Three names for a few hundred metres of beach
The southern tip of Big Giftun has several beach concessions side by side. On the map you will find Paradise, Eden and Mahmya within about half a kilometre of each other. You will also see Hula Hula sold as "Paradise" by one dive centre, and visitor reviews that say Orange Bay, Paradise and Mahmya are all the same. They are not: Orange Bay is a different bay on the side of the island facing Hurghada.
Why it matters: Orange Bay is a shallow sandy lagoon where all the snorkeling happens from the boat. The southern tip is further from Hurghada, and Mahmya next door states that there is coral to see from its beach. On Paradise trips, plan on the reef stop from the boat as your main snorkel and treat anything you find off the beach as a bonus.
When you book, look for the words "Paradise Beach, Giftun" in the itinerary. If a listing only says "paradise island" in the title and Orange Bay in the description, you are going to Orange Bay.
Yacht day or speedboat
The operator behind several of the Paradise listings runs three formats:
| Morning yacht | Sunset yacht | Speedboat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup | 08:00–09:00 | 10:00–11:00 | 1 h before departure |
| Departure | 09:30 | 11:30 | 09:00, 13:00 or 16:00 |
| Back | ≈ 16:30 | ≈ 17:30 | ≈ 4 h later |
| Island time | Several hours | Several hours | About 3 h |
| Lunch | Yes, on the island | Yes | Yes |
| Extras | Short massage included on the yacht | Same | No massage |
The sunset yacht is the one for late risers: you leave mid-morning, and the light on the way back is softer. The speedboat is for half-day people and for anyone who gets seasick on long boat days, though the ride itself is harder on backs.
How long the transfer takes from your hotel
The road leg depends on where you sleep. One operator gives these van times to the marina: 25–30 minutes from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh, 40–45 minutes from Hurghada hotels, and up to an hour from El Gouna, Soma Bay or Safaga. Outer zones usually pay an extra transfer fee. Pickup times arrive by WhatsApp or email the evening before; read both. If you book the option without transfer, you must reach the marina on time yourself; late arrivals are not refunded.
What's included and what isn't
The listings differ more than the trips. Typically included: the boat, snorkel gear and a guide, island lunch with soft drinks, and hotel pickup in Hurghada. On at least one major listing, the island entry and the reserve fee are included; on others the national park fee and VAT are paid in cash on the day. See the fee card for the official numbers.
Not included anywhere: drinks from the beach bar, towels, underwater photos and tips. Bring cash in small notes.
Paradise or Orange Bay: the short answer
Pick Paradise if you want a beach away from the Orange Bay crowd, lunch on the island instead of on the boat, and more of the day on sand. Pick Orange Bay if you have small children who need flat, shallow water, or if you want the photo swings. If you want the same corner of Giftun with fixed prices, a set timetable and your own taxi to the marina, look at Mahmya.
Before you go
The sea around Giftun is around 22–23 °C in January and February and around 28 °C in August. There is little natural shade on the boat deck, so bring a hat and reef-safe sunscreen. Strong north winds close the port a few days a year and all island trips are cancelled; you should be rebooked or refunded.
