Giftun Island Diving in Hurghada: The Red Sea’s Favourite Island Reefs
Giftun Island diving in Hurghada is on almost every diver’s wish list. Just a short boat ride from the coast, the Giftun islands are surrounded by colourful coral gardens, dramatic walls and crystal-clear water that suit beginners and experienced divers alike.
The area is a protected marine zone, so the reefs stay healthy and full of life. Want to dive Giftun on your holiday? Send us your dates in the form below and we will plan the best day for you.
Where Is Giftun Island?
Giftun is a pair of islands just off the coast of Hurghada: Big Giftun (Giftun Kebir) and Small Giftun (Giftun Soraya). They sit inside a protected area in the Red Sea, which limits development and helps preserve the coral.
From Hurghada’s harbour, the boat ride usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the site and sea conditions. This makes Giftun perfect for a relaxed day with two dives.
What Makes Giftun Island Diving Special?
Giftun offers a wide variety of dive sites around one island group. On the same day you can explore:
- Shallow coral gardens on the sheltered sides, ideal for beginners and snorkelers
- Coral walls dropping into the blue, with soft corals and sea fans
- Gentle drift dives along the reef when there is a light current
- Sandy patches where you may spot rays and garden eels
Visibility is often 20 to 30 metres, and the water is warm for most of the year.
What Marine Life Can You See at Giftun?
Giftun reefs are rich in Red Sea marine life. Common sightings include clownfish in anemones, parrotfish, butterflyfish, groupers, moray eels and colourful nudibranchs.
With a little luck, you may meet a Napoleon wrasse, a turtle or a blue-spotted stingray. Dolphins are sometimes seen on the boat ride. Remember: never touch or chase marine life, so these reefs stay beautiful for years to come.
Is Giftun Island Good for Beginners?
Yes, Giftun is one of the best places near Hurghada for beginners. The sheltered sides have calm, shallow reefs where new divers can practise skills and enjoy the view without going deep.
First-timers can join an introductory dive in Hurghada, and many students complete their open water dives here during the PADI Open Water Diver course. Experienced divers can enjoy the deeper walls and drift sections.
How Much Does a Giftun Diving Trip Cost?
At Chloe’s Diving Center, a day trip with two boat dives costs €55, including food, drinks, tanks and weights. An introductory dive for non-certified divers costs €65 with full equipment and an instructor.
A daily marine park tax of €5 per person applies, and full equipment rental costs €20 per day. Check all options on our diving prices in Hurghada page.
Tips for Diving at Giftun Island
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral.
- Work on your buoyancy so you never touch the reef.
- Bring a light jacket for the boat ride in winter.
- Ask your guide about the current before drift dives.
- Non-divers can join the boat for snorkeling in Hurghada.
Book Your Giftun Island Dive
Giftun Island diving in Hurghada combines healthy reefs, easy access and something for every level. Join one of our daily diving trips in Hurghada and see why divers return here again and again. Book your dive or message us on WhatsApp.
How far is Giftun Island from Hurghada?
The boat ride usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes from Hurghada's harbour, depending on the dive site and conditions.
How deep are the dive sites at Giftun?
There are shallow gardens from about 5 metres and walls that go much deeper. Your guide chooses sites that match your certification.
Can I snorkel at Giftun Island?
Yes. The shallow reefs are excellent for snorkeling, so non-divers can enjoy the trip too.
Is there a fee to visit the Giftun protected area?
A daily marine park tax of €5 per person applies to boat trips.
