Diving and Visiting Giftun island with Snorkeling Boat Trip

Red Sea color comes first. This seven-hour trip from Hurghada combines a boat ride, Giftun Island, Paradise Island, snorkeling, and a short scuba session at a remarkably low listed price of $7.54 per person. I like the chance to see two different reef areas, and I like that transport, lunch, soft drinks, equipment, and a professional diver are included.

The main point to check before booking is the snorkeling schedule. The description promises two snorkeling opportunities, while the inclusions list says one snorkeling stop. The trip also excludes Hurghada entrance and tax fees, so I would confirm the final cost and exact water program with Vip Trips before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• Paradise Island brings white sand and clear swimming water: You get roughly two hours on Giftun Island, with time for swimming and relaxing.
• The water program includes both snorkeling and scuba: Gear, a life jacket, a guide, and a professional diver are listed as included.
• Lunch and drinks are covered: A buffet lunch, water, and soda help keep the day simple once you are on the boat.
• The group can reach 30 people: That is large enough for a social boat day, but not an intimate private outing.
• Pickup starts around 8:30 a.m.: Hotel transport is offered, so you do not need to arrange your own way to the departure point.
• The price is unusually low: At $7.54, the package looks excellent value, but entrance and tax charges are extra and should be confirmed.

A full day on the Red Sea for $7.54

At the listed price, this is one of the cheapest ways to put a full Red Sea boat day into your Hurghada plans. You get hotel pickup, a boat trip, time at Giftun Island, food, drinks, water activities, snorkeling equipment, and a scuba stop with a professional diver.

That low price is the first thing I would examine carefully. It does not automatically mean poor quality, but it does mean you should ask about the excluded Hurghada entrance and tax fees. Also confirm if the $7.54 rate is still available for your date, since advertised prices can change.

The trip lasts about seven hours. Pickup begins at 8:30 a.m., giving you a full morning and afternoon on the water rather than a quick coastal outing. Most people can participate, and the maximum group size is 30, so expect a shared excursion rather than a private charter.

The size is a useful middle ground. You are unlikely to have a tiny, quiet boat, but a maximum of 30 people is more manageable than a very large sightseeing vessel. One positive note describes a big boat with relatively few people, which suggests the boat may feel comfortable when the group is below its maximum.

Leaving Hurghada by boat at 8:30 a.m.

The day begins with pickup from your hotel and transport to the departure point. The included vehicle saves you the trouble of finding the marina or negotiating local transport first thing in the morning.

Once aboard, the focus shifts quickly to the Red Sea. The route takes you toward the Giftun Islands, with Paradise Island included as the main beach stop. You may want to bring any personal snacks or extra drinks you prefer, even though water, soda, and lunch are included.

The supplied details do not give a precise departure marina, boat name, or return time. For that reason, ask your hotel pickup contact for the expected collection window and exact meeting instructions. The stated start time is 8:30 a.m., but hotel routes can take time.

The boat also offers banana and sofa rides. These are simple water activities rather than the central reason to book, but they add some fun for people who want a break from swimming and reef viewing.

Paradise Island brings the beach break

Paradise Island is described as part of the Giftun Islands and offers the classic Red Sea combination: clear water, pale sand, and a place to get out of the boat. The island portion is scheduled for about two hours, which gives you a useful change of pace after time spent in the water.

I like this balance. A trip made only of boat transfers and reef stops can feel repetitive, especially for anyone who does not want to spend every minute in the sea. Here, you can swim, sit on the sand, and enjoy a quieter stretch of the day.

The island is not presented as a cultural visit or a guided historical stop. Its appeal is simple and physical: soft white sand and clear water. Bring sun protection and a towel if those are not supplied, since the included items specifically mention snorkeling gear, a life jacket, food, and drinks, not beach equipment.

The schedule lists five hours for the first part of the outing, including the Hurghada departure, boat time, and Paradise Island activities. It then lists two hours at the Giftun Islands. Since the total trip is about seven hours, the timing appears to cover the full day rather than two separate island visits of five and two hours each.

Snorkeling over two reef areas

The water program is the heart of this excursion. The description gives you two chances to snorkel in different locations, with each reef offering its own fish and underwater scenery. It also says you can watch for dolphins during the boat ride.

The included gear covers a mask, fins, and snorkel, along with a life jacket and snorkeling guide. That matters if you are not carrying your own equipment. The guide should also help organize entry into the water, which is useful in a shared group.

There is a small but important inconsistency in the details. The overview and island description refer to two snorkeling opportunities, but the included section says one snorkeling stop. I would not assume the second stop is guaranteed until Vip Trips confirms it in writing.

The water is described as calm and clear in one account, making the trip appealing to first-time snorkelers as well as stronger swimmers. Still, conditions depend on the day. The tour requires good weather, and rough water can affect comfort, visibility, and the number of water stops.

You should expect tropical fish and coral reefs, but no specific species are promised. The value here is the chance to see more than one underwater site in a single day. If the second snorkeling stop matters to you, make that question part of your booking conversation.

A first scuba session with equipment provided

The scuba stop gives you a taste of breathing underwater with tanks and a professional diver. Scuba gear is included, which keeps the extra cost down and means you do not need to arrange a separate rental package.

This part is best understood as an introductory activity, not a full certification course. The supplied information does not state how long you remain underwater, the maximum depth, or the exact training process. Ask those questions if this will be your first time using scuba equipment.

The professional diver is an important inclusion. You should follow the diver’s instructions closely, especially during entry, descent, and movement around the reef. If you are nervous, tell the guide before entering the water rather than trying to keep up with more confident swimmers.

The program also lists one snorkeling stop in the inclusions, despite the broader description promising two. It clearly lists one scuba stop. Confirm both the number of snorkeling stops and the length of the scuba session before departure.

Giftun Island and the value of two hours ashore

Giftun Island gives the day its beach-focused center. The water is clear enough for swimming, and the sand is described as soft and white, so the two-hour stay should suit anyone who wants time on land after the water activities.

I would use this time as a reset. Swim for a while, sit on the sand, eat if the meal is served during this portion, and avoid trying to pack every activity into one rush. The trip already includes snorkeling, scuba, boat travel, and water rides.

The schedule does not explain exactly how the two island stops are divided between Paradise Island and Giftun Island. It may be that Paradise Island is the named beach area within the Giftun Islands, rather than two entirely separate beach destinations. Ask the operator how the island names are being used so you know what to expect.

The beach stop is also a good reason to book this instead of a short snorkeling cruise. You are not limited to a few hours on the boat. You get a place to stretch your legs and enjoy the shoreline.

Lunch, drinks, and water rides

A buffet lunch is included, along with water and soda. That is practical on a seven-hour outing, since returning to Hurghada for food is not an option once the boat is underway.

The available information does not specify the menu, meal time, or dietary choices. If you have a food restriction, contact Vip Trips before booking rather than assuming the buffet will suit you. You can also bring preferred snacks, since the trip information advises stocking up on snacks, drinks, and mineral water.

Banana and sofa rides are included as part of the water sports. These are a nice extra for families and groups who want a bit of action between reef stops. They are not the main attraction, so I would treat them as a bonus rather than a reason to choose this trip over another boat program.

The included package is strongest for its sheer range. One fee covers several parts of the day, but the small extra charges for local entrance and tax should remain in your budget.

What the small set of ratings tells you

The available score is 4.7 out of 5 from three ratings, so the sample is small. I would treat it as encouraging, not conclusive.

The strongest praise centers on the scenery, calm beautiful water, the boat, and the friendly attitude of the staff. One French-language account gives a useful personal planning detail: Mark from Bella Tour had recommended the outing after helping with four other excursions. That suggests the trip can fit well into a larger Hurghada activity plan, though Mark is not identified as the operator for this excursion.

The comments also point to Paradise Island as the part not to miss. The clear water and beach scenery receive the most enthusiasm, while the larger boat and relatively low passenger count are viewed positively.

There is not enough feedback to judge punctuality, food quality, scuba instruction, or the exact reef locations. I would keep those points open and confirm them directly.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a low-cost introduction to the Red Sea without booking separate activities. It suits couples, families, and first-time snorkelers who like a mix of beach time, reef viewing, and simple water sports.

It is also a good fit for someone with only one free day in Hurghada. The seven-hour schedule packs in several experiences and includes hotel transport, which removes much of the planning work.

You may want a different option if you prefer a quiet private boat, a tightly timed scuba lesson, or a specialist reef trip with detailed marine guidance. A group of up to 30 can feel social and busy, even if the boat itself is spacious.

The trip also may not suit you if you need a guaranteed two-stop snorkeling program. The conflicting descriptions make that the biggest detail to settle first.

Booking, weather, and cancellation advice

Confirmation is provided at booking, and pickup is offered. The experience requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. The cut-off follows local time in Hurghada.

I would save the pickup details on your phone and ask about the entrance and tax fees before the cancellation deadline. That gives you time to decide with the full cost in view.

Should you book the Giftun Island boat trip?

Book it if you want the broadest possible Red Sea day for very little money. The combination of hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, a beach stop, snorkeling equipment, a scuba stop, and water rides is hard to ignore at the listed $7.54 price.

Before you commit, confirm three things: the final price after entrance and tax fees, the exact number of snorkeling stops, and the details of the scuba session. If those answers suit you, this is a practical, cheerful day on the water with Paradise Island as its main prize.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The tour begins in Hurghada, Egypt, and visits Paradise Island and the Giftun Islands.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the boat trip last?

The full experience lasts about seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. A comfortable vehicle is provided to transport you to and from your hotel.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch, water, and soda are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The included snorkeling equipment consists of snorkeling gear, a life jacket, and a snorkeling guide.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. One scuba stop with equipment and a professional diver is included.

Are entrance and tax fees included?

No. Hurghada entrance and tax fees are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 30 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Can bad weather cancel the tour?

Yes. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.