Mahmya Island, a beach stop on the southern side of the Giftun Islands protected area, is one of the most booked boat days out of Hurghada. This page covers the logistics: how you reach it, what departure and return look like, what operators typically include and what to expect on the day. For other reef and island options, see our Hurghada day trips guide and the best tours in Hurghada.
Getting There: The Boat from Hurghada
There is no road or public ferry to Mahmya. The only way is a day boat. Most boats depart from Hurghada marina or the main port, with hotel pickup arranged by the operator from resort strips including Sheraton Road, Sakkala and El Gouna. Departures are typically 08:30-09:30, with a sailing time of around 1 to 2 hours each way depending on the vessel. Total day length is 7 to 8 hours, and return to the marina is generally mid to late afternoon.
Boats usually anchor offshore at moorings in the reserve and visitors move to the beach or reef by tender or by swimming, so those who are less confident in water should ask about life jackets and tender transfers.
What the Trip Includes
Operator listings vary, so check each one, but a typical day includes:
- Return hotel transfers and the boat crossing
- Two snorkelling stops or a snorkelling stop plus beach time at Mahmya
- Lunch on board or ashore (buffet or set menu)
- Soft drinks and water; sometimes snorkel gear, sometimes charged extra
- Reserve entry fees on some tours, but not all
Mahmya sits within the Giftun protected area (background on Egyptβs protected areas is on the EEAA site). Rules apply on the reef: do not touch or stand on coral, and do not remove shells or marine life.
Prices (as of 2026)
Listings from operators range from approximately USD 70 to USD 190 per person, with the cheapest typically departing from the port on shared boats and higher prices covering hotel pickup, smaller groups or private tours. Local-currency pricing for a shared Giftun-type day runs approximately EGP 500-800 per person, while a private speedboat for up to 8 people is approximately EGP 4,000-7,000. Prices differ by season and by currency, so compare what is actually included. Book a Mahmya Island trip or see our Hurghada snorkelling guide for reef-by-reef detail.
Best Time to Go
- March to November: calmest seas and best visibility. Summer brings strong sun and 35 degrees Celsius or more on deck, so shade and water matter.
- December to February: water around 22-23 degrees Celsius and more wind, with a higher chance of cancelled departures. A wetsuit top helps.
- Morning light gives better underwater visibility; early departures also reach the island before the busiest boats.
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest
- Towel, hat and sunglasses
- Small cash in EGP or USD for tips, drinks and any island extras
- Reusable water bottle; plastic bottles are restricted in the reserve, so check what the operator permits
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness
Choosing an Operator
- Ask for the total price including reserve fees and snorkel gear.
- Check group size. Boats carrying very large groups make the reef busy.
- Check life jackets and the crewβs snorkelling supervision.
- Compare desk prices with Marina operators. Hotel desks often add a 20-40% mark-up.
If you want a Red Sea beach day without the sailing, our Hurghada beaches guide lists options, and our Hurghada city guide explains areas to stay. Booking a few nights in the resort? Search hotels in Hurghada on Booking.com. If you also plan a temple day, see Hurghada to Luxor.
Plan Your Trip
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