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Giftun Island

Discover the enchanting beauty of Giftun Island, a paradise in the Red Sea renowned for its rich marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse wildlife. Experience the perfect holiday with exciting activities like diving and snorkeling, and explore the island's historical significance as a protected area.

Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal

Summary

  • Giftun Island, located across the waters of the Red Sea, is renowned for its tropical beauty and rich underwater marine life. The island offers a magical experience with its enchanting coral reefs, rare fishes, and diverse marine species living in harmony.
  • Declared a protected area in 1995, Giftun Island has a rich history due to its economic and tourist importance. It has been a tourist attraction since the mid-90s, known for its high biodiversity and distinctive coral reefs.
  • Situated 11 km east of Hurghada Coast, Giftun Island is part of the Red Sea marine reserve. It features a subtropical desert climate with mild winters and hot summers, making it an ideal destination year-round.
  • Giftun Island offers a variety of activities, including diving and snorkeling, with 14 of the best diving spots in the Red Sea. The island attracts tourists with its colorful fish, coral reefs, and birdlife, contributing significantly to the Red Sea Governorate's tourism.
  • As a natural reserve, Giftun Island is crucial for wildlife conservation, home to endangered species like the Kittiwake and specific eagles. Its beaches are habitats for rare turtles, and it plays a vital role in preserving the biodiversity of the Red Sea's coral reef population.

A piece of paradise is located across the waters of the Red Sea, where you can witness the natural miracles of Egypt floating in front of your eyes, showcasing the enchanting vision of tropical beauty, especially under the water levels where the finest examples of underwater marine life can be located living in total harmony and magic.

Giftun Island is a magical location filled with wonder below and above the surface where the vacation of a lifetime is lived. Discover everything about Giftun Island and read more about how to enjoy your perfect holiday there.

History of Giftun Island

History of Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal
History of Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal

The history of the legendary Giftun island became a reality when it was declared a protected area in 1995 because of its importance both in the economic and tourist manner. From that point on, with the high biodiversity of marine and wildlife, the island became a tourist attraction & one of the best places to visit in Hurghada. The place has always been a source of interest for ages because of its appendance of distinctive coral reefs and rare fishes.

The Island offered the key to living an entertaining and enriching quest through the many riches of the Red Sea since the mid-90s. Since then, it has transformed into the finest location that provides entertaining diving and snorkeling trips from all over the world, which would explain why it was given the name Paradise Island.

Location of Giftun Island

This paradise island is located east of Hurghada where you can enjoy the finest collection of aquatic activities. It is found exactly 11 km east of Hurghada Coast where it is the only Island of 39 Islands which is authorized to conduct thrilling marine activities of all kinds. The Island is accessible through Hurghada as it is part of the Red Sea marine reserve.

The Climate of Giftun Island

Climate of Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal
Climate of Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal

Giftun Island has a subtropical desert climate, with mild-warm winters and hot summers, which makes any month the right month to visit. The tropical sunny Giftun Island experiences hot temperatures throughout the year, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40 °C (104 °F). Winters are milder but still warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F).

The climate of the island has always been viewed as totally excellent for all travelers who wish to enjoy an aquatic adventure under the most relaxing skies and atmosphere. It is essential to stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and take precautions against the strong sun.

Geography of Giftun Island

Geography of Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal
Geography of Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal

Giftun Island is made of two separate islands which are known to be Big Giftun and Small Giftun. They were formed through cracking operations, resulting in Grand Giftun being the largest island in the Giftun Group, with an area of 18 km2. Small Giftun, covering 3 km2 in the southeast of Grand Giftun, features an 8 km coastline that widens towards the south.

These islands are renowned for their rare geological compositions, rock intensity, and exceptional biodiversity. Giftun Island is the first natural reserve in the Red Sea and is home to various marine wonders. Famous reef spots nearby include Sha’ab Sabrina, Banana Reef, Erg Somaya, and Sha’ab Torfa.

Activities to do Giftun Island

Activities to do Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal
Activities to do Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal

There are a number of incredible natural attractions and an entertaining number of aquatic activities like diving and snorkeling as Giftun Island possesses some of the most entertaining aquatic spots across the red sea as it is surrounded by 14 of the best diving spots which represent about 31% of the diving centers in Hurghada.

It is also surrounded by a number of small islands, which are part of the larger archipelago known as El Gifton El Kabeer, El Gifton El Sagheer, and Abu Monqar Island. Giftun Island is known for its unique geological composition and rock intensity, which showcases that it dates back to about more than 33 million years ago, which makes it one amazing super safari. The most visited places on Giftun Island include Mahmya Beach and Orange Beach, where the true marine beauty and rich biodiversity of the Red Sea are highlighted to the fullest.

Tourism in Giftun Island

Tourism in Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal
Tourism in Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal

It is famous for its colorful fish, phenomenal coral reefs, and phenomenal birdlife. It contains more than 196 species of solid coral reefs that represent about 80% of the biodiversity of the entire Red Sea coral reef population and more than 794 species of coral reef fish, which stands for about 65% of the biodiversity of the underwater population.

Two species of birds affected by extinction are found on Gifton Island: the kittiwake and the eagles. Gifton Island attracts about 187,512 tourists annually that represents about 12% of Red Sea Governorate visitors.

Marine and Wildlife in Giftun Island

Marine and Wildlife in Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal
Marine and Wildlife in Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal

It contains more than 196 species of solid coral reefs that represent about 80% of the biodiversity of the entire Red Sea coral reef population and more than 794 species of coral reef fish, which stands for about 65% of the biodiversity of the underwater population. Two species of birds affected by extinction are found on Gifton Island: the kittiwake and the eagles.

Giftun Island is crucial for wildlife conservation, being a habitat for endangered species like the Kittiwake and a specific eagle. The island's beaches are home to rare turtles, contributing to its significance as a natural reserve. Giftun Island is a vital habitat for seagulls, with historical statistics suggesting that about 50% of the world's seagulls once inhabited the island.

Diving Locations in Giftun Island

Diving Locations in Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal
Diving Locations in Giftun Island - Egypt Tours Portal

The southern region of Giftun Island contains a magical plateau with an elevation ranging from 15 to 25 meters that transitions into an expansive shelf and forms an imposing underwater wall. Mooring points are situated on the southern side, which guides divers in entering the water adjacent to a vertical wall, where they can follow the current in a southward direction. Although the mooring system facilitates access to the plateau, drifting is the preferred and natural choice. The steep eastern wall plunges to significant depths that showcase a rugged profile adorned with captivating caves, some reaching considerable depths.

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The primary reef takes a slight westward curve, which creates a zigzag pattern, and it has an impressive tunnel that is approximately 15 meters deep. The plateau itself hosts a partially covered coral garden that leads to shallower sections of the wall. The presence of longnose hawkfish, turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and cruising moray eels, plus Pelagic species such as barracuda and tuna, patrol the site, which enhances the underwater experience to the most epic levels.

Giftun Island Hotels

Giftun Island Hotels - Egypt Tours Portal
Giftun Island Hotels - Egypt Tours Portal

Giftun Azur Beach Resort is an epic hotel that holds casual rooms with garden or sea views in a breezy beachfront property with seven eateries & 7 bars. The Boutique Hotel is a true relaxing wonder located directly beside the marina, featuring 2 restaurants, plus an outdoor pool & a private beach. Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort is a blessed upscale quarter in a chic beachfront hotel with eight restaurants, an outdoor pool & a diving center.

Sand Beach Resort is an all-inclusive beachfront hotel that offers buffet dining & 3 bars, plus two outdoor pools & a spa. Sunrise Holidays Resort will be a marvelous place to relax on the majestic shores of the Red Sea, where a sense of pure relaxation awaits.

Giftun Island Snorkeling

Giftun Island Snorkeling - Egypt Tours Portal
Giftun Island Snorkeling - Egypt Tours Portal

Snorkeling on Giftun Island offers the chance to witness the most magical collection of vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in the clear and warm waters of the Red Sea. All travelers will examine a whole new world filled with a majestic marine existence that holds a number of the most enchanting creatures who created an environment worthy of exploring through snorkeling.

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Everyone will enjoy the rare chance to explore a vivid group of epic marine treasures that include shallow & deep reefs teeming with colorful fish, coral formations, mangrove forests, sea turtles, rays, and even dolphins. All the snorkeling spots of Orange Bay, Abu Hashish, Mangrove Bay, and Erg Soma Bay. Everyone will explore the most magnificent aquatic ecosystem in existence while creating some of the most incredible memories.

Book Your Visit to Giftun Island

The vacation of a lifetime lies across Paradise Island, just one click away, where you can witness the essence of tropical beauty and explore the underwater marine treasure located at the bottom of the Red Sea. Book your holiday to Gifton Island and enjoy tranquility and peace of mind. Also, check out our tailor-made Egypt private tours to combine everything in Egypt, from the beauty of the Red Sea to the historical attractions in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Get From Hurghada to Giftun Island?

It takes about 45 minutes to reach from Hurghada to Giftun Island by boat as there are no direct roads linking both of these magical places.

How Do I Get to Giftun Island?

Giftun Island is not accessible by plane and can only be reached by boat. Most commonly, tourists access the island through day trips organized by hotels or local tour operators in Hurghada, which is the nearest mainland town.

Are There Any Amenities on Giftun Island?

Giftun Island is a relatively undeveloped destination. Some day trips might include access to basic amenities on the beach, like beach umbrellas, loungers, and restrooms. However, there are no permanent hotels, restaurants, or shops on the island itself.

What Are the Finest Destinations to Visit in Egypt?

The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.

What Are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.

What Is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food?

Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.

What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Why Book With "Egypt Tours Portal"?

We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.

Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?

You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.

What to Wear While in Egypt?

Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.

What are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?

The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.

What are Egypt Festival and Public Holidays?

There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.

What are Special Advice for Foreign Women in Egypt?

Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.

What are the Official Languages of Egypt?

Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.

What is the Transportation in Egypt?

The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What are the Reasons That Make You Visit Egypt?

It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.

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