You get Red Sea reefs and beach time in one smooth day. This Giftun Island VIP Sea Trip pairs two snorkeling stops with up to 2 hours on Hula Hula Island, plus a seafood lunch onboard. I especially like the hassle-free hotel pickup and the fact that snorkeling gear and a guide are included. One thing to plan for: there’s a national park fee you pay in cash on the spot, and the trip depends on good weather.

You’ll be out for about 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am, with time to float, swim, and do included water sports like banana and sofa. It’s also set up as a private tour/activity for your group, so you’re not crammed into someone else’s itinerary. The main consideration is timing and motion: if you’re sensitive to boats or choppy water, you’ll want to go in with that in mind.

Key Points That Matter Before You Go

• Two snorkeling sites with a guide and all snorkeling equipment included
• Hula Hula Island time (up to 2 hours) for beach relaxation after the reef stops
• Seafood buffet lunch onboard with soda/pop and water included
• Banana and sofa water sports are part of the package, not an add-on
• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle in Hurghada
• National Park fee (5€) paid in cash on the spot

Giftun Island and Hula Hula: What You’re Touring Off Hurghada

Giftun Island National Park sits just off the Hurghada coast. On this cruise, you see the island from the water first—long enough to take in those classic Red Sea views, without having to deal with inland travel. The day is built around the idea that the best part is the water: coral reefs, fish, and the calm pockets where you can stop to swim.

Then there’s Hula Hula Island. That’s where the cruise shifts gears from reef time to beach time. You get up to 2 hours there, which is enough to rehydrate, cool off, and decide if you want to snorkel again or just hang out on the sand. This is the kind of pacing that works well when you want a full day but don’t want to feel trapped on a boat the whole time.

8:00 AM Pickup to Return: How the Day Runs

The trip starts at 8:00 am and runs about 8 hours total, including pickup and drop-off. The pickup is offered from your Hurghada hotel using an air-conditioned vehicle. That matters because start times in Egypt can be early, and being comfortable on the way down to the marina helps you enjoy the day instead of rushing through it.

This is also listed as a private tour/activity, meaning it’s for your group only. In practice, that usually feels calmer than big shared group chaos—especially when you’re moving between boat, snorkeling stops, and the island.

One more practical note: your schedule can shift with conditions. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund. So if you’re traveling during a rough-weather window, keep some flexibility in your plans.

Snorkeling with a Guide: Two Reef Stops You Can Actually Enjoy

The main draw here is snorkeling at two different sites in the Red Sea. You’re not left to figure it out on your own. A snorkeling guide accompanies you, and they’re there to help you get the most from the underwater ecosystem—pointing out creatures and keeping things straightforward.

Even better, snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included. That removes two big barriers that often slow people down: renting gear and worrying about basic safety. You can show up, suit up, and spend your energy on seeing coral and fish instead of troubleshooting.

What I like about the “two stops” approach is simple: it improves your odds. One location might be calmer or clearer at one moment; another might be better later. You’re not betting the whole day on a single swim spot.

The only consideration is personal comfort in the water. Snorkeling is easy for most people, but you’ll enjoy it more if you’re comfortable with being in the sea and staying close to your guide.

Banana and Sofa Water Sports: Included Fun Between Swim Stops

Water sports are included, specifically banana and sofa. These are the kind of activities that add energy to a day that otherwise could be mostly swimming and sitting in the sun. They also help balance out the time: after snorkel stops, you get something playful and a bit more “event-like.”

If you’re the type who likes motion and laughs, this is a good match. If you don’t like speed or sudden changes, you might treat these as optional in your own mind. The listing does include them, so plan for the possibility that you’ll be asked to participate, but you can always gauge whether you want that level of action on the day.

Either way, build in common-sense comfort tips:

• Wear swimwear that stays put
• Keep your phone and valuables protected on board
• Know that being on a boat can feel different on busy sea days

Hula Hula Island (Up to 2 Hours): Beach Time That Doesn’t Drag

After the water-based parts, you’ll get up to 2 hours on Hula Hula Island. This is the portion of the day that feels like a proper break. It’s where you can step away from the mask and fins, stretch out, and take in the island’s beaches and clear water.

Two hours sounds short on paper, but it’s the right length for this style of trip. You don’t lose a chunk of your day to ferrying back and forth, and you’re not stuck waiting around either. I also like that it’s not framed as a long excursion with too many stops—it’s simply island time, then back to the boat.

If you’re hoping to do a lot beyond relaxing—like long hikes or multiple activities—you might find the time tight. But if your goal is sun, sand, and a bit more water time at your pace, it’s a solid balance.

Lunch on Board: Seafood Buffet, Soda/Pop, and Water Included

Lunch is served onboard as a buffet, and it’s included in the price. You’ll get seafood lunch plus soda/pop and water. The value here is practical: you won’t be spending the middle of your day hunting for food, and you won’t lose time hopping between stops to grab lunch on your own.

On a cruise day, hunger can quietly take over. Having the meal provided means you can snorkel without constantly thinking about when your next snack is. It also keeps the day moving at a comfortable rhythm.

I’d treat this as simple, satisfying boat food—enough to refuel for the next swim and island portion. If you have dietary restrictions, check with the operator when you book, because the details provided here only confirm the inclusion of lunch and drinks, not specific dietary options.

The One Extra Cost: Giftun National Park Fee in Cash

Here’s the key “don’t get surprised later” item: the National Park Fee is 5€ per person, paid in cash on the spot. That’s not unusual for protected-area tours, but it’s still important.

Plan ahead by bringing euros in cash. If you show up without the right amount, you may have delays or forced last-minute withdrawals. For a trip at $26 per person, a small additional cash fee is normal, but you should factor it into your true budget before you decide.

If you’re staying in or near Hurghada, this is usually the only payment you need to plan for within the day.

Getting There Matters: Hurghada Pickup vs Extra Transfer Areas

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle within Hurghada. But if you’re coming from areas listed like El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh, there’s an additional 10€ per person transfer fee, paid in cash on the spot.

This is worth checking early because it affects your real cost and also your start time feel (you may be leaving your pickup point earlier than someone in central Hurghada). If you’re in the outlying areas, confirm whether pickup is included where you’re staying.

Value Check: Is $26 Really a Good Deal for This Much Included?

At $26 per person, this isn’t just a scenic boat ride. You’re getting a full 8-hour outing, hotel pickup/drop-off, a guided snorkeling plan with gear and life jackets, two snorkeling sites, an onboard seafood lunch with drinks, plus included banana and sofa water sports.

That package is where the value lives. Many Red Sea half-days charge extra for snorkeling gear, guides, or even basic meals. Here, the important pieces are folded into the core experience.

The small catch is the extra 5€ national park fee (cash). If you’re doing the trip once, that’s a minor addition. But if you’re comparing prices, make sure you compare apples to apples: include that fee and any transfer fee if you’re outside Hurghada.

Also note the booking pace: on average, it’s booked about 19 days in advance. That suggests demand is steady. If you want a particular day, don’t wait until the last minute.

Who Should Book This Trip (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A first-time-friendly snorkeling day with a guide and gear handled for you
• A balance of snorkel + beach without long travel stress
• Included entertainment like banana and sofa plus lunch onboard
• A calmer vibe from a private tour/activity for your group

You might want to skip or at least think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to boat motion and don’t handle choppy water well
• You hate last-minute cash payments (because the park fee is cash on the spot)
• You want a long island stay or lots of different land activities (the Hula Hula window is up to 2 hours)

For families, couples, and solo travelers who want an organized Red Sea day with clear inclusions, it’s a strong option. It’s also a nice “vacation reset” day—do the major marine highlights once, eat well on board, and get back to your hotel without hassle.

Should You Book This Giftun Island VIP Sea Trip?

If your idea of a good Hurghada day is snorkeling with less friction, plus a real meal and beach time, I’d lean toward booking. The included snorkeling guide + equipment and the fact you get two reef stops makes the experience feel efficient and worth the money. The onboard lunch and included water sports add structure so the day doesn’t turn into aimless waiting.

Before you commit, do two quick checks:

• Bring 5€ cash per person for the park fee
• If you’re not in Hurghada, confirm whether your area has the 10€ transfer fee

If those points are no problem, you’ll likely enjoy this as a straightforward Red Sea cruise: swim, see coral, relax on Hula Hula, then head back full and sun-warmed.

FAQ

What time does the Giftun Island VIP Sea Trip start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

What is included for snorkeling?

You’ll have a snorkeling guide, snorkeling equipment, and a life jacket included, with snorkeling at two different sites.

Do I need to pay any extra fees?

Yes. The National Park Fee is 5€ per person, paid in cash on the spot.

Is lunch included in the price?

Yes. Lunch is included onboard, along with soda/pop and water.