Beach · Red Sea
Giftun Islands
A protected pair of islands off Hurghada, with white-sand beaches, turquoise water and coral reefs, visited on day trips by boat.
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The story
The Giftun Islands are a pair of islands in the Red Sea off Hurghada, known as Giftun Kebir (Big Giftun) and Giftun Soraya (Little Giftun). They are among the city's most popular boat-trip destinations, where visitors swim, relax on the sand and snorkel over the reefs. The islands hold protected-area status, so visits are normally organised as day trips that return to Hurghada, and collecting coral is not allowed. The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) describes the surrounding waters as rich in coral, with close to 200 species, and in fish. In 2004 the island drew national attention when a large tourism development proposed for it was halted and the reserve was confirmed to stay as it was, without new construction.
Good to know
- The group has two islands: Giftun Kebir, the larger one closer to Hurghada, and Giftun Soraya, the smaller one further east.
- The islands are a protected marine area, which is why visits are normally day trips without overnight stays.
- HEPCA reports about 196 species of coral in the waters around Giftun.
- In 2004 a large tourism development on the island was stopped and the reserve was left without new development.
Visiting tips
Access is by boat from Hurghada on a day trip; overnight stays on the island are not permitted, coral collecting is prohibited and reef-safe sunscreen is advised. Please check the itinerary, timings and fees with your trip operator before visiting, as they can change with season and weather.