Red Sea plans for $20. That is the hook.

This Giftun Islands sea trip from Hurghada is interesting because you get easy pickup and then a full day of guided snorkeling plus island time without having to organize anything yourself. I like that the snorkeling comes with life jackets and proper gear, so you can focus on the water instead of hunting for equipment. I also like the added fun of a banana boat ride during the water-sports stop. One catch to keep in mind: you may need to pay extra in cash on the day for government taxes (and possibly an extra transfer fee depending on where you start).

I love days like this where the schedule is simple. You meet at 8:00 am, you’re back for the evening, and you get a real change of scenery. The only “consideration” is time: it is about 8 hours total, and only around 2 hours are on the island, so it is not a slow beach vacation.

Quick hits before you go

• Two snorkel stops with a guide, using provided snorkeling equipment and life jackets
• About two hours on Hula Hula Island, built for swimming and beach lounging
• Banana boat water sports included during the trip
• Lunch on the boat plus coffee/tea and soft drinks
• Max 30 travelers, so it feels more like a group trip than a cattle drive
• Pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a start time of 8:00 am

The Giftun Islands and Hula Hula beach time (and why this day works)

This trip is built around one simple goal: get you out to the Giftun area for a day that mixes sea life with a real beach break. You will spend most of your time on the water, but you still get a chunk of island—about 2 hours—to cool off on white sand.

That balance is the value. Many Red Sea outings either go all-in on snorkeling and ignore the beach, or they do the beach first and make the water time feel rushed. Here, the beach slot is long enough to actually dry off, eat, and reset. You can treat the snorkeling as the main event and still enjoy the island like you mean it.

Pickup out of Hurghada: easy start, air-conditioned ride, then boats

The day starts with pickup from your hotel area by an air-conditioned vehicle, and the meeting time is set for 8:00 am. That matters more than it sounds. In Hurghada, traffic and beach-side driving can eat into your day fast, and a timed pickup helps you spend your hours on the water, not waiting around.

From there, it is a classic boat-day rhythm: travel to the island area and then hop between activities. You will also use a shuttle boat to reach Hula Hula Island, which is normal for this type of trip and keeps the beach time smoother.

A practical tip from experience with Red Sea boats: plan to dress for sun even before you reach the first stop. Morning shade can fade quickly once you are out on open water.

Snorkeling stops with a guide: coral reefs, gear, and confidence

The snorkeling is one of the most praised parts of this trip, and I can see why. You get two snorkeling stops at coral reefs, and you are not going in blind. A snorkeling guide helps you with what to do and when to do it.

The included support makes a big difference:

• You get snorkeling equipment provided
• You get a life jacket
• You go with a guide, who helps with the spots

I like that the focus is on making the experience workable. Some trips toss you into the water and hope for the best. Here, the guide experience is front and center, and the vibe on the boat gets a lot of love. One review highlighted how friendly the guide was—smiling, chatting, and keeping things relaxed with jokes. That kind of energy matters when you are getting suited up and getting ready to float.

What you should watch for in the water

You are snorkeling at coral reefs, which usually means you will want to slow down and let your guide set the pace. Wear the equipment correctly, keep your breathing steady, and avoid thrashing your arms. The calmer you are, the more you will actually see.

Also, coral areas can be bright and reflective. If you have any eye sensitivity, a simple pair of sunglasses or a safe plan to protect your eyes can help.

Hula Hula Island: about 2 hours on white sand

After the sea time, you get to Hula Hula Island and settle into the beach break. You are scheduled for roughly two hours on the island, which is a sweet spot for most people. It is long enough to swim again, wander the shoreline, and actually enjoy the setting instead of just stepping off a boat for photos.

What to expect here is simple:

• White sand beach time
• A chance to cool off and relax
• A built-in pause between snorkeling and water sports

Two hours can pass fast in strong sun, so I suggest you use that time on purpose. If you want a second swim, do it early in the beach window. If you want photos, aim for when the light is best (usually before the sun gets too high). And yes, you should hydrate. Boat days sneak up on you.

Banana boat water sports: included fun, with safety help

The included water sports highlight is the banana boat ride. It is one of those activities that adds a burst of energy without requiring expert skill. If you want something that feels more like play than training, this is it.

Because the snorkeling part includes life jackets, you should feel more comfortable with the overall safety culture. You are not left to figure out equipment on your own. The crew gives you what you need and helps you use it correctly.

One note: banana boats usually mean bouncing, getting splashed, and holding on. Bring the right mindset. If you are thinking of a calm, glassy-water experience, this is not that. But if you want a fun group moment, it delivers.

Lunch and drinks onboard: the part people often forget to check

Boat food can be hit-or-miss on day trips. Here, it actually gets praise. In the reviews, the boat lunch gets described as delicious—so good that one person compared it to staying at a 4-star all-inclusive resort.

On top of lunch, you also get:

• Coffee and/or tea refreshments
• Soda/pop and water

That matters for value. When you factor in what you would normally spend on a meal during a full-day excursion, the included lunch and drinks take the edge off your overall cost.

I would plan to eat at the main meal without skipping. You are out in the sun, you might be moving around in a boat environment, and you want energy for the island and water sports.

Timing and group size: what the “8 hours” really feels like

The total duration is about 8 hours. You start at 8:00 am, then you spend time traveling by boat, snorkeling at two spots, and enjoying roughly 2 hours on Hula Hula Island. The rest of the day is the in-between time: boarding, switching boats, and moving between activities.

This is a good day format if you want:

• A full outing that does not eat your entire holiday
• A structured schedule with built-in pacing
• A mix of sea and land instead of only one

Group size is capped at 30 travelers. That helps with comfort and keeping things organized, especially when snorkeling gear is being handled and groups are being guided to the water.

Price and value: is $20 really fair here?

At $20 per person, this trip is priced like a budget-friendly day out, and the value comes from what is included—not just the headline price. You are not just paying for a boat ride. You are paying for:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Two guided snorkeling stops with equipment and life jackets
• Banana boat water sports
• Lunch plus drinks
• Island time on Hula Hula

Now, you do need to budget for a little extra cash on the day. There is a government tax of five € paid in cash on spot. And if you start from certain locations like El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, there is an additional ten € paid cash on spot for the transfer.

So is it still a deal? For most people, yes—because the bulk of your day’s entertainment is included, and the snorkeling support and gear reduce hassle (and cost) compared with DIY planning.

If you hate surprise fees, factor those two cash items into your mental budget before you go.

Who should book this trip (and who might want another option)

This is a great fit for:

• People who want a guided snorkeling day without buying gear or figuring out where to go
• Families or friends who want both water fun (banana boat) and a real beach pause
• Travelers who like their days organized: pickup, set start time, set stops

It may not be ideal if you want:

• A long, slow island beach day. You only get about 2 hours on Hula Hula Island
• A trip that is only about snorkeling with zero extra activity. There is a water-sports stop and a group rhythm, not a private dive-style schedule

Good news: the trip notes that most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you have mobility or health questions, it is still smart to ask the provider in advance, but the general suitability is clearly part of the offer.

Tips to get the most out of your sea day

Keep it practical and you will have a smoother time:

• Use the snorkeling window actively. Get your mask and snorkel settled early so you are not rushing once you are in the water.
• In strong sun, treat shade like a resource. Even on a boat day, you will spend time exposed.
• Bring a simple plan for wet gear. You will likely want a way to keep sunscreen and damp items from taking over your bag.
• If you can, set aside a little cash for the government tax the day-of, since it is paid in cash on the spot.

And mentally: expect a day that moves. This is a “do a lot, do it together” outing, not a private cruise with endless hanging out.

Should you book the Giftun Hula Hula trip?

If you want a solid Red Sea day with guided snorkeling, included gear, a banana boat ride, and lunch, I think this is a smart buy—especially at the price point. The service vibe on the boat matters here, and the guide friendliness gets real praise. You also get a clear structure: two snorkeling stops, about two hours on Hula Hula Island, then back to Hurghada.

I would only hold off if you are chasing a long beach vacation or if paying the small cash extras on the day feels like a deal-breaker. Otherwise, book it, show up at 8:00 am, and treat the day like a friendly mix of sea life and beach fun.

FAQ

What time does the trip start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the sea trip?

The total duration is about 8 hours, including around 2 hours on Hula Hula Island.

Are snorkeling stops included, and how many are there?

Yes. You get 1 snorkeling stop at coral reefs included, and the overall plan also includes snorkeling guidance with a professional guide. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are provided.

Is water sports included?

Yes. A banana boat ride is included as the water sport activity.

What food and drinks are included?

You get lunch plus coffee and/or tea refreshments. You also have soda/pop and water included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off by an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are there any extra costs?

Yes. There is a government tax of five € paid in cash on the spot. If you are picked up from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, there is also a ten € paid cash on spot.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.