Just off the coast of Hurghada lies Paradise Island, part of the Giftun Islands marine park. This small island is often described as a “small piece of real paradise” – its powdery white sand beaches, swaying palms, and clear turquoise lagoons feel like a tropical dream. Giftun Island is a protected nature reserve, famed for colorful reefs and marine life.
A paradise island trip Hurghada offers families, couples and adventurers a chance to escape city crowds and enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing together. Even travel guides and blogs highlight this excursion, so for quick research, try searching “paradise island trip Hurghada” online to see the glowing reviews and photos of this excursion.
Getting to Paradise Island
All tours to Paradise Island begin at Hurghada’s marina or your hotel with a speedboat ride. The boat cruise takes roughly 30 minutes across the Red Sea. As you sail, you’ll enjoy ocean views and a cool breeze. Most tours include snorkeling gear, lunch, and hotel transfers, so you only need to pack swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. On SOLA Travel’s website (sola-travel.com) you can easily book these tours; just search “paradise island trip Hurghada” for current schedules and prices.
Getting there tips: Tours often include one or two snorkeling stops at nearby reefs before reaching the island. Bring water shoes for the boat and some seasickness tablets if you’re prone. Boat crews speak English and always keep safety in mind (life jackets are provided for kids).
Why Giftun Island Is Special
Giftun Islands (Big Giftun and Small Giftun) form a protected marine national park east of Hurghada. Big Giftun itself earned the nickname Paradise Island decades ago because of its stunning reefs and beaches. The waters around Giftun boast an incredible biodiversity: over 196 species of hard corals and 794 species of reef fish can be found here.
This means when you snorkel near Paradise Island, expect to see vibrant coral formations and schools of tropical fish – even turtles or dolphins are occasional visitors. Because Giftun is a no-fishing zone, the reef is healthy and teeming with life.
Environment: The protected bay near Paradise Island has shallow, calm water, making it very family-friendly. The sand is fine and clean. Giftun was one of Egypt’s first protected areas, so its beaches and reefs are well-preserved.
Activities on Paradise Island
Snorkeling and Swimming
The clear lagoon of Paradise Island is perfect for snorkeling. Many boat tours include two guided snorkeling stops at nearby coral reefs. Even beginners will be amazed at the underwater show: colorful parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and sometimes turtles or dolphins. Back on the beach, the shallow turquoise water is safe and warm – ideal for kids and leisurely wading.
- Marine life: Expect rainbow reef fish, occasional turtles, and even passing dolphins in the bay.
- Snorkeling tips: Free masks and fins are provided. Stay buoyant and remember to breathe slowly to enjoy the view.
Beach and Relaxation
Paradise Island’s soft white sands are made for lounging. After snorkeling, you can relax on a sunbed or beach lounger under palm shade. The island usually has a beach restaurant or buffet serving Egyptian and international dishes, so you won’t go hungry. Many visitors say their favorite moments are just lying on the beach, watching the sun sparkle on the water or even a sailboat drifting by.
- Beach features: Powdery white sand, gentle shallow water, shaded palm areas, and beach loungers.
- Amenities: Buffet lunch, soft drinks and fresh fruit, and optional watersports rentals (e.g. banana boat or paddleboards for extra fun).
Adventure and Water Sports
While Paradise Island is very relaxed, there are plenty of thrills too. Most day trips offer banana boat or inflatable sofa rides pulled by the boat – a great laugh for both kids and adults. Adventurous guests can also try parasailing, jet skiing or stand-up paddleboarding if those options are available.
After any watersport, don’t miss more snorkeling at the reef. Some tours include a visit to other sites (like a speedboat tour around nearby islands). Experienced divers can arrange a dive from Paradise Island to explore Giftun’s deep reefs.
- Water sports: Banana boats, Inflatable sofa/tube rides, kayaks or paddleboards for calmer fun.
- Extreme fun: Ask your guide about parasailing or jetski add-ons to make your trip extra exciting.
Planning Your Paradise Island Trip
Ideal for Families
Paradise Island is extremely family-friendly. The calm, shallow bay lets kids splash safely in the water. The boat provides life jackets and floats, and crew members look out for little ones during snorkeling breaks. Many boats even have a simple kids’ play area on board. After working up an appetite, everyone can enjoy the midday buffet.
- Safety: Life jackets are provided for all ages, and the water is waist-deep for many meters off the shore.
- What to bring: Bring swim diapers if needed, sun hats, reef-safe sunscreen, and a camera. Towels and snorkeling gear are usually included.
Perfect for Couples
Couples find Paradise Island romantic thanks to its scenic beauty. Picture yourselves snorkeling hand-in-hand over coral gardens, or simply reading a book together in the sun. Sunset cruises (if offered) are magical, with golden light reflecting on the sea as you head back. Many honeymooners and honeymooners-in-the-making choose this trip for its picture-perfect moments.
- Romantic highlights: Quiet beach corners for two, and maybe a photo shoot on the sand. If you can book a sunset boat return, the view is unforgettable.
- Travel tip: For a more private feel, consider a semi-private boat or a late-afternoon tour (when the daytime crowds have thinned).
Tips for Adventure Seekers
If you crave action, Paradise Island trips can deliver. Besides the water sports above, check with SOLA Travel if they offer combined excursions. For example, some packages let you combine the Paradise Island excursion with a desert jeep safari or a visit to Hurghada’s desert safari park on the same day. This way, you get both ocean and land adventure.
- Scuba diving: If you’re a certified diver, ask about dive tours in the Giftun reefs. SOLA Travel often has combo deals that include a dive instead of one snorkel stop.
- Pro tip: Search online for “paradise island trip Hurghada” and you’ll find traveler photos and tips – it’s one of Hurghada’s most popular excursions for a reason.
Booking and Practical Information
Booking through SOLA Travel makes everything easy. Their website (sola-travel.com) lists current prices and trip dates. Prices vary by season, but tours tend to be budget-friendly. For example, adult tickets can start as low as around $20–$25 USD per person. Children usually get reduced rates, and SOLA Travel often offers family and group discounts.
Remember that Giftun Island is a national park, so there is a small park admission fee (~$5 per person).
What’s included
A typical full-day tour includes hotel pickup, boat ride, snorkeling stops (with equipment), lunch and soft drinks. The boat crew speaks English and provides a safety briefing. No surprise fees aside from optional activities (tips for staff or extra sports).
When to go
Hurghada is hot year-round. The best months for this trip are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is warm but not scorching. Always carry plenty of water and sun protection, as shade on the island is limited.
Booking tips
SOLA Travel has secure online booking, so you can compare dates and read guest reviews on their site. If you’re flexible, booking just a few days in advance usually works. Popular dates (like weekends or holidays) can fill up fast, so reserve early.
Why Choose a Paradise Island Trip Hurghada
A paradise island trip Hurghada is one of those experiences that suits everyone. Whether you’re traveling with kids, on a couples’ retreat, or backpacking on an adventure vacation, this excursion delivers. The combination of easy snorkeling, a gorgeous beach, and ample relaxation means you get more variety in one day than most tours.
For peace of mind, SOLA Travel provides certified guides and quality boats for the paradise island trip Hurghada, backed by their 25 years of Red Sea tourism experience. Their website even allows you to book online in just a few clicks (look up “Paradise Island” or “paradise island trip Hurghada” on sola-travel.com) – Contact us now
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