Marine Life & Conservation
Snorkeling the Giftun Islands and Orange Bay: what to know before you go
The Giftun Islands are the closest island group to Hurghada and a protected national park, home to Orange Bay's white beach and some of the area's calmest shallow reefs. Visits are by day boat only — overnight stays are not allowed — touching coral is prohibited, and a park entrance fee applies (our Orange Bay trip includes it). Most tour guides give 1986 as the year the area was protected.
By 71 Guardians · Published 29 Oct 2026
Where are the Giftun Islands?
Big Giftun (Giftun Kebir) and Small Giftun (Giftun Soraya) lie a short boat ride off Hurghada. Around them sit many of the reefs on our day trips — coral gardens like El Aruk Giftun and Erg Sabina, with depths of about 15 m — and, on Big Giftun, the sandy beach of Orange Bay.
Is Giftun a protected area?
Yes. Travel guides consistently describe the Giftun Islands as a national park; most give 1986 as the year it was protected, one gives 1992, and we have not found the decree itself. In practice the rules are what matter for visitors, below.
What are the rules for visitors?
- No touching, standing on or collecting coral and shells.
- No feeding the fish.
- Day visits only — no camping or overnight stays on the islands.
- Follow your guide's briefing and stay in the areas open to visitors.
Use a reef-safe sunscreen, or a rash vest, and keep your fins off the reef.
Do you pay a park entrance fee?
A separate park fee applies to Orange Bay and the islands. Some operators include it, others don't — on our Orange Bay trip it's included in the €40.
How do you visit with us?
Our Boat Trips include a full snorkeling day around Giftun and Abu Ramada for €35 and an Orange Bay day — beach time plus two snorkel stops — for €40, both with hotel pickup, lunch, mask and fins.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stay overnight on Giftun Island?
No. Visits are day trips only; overnight stays and camping are not permitted.
Is the Orange Bay entrance fee included in the trip?
It depends on the operator. On our Orange Bay trip it's included in the €40.
Is Orange Bay good for non-swimmers?
The beach water is shallow, so non-swimmers can relax and paddle; the reef stops need you to be comfortable in the water.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
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