Sunshine meets coral reefs.

This full-day Giftun Island cruise is built for easy hotel pickup and a smooth day on the water, with two snorkeling stops plus a seafood lunch on board. The big draw is that the island’s national-park scenery is seen from the sea first, then you get beach time at Hula Hula Island. One thing to plan around: the Red Sea needs good weather, and the national park fee is extra if you don’t bring cash.

I also like the simple, practical “do it all” flow: snorkel with a guide and gear included, eat without hunting for restaurants, then cool off with water sports like banana boating. You’ll spend about a third of the day on land (up to 2 hours), so it works best if you want the beach and reef without turning the day into a long logistical puzzle.

Giftun Island VIP: key things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle keeps the day low-stress from the start.
• Snorkeling gear, a life jacket, and a snorkeling guide remove the guesswork.
• Two different Red Sea snorkeling sites means you’re not stuck with just one reef.
• Seafood lunch on board plus soda/pop and water keeps the day fueled.
• Banana and sofa water sports add a fun, active break between swims.
• National Park fee is separate (5€ cash per person), so budget a little extra.

Giftun Island and Hula Hula Island: the Red Sea day you can actually plan

Giftun Island sits just offshore from Hurghada, and it’s famous for that classic Red Sea combo: white sand, shallow saltwater, and coral packed enough to make snorkeling worth your effort. This cruise focuses less on long, boring transfers and more on being on the water when the scenery matters—big island views, then reef time, then a change of pace at Hula Hula.

The highlight for most people is the structure. You’re not waiting all day for one swim. Instead, you get two separate snorkeling opportunities, each with its own stop, so you’re more likely to see fish and coral even if one spot is less forgiving than another. Then you get up to 2 hours on Hula Hula Island—enough time to relax on the sand and enjoy the clear water without feeling rushed in the chaos of a half-day excursion.

There’s also a “VIP” angle, but what that really means here is practical: you’re scheduled for a full day (about 8 hours), you get included snorkeling support, and your hotel transfer is handled by an operator using air-conditioned transport.

The 8-hour timeline: how the day fits together

Start time is 8:00 am, and the total trip is about 8 hours. That’s a big block, but it’s the right size for a day that includes both open-water sailing and island time. The best way to think about the schedule is as three parts:

First, you’re on the boat moving around Giftun Island and heading to snorkeling areas. This is when you usually get the most “wow” views—white sand and reefy coastline looking different from every angle.

Second, you’re in the water. Since there are two snorkeling sites, the day’s rhythm becomes: brief boat move, gear on, snorkel with help, then back on board for the next leg.

Third, you switch to island mode at Hula Hula. You get up to 2 hours there, and that’s ideal if your main goal is beach time plus photo opportunities, not a full hiking or exploration day.

If you’re the type who hates rushing, the main thing to watch is that island time is limited by design. It’s a sea-and-reef cruise, not a stay-all-afternoon beach program.

Hotel pickup and the ride to the harbor in air-conditioned comfort

This trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off by an air-conditioned vehicle. That matters more than it sounds in Hurghada, where heat and traffic can turn a simple morning into a slow burn.

You’ll likely feel the benefit immediately: less time figuring out where to meet, and fewer steps before you’re actually on the water. The day also includes transfer handling as part of the overall service, which keeps you from juggling separate tickets just to get to the boat.

One extra consideration: transfers from some nearby areas are not included and cost 10€ per person paid in cash on the spot (including El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh). If you’re staying outside central Hurghada, ask how your pickup is planned so you’re not surprised when you arrive.

Also, this is listed as a private tour/activity—meaning only your group participates—so the pace is more controlled than a large shared group with strangers everywhere.

The snorkeling setup: two sites, a guide, and gear that’s part of the package

Snorkeling is the core of this experience, and the operator includes a lot of what usually turns snorkeling into a hassle. You get snorkeling equipment and life jackets, and you’ll snorkel with a snorkeling guide.

That guide component matters. Even if you’re a confident swimmer, coral areas can be tricky to navigate—timing, where to look, and how to handle currents or entry/exit points. A guide helps you make the most of each stop without wasting time figuring everything out.

You’ll hit two different snorkeling sites during the cruise. That’s a smart design choice: coral doesn’t always behave the same way day to day, and visibility can shift depending on wind and water movement. Two chances improves your odds of seeing fish and coral you’ll actually remember.

For first-timers: wear your swimwear under your clothes if you can, because you’ll want to be ready fast when it’s time to get in. And if you’re prone to motion sickness, take it easy during boat turns and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Hula Hula Island: up to two hours of sand, sea, and simple freedom

After the sailing and snorkeling, you get a chunk of beach time at Hula Hula Island. You’ll have up to 2 hours on the island, which is a good balance for most people. It’s long enough to relax, take photos, wade into the shallows, and enjoy the island’s clear water.

The value here is that Hula Hula is part of the same day. You’re not trading snorkeling for a beach without marine life. You’re getting both, and the shift from water to sand gives your body a breather—especially if you snorkel twice.

A realistic expectation: two hours sounds roomy until you’re on a beach in the sun with people finding their best spot. Plan to use that time intentionally. If you want the best water views, aim to go early in your island window. If you prefer laid-back time on the sand, go more slowly and prioritize comfort over trying to see everything.

Seafood lunch on board plus banana and sofa water sports

Lunch is served on board, and it’s a buffet-style seafood lunch with soda/pop and water included. The biggest benefit of this setup is convenience. You’re already on a boat, so you don’t need to hunt for food or wait for a late stop in town. It also helps keep your energy steady for the snorkeling and beach segments.

Food at sea can be hit or miss on some tours, but the inclusion of a full lunch with drinks matters for a full-day pace. You’re not just getting a snack; you’re getting a proper meal so you can enjoy the rest of the day instead of counting minutes until the next drink or restaurant.

Then come the fun breaks: the tour includes water sports (Banana and Sofa). These are inflatable tow-style activities. You’ll get the thrill of a fast ride behind the boat and the kind of laughter that usually makes photos look better than they did on land.

Practical note: if you don’t like fast rides or being splashed, you can still enjoy the day by focusing on beach time and snorkeling breaks. The cruise schedule is built around multiple water moments, so there are options even if you skip one sport.

Price, the national park fee, and what really affects value

The price is listed at $26.00 per person, which is very reasonable for a full-day sea trip. But there are two costs to keep straight so the final number makes sense:

1) National Park fee: 5€ per person, paid in cash on the spot.

2) Extra transfers: 10€ per person if you’re picked up from areas like El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh.

When you look at value, the real question is what you’re paying for. You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off, an 8-hour boat trip, two snorkeling stops with gear and life jackets, a guide, lunch with drinks, plus the included water sports. For many travelers, the snorkeling support and included equipment are what make the price feel fair, because you’re not renting gear or managing safety details separately.

One more detail: most people book around 19 days in advance on average. That doesn’t mean it will sell out instantly, but it does suggest it’s a popular, well-liked option. If your dates are tight, booking earlier is a smart move.

Who this VIP Giftun Island cruise is best for

This is a strong fit for you if:

• You want a single, organized day that mixes snorkeling, sea views, and beach time.
• You prefer a tour where snorkeling gear and a guide are included, especially if you’re not traveling with your own equipment.
• You like the idea of a controlled group setup since it’s listed as private for your group.
• You want a good-value day trip rather than paying for multiple separate activities.

It may be less ideal if:

• You dislike being out for a long day (about 8 hours total).
• You don’t want to handle the cash national park fee when you arrive.
• You’re very sensitive to sea conditions, since the experience notes that good weather is required.

Should you book this Giftun Island VIP sea trip?

If your goal is simple: see Giftun Island from the water, snorkel with support, eat onboard, and spend a short time at Hula Hula beach—this booking makes a lot of sense. The value comes from the bundled snorkeling basics (gear, life jackets, guide) and the fact that lunch and transfers are already handled.

I’d book it if you’re comfortable paying the 5€ park fee in cash and you’re okay with the island time being up to 2 hours. I’d think twice if you’re hoping for a long unstructured beach day or you’re worried about weather affecting water activities.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long do I spend on Hula Hula Island?

You get up to 2 hours on Hula Hula Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included, and a snorkeling guide accompanies the activity.

Is lunch included, and what’s it like?

Lunch is included on board, along with soda/pop and water.

Do I have to pay a national park fee?

Yes. A national park fee of 5€ per person is payable in cash on the spot.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

You Might Also Enjoy

TOP VIP private tour Giza pyramids,camel ride,lunch & feluccaVIP Private Hostess Club Tokyo Night Life Karaoke with GirlsColosseum Underground Night Tour: VIP ExperienceFunchal Private 4-Seater VIP Mercedes / 8-Seater Minibus