Who Mahmya suits, and who it doesn't
Mahmya calls itself an eco-tourism beach, and in practice that means rules. No food or drinks from outside, no pets, no speakers, swimming only inside the buoyed area, proper swimwear at all times. There is music on the beach, but it is not a party island. Families with young children, couples and anyone who found Orange Bay too loud tend to like it.
It is not for you if you want hotel pickup without thinking about it, if you want hard liquor (they serve alcohol, but no spirits), or if you are on a tight budget. Mahmya's programs cost more than a standard group boat to Orange Bay, and the bar is not cheap either. The current official prices are in the fee card.
There are toilets on the island but no showers and no changing rooms, so travel in your swimwear and bring a dry layer for the boat back.
The three programs
Mahmya sells the same day in three sizes. See the fee card for adult and child prices.
| Program | What you get | Worth it if |
|---|---|---|
| Day Use | Boat to and from the island, beach use, a Mahmya towel | You plan to eat from the menu, or you are not hungry at lunch |
| Day Use + Lunch | The above plus a buffet lunch on the island, with water and soft drinks at mealtime | You want a beach day without thinking about food |
| Full Program | The above plus a snorkel trip by boat to Sabina reef, gear included, about 45 minutes in the water | You came for the coral |
You can add the Sabina reef trip after you arrive, if you booked Day Use only. Upgrades on the island are possible; downgrades are not refunded. The buffet covers salads, rice and pasta, fish, chicken and beef, and fruit.
Children aged 2 and under are free, and the island charges children from 7 as adults. If you bring a nanny, Mahmya requires her to be booked on the Day Use + Lunch program.
Getting to the marina
Mahmya Beach Marina is at Mahmya's beach club on Sheraton Road in Sakkala; the map pin on their site points there. The day boat leaves at 08:30 and Mahmya asks you to be there at least 30 minutes early to check in. The sunset schedule leaves at 10:00 and comes back at sunset. You must stay on the schedule you booked.
From Hurghada hotels this is a short taxi ride; agree the fare before you get in. From Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay or El Gouna, it is a long early drive, and a platform booking that includes the transfer is often simpler. Mahmya's shared boats take 32–36 people.
If you want your own timing, Mahmya rents a private boat for small groups and runs a speedboat transfer that takes about 20 minutes each way, both booked by phone.
Booking direct or through a platform
Booking direct gets you the official programs and the official rules: book online up to the day before, pay in full to confirm, full refund up to 48 hours, half up to 24 hours, nothing on the day. If the weather is bad, Mahmya cancels and refunds, on the day or up to a day ahead.
Platforms sell a Mahmya day too, sometimes with hotel pickup and usually with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Compare what is included: the platform version may be built around a sailing trip with its own snorkel stop rather than Mahmya's own boat. If the transfer is the reason you're booking there, make sure it is in the 'included' list, not an option at checkout.
Whichever way you book, bring your passport or a clear photo of it; without it you will not get on the boat.
