Paradise Island is a slice of tropical paradise just off the coast of Hurghada, offering foreign travelers an idyllic escape with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. This beautiful island destination has become a must-visit for anyone exploring the Red Sea Riviera in Egypt.

From vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to relaxed beach vibes under the sun, Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt promises an unforgettable experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know – from how to get there and what to do, to insider tips that will make your visit truly special.

What is Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt?

Paradise Island isn’t actually a standalone island – it’s a beach haven located on the larger Giftun Island, part of the Giftun Island National Park near Hurghada. Over the years its popularity has grown so much that many refer to this spot simply as Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt, as if it were its own island.

The area is renowned for its powdery white sand and turquoise water, often drawing comparisons to the Caribbean for its natural beauty. As part of a protected marine park, the environment is carefully preserved, which means you’ll find pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and plenty of colorful fish just offshore.

Visitors come to Paradise Island to bask in the stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere. The contrast between Hurghada’s desert landscape and the lush, aquatic paradise at Paradise Island is truly striking. With nearly year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, it’s an ideal spot for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing no matter when you visit.

Facilities on the island – including sunbeds, umbrellas, and small restaurants – ensure you can stay comfortable during your day trip.

How to Get to Paradise Island from Hurghada

Reaching Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt is an adventure in itself. The island lies a short boat ride (roughly 45 minutes to an hour) from the Hurghada marina on the mainland. Most travelers visit as part of an organized Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt excursion or boat tour, which typically includes hotel pickup, the boat transfer, snorkeling stops, and time on the island.

You can book a group boat tour through local tour operators, resorts, or agencies like SOLA Travel, or even hire a private boat for a more exclusive trip. Boats depart in the morning from Hurghada’s docks, and the ride across the Red Sea provides gorgeous views of the coastline and sometimes even playful dolphins if you’re lucky.

On a standard Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt day tour, the boat often stops at one or two snorkeling spots along the way. Here you can jump into the clear water, marvel at coral gardens, and swim among schools of exotic fish. Snorkeling gear is usually provided by the tour, and guides are on hand to point out marine life and ensure safety.

After the snorkeling stops, the boat continues to the main destination. As Paradise Island comes into view, you’ll see its brilliant white beach and the vivid blue hues of the surrounding sea – a sight that instantly justifies the island’s name.

The boat anchors just off the shore, and a small shuttle or dinghy might ferry visitors onto the beach if the waters are shallow. By late morning, you’ll step foot onto the soft sands of Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt ready to relax and explore.

How does Paradise Island compare to Orange Bay?

Orange Bay is another popular beach area on the Giftun Islands, often compared to Paradise Island. Both have gorgeous beaches and clear water. Orange Bay has more elaborate wooden infrastructure (like boardwalks and over-water swings that are very photogenic) and can feel more like a “beach club.”

Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt, on the other hand, offers a more natural island feel with simple facilities and a wide open beach. Some travelers find Paradise Island a bit more spacious and less crowded, but it really depends on the day. If you have time, you might even consider visiting both on different days for the full experience.

Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt Day Trip Experience

Once you arrive, you’ll have a few hours of leisure to enjoy everything Paradise Island offers. Most tours allow around two hours (sometimes more) on the island itself. Here’s what a typical Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt day trip experience looks like:

Relaxing on the Beach

Find a sunbed or a shaded spot under a thatched umbrella and soak up the sun. The calm atmosphere makes it easy to unwind, listen to gentle waves, and forget your worries.

Swimming and Snorkeling

The inviting water around the island is shallow near the shore, perfect for a refreshing swim. Bring your mask and snorkel (or use the provided gear) to observe the marine life just off the beach – you might spot butterflyfish, clownfish, or even a friendly ray gliding by.

Coral Reef Exploration

For avid snorkelers, some tours organize guided snorkeling right off the island or at reefs nearby. The coral reefs in the Giftun Island area are full of life and color, making Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt a snorkeler’s dream.

Beach Activities

Tour operators often bring along fun water activities. You might have the chance to ride a banana boat or try a quick tubing adventure after lunch, adding a splash of excitement for families and adventure-seekers.

Lunch with a View

Many Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt day trips include lunch, which could be served buffet-style on the island or on the boat. Typically, you’ll enjoy grilled fish, chicken, rice, salads, and other local dishes. Eating a delicious meal with your toes in the sand and a view of the sea is a highlight for many visitors.

Tropical Drinks and Shisha

Paradise Island features a beach bar (often known as the Tropicana Bar) where you can purchase cold drinks, fresh juices, or cocktails. Sipping a fruity drink in the shade while overlooking the ocean truly feels like vacation! There’s also a Shisha Corner on the island – if you’re interested in Egyptian culture, you can try a flavorful waterpipe while relaxing by the beach.

Instagrammable Spots

Don’t forget to take photos! The island has some fun photo props and iconic signage (you might find a big “Paradise” sign, for example) perfect for snapshots. With the vivid scenery around you, every angle is picture-perfect. Many visitors love capturing memories here to share with friends and family.

Ice Cream and Snacks

If you crave something sweet, there’s usually a little kiosk or café offering treats like ice cream, waffles, or snacks. It’s a delight to cool down with ice cream after time under the sun.

Tips for Visiting Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt

To make the most of your trip to Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt, keep these tips in mind:

1- Bring Essentials

Pack strong sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat – the sun is intense, especially midday on an open beach. Also bring a towel, bathing suit, and perhaps a cover-up or t-shirt for when you’ve had enough sun.

2- Footwear

The sand is soft, but having flip-flops or sandals is useful for walking around, as the beach can get quite hot under the sun. If you plan to explore rocky areas or snorkel, consider water shoes to protect your feet.

3- Stay Hydrated

Under the Egyptian sun, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Most Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt tours provide bottled water and soft drinks (especially during lunch), but it doesn’t hurt to bring an extra water bottle.

4- Respect the Environment

Paradise Island is part of a protected marine park. Help keep it beautiful by not littering. Avoid touching or standing on coral reefs while snorkeling – corals are fragile living organisms. Also, collect any trash you see to leave the island cleaner than you found it.

5- Photography Gear

If you have an underwater camera or a GoPro, bring it along. The underwater scenery is breathtaking, and you’ll likely want to capture it. On land, a waterproof pouch for your phone can be handy to keep it safe from sand and water splashes while snapping pictures.

6- Timing

The best time to visit is generally from spring through autumn (March to November) when the weather is warm and the sea is comfortably swimmable. In the winter months, the air temperature in Hurghada is still mild, but the sea can be cooler and winds a bit stronger.

7- Cash for Extras

Bring a little cash (Egyptian pounds or even dollars/euros) for any extras like additional drinks, snacks, or renting beach amenities. There might also be a small national park fee included in your tour price, but if not, you may be asked to pay it on site (usually a few dollars).

8- Crowds

Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt is very popular, so don’t be surprised to share the beach with many other tourists, especially in peak season. For a quieter experience, some tours go earlier in the morning or combine Paradise Island with other stops to stagger the timing. Either way, the beach is fairly large, so you can still find your own patch of paradise.

FAQ about Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt

Where exactly is Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt?

Paradise Island is located within the Giftun Island Marine Park, about 15 kilometers off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt. It’s essentially a beach area on Big Giftun Island (the larger of the two Giftun Islands). Despite not being a separate island, it’s famously known as Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt due to its heavenly scenery.

How do I book a trip to Paradise Island?

Booking a Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt day trip is easy. Most hotels and resorts in Hurghada can arrange it for you, or you can go through local travel agencies and online tour operators. It’s a popular excursion, so there are many providers. Be sure to choose a reputable company. For a personalized experience with reliable service, you can contact SOLA Travel who can help organize a great trip.

What does a Paradise Island tour include?

A typical Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt tour includes round-trip boat transportation from Hurghada, a couple of snorkeling stops with gear provided, lunch (often an open buffet), and a few hours on Paradise Island beach. Many tours also throw in extras like soft drinks, water, and sometimes fun activities like banana boat rides.

Always check the details – for example, whether the national park entrance fee is covered and if hotel pickup/drop-off is included.

Is Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt family-friendly?

Absolutely. The calm shallow waters and soft sand at Paradise Island are great for kids. Families can enjoy swimming together and playing on the beach. Many boats and the island itself have shaded areas to take a break from the sun. There’s even a kids’ play area on the island for little ones. Just keep a close eye on children when snorkeling or swimming, as you would at any beach.

Can I visit Paradise Island without a tour?

There isn’t a public ferry to the Giftun Islands, so practically speaking, the only way to reach Hurghada’s Paradise Island is via an excursion boat or a private charter. You could rent a private boat or speedboat if you prefer not to join a group tour, but it will be more expensive than the group trips. Most people find the group day trips convenient and good value since they include everything you need for the day.

Plan Your Paradise Escape

A visit to Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt is truly a highlight of any Hurghada vacation. Whether you’re an avid snorkeler eager to explore vibrant coral reefs, a sun-seeker looking to lounge on soft sands, or a family seeking a fun day out, this tropical escape delivers. The combination of adventure and relaxation you’ll find on Paradise Island is the perfect encapsulation of what the Red Sea coast has to offer.

Ready to discover this piece of paradise for yourself? It’s time to turn your daydream into reality. Contact SOLA Travel to help plan your Paradise Island adventure.

Their expert team can arrange a memorable Paradise Island Hurghada Egypt trip tailored to your needs – so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the magic of the Red Sea.