Hurghada: Giftun Islands with Snorkeling & Semi-Submarine

The best part of this Hurghada day trip is the mix: Giftun Island beach time, a guided Red Sea snorkel, and a semi-submarine ride for anyone who wants underwater views without getting wet. You are not choosing between a lazy beach day and a sea outing. You get a bit of both, plus lunch and hotel transport.

I like the careful snorkeling support, especially for first-timers and weaker swimmers. I also like the choice between quiet Paradise Island and livelier Hula Hula, where a short massage and banana boat or sofa ride are included. The main drawback is timing. Shared pickups, marina waits, and boat changes can make a nine-hour day feel longer than planned.

Key points before you book

• Two island moods: Paradise Island is calmer and more focused on swimming and beach time, while Hula Hula adds a massage and water sports.
• Snorkeling is the star: You get one guided snorkeling stop with masks, fins, life jackets, and a guide in the water.
• The semi-submarine helps non-swimmers: Wide underwater windows offer coral and fish views without requiring you to enter the sea.
• Guides make a difference: Fady, Ali, Oscar, Sayed, Basam, and Youssef Jr have all been praised for safety, encouragement, and family care.
• Lunch and drinks are covered: Paradise has an open buffet, while Hula Hula serves a set meal. Soft drinks are included on the boat.
• Allow extra time: Pickup delays and shared transfers are possible, so do not schedule an important evening activity too tightly.

Why this Giftun Islands trip works so well

At $28 per person, this is a strong-value Red Sea outing if you want several activities in one day. The price covers hotel transport from Hurghada and nearby resort areas, a yacht cruise, one snorkeling stop, equipment, a guide, lunch, and beach access.

The semi-submarine costs extra unless you select that option, so compare the package carefully before booking. If you add it, the price becomes easier to justify for families with children, non-swimmers, or anyone who wants a second way to see the reef.

You should think of this as a shared group excursion, not a private island escape. The boat may carry a sizable group, and the schedule can change depending on boat capacity, sea conditions, and the order of the activities. That group setting also gives the day a social feel, with guides, photographers, and several staff members moving between activities.

The overall rating is 4.5 from 194 ratings, and the strongest pattern is clear: the crew, snorkeling, semi-submarine, and Paradise Island beach receive the most praise. The weaker points are delays, short island time, and occasional transfer confusion.

Pickup from Hurghada and the nearby resorts

Hotel pickup is available from Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Al Ahyaa, Soma Bay, El Gouna, and Safaga. Shared transfers mean the van may collect people from several hotels, so your pickup time depends on where you are staying.

For the morning option, expect pickup between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. The sunset option usually collects people between 10:00 and 11:00 AM. Your exact time is confirmed by WhatsApp or email the day before, so check both rather than relying only on the original booking time.

Be ready in the hotel lobby or at the main entrance at least 10 minutes early. If a van cannot reach your hotel, you should receive instructions for the nearest pickup point.

Some pickup delays have occurred, and one reported return transfer required a different bus and took much longer than expected. I would not plan a flight, spa booking, or special dinner immediately after the stated return time. Private transfers cost extra and make sense for families, small groups, or anyone who dislikes waiting for multiple hotel stops.

The yacht ride across the Red Sea

Once you reach the marina, you board a yacht for roughly one to one and a half hours, depending on how the schedule is described and how the boat operates that day. The ride gives you open-water views and time to settle into the pace of the excursion.

The morning yacht generally leaves around 9:30 AM. The later option leaves around 11:30 AM and aims to return around sunset. These are useful choices if you want a full day on the island or prefer a later start.

The crew gives a briefing about the day, safety, snorkeling, and optional activities. Names that have been associated with especially helpful service include Fady, Ali, Oscar, Sayed, Basam, and Youssef Jr. Staff assignments can change, but the repeated praise for snorkeling guidance is useful information: this is not a boat trip where you are simply handed a mask and sent off alone.

Soft drinks are included on the boat. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack a small day bag rather than arriving with your full suitcase.

Paradise Island, the calmer choice

Paradise Island suits you if your ideal day includes a white beach, clear water, a swim, and a slower pace. The island stop usually includes around two to three hours for beach time, lunch, and swimming, although the exact division depends on the day’s schedule.

The beach is the main attraction. You can stretch out on the sand, swim, or simply enjoy the contrast between the dry island and the clear Red Sea around it. There are also inflatables in the water, which can be fun for children and anyone who wants something beyond sitting on the beach.

Paradise Island does not include the massage or water sports offered at Hula Hula. That is not a flaw if you want peace and quiet, but it matters if you expect a packed activity schedule. Paradise is the better match for a relaxed beach break, families wanting a simple day, and anyone who prefers not to be pulled from one activity to the next.

Lunch on the Paradise option is an open buffet served at the island restaurant. The food has been described as plentiful and good, though you should expect straightforward excursion fare rather than a special dining experience.

One practical complaint is that the island time may feel too short. Once you add lunch, snorkeling, boat transfers, and the semi-submarine, the beach portion can pass quickly. If you mainly want to sit on the sand all day, an island-only trip would suit you better.

Hula Hula Island adds more action

Hula Hula offers a livelier version of the day. You still get beach time, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch, but the package also includes a short massage and a banana boat or sofa ride.

The massage lasts about five minutes. It is a quick extra, not a full spa treatment, but it can be a pleasant break after the boat ride or before lunch. The banana and sofa rides add a burst of fun, especially for families and younger visitors.

The tradeoff is that Hula Hula may feel less restful than Paradise. You have more included activities, but also more movement and scheduling. Choose Hula Hula if you want variety and a little adrenaline. Choose Paradise if your priority is a quiet beach and unhurried swimming.

The Hula Hula meal is served as a set lunch rather than the open buffet available on the Paradise option. Soft drinks remain included on the yacht, while drinks purchased on the beach may cost extra.

Snorkeling the Red Sea reef

The guided snorkeling stop lasts about one hour. You receive a mask, fins, and life jacket, and a professional guide helps you enter the water and stay with the group.

This is the strongest part of the trip for many people. The Red Sea offers clear water, coral formations, and colorful fish, and one outing included a moray sighting. The exact marine life changes, so nobody can promise a particular animal, but the reef is the reason to bring your own interest and energy to the day.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer. Staff have helped people who were tired, nervous, or unable to swim by using life jackets and a flotation ring. Guides have also been praised for explaining the sea rules and checking that people were comfortable.

That said, snorkeling is still a water activity. If you are anxious, tell the guide before entering the water and stay close to the staff. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

One limitation is that the standard program includes one main snorkeling stop. One person specifically preferred two snorkeling sites instead of a longer Paradise Island stay. If reef time matters more to you than the beach, check the exact program before booking, since the order and duration can vary.

The semi-submarine for dry underwater views

The semi-submarine is one of the most useful additions to this excursion. You sit in a dry viewing cabin below the waterline and watch fish and coral through wide windows.

It is particularly valuable for anyone who cannot enter the water. One older couple used it so a non-swimmer could still see some of the underwater world while the other person snorkeled.

The ride may happen before or after the island visit. In some cases, you may wait for another group before the submarine begins, so do not assume the activity will start immediately after boarding. One reported wait lasted about an hour, which shows why the day can run behind schedule.

The semi-submarine is also a good choice for children who are too young or hesitant to snorkel. For adults who are comfortable in the water, snorkeling usually offers a closer and better view. The glass-bottom or semi-submarine ride is best treated as a helpful second look, not a replacement for the reef stop.

Lunch, drinks, photos, and extra costs

Lunch is included, but the format depends on your island. Paradise provides an open buffet, while Hula Hula provides a set meal. Both are designed to keep you fed during a long day in the sun, not to provide a culinary highlight.

Soft drinks are included on the yacht. Beach drinks can cost extra, and one person felt those prices were high for what was served. Bring water if you prefer to avoid buying anything beyond the included refreshments, although the stated package includes drinks during the trip.

Professional photography and video are optional extras. Photographers may be present on the boat and can take snorkeling, beach, and group pictures. The images can be appealing, but decide your budget before the sales pitch begins.

The low base price gives you plenty for the money, but remember that the semi-submarine, private transfer, personal purchases, and photos may not be included in the first price you see.

Timing, comfort, and practical limits

The full program lasts around nine hours. The morning schedule usually returns around 4:30 PM, while the later schedule aims for about 5:30 PM. Shared transport can extend those times.

The day includes several transfers: hotel van, marina, yacht, island, snorkeling area, and possibly semi-submarine. That variety is part of the appeal, but it also means you should expect some waiting and repeated boarding.

The experience is advertised as wheelchair accessible, yet it is also marked as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. Those descriptions do not fully match. If you use a wheelchair or have difficulty with boat steps, beach surfaces, or moving between vessels, contact the provider before paying and ask exactly what assistance is available.

Pets are not allowed, and large bags or luggage are not permitted. Children must stay with an adult. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking may be offered.

Who should book this Giftun Islands day?

I would choose this trip if you want a reasonably priced introduction to the Red Sea and like having several activities bundled together. It suits families, first-time snorkelers, couples who want both beach time and sightseeing, and non-swimmers who appreciate the semi-submarine.

Paradise Island is the better choice for a calmer day. Hula Hula is better for an active group that wants the massage and water rides included.

I would think twice if you dislike shared transport, waiting, or fixed group schedules. You should also choose another outing if your main goal is several long snorkeling sessions or a very quiet, private boat day.

Should you book it?

At $28, this is good value when the package includes hotel transport, lunch, snorkeling equipment, a guide, and the island visit. Add the semi-submarine if someone in your group cannot snorkel or if you want a more complete first look at the Red Sea.

Book Paradise for white sand, swimming, and a calmer rhythm. Pick Hula Hula for massage, banana boat or sofa rides, and more activity. Keep your afternoon flexible, pack light, and treat the schedule as approximate rather than exact. If you can accept a few delays, this is an easy way to sample Giftun Island without arranging several separate excursions.

FAQ

How long does the Giftun Islands tour last?

The stated duration is about nine hours. The morning option usually runs from pickup around 8:00 to 9:00 AM until hotel return around 4:30 PM. The sunset option generally returns around 5:30 PM.

What is included in the $28 price?

The package includes a full-day boat trip to Paradise Island or Hula Hula Island, beach access, lunch, one guided snorkeling stop, snorkeling equipment, a guide, and round-trip hotel transfers from Hurghada. The semi-submarine is included only if you select that option.

Can I choose Paradise Island or Hula Hula Island?

Yes. Paradise Island focuses on beach time, swimming, and relaxation. Hula Hula includes a short massage and a banana boat or sofa ride, along with beach time and snorkeling.

Is the semi-submarine included?

It is included only in packages where you select the semi-submarine option. The ride lets you view fish and coral through underwater windows without getting wet.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are provided, and guides can assist people who are not confident swimmers. You should still tell the guide about your swimming ability before entering the water.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so take only a small personal bag.

Is hotel pickup available outside Hurghada?

Yes. Pickup options include Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Al Ahyaa, Soma Bay, El Gouna, and Safaga. Shared transfer times vary by hotel, and private transfers are available for an additional fee.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve-now-pay-later booking may also be available, depending on the selected option.