Red Sea Snorkeling Trip from Hurghada — Giftun Island & Reef Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; comfortable swimming and treading water for 15–30 minutes is recommended.
Overview
Board a day boat from Hurghada and drop into the crystalline Red Sea for 2–3 snorkeling stops at reefs like Giftun Island and Orange Bay. This full-day trip includes gear, lunch, and hotel pickup—ideal for mixed-ability travelers seeking vivid coral gardens and marine wildlife.
Red Sea Snorkeling Trip from Hurghada — Giftun Island & Reef Adventure
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The boat slips away from Hurghada’s harbor and the city’s low-rise hotels shrink into a serried line of colors. A wind that smells of salt and diesel pushes across the deck as the coastline blurs; beneath the surface the Red Sea is already clarifying the day. By the first stop—often a shallow rim of coral around Giftun Island or the crescent-shaped Orange Bay—water that looked like a sheet of glass at the horizon opens into a world of sculpted reef and darting schools of fish.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The Red Sea’s corals are sensitive—use reef-friendly SPF and cover up with a long-sleeve rashguard to protect skin and marine life.
Hydrate and eat lightly before departure
An eight-hour day on the water is dehydrating; drink water and choose a light meal to avoid nausea.
Prevent seasickness early
Take over-the-counter or prescription motion-sickness medication before boarding if you’re prone to seasickness—don’t wait until symptoms start.
Test your snorkel gear in shallow water
Check mask fit and snorkel breathing in waist-deep water to avoid panic when you encounter deeper reef edges.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawksbill turtle
- Spotted eagle ray
History
The Red Sea has been a trading corridor for millennia; Hurghada evolved from a fishing hamlet into a tourism gateway in the late 20th century, bringing reef guides from local maritime traditions.
Conservation
The region faces coral bleaching and tourism pressure; choose operators that promote reef-safe sunscreen, maintain no-touch rules, and use mooring buoys instead of anchors.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hurghada
Recommended Gear
Rashguard or thin wetsuit top
Protects skin from sun and jellyfish and reduces need for sunscreen on the water.
summer specific
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Prevents sunburn and protects coral ecosystems—apply before boarding and reapply only where the product is safe for reefs.
all specific
Waterproof camera or action camera
Captures underwater colors and marine life; use a float or wrist strap on the boat.
all specific
Light travel towel and dry bag
Keeps belongings dry and gives you something warm and dry to change into after snorkeling.
all specific