Divers swimming over a colourful coral garden at the Giftun Islands in the Red Sea

Featured site

Giftun-szigetek

A national park island pair with a dozen dive sites: coral gardens, turtles and perhaps the richest fish life in the area.

Book a dive here

Depth

5–25 m

Visibility

15–30 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Level

OWD and up

Boat ride

~45 min by boat

Area

Giftun National Park

Quick answer:The national park reefs of the Giftun Islands lie about 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada, with OWD-friendly profiles of 5–25 m. The coral gardens of Hamda, Banana Reef and Erg Somaya host turtles, napoleon wrasse, emperor angelfish and huge schools of fish. It is also one of the best full-day trips for snorkelers.

Dive profile

Giftun-szigetek

Your level

Reef

5–25 m

Your dive

18 m

Level needed

Open Water Diver

The Giftun Islands – big Giftun Kebir and smaller Giftun Soraya – rise from turquoise water just off Hurghada, only about 45 minutes by boat. The islands and their surrounding reefs have been part of a national park since 1995, which is why the corals here are strikingly healthy and the fish life is perhaps the richest in the whole area.

One name actually hides a dozen dive sites: the gentle coral garden of Hamda, the curved reef of Banana Reef and the coral towers of Erg Somaya each show a different face of the park. Profiles range from 5 to 25 metres, so even freshly certified divers can explore in comfort – escorted by clouds of anthias, emperor angelfish, parrotfish and clownfish anemones.

Green sea turtles graze regularly on the coral plateaus, and every now and then a stately napoleon wrasse cruises past the group. Between dives we anchor in a sheltered bay where the snorkeling is world class – no wonder Giftun is the first and favourite Red Sea experience of most of our guests.

What makes Giftun-szigetek special?

As a national park, the Giftun reefs hold Hurghada's healthiest corals – and you can dive several completely different sites in a single day.

Highlights

Hamda, Banana Reef, Erg Somaya – several sites in one day
Healthy, protected coral gardens in the national park
Green sea turtles on the coral plateaus
World-class snorkeling in sheltered bays

Frequently asked questions

Most Giftun sites run 5–25 metres with mild to moderate currents, so you can dive them comfortably with an Open Water certification. Our guides always pick sites to match the group's experience.

Healthy coral gardens with clouds of anthias, emperor angelfish and parrotfish, clownfish anemones, green turtles grazing on the plateaus, and a good chance of napoleon wrasse. Fish density here is the highest around Hurghada.

Yes, very much so: the reef tops sit at 1–3 metres and the sheltered bays stay calm. Snorkeling companions are welcome on our daily dive boat.

Yes, a daily permit is required for the Giftun National Park area – we arrange it before departure; you only need to confirm your spot when booking.