Hurghada sits inside the Giftun Island National Park, a protected archipelago of white-sand islands in the Red Sea. After running daily tours for years, here is how we rank them — and more importantly, how to choose the right one for your trip.
Each island has a distinct personality. Some are built for photography, others for snorkeling, and some for families with young children. The wrong choice can mean a crowded, disappointing morning. The right one can be the highlight of your entire holiday. Here is what we have learned from thousands of trips.
1. Orange Bay — The Postcard Island
Orange Bay is the most photographed island in the Giftun archipelago, and for good reason. The water here is impossibly clear, the sand is bright white, and the shallow lagoon stretches far enough that you can walk out 50 meters and still be waist-deep. It has a well-organized beach club with shaded areas, a restaurant, and floating platforms.
The snorkeling on the outer reef edge is excellent — you can see parrotfish, angelfish, and occasional turtles. The beach club charges a small entry fee (around 5 to 10 euros per person), which includes access to the facilities. The water is shallow enough for young children to wade safely.
Best for: Couples, photographers, and anyone who wants the classic Red Sea postcard experience. Book our Orange Bay Half Day tour for the best value.
Timing tip: Arrive before 9 am in summer to beat the crowds. Our 7:30 am departure gets you there first.
2. Eden Island — The Snorkeler's Paradise
Eden Island is part of the same national park but receives fewer visitors. The south side has a coral wall that drops into deep water — the best snorkeling of any island near Hurghada. The reef starts in just 2 meters of water and descends to over 30 meters, with visibility often exceeding 25 meters.
The beach is less developed, which means fewer facilities but also fewer people. You feel like you have discovered something that the other tourists have not found yet. There are no restaurants or shops on Eden Island, so bring everything you need for the day.
Best for: Snorkelers, small groups, and anyone who prefers peace over amenities. Our Eden Island Escape tour is designed specifically for this island.
3. Hula Hula Island — The Family Choice
Hula Hula opened in late 2025 and has become the most popular new destination near Hurghada. It is a purpose-built island facility about 25 minutes by speedboat from the marina. The setup is more developed than any other island: a fixed wooden pier, thatched shade structures, a food court, and an organized beach with marked swimming areas.
Inflatable water toys (slides, trampolines, paddleboards) are included in the entry fee. The water is shallower and more protected, making it the best choice for younger children. The food options are better than other islands — proper meals, not just snacks.
Best for: Families with children under 10, groups that want activities beyond snorkeling, and anyone who values comfort and facilities. Our Hula Hula Island tour runs daily at 8:30 am and 1:00 pm.
4. Paradise Island — The Quick Escape
Paradise Island is the closest island to Hurghada marina, about 15 minutes by speedboat. It is smaller and busier than the others, with a relaxed beach club atmosphere. The snorkeling is decent though not as spectacular as Eden Island. Where it wins is convenience — you can do a full trip in under three hours including transfer time.
The beach club has sun loungers, a bar, and a small restaurant. The water is calm and shallow, suitable for children. The main drawback is that the proximity to shore means more boats visit throughout the day, and the sand is not as pristine as the more remote islands.
Best for: Families with young children, short day trips, and budget-conscious travelers who want a quick island experience without committing to a longer boat ride.
5. Giftun Main Island — The Wild Card
The protected national park island. No facilities, but the beaches on the north side are the most untouched in the area. Only accessible on certain tours. This is for adventurous travelers who want to feel genuinely remote. There are no cafes, no sun loungers, and no other tourists — just white sand, clear water, and silence.
The snorkeling around Giftun is excellent because the reef has not been affected by heavy tourist traffic. You may see rays, groupers, and larger fish species that are less common near the developed islands. Access is restricted to certain tour operators, so check with us about availability.
Best for: Adventurers, nature lovers, and repeat visitors who have already seen the popular islands and want something different.
How to Choose the Right Island
Here is a quick decision guide:
Best photos: Orange Bay at sunrise (8 am departure). The light is perfect and the beach is empty.
Best snorkeling: Eden Island. The coral wall is unmatched anywhere near Hurghada.
Family with kids: Hula Hula. Shallow water, activities, food, and facilities designed for children.
Half-day trip: Paradise Island. Closest to shore, full experience in under 3 hours.
Total seclusion: Giftun Main Island. Wild, untouched, and empty.
If you cannot decide, our Custom Private Charter lets you visit two islands in one trip. We typically combine Orange Bay and Eden Island for the best mix of beauty and snorkeling.
What Each Island Costs
Island entry fees vary: Orange Bay charges 5 to 10 euros per person for beach club access. Eden Island has no entry fee (it is a protected area). Hula Hula charges approximately 10 to 15 euros per person, which includes the water toys. Paradise Island has a small beach club fee of around 5 euros. Giftun Main Island is included in the national park fee. These fees are not included in our tour prices — we list them separately so you know exactly what you are paying.
FAQ
Which island is best for snorkeling?
Eden Island has the best snorkeling near Hurghada. The coral wall drops from 2 to 30 meters with outstanding visibility. Orange Bay and Giftun are also good, but Eden is consistently the top choice for snorkelers.
Can I visit multiple islands in one trip?
Yes. Our Custom Private Charter lets you combine two islands in a 3-hour trip. The most popular combination is Orange Bay and Eden Island. Ask your captain on the day — they will suggest the best combination based on conditions and crowds.
How far are the islands from Hurghada marina?
Paradise Island is about 15 minutes, Hula Hula about 25 minutes, Orange Bay about 30 minutes, and Eden Island about 35 minutes by speedboat. The ride itself is part of the experience — the open water views are spectacular.
Are the islands open year-round?
Yes. All islands are accessible year-round, though winter months (December to February) occasionally have rough seas that may affect trip scheduling. We monitor conditions daily and will reschedule if safety requires it.
