Why Giftun Island Is a Must-Dive Location Near Hurghada
In the heart of the Red Sea, just a short boat ride from Hurghada’s shoreline, lies Giftun Island—a diver’s paradise known for its exceptional underwater beauty, rich biodiversity, and crystal-clear water. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, Giftun Island consistently delivers unforgettable experiences that showcase the very best of the Red Sea.
At Scubadore Hurghada, we visit Giftun Island regularly as part of our daily diving in Hurghada, and it’s easy to see why this site remains one of the most requested by our divers. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Giftun Island so special and why it deserves a spot on every diver’s must-dive list.
What Is Giftun Island?
Giftun Island is part of a protected marine park system and actually comprises two main islands: Big Giftun (Giftun Kebir) and Small Giftun (Giftun Sughayar). These islands are located southeast of Hurghada and are surrounded by some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the Red Sea.
The waters surrounding Giftun Island are ideal for diving and snorkeling, with multiple sites featuring colorful hard and soft corals, dramatic reef slopes, gorgonians, and abundant fish life. The area is accessible all year round, thanks to Hurghada’s stable weather and calm sea conditions.
1. Dive Site Variety Around Giftun Island
One of the biggest reasons Giftun Island is so popular among divers is the variety of dive sites available nearby. Depending on your certification level, weather conditions, and interests, there’s a perfect dive waiting for you.
Here are just a few of the dive sites we often visit around Giftun Island:
Small Giftun (Police Station)
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Known for: Sloping reef, gorgonians, schooling fish
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Conditions: Mild current, ideal for drift diving
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Marine life: Lionfish, anthias, barracuda, and turtles
This site offers a gentle but engaging drift along a reef wall bursting with life. It’s also a great place to practice buoyancy and photography due to its rich textures and dramatic seascape.
Giftun Drift
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Known for: Wide coral gardens and soft coral overhangs
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Conditions: Moderate current, ideal for intermediate divers
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Marine life: Surgeonfish, morays, napoleon wrasse, fusiliers
Drift dives around Giftun are perfect for relaxing while watching the reef come to life beneath you. The soft corals here are among the best in the region, creating a colorful and dreamy backdrop.
Erg Somaya
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Known for: Pinnacles, coral towers, and diverse marine life
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Conditions: Mild to moderate current
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Marine life: Giant morays, schools of snappers, groupers, and blue-spotted rays
This site offers a slightly more advanced profile but rewards divers with a thrilling layout and some of the most photogenic coral formations in the Hurghada area.
You can explore more of these locations on our Dive Sites of Hurghada page.
2. Marine Life Encounters
Giftun Island is a biodiversity hotspot. Its protected status and remote position from heavily trafficked shorelines make it a thriving ecosystem for hundreds of marine species.
Divers can expect to see:
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Parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish in abundance
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Moray eels tucked into reef crevices
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Blue-spotted stingrays cruising the sandy patches
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Clownfish dancing in anemones
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Napoleon wrasse and giant groupers
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The occasional green turtle or reef shark in deeper areas
Macro lovers can also enjoy spotting nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and cleaner shrimp among the corals. Curious about what else you might spot? Visit our Marine Life of Hurghada page for more details.
3. Perfect Conditions for All Levels
One of the reasons we love taking guests to Giftun Island is that the conditions are suitable for all experience levels.
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Beginners will appreciate the shallow coral gardens and calm currents
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Certified divers can enjoy gentle drift dives and moderate depths
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Advanced divers can explore deeper sections, pinnacles, and more exposed areas
Visibility often reaches 20–30 meters, making it easy to spot marine life and navigate the reef. The water temperature ranges from 22°C in winter to 29°C in summer, ensuring comfortable dives all year round.
This range of dive profiles makes Giftun Island an excellent location for those on our PADI courses, including Open Water and Advanced Open Water training. Learn more about our training options on the Learn to Dive page.
4. Easy Access from Hurghada
Unlike some Red Sea dive sites that require long boat rides or liveaboards, Giftun Island is just a short boat trip from the marina. This proximity allows us to visit the area comfortably during our daily 2-dive trips—no need for an overnight stay or extended travel.
Our boats offer a relaxed and comfortable ride, complete with sun decks, refreshments, and onboard lunch, making the entire day enjoyable both above and below the surface. Check out our current pricing for day trips and packages that include Giftun Island dives.
5. Photography Opportunities Galore
With its coral-encrusted slopes, vibrant fish life, and excellent visibility, Giftun Island is a favorite for underwater photographers.
Whether you’re a GoPro enthusiast or a DSLR expert, this area provides:
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Bright ambient light for vivid colors
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Close-up macro subjects like nudibranchs, lionfish, and gobies
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Wide-angle opportunities around coral towers and schooling fish
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Perfect backdrop conditions with little sediment and gentle movement
If you’re interested in capturing your dive memories, we also offer underwater photo sessions and camera rentals. Just ask our staff about options during booking.
Final Thoughts
Giftun Island is more than just a dive site—it’s a showcase of the Red Sea’s natural beauty. From accessible drift dives and colorful corals to abundant marine life and short travel times, it’s no wonder this location continues to be a favorite among both local guides and visiting divers.
At Scubadore Hurghada, we’re proud to share the magic of Giftun Island with divers from around the world. Whether you’re diving it for the first time or returning to a beloved reef, every dive here offers something new.
Explore it for yourself on one of our upcoming trips—reach out through our contact page or visit our pricing page to plan your Red Sea diving adventure today.
