Snorkel time, sand time, done. This full-day Paradise Island cruise mixes hotel pickup, a smooth boat ride, and easy snorkeling in the coastal shallows near Hurghada. I especially like that you get Hurghada hotel pickup plus a ride straight to the pier, so your morning feels low-stress. I also like that there are short chances to snorkel along the way, not just at one stop.

The one thing I’d double-check is the Paradise Island admission fee situation, because some details say admission is included while the fine print lists an admission fee as not included. If you’re trying to budget tightly, that’s the part to clarify before you go. After that, this trip is built for exactly what most people want from Hurghada: sea views, a quiet sandy stretch on Giftun Island National Park, and lunch waiting when you’re ready.

Key highlights before you go

• Giftun Island National Park setting: Paradise Island is part of the national park near Hurghada, so the beach day feels more like a protected nature spot than a random shoreline.
• Snorkeling opportunities along the route: you get more than one chance to try the water, including time in shallow areas where fish can be seen.
• Simple day flow: cruise to the island, snorkel + beach time, lunch at the island restaurant, then return to Hurghada.
• Lunch included: you’re not hunting for food after you’ve worked up an appetite.
• Smallish group size: maximum 40 travelers, which usually helps the day feel organized.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off: air-conditioned vehicle transport is included (with some outside-Hurghada surcharges).

Paradise Island and Giftun: why this cruise feels worth the time

If you’re choosing between a quick boat trip and a full-day outing, this one makes sense. Paradise Island sits on sandy beach time, plus snorkeling off the coast, and it’s within Giftun Island National Park near Hurghada. That matters because it shapes the feel of the day: you’re not spending the whole time “getting to” somewhere. You’re actually at a place designed for a day of sea and sun.

I also like that the experience isn’t trying to be an all-day activity marathon. It’s more like: get out early, enjoy the water, enjoy the beach, eat lunch, then head back. The result is a day that fits people who want a clear plan but still want freedom once you’re there.

Morning pickup and the 1-hour boat ride from Hurghada

Your day starts with pickup from your Hurghada hotel, then a drive to the pier. The schedule lists a start time of 9:00 am, but in practice, pickup is early morning, so set your expectations for an early call. You’ll board a cruise that takes about 1 hour to reach Paradise Island.

On the water, you get those classic Red Sea-style views: sea on one side and desert scenery from the other. It’s a small thing, but it helps pass the time without feeling like you’re trapped on a boat. And during the cruise, you’ll have multiple short opportunities to snorkel. That’s a big plus if you want to try the water without waiting until you’re fully docked.

Snorkeling off Paradise Island: what to expect in the shallows

The core of the day is snorkeling along the coast of Paradise Island. The good news for first-timers is that you don’t need to go far into deep water. The info specifically points out that even in shallow areas, you can see a unique variety of fish. Translation: the best snorkeling here is often the kind that’s calm and close to where you can relax and float.

The snorkeling stop is listed for 2 hours, which gives you enough time to try it at a comfortable pace. If you’re not a confident swimmer, this duration still tends to work better than a rushed 30-minute session. You’ll be able to adjust, see what you like, and spend more time enjoying the water rather than treating snorkeling like a checklist.

Practical advice: bring sunscreen and something to protect your shoulders, even if you’re mostly in and out of the water. Also pack water shoes if you have them. Paradise Island is focused on beach time, and even when the sand is nice, you’ll still want stable footing around the boat and shore.

Island lunch at Paradise Island restaurant: fueling without fuss

Lunch is included, served at the Paradise Island restaurant. After snorkeling, food is usually the best part of the schedule because you’re warm, hungry, and ready to sit down for a bit.

Because lunch is part of the package, you don’t need to think about where to go or what the prices are like on a remote island. It also gives you a natural break in the day: snorkel first, eat, then settle into beach time again while you still have daylight left.

One tip: eat a normal meal, not a speedrun. It’s easy to get sun-worn and slightly dehydrated, and a good lunch helps you keep energy for the afternoon return trip back to Hurghada.

Beach time you control: sandy relaxation plus a little flexibility

Paradise Island isn’t just for snorkeling. You also get time to enjoy the sandy beach and spend it as you wish. The setting is described as tranquil, which is exactly what I look for when I’m booking a cruise like this. You get the sea adventure, but you also get a place to slow down.

The overall day is listed as about 8 hours, so your on-island time is meaningful but not endless. That’s helpful if you don’t want a full day where you’re constantly “on.” You’ll have a structured chunk for snorkeling, then beach time to match your energy level.

What to do with that beach time? I’d plan a simple rhythm:

• Start with some shade or a quiet spot after snorkeling.
• Then decide if you want another round of water time when you’re comfortable.
• Use the break to reapply sunscreen and dry off so you feel human later.

Price and logistics: value at $45, plus what might cost extra

At $45 per person, this tour is priced for people who want a classic Hurghada day out without going all the way to a private charter. The value is strongest because the basics are included: lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, and Hurghada hotel pickup and drop-off.

That said, there are a couple of budget items to clarify:

• The details list an admission fee for Paradise Island as not included, even though the snorkeling stop info also mentions an admission ticket included. I’d treat this as a “confirm before you arrive” situation.
• If you’re staying outside central Hurghada, there are extra transfer charges listed:
• $10 per person from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh
• $10 per person from Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay

Also note that the tour is run by New Whale Tours, and the experience uses a mobile ticket. Booking is typically done around 12 days in advance on average, which suggests it’s popular enough to plan rather than wing it.

Weather, group size, and keeping the day smooth

This experience requires good weather. That’s not a minor detail—on sea trips, conditions can change quickly. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you should expect either a different date or a full refund.

The max group size is 40 travelers, which usually helps with organization. You’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder the whole time, and schedules like pickup, boarding, and returning tend to run cleaner.

One more thing to watch: one low-rating account described a serious mix-up where a payment issue was blamed for not continuing as expected toward Paradise Island, involving someone named Mr Joseph. I can’t verify the details of that specific case. But I do take it as a reminder to confirm the essentials before you leave: that your boat and destination are exactly Paradise Island, and that any admission fee questions are cleared up with the provider.

Who should book this Paradise Island snorkeling cruise (and who might skip it)

This trip is a good fit if you want:

• A full-day experience without complex planning
• Snorkeling in coastal waters with fish visible in shallow areas
• Lunch included, plus a calm sandy beach afterward
• A day built around one clear destination near Hurghada

It may be less ideal if you’re the type who hates waiting around for a weather-dependent sea schedule. Since it requires good weather, you should have some flexibility in your travel days.

Also, if you’re staying outside Hurghada, factor in the extra transfer charge. It’s still likely a good deal, but it affects the true total cost.

Should you book it? My practical verdict

Yes, I think this is a sensible booking for most people visiting Hurghada who want a classic sea-and-snorkel day with real beach time. The biggest “sell” is the structure: hotel pickup, a cruise to Paradise Island, multiple snorkeling chances, lunch included, then a tranquil beach block before returning.

Before you pay, I’d do two quick checks:

1. Confirm whether the Paradise Island admission fee is included or payable on site, since the details don’t perfectly match.
2. Double-check your transfer location fee if you’re not in central Hurghada.

Do those two things, and you’re set up for a day that’s simple, scenic, and genuinely fun.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Paradise Island snorkeling cruise?

The trip runs about 8 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is listed as 9:00 am, with early hotel pickup.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included. Some areas outside Hurghada have an extra transfer charge of $10 per person.

Is the admission fee included?

The details list an admission fee as not included, even though one part mentions an admission ticket. I recommend confirming this with the provider before you go.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.