Paradise Island Beach Day from Hurghada – Boat & Snorkeling
8 hours, shared boat of up to 40, island entrance with sunbed, snorkeling guide, equipment and lunch included.
The short answer
An 8-hour shared boat day from Hurghada to Paradise Island: about 1 hour sailing each way, a snorkeling stop, about 3 hours on a white-sand beach and lunch on board.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Hurghada · Paradise Island · Giftun Islands
- Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay · Boat shared with other guests · Paradise Island entrance with sunbed and parasol · Snorkeling guide · Mask, snorkel and fins
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
April to October has the warmest water and calmest seas. In winter the sea is cooler, and wind can limit the second swim stop.
- Egyptian tour operator working since 1988; our Hurghada office organizes this trip
- ETAA Licence 718, Category A, and an IATA member
02Overview
A first look
This is an eight-hour boat day from Hurghada to Paradise Island, part of the Giftun reserve. A vehicle collects you at 08:00 and takes you to the marina. The boat sails for about an hour, stops for snorkeling on a coral reef with a guide, and then lands on the island, where you have about three hours on a white-sand beach with a sunbed and a parasol. Lunch is on board, and a second short swim stop follows if the sea allows. Mask, snorkel, fins, island entrance and marine park fees are included. It suits families and guests who prefer a beach to a long snorkeling day.
Background
The facts
Paradise Island lies in the Giftun reserve, about one hour by boat from the Hurghada marina. The day runs eight hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, with about three hours on the beach.
Named in this entry
Paradise Island·Giftun islands·Hurghada marina·Red Sea reef·Snorkeling·Marine park
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Families and guests who want a relaxed beach day with a little snorkeling, and who are not keen on long swimming sessions.
Maybe not, if
- Not for travelers who want several serious snorkeling or dive sites, or who dislike busy beaches.
What lingers
- 01About one hour by boat to the Giftun islands, with a snorkeling stop on a coral reef
- 02Paradise Island entrance, a sunbed and a parasol included for the beach time
- 03White sand and shallow water, easy for children and weaker swimmers
- 04A guide for the snorkeling, with mask, snorkel and fins provided
- 05Lunch on board with soft drinks and water, and marine park fees paid
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Easy beach time with a sunbed and parasol included
- Shallow water, good for children
- Lunch, equipment and marine park fees included
Things to Consider
- The island can be busy with other boats
- Food and drinks on the island are extra
Stop by stop
Detailed itinerary
- 1
The vehicle collects you at 08:00 from hotels in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay and takes you to the marina. Wear your swimwear under your clothes. Other guests join on the way, and the boat is shared with up to 40 people.
- 2
The boat leaves the marina at about 09:00 and sails for about one hour toward the Giftun islands. The crew gives a safety briefing and hands out mask, snorkel and fins. The upper deck is good for sun and sea views, and tea or coffee is available on board.
- 3
At about 10:00 the boat anchors at a coral reef. The guide goes in with the group and shows you the coral and fish. Weaker swimmers can stay close to the boat, and non-swimmers can stay on deck. The water near the reef is clear, and the reef is shallow in places.
- 4
At about 11:15 the boat lands on Paradise Island. You have a sunbed and a parasol, and the sea is shallow and calm, with a white-sand bottom. It is an easy place for children and for guests who prefer to float and read. Drinks and snacks on the island are extra.
- 5
At about 14:00 you return to the boat for lunch, with soft drinks and water. Eat in the shade of the deck and rest. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs when you send your request, so the crew can plan ahead for the meal.
- 6
At about 15:00 the boat makes a second short swim stop if the sea allows. This is a last chance to swim or snorkel before heading back. If the wind rises, the captain may skip it and return directly to the marina.
- 7
The boat returns to the marina at about 16:00 and the vehicle takes you back to your hotel. You are usually in your room by late afternoon. Rinse off salt, sand and sunscreen, and drink water, because a day in the sun and sea is dehydrating.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay
- Boat shared with other guests
- Paradise Island entrance with sunbed and parasol
- Snorkeling guide
- Mask, snorkel and fins
- Lunch on board with soft drinks and water
- Marine park fees
Not included
- Gratuities
- Drinks and snacks bought on the island
- Banana boat and other water sports
- Towels
- Personal expenses
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Walk a little away from the landing point, because the water is calmer and quieter
- 02
Keep cash for drinks on the island, since card payment is not always available
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Children under 2 travel free, ages 2 to 11 pay half the adult price, and guests 12 and over pay the adult price. There is no minimum age. The shallow water and sunbeds suit children well, but a parent should stay within reach of young children at all times.
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On the ground
Where it is
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How does the price work for the Paradise Island trip?
The price is per person for a shared boat of up to 40 guests. Children under 2 travel free, ages 2 to 11 pay half and 12 and over pay the adult price. It covers the island entrance with sunbed and parasol, equipment, lunch, marine park fees and transfers. Prices are provisional until we confirm.02Do I need to be able to snorkel?
No. The snorkeling stops are optional, and you can stay on deck or on the beach instead. The island has shallow water for swimming, which suits children and weaker swimmers. If you want to try snorkeling, the guide shows you the basics and goes in with the group.03How long do we spend on the island?
About three hours, from around 11:15 to 14:00, with a sunbed and parasol for your party. Lunch is back on the boat. The island can be busy with other boats, so go early to the water if you want it quiet. Drinks and snacks bought there are extra.04What should I bring to the beach?
Bring swimwear, towels, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and a dry change of clothes. Towels are not included. Cash is useful for drinks, snacks and optional water sports on the island. Water shoes help on rocky entry points if you plan to snorkel.05What happens if the weather is bad?
If the port authority closes the sea for weather, we move your trip to another day or refund you.06Is the boat private or shared?
It is shared with up to 40 guests, who may be collected from different resorts. You travel, snorkel and eat lunch with the same group, and you have your own sunbed on the island. If you prefer a boat for your party alone, our private charter is the alternative.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Continue reading
From the archives
Last updated Product ID: EXC-HRG-871260
At a glance
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