Snorkeling at Mahmya Island from Hurghada: includes lunch and hotel transfers

Snorkel coral heads in a protected lagoon, then walk the beach and relax on white sand.

Snorkeling at Mahmya Island is a full day trip from Hurghada that includes hotel pickup, a one-hour boat ride to Giftun Island National Park, snorkeling in a shallow lagoon with coral reefs, beach time, and lunch at the island restaurant. The boats moor at buoys to protect the reef, and you're ferried to shore by smaller vessels. A guide assists with snorkeling; Wi-Fi and an aqua trampoline for kids are available in the lounge area. Pickup from hotels in Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh or Elgouna costs extra.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day trip to Mahmya Island

• Pickup from Hurghada resort
• Board Mahmya boat
• Sail one hour to Mahmya Island
• Transfer to shore by smaller boats
• Snorkel on coral reefs
• Walk along sandy beach
• Play beach volleyball or relax
• Use free Wi-Fi in lounge area
• Enjoy lunch at island restaurant

The Experience

Your day starts with pickup from your Hurghada hotel and a one-hour sail to Mahmya Island, the southern shore of Giftun Island National Park. The boats anchor at buoys offshore to keep the coral intact, and you board smaller vessels for the final ride to the beach. Once ashore, the lagoon spreads in front of you—clear water, coral heads scattered across the sandy bottom, and the reef close enough to reach on snorkel. A guide is there to help you into the water and point out what's around you.

The day is yours to shape. Snorkel as long as you want in the lagoon, walk the pure white beach, play beach volleyball with other guests, or simply lie on the sand. The lounge area has free Wi-Fi if you need it, and there's an aqua trampoline for kids. Lunch comes at the island restaurant—seafood and Italian dishes—and bottled water and soft drinks are included throughout the day.

The return boat leaves in time to get you back to your hotel by evening. The whole day runs about eight hours from pickup to drop-off, so you're not rushed through the snorkeling or the beach time, but you're not stranded waiting either.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer from Hurghada.
• round-trip boat transport to Mahmya Island.
• snorkeling guide assistance in the water.
• lunch at the island restaurant with seafood and Italian dishes.
• bottled water and soft drinks throughout the day.
• free Wi-Fi in the lounge area.
• access to the aqua trampoline for kids.
• service charges and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Sun Pyramids Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Arabic, so you can follow the commentary in whichever language suits you. The eight-hour day gives you time to snorkel without rushing and still have beach time left over, making it work for a first visit to the reef or for anyone who wants to move at their own pace in the water.

Top questions

How long is the boat ride to Mahmya Island from Hurghada?

The boat ride to Mahmya Island takes around one hour each way from the mainland. You'll depart from Hurghada after hotel pickup and return the same route at the end of the day.

What exactly can I snorkel on at Mahmya Island?

Mahmya Island has impressive coral heads scattered across a clear lagoon in shallow water. The reef is protected as part of Giftun Island National Park, and boats moor at buoys to keep the coral undamaged while you snorkel.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is available as an option at checkout. You can choose to rent it or bring your own; a guide will assist you in the water either way.

What's included in the lunch at the island restaurant?

Lunch at the island restaurant includes seafood and Italian specialties. Bottled water and soft drinks are included with the meal; additional beverages during lunch are available as an option.

Which hotels does the pickup cover, and are there extra charges?

Pickup is included from hotels in Hurghada. Hotels in Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh or Elgouna are available but cost extra; confirm your location when you book.

What language does the snorkeling guide speak?

The guide speaks English and Arabic, so you can choose which language works best for you during the snorkeling assistance and any commentary about the reef.