REVIEW · HURGHADA
Hurghada: Giftun Islands with Snorkeling & Semi-Submarine
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Paradise Island Hurghada · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A day on the Red Sea feels simple here. You’ll cruise from Hurghada to the Giftun Islands, then choose your vibe on Paradise Island or livelier Hula Hula, with optional semi-submarine viewing for reefs without the splash.
What I like most is the mix of land-and-water time plus a real, structured snorkeling stop with gear and a guide. The second big win is value: lunch and soft drinks are included, and you get multiple ways to see the marine life.
One thing to watch is pacing and timing: depending on which option you pick (morning vs sunset) and how the day runs, your island time and return timing can feel a bit tight, and a few people reported pickup or waiting glitches.
In This Review
- Key takeaways
- Hurghada to Giftun Islands: the easy full-day format
- Paradise Island vs Hula Hula: pick your beach mood
- The semi-submarine ride: reef viewing without the wetsuit
- Guided snorkeling stop: how to get more from the reef
- Paradise time: lunch, swimming, and the glass-bottom bonus
- Hula Hula time: massage and water sports included
- Morning vs sunset departures: timing that changes how the day feels
- Price and what you actually get for $28
- What to pack and how to avoid small annoyances
- Who this tour is best for
- Should you book the Giftun Islands snorkeling and semi-submarine day?
- FAQ
- How long is the Hurghada Giftun Islands trip?
- Where is pickup offered for this tour?
- Can I choose between Paradise Island and Hula Hula Island?
- Is snorkeling included?
- What snorkeling equipment do I get?
- Is the semi-submarine ride included?
- What meals and drinks are included?
- Is there massage or water sports?
- What should I bring and wear?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key takeaways
- Paradise vs Hula Hula lets you match the day to your mood: quiet beach day or more action with extras
- Semi-submarine viewing is a smart add-on if you want reef views without getting wet
- Guided snorkeling includes masks, fins, and life jackets, plus a guide who keeps things orderly
- Lunch and soft drinks are included, so you’re not hunting for food at the far end of the day
- Glass-bottom time on Paradise is easy and family-friendly, but it’s not the same as snorkeling
Hurghada to Giftun Islands: the easy full-day format
This tour is built around a classic Red Sea rhythm: you leave Hurghada by transport, board a yacht, and spend the day on and around Giftun Islands. The cruise itself is part of the experience, with about 1.5 hours out on the water and big views as the coastline falls away.
What makes the structure work for you is that the day doesn’t rely on one single activity. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you still get beach time and a chance to see marine life through the optional semi-submarine or the glass-bottom boat experience on Paradise. And if you are keen on snorkeling, you get a guided stop with equipment and coaching.
The only catch is that a full day at sea depends on smooth logistics. If your hotel pickup is shared, expect variable travel time to the marina, and if the day runs behind, you may wait before departure.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Hurghada
Paradise Island vs Hula Hula: pick your beach mood
Your biggest decision is which island you visit: Paradise Island (calmer) or Hula Hula (livelier). Both are part of the Giftun Islands experience, but the vibe and included extras differ.
On Paradise Island, expect a quieter, relaxation-first setting. This is the pick if you want soft beach time, swimming in clear water, and a more low-key schedule. The tour also includes an open buffet lunch at the Paradise Island restaurant (on Paradise tours), which makes it feel easier if you want to eat without rushing.
On Hula Hula Island, the mood is more energetic. Along with the beach and snorkeling, you get a short massage session (part of the Hula Hula offering) and included water sports like a banana boat or sofa ride. If you’re the group type that likes at least one fun “wow” moment beyond snorkeling, Hula Hula is the better match.
A practical tip: if you’re traveling with mixed interests (some people want action, others want calm), Paradise can keep beach time pleasant and not overly chaotic, while Hula Hula gives the sporty folks something extra to do.
The semi-submarine ride: reef viewing without the wetsuit
The optional semi-submarine is one of the most talked-about parts of this trip, and for good reason. The idea is simple: you view colorful fish and coral through large underwater windows from a dry, comfortable cabin. That means less stress about waves, stinging seawater, or timing your gear.
It’s especially helpful if:
- you’re snorkeling-curious but not sure you’ll enjoy the water entry
- you’re traveling with someone who gets tired quickly
- you want a reef “preview” before you snorkel (or a last look after)
Timing can vary. The semi-submarine ride may happen before or after your time on the island depending on day logistics. So if you’re choosing between morning vs sunset, try to think about whether you want reef views early (snorkel-ready) or at the end of the day (a nice closer).
Also note this matters for your expectations: the semi-submarine is great for broad viewing and comfort, but the most detailed view is still usually snorkeling with a guide at the reef stop.
Guided snorkeling stop: how to get more from the reef
Snorkeling is included, and it’s done the practical way: one guided snorkeling stop with mask, fins, and life jacket provided. You’re not left to figure it out alone. A professional guide helps run the session, and the group gets direction on how to stay safe in the water.
This is where the trip earns its value. A guided stop usually means:
- you spend your energy on the reef, not on sorting gear
- you’re less likely to drift away or get out of position
- you get reminders for basic rules in open water
The guidance quality shows up in the way people describe the experience. Guides have been praised for keeping safety top priority and for checking in with everyone during the session. One snorkeling guide named Oskar was specifically highlighted for making sure rules were clear and for caring about how everyone was doing in the sea.
What you’ll want from snorkeling day-to-day is realistic expectations. You’ll see fish and coral (the Red Sea is the headline), but you won’t be underwater forever. Plan on it as a focused reef window, not a full-day diving plan.
If you spot a moray or similar reef fish, don’t assume it’s luck. It’s often about staying calm, keeping still, and following the guide’s direction to the right area at the right time.
Paradise time: lunch, swimming, and the glass-bottom bonus
On Paradise Island, your day includes beach time plus swimming in the clear water. After that, you’ll eat from the open buffet lunch. People consistently describe the food as solid and plentiful, and it’s a big deal on a full-day excursion like this—having lunch handled means you stay happy and hydrated instead of bargaining with a hungry timeline.
The tour also includes a glass-bottom boat ride for Paradise tours. This is one of those “works for the right audience” activities. It can be good for kids and for anyone who wants to stay mostly dry while still seeing fish. One review singled it out as child-friendly, which matches the whole point: it’s easy, low effort, and low barrier.
For adults who want more detail and more time at the reef, a glass-bottom ride can feel like it shows less than snorkeling does. If your goal is maximum fish visibility and texture, put your energy into the snorkeling stop rather than treating the glass-bottom ride as a substitute.
One more practical thought: beach days can be windy or hot depending on the day. Bring sunscreen and a hat, and don’t wait until you’re already red to reapply.
Hula Hula time: massage and water sports included
On Hula Hula Island, you still get beach time and snorkeling, but the included extras shift the feel of the day. You get a short massage session, described as brief (people mention a short massage as part of the yacht experience too). It won’t replace a spa appointment, but it can help with that sun-and-sea fatigue.
You’ll also have water sports included, such as a banana boat or sofa ride. That’s the kind of activity that turns a boat day into a full memory for the whole group. If you’re with friends, it’s also a great social moment because you’re all watching each other’s reactions.
The trade-off is schedule and energy. Water sports can mean you’re burning time and energy outside the calmer beach window. If you prefer downtime, Paradise might feel more comfortable. If you like laughing through splashes and pushing your comfort zone, Hula Hula is the better fit.
Morning vs sunset departures: timing that changes how the day feels
You basically choose between a Morning Adventure and a Sunset Adventure style day, and the schedule affects your mood.
For the Morning Adventure, pickup usually lands between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, with departure around 9:30 AM. You’ll spend about two hours on the island, then lunch and a one-hour snorkeling session. Return and drop-off is around 4:30 PM.
For the Sunset Adventure, pickup is between 10:00 and 11:00 AM, with yacht departure around 11:30 AM. Island time is followed by lunch and guided snorkeling, and you typically return around 5:30 PM, closer to sunset.
What I’d tell you to consider is heat and pacing. A later start (sunset option) can feel better if you hate being in direct sun early in the day. But the morning option gives you a longer stretch of daylight after snorkeling. Either way, bring a hat and plan for sun management. Even on a yacht day, the beach portion can hit hard.
Price and what you actually get for $28
At about $28 per person, this tour can be a strong value if you like the “do a little of everything” day. You’re paying for:
- full-day boat trip from Hurghada area
- beach time on Giftun Islands
- lunch and soft drinks
- guided snorkeling with equipment
- a guide and safety support
And if you add options, value climbs further:
- semi-submarine ride (if selected)
- massage and water sports on Hula Hula tours
In other words, you’re not just buying access to a beach. You’re buying an organized day with equipment, a guide, and food included. That matters a lot in resort towns where the extras add up fast.
The only value “warning” is expectation management. If you want two or three major snorkeling sites, this is set up as a single guided snorkeling stop. If you want lots of underwater time, you may prefer a longer snorkeling-focused day. But if you want a comfortable, beginner-friendly reef taste with beach relaxation, this price makes sense.
What to pack and how to avoid small annoyances
A few practical items make the day smoother. Bring:
- sunglasses and a sun hat
- swimwear
- a towel (helpful even if you’re on a boat day)
- sunscreen
Also note what’s not allowed: pets and luggage/large bags. Plan to travel light so you’re not juggling extra carry-ons around the marina.
Logistics can be the difference between a great day and a slightly annoying one. Some people reported pickup being late or having to wait before departure. That usually comes down to shared transport timing and marina flow. If you’re on a tight schedule, keep buffer time for the morning or afternoon pickup window.
Two more timing tips:
- Be ready at the lobby at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup. The exact time can be confirmed by email or WhatsApp the day before.
- If you book the option without transfer, you’ll need to arrive at the marina on time, or you risk missing the tour without a refund.
Who this tour is best for
This day trip is a strong fit if you want:
- an easy full-day outing from Hurghada
- a guided snorkeling experience without needing advanced skills
- beach time plus optional marine-life viewing from the semi-submarine
It’s also a good “group compromise” because Paradise and Hula Hula cover different tastes. Families often like the glass-bottom and the easier viewing options, and first-timers can feel calmer with guides running the snorkeling.
It’s less ideal if you:
- want multiple long snorkeling sessions at separate reef sites
- hate waiting around for a boat to leave
- have very specific mobility needs (the tour is marked wheelchair accessible, but it’s also noted as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so confirm with the operator before booking)
Should you book the Giftun Islands snorkeling and semi-submarine day?
I think you should book it if you want a straightforward, well-fed Red Sea day with guided snorkeling and an optional semi-submarine for extra marine views. The mix of activities is the reason this tour earns strong marks: beach time, lunch, guided snorkeling, plus the chance to see reefs without forcing every person into the water.
Book Paradise Island if you’re prioritizing calm beach time and you like buffet lunch comfort, plus the glass-bottom ride. Book Hula Hula if your group wants more energy, a short massage break, and included water sports.
Skip (or consider another option) if snorkeling is your only goal and you expect multiple reef sites or lots of time underwater. Also consider a different day plan if your schedule is fragile and you can’t handle the occasional waiting that can happen with shared transport.
If your plan is flexible and you want value, this is one of the easiest ways to experience the Giftun Islands from Hurghada.
FAQ
How long is the Hurghada Giftun Islands trip?
The duration is listed as 9 hours for the full-day experience.
Where is pickup offered for this tour?
Pickup is available from Hurghada and nearby resorts, including Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Al Ahyaa, Soma Bay, El Gouna, and Safaga.
Can I choose between Paradise Island and Hula Hula Island?
Yes. You can select a tour that visits either Paradise Island or Hula Hula Island, and the included extras differ.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes. The tour includes one guided snorkeling stop in the Red Sea, along with snorkeling equipment.
What snorkeling equipment do I get?
You get mask, fins, and a life jacket as part of the snorkeling inclusion.
Is the semi-submarine ride included?
The semi-submarine ride is optional. It’s included only if you select that option.
What meals and drinks are included?
Lunch and soft drinks are included. Paradise Island tours list an open buffet lunch, while Hula Hula tours include a set lunch.
Is there massage or water sports?
Massage is included on Hula Hula tours (a short massage session). Water sports like banana boat or sofa ride are included on Hula Hula tours.
What should I bring and wear?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
