Set out from Hurghada to Mahmya on a half-day yacht trip where bright corals, clear water and a beach lunch await. This accessible Giftun Island snorkel tour pairs guided reef stops with time on shore.
Set out from Hurghada to Mahmya on a half-day yacht trip where bright corals, clear water and a beach lunch await. This accessible Giftun Island snorkel tour pairs guided reef stops with time on shore.
A motor yacht parts the teal of the Red Sea and you feel the sun press warmly against your shoulders as the boat slows near a powder-white crescent of sand. Mahmya — one of the Giftun Islands off Hurghada — sits like an open-air aquarium: coral bommies rise beneath glassy water, shoals of color wheel between blades of seagrass, and the sea seems to dare you to dive in.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Oman Day Tours · Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
A motor yacht parts the teal of the Red Sea and you feel the sun press warmly against your shoulders as the boat slows near a powder-white crescent of sand. Mahmya — one of the Giftun Islands off Hurghada — sits like an open-air aquarium: coral bommies rise beneath glassy water, shoals of color wheel between blades of seagrass, and the sea seems to dare you to dive in.
Geologically the Giftun group is a fringe of ancient reef structures built from calcareous skeletons of living organisms. The islands have been recognized as a natural protectorate for decades; “Mahmya” itself translates roughly to “protected.” Culturally, trips here form a staple of Red Sea tourism, offering a close look at Egypt’s marine biodiversity while ferrying visitors from Hurghada’s shoreline.
Expect guided snorkel stops, provided equipment, and a relaxed beach lunch on dry sand. Water visibility is usually excellent; currents are generally mild but can shift, so guides choose sheltered coves for jumping in. Corals and reef fish dominate the show — keep an eye out for parrotfish and the occasional green turtle.
Practical notes: plan for a 4–6 hour outing with hotel transfers included. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof bag for electronics. If you’re new to snorkeling, tell the crew — basic instruction is standard. Respect the protected-status rules: don’t touch corals or feed wildlife, and follow guide cues for entry and exit. Timing your trip for morning crossings keeps seas calmer and light cleaner for photos.
easy.
4–6 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable in shallow open water and able to climb small ladders on and off the boat.
Most excursions run 4–6 hours door-to-door including hotel transfers, cruising, snorkeling stops and a beach lunch.
Yes — basic snorkel sets are usually included, though many travelers bring their own masks for comfort and fit.
Non-swimmers can join but should inform the operator; flotation aids and shallow snorkel zones can be provided, though water comfort is required.
Typical packages include a light lunch and bottled water; check your booking details for exact inclusions and any upgrades.
The Giftun Islands have been managed as a marine protectorate to preserve reef habitats; Mahmya’s name reflects its protected status and long-standing local importance.
Reef ecosystems here are sensitive; use reef-safe products, avoid touching corals, and support operators that follow no-take and no-anchoring rules where possible.
Oman Day Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.



A motor yacht parts the teal of the Red Sea and you feel the sun press warmly against your shoulders as the boat slows near a powder-white crescent of sand. Mahmya — one of the Giftun Islands off Hurghada — sits like an open-air aquarium: coral bommies rise beneath glassy water, shoals of color wheel between blades of seagrass, and the sea seems to dare you to dive in.
A motor yacht parts the teal of the Red Sea and you feel the sun press warmly against your shoulders as the boat slows near a powder-white crescent of sand. Mahmya — one of the Giftun Islands off Hurghada — sits like an open-air aquarium: coral bommies rise beneath glassy water, shoals of color wheel between blades of seagrass, and the sea seems to dare you to dive in.
Geologically the Giftun group is a fringe of ancient reef structures built from calcareous skeletons of living organisms. The islands have been recognized as a natural protectorate for decades; “Mahmya” itself translates roughly to “protected.” Culturally, trips here form a staple of Red Sea tourism, offering a close look at Egypt’s marine biodiversity while ferrying visitors from Hurghada’s shoreline.
Expect guided snorkel stops, provided equipment, and a relaxed beach lunch on dry sand. Water visibility is usually excellent; currents are generally mild but can shift, so guides choose sheltered coves for jumping in. Corals and reef fish dominate the show — keep an eye out for parrotfish and the occasional green turtle.
Practical notes: plan for a 4–6 hour outing with hotel transfers included. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof bag for electronics. If you’re new to snorkeling, tell the crew — basic instruction is standard. Respect the protected-status rules: don’t touch corals or feed wildlife, and follow guide cues for entry and exit. Timing your trip for morning crossings keeps seas calmer and light cleaner for photos.