Egypt Discovery
ExcursionHurghada

Paradise Island Boat Day from Hurghada with Snorkelling

8 hours, shared boat (up to 40 guests), snorkelling stop, island beach with sunbed and parasol, lunch on board.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

An 8-hour shared boat day from Hurghada to Paradise Island: about an hour's sail, a snorkelling stop, around three hours on a white-sand beach with sunbed and parasol, and lunch on board.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Hurghada · Paradise Island · Giftun Islands
Includes
Collection from and return to your hotel in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or Soma Bay · A place on a boat shared with other guests · Entrance to Paradise Island, with a sunbed and parasol · A snorkelling guide · Snorkelling kit: fins, mask and snorkel
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

Spring and autumn give warm water and moderate heat. Midsummer is very hot on the sand, and winter water can feel cool for swimming.

  • Egyptian tour operator working since 1988
  • Local team in our Hurghada office

02Overview

A first look

This is an 8-hour boat day from Hurghada to Paradise Island, on the Giftun reserve. A minibus takes you to the marina, and the boat sails for about an hour to a coral reef, where the guide takes you snorkelling. You then land on the island for about three hours on a white-sand beach with a sunbed, parasol and shallow water, all included. Lunch is served on board, and a second short swim stop follows if the sea allows. It suits families and people who would rather be on a beach than on a reef.

Background

The facts

Paradise Island lies on the Giftun reserve, about an hour by boat from Hurghada marina. The 8-hour day combines a snorkelling stop, about three hours on the beach and lunch on board.

Named in this entry

Hurghada·white-sand beach

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • Families and beach lovers who want a relaxed boat day with some snorkelling, rather than a day spent entirely on a reef.

Maybe not, if

  • Not suitable for anyone hoping for a long snorkelling day or who dislikes busy beaches.

What lingers

  • 01About three hours on Paradise Island's white-sand beach, with sunbeds and parasols
  • 02Shallow water for swimming, a good fit for children and weaker swimmers
  • 03A guided snorkelling stop on a coral reef during the sail out
  • 04Lunch on board with soft drinks and water, then a second short swim stop if the sea allows
  • 05Island entrance, mask, snorkel, fins and marine park fees included
  • 06A shared boat of up to 40 guests, with hotel transfers included

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • Beach time and snorkelling in one day
  • Sunbed, parasol and island entrance included
  • Lunch, equipment and marine park fees covered

Things to Consider

  • The island beach can be busy at midday
  • Water sports and island drinks cost extra

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

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The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Collection from and return to your hotel in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or Soma Bay
  • A place on a boat shared with other guests
  • Entrance to Paradise Island, with a sunbed and parasol
  • A snorkelling guide
  • Snorkelling kit: fins, mask and snorkel
  • Lunch on board, with soft drinks and water
  • Fees for the marine park

Not included

  • Tips for your guide and crew
  • Any drinks and snacks you buy on the island
  • Banana boat rides and other water sports
  • Towels
  • Your own spending money

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Put sun cream on before you land, because the sand reflects the sun

  2. 02

    Take cash for drinks, as prices on the island are higher than in town

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Children under 2 travel free, ages 2 to 11 pay half the adult price, and ages 12 and over pay the adult price. The island water is shallow, which suits children, but parents should supervise them closely on the boat and at the shore.

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How does the price work for the island day?
    Priced per person on a shared boat, the day covers the transfer, island entrance with sunbed and parasol, snorkelling gear, lunch and marine park fees. Extras on the island and water sports cost more. Prices are provisional until we confirm your request. We are an Egyptian operator (ETAA Licence 718), not an ATOL or ABTA member, and we do not sell international flights.
  2. 02When do you collect us?
    A minibus collects you at about 08:00 from hotels in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay. You board at the marina at around 09:00. Our team confirms your exact collection time once your request is accepted.
  3. 03Is the day suitable for children?
    Children are well catered for, with shallow beach water and an easy boat day. Under 2 travel free, ages 2 to 11 pay half the adult price, and anyone aged 12 or over pays the adult price. Parents should keep an eye on small children on the boat and at the water's edge.
  4. 04What should we bring and wear?
    Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sun cream, a hat, sunglasses and a dry change of clothes. A little cash helps for drinks and snacks on the island. Wear light clothes over your swimwear and shoes that you can slip off easily, as the beach is sandy.
  5. 05What happens if I cancel, or the sea is rough?
    Give us more than 72 hours' notice and you can keep 100% as credit towards a future holiday or have 100% refunded, less bank charges. Between 72 and 24 hours beforehand, keep 100% as credit or have 50% back. Within 24 hours, or if you don't turn up, nothing can be refunded or credited. Should we have to cancel, you won't lose a penny.
  6. 06Is the boat shared, and how crowded is the island?
    The boat is shared with other guests, up to 40 in all. Other boats also land at the island, so the beach can be busy at midday. Sunbeds and parasols are included for your group, and you can walk along the shore for more space.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Continue reading

From the archives

Product ID: EXC-HRG-871260

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