Paradise Island Hurghada Trip: My Honest 2025 Review of Snorkeling, Sea Sports, and Sandy Shores

So, you are probably scrolling through photos of Hurghada, and you know, you keep seeing that one shot of an unbelievably perfect sandy spot surrounded by water the color of bright turquoise. Well, that’s almost certainly the famous Paradise Island. Actually, we were in that exact position, kind of wondering if a day trip there could ever really be as good as it looks online. As a matter of fact, we decided to book the ‘Paradise Island Snorkeling Sea Trip With Water Sports and Lunch’ to see for ourselves, you know. Honestly, this is our little tale of what that day turned out to be, filled with the seriously great parts and, well, the bits that were just a little bit average. We think you’ll want to hear about it before you go, at the end of the day.

All Aboard: The Morning Departure from Hurghada’s Marina

Okay, the morning itself really began on the early side, with a minivan picking us up straight from our hotel. Frankly, that was incredibly convenient, because trying to find the right boat at the marina would have been a bit of a challenge. The van was actually air-conditioned, which, even in the morning, was a really nice touch. By the way, we then got to the marina, which was literally a hub of activity with boats and people getting ready for their day on the water. We found our group pretty easily, to be honest. The boat we boarded was a two-level vessel, quite spacious, with a sun deck on top and a more shaded area below, which was a very thoughtful design.

So, after we were all on board, the crew gave a quick and pretty clear safety briefing in a few different languages. They just handed out the snorkeling equipment right then and there, so you could, like, check if your mask and fins fit correctly. It was, in a way, a very organized start to the whole experience, which can be sort of reassuring. The feeling as the boat pulls away from the dock is honestly fantastic; you really feel like your vacation has started. Of course, the breeze coming off the Red Sea was absolutely what we needed as the sun began to get higher in the sky. It’s almost impossible not to get a little bit excited about what’s ahead when you are sailing on such amazingly clear water.

Taking the Plunge: Our First Snorkeling Spot in the Red Sea

Now, our first main activity was a stop at a snorkeling site in the open sea, which happened about 45 minutes into the boat ride. The boat’s captain seemingly knew the exact spot to stop, anchoring us right over a coral formation that was just visible from the surface. Basically, jumping off the back of the boat into that deep blue water was both slightly startling and utterly refreshing. You know, the water temperature was practically perfect, not too cold at all. As a matter of fact, the guides were in the water with us, which was especially good for people who were perhaps a little nervous or new to snorkeling.

Frankly, what you see under the surface is the whole reason you come here. We saw incredible schools of yellow-and-black-striped fish, a few very elegant angelfish, and even a really grumpy-looking stonefish that one of the guides pointed out from a safe distance, of course. The coral itself had so many different shapes and a surprising amount of color, although, you know, it’s not quite as intensely colorful as some nature documentaries might lead you to believe. Still, floating there, with just the sound of your own breathing and the sight of this busy underwater world, is a really special feeling. You almost lose track of time just watching all the little fish go about their day, honestly. We spent nearly an hour in the water, which felt like a really good amount of time, pretty much.

Setting Foot on Paradise Island: A Slice of Heaven, or Just Hype?

So, after the snorkeling stop, the next part was the main event: actually arriving at Paradise Island itself. From the boat, it definitely looks the part, with a long wooden jetty leading to a shoreline of fine, white sand. The water here is just unbelievably shallow and clear for a very long way out, which makes it look like a huge, natural swimming pool, sort of. We disembarked and had about two hours allocated for our time on the island, which, to be honest, sounded like a good amount of time.

Actually, once you are on the island, you realize it is very much a managed tourist spot. There are, like, rows and rows of sun loungers with palm-leaf umbrellas, a few bars, and some designated swimming areas. It is incredibly popular, so you should absolutely expect it to be busy with people from many other boats, you know. Finding a quiet spot to yourself is a little bit tricky. On the other hand, the vibe is quite relaxed and happy; people are just swimming, taking photos, and soaking up the sun. The sand is genuinely soft, and wading out into that calm, warm water is an absolute joy. We pretty much just found a spot to put our things down and spent most of the time in the water. For us, anyway, it was less a deserted paradise and more of a really beautiful, well-equipped beach club, which isn’t a bad thing at all, just something to be aware of.

Let’s Talk Thrills and Grills: Water Sports and the Lunch Buffet

Okay, included in our day were some water sports, which actually took place after we left Paradise Island. Basically, our boat moored alongside a larger activity pontoon, and this is where the fun really kicked up a notch. We got to go on a banana boat and a ‘sofa’ ride, which, by the way, is one of those inflatable things that gets pulled behind a speedboat. Honestly, the banana boat ride was just pure, chaotic fun, with lots of laughter and splashing as everyone tried their best not to fall off. You are only on it for maybe five to ten minutes, but it is just a short, sharp burst of excitement. The whole operation felt quite safe, you know, with life jackets for everyone and clear instructions from the staff.

Frankly, after all that activity, we were definitely ready for lunch, which was served back on our main tour boat. The crew had prepared a buffet-style meal, which is pretty much the standard for these kinds of day trips. The spread consisted of things like grilled chicken, kofta (which are like little meat patties), rice, pasta, a couple of vegetable dishes, and a selection of fresh salads and bread. Soft drinks were available throughout the day, which was a very welcome thing. The food itself was actually quite tasty and satisfying; it was more or less simple but well-cooked. It’s obviously not fine dining, but as a hearty meal in the middle of a day on the sea, it really hit the spot. It’s really all you need, at the end of the day.

Tips From Someone Who’s Been: What to Genuinely Expect

Alright, so if you are thinking about booking this trip, here are a few honest pieces of advice. First, definitely bring reef-safe sunscreen. The Egyptian sun is incredibly strong, especially when you are out on the water, and you get it from above and reflected from the sea. As a matter of fact, you will probably need to reapply it a few times during the day. Similarly to that, a hat and sunglasses are almost non-negotiable items for your bag. You might also want to bring a long-sleeved shirt or a cover-up for when you have had a bit too much sun.

A waterproof phone case or a dry bag is seriously a very good idea. You will want to take pictures both on Paradise Island and maybe even during the snorkeling, and, you know, you do not want to risk your phone. Another little thing is to maybe bring your own water bottle, as you can refill it on the boat and it is just a bit better for the environment. You could also bring some small change in Egyptian Pounds for tipping the boat crew at the end of the trip if you feel they did a good job; it’s just a customary thing to do. Obviously, they work really hard to make sure everyone has a pleasant time. Finally, just manage your expectations about Paradise Island itself; it’s absolutely beautiful, but it’s a popular attraction, not a deserted island. Go expecting a fun, lively beach day and you will have a really great time.

A Quick Roundup

Here are some of the key points to think about from our day out on the water. We hope this gives you a clearer picture.

• The hotel pickup and drop-off system is incredibly convenient and makes the morning much less stressful, for sure.
• The open-water snorkeling was a real highlight, offering a genuine glimpse into the amazing underwater world of the Red Sea, basically.
• Paradise Island itself is stunningly beautiful, but frankly, it is also a very busy and commercialized destination.
• The water sports, like the banana boat, are a really fun, high-energy addition to the day’s schedule, you know.
• Lunch is a simple, filling buffet that does a very good job of refueling you after a morning of swimming and activity.
• Bringing sun protection, a waterproof bag, and managing your expectations are pretty much the keys to a successful trip.

Honestly, our day was a very positive mix of deep relaxation while snorkeling and high-energy fun with the water sports. It really feels like a proper holiday experience, at the end of the day.

Read our full review: Paradise Island Hurghada Trip Full Review and Details

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