Giftun Islands

جزر جيفتون

Twin islands accessible by boat from Hurghada, featuring untouched coral reefs, abundant marine life, and pristine sandy beaches. A popular day-trip destination for snorkeling and beach recreation in crystal-clear waters.

Things to do

• Coral Reef Snorkeling — Explore the vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish species in the shallow, crystal-clear waters surrounding both islands.
• Beach Swimming and Sunbathing — Relax on the pristine sandy beaches with powdery white sand and turquoise waters perfect for swimming and unwinding.
• Glass-Bottom Boat Tour — View the underwater marine ecosystem and coral formations without getting wet by taking a guided glass-bottom boat excursion.
• Scuba Diving — Descend deeper into the Red Sea to encounter larger marine species, pristine coral walls, and diverse underwater habitats.
• Fish Feeding — Participate in hand-feeding colorful fish in shallow waters, a popular interactive activity that attracts marine life close to visitors.
• Photography and Nature Watching — Capture the untouched natural beauty of coral reefs, tropical fish, and pristine beaches for memorable travel photography.

Food to try

• Grilled Fish with Lemon — Fresh-caught Red Sea fish grilled whole and seasoned simply with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, a staple boat lunch on day trips.
• Koshari — Egyptian street food combining rice, lentils, pasta, and spiced tomato sauce, commonly served at beach resorts and day-trip boats.
• Fresh Seafood Mezze Platter — An assortment of grilled shrimp, calamari, and local catch served with hummus, tahini, and fresh pita bread.
• Ful Medames and Ta'ameya — Traditional Egyptian fava bean stew and fried chickpea patties served for breakfast with fresh bread and salads.
• Watermelon and Fresh Tropical Fruits — Cold, refreshing watermelon, mango, and papaya offered throughout the day to keep visitors hydrated in the Red Sea heat.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Marine Conservation — Do not touch or damage coral reefs, avoid stepping on marine life, and follow guide instructions to protect the delicate ecosystem that defines Giftun's appeal.
• Dress Modestly on Boat Transfers — While swimwear is appropriate on the beach, wear a light cover-up or shirt during boat rides to and from Hurghada to respect local Egyptian customs.
• Book Tours Through Established Operators — Use licensed tour companies departing from Hurghada for safety, proper equipment, and environmental compliance rather than informal private arrangements.
• Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen — Use only reef-safe sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate, as regular sunscreen damages coral and is discouraged by local environmental guidelines.