefs and surrounding marine life is a top priority here, and eco-tourism helps spread the word-like guided dives where visitors see bright parrotfish and learn why the reefs matter.Please help protect the area by following the rules-don’t tread on the coral, and leave the wildlife undisturbed, like the herons fishing quietly in the shallows.Tour operators in Hurghada often run boat trips to the Giftun Islands, where the water glows a clear, bright turquoise.Most trips pack in a snorkeling adventure, a stroll around the islands, and time to stretch out on warm, sandy beaches.Some tours throw in lunch and a cold drink as part of the deal.You can also book a private boat charter, whether you want a trip tailored just for you or an exclusive getaway with friends to the islands, where the salt air hits warm on your face.The calm, glassy waters surrounding the Giftun Islands are perfect for water sports, from gliding across the surface on a paddleboard to diving beneath and spotting bright coral.Visitors can hop on a kayak, glide over the water on a paddleboard, race across the waves on a jet ski, or hold tight for a wild banana boat ride.Local operators can set up these water sports for you, and the clear, waist-deep water stays warm enough to make them feel safe and easy.On certain tours, you can spend the night camping on Giftun Kebir’s beach, falling asleep to the hush of the waves and waking under a sky full of stars.On these camping trips, you might end the day with smoky barbecue by the fire, a warm glow flickering against the dark-an experience you won’t forget on the island.Getting to the Giftun Islands from Hurghada is simple-you can hop on a boat and be skimming over the turquoise water in minutes.Most tourists hop on boat trips that leave regularly from Hurghada Marina or from smaller piers scattered around the city, their decks smelling faintly of salt and engine oil.Boat tours are the usual way to get to the islands, with local skippers running day trips that cut across the bright, choppy water.Most tours run about four to six hours, with a shuttle to get you there, a few snorkel stops, and a stretch of time to wander the island’s sandy paths.Private boats: For a quieter escape, you can rent a sleek boat or yacht and glide across the bright turquoise water to the Giftun Islands.In short, if you’re heading to Hurghada, don’t miss the Giftun Islands-they’re a dream for sea lovers, with clear turquoise water and schools of bright fish darting below.Whether you want to dive into clear blue water, snorkel among bright coral, stretch out on a quiet strip of sand, or just take in the islands’ wild beauty, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.The Giftun Islands sparkle in the Red Sea, with reefs bursting in color, water so clear you can see the sand ripple below, and schools of fish swirling like living confetti.The islands help safeguard marine life, and their protected status keeps their turquoise waters and wild shores untouched for generations.
