Mahmya & Giftun Island Review 2025: A Hurghada Day Trip?

So, you see these pictures of a beach that looks like it’s been pulled from a postcard. I mean, the sand is a pure, soft white and the water is this amazing color, you know, somewhere between light blue and green. Basically, that’s the dream of Mahmya Island, a special part of Giftun Island National Park near Hurghada. We heard a lot about it being a sort of premium day-trip, a little step up from the other boat trips. Honestly, we were curious to see if it lived up to all the talk for 2025. It is, after all, promoted as a protected area with an eco-tourism focus, which really sounds good. So, the question is, at the end of the day, does it actually give you that ‘away from it all’ feeling?

The Boat Ride Out to Sea

Okay, the morning started with a pick-up from our hotel, which was honestly pretty convenient. The boat we were on was, you know, a double-decker kind of thing, not too crowded which was a really nice surprise. Anyway, as we pulled away from the marina in Hurghada, the color of the Red Sea just started to shift. It goes from a standard deep blue to this incredibly clear turquoise, and honestly, you can see right down to the bottom in places. The crew, by the way, was very friendly, handing out drinks and just making everyone feel relaxed. The trip to the island itself takes about an hour, and frankly, it feels like part of the main event. You can just sit on the top deck, feel the sun and the breeze, and pretty much watch the desert shoreline fade away. It’s actually a very good way to kind of reset your mind before you even get to the beach.

First Look at Mahmya: Paradise Found?

As a matter of fact, when Mahmya first comes into view, it’s a pretty stunning sight. We had to transfer from our larger boat to a smaller shuttle boat to get to the shore, apparently to protect the coral reefs around the island. The beach is, like, a sweep of super fine, almost white sand. Right there you see all these thatched umbrellas and beanbags scattered around, which sort of gives it a chilled-out, natural atmosphere. It is, to be honest, a very well-organized place. You get shown to your spot, and there’s a definite feeling that you are a guest in a well-managed beach club rather than a castaway on a deserted island. The water is, of course, the main attraction. It’s incredibly calm and shallow for quite a way out, you know, which makes it perfect for just wading and cooling off. The vibe is, more or less, relaxed and quiet; there isn’t any loud music blasting, which is something we really appreciated.

What’s on the Agenda: Sun, Sea, and Snorkeling

Basically, a big part of the day’s plan is a guided snorkeling trip. We boarded a separate boat that took us a short way from the main beach to some well-known coral formations. They provide you with all the gear—masks, snorkels, and fins—and it was actually in pretty good condition. Once you put your face in the water, you know, it’s a completely different universe. There were, like, so many brightly colored fish just swimming around you without a care. The coral, on the other hand, was a mix; some areas were very vibrant with purples and reds, while others, honestly, looked a little bit faded, which is a reminder of how fragile these places are. Still, a guide was in the water with the group, pointing things out, which was pretty helpful for people who are new to it. After about 45 minutes of snorkeling, we headed back to the main Mahmya beach for the rest of the afternoon, feeling really refreshed. You can just spend the rest of the time relaxing on the sun loungers, maybe take a little walk along the shoreline, or just swim in the unbelievably clear sea.

Let’s Talk About the Food and Refreshments

Lunch is, you know, included in the price, and it’s served in an open-air restaurant area set back from the main beach. Honestly, we were expecting a very basic kind of meal, but it was a fairly impressive buffet spread. They had a bunch of different salads, grilled chicken and fish, some Egyptian specialties like kofta, plus pasta and rice. For example, the grilled fish was very fresh, and the variety of fresh vegetable salads was a really welcome touch. So, drinks are also part of the package at the restaurant during lunchtime. The setup is sort of rustic but comfortable, with big wooden tables under a thatched roof that keeps you out of the midday sun. It definitely adds to the premium feel of the day; you’re not just eating a sandwich out of a box. At the end of the day, it’s a very solid and tasty meal that keeps your energy up for the rest of your time on the island.

The Verdict: Is Mahmya Worth the Trip in 2025?

So, we need to think about who this trip is really for. If you’re looking for a completely untouched, deserted island experience, this, frankly, might not be it. Mahmya is a very popular, well-run tourist destination. On the other hand, if you are looking for a beautiful, clean, and extremely relaxing day away from the busy parts of Hurghada, then it is absolutely a great choice. You pay a bit more than you would for some other boat trips, that’s for sure. But, for that price you get, like, a more comfortable boat, a less crowded beach, really good facilities, and a decent lunch. Basically, it’s perfect for couples or families who just want a straightforward and peaceful beach day with some lovely snorkeling thrown in. It really does feel like a little slice of the Maldives, just, you know, a bit closer to home. We thought it was a very special day out and a memory that was definitely worth making.

Honestly, the best part was just how quiet it felt compared to the main beaches in Hurghada. You could actually just lie back, close your eyes, and listen to the sound of the small waves. It’s that kind of peace you are really paying for.

• Takeaway One: The boat journey is, actually, a really enjoyable part of the overall experience.
• Takeaway Two: Mahmya is, in a way, more of a high-quality beach club than a wild, natural island.
• Takeaway Three: The included snorkeling trip, you know, takes you to some very nice coral spots.
• Takeaway Four: The buffet lunch is, as a matter of fact, very good and offers a lot of variety.
• Takeaway Five: It’s, pretty much, ideal for travelers who want a guaranteed relaxing and comfortable day out.

Read our full review: [Mahmya and Giftun Island Review 2025 Full Review and Details]

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