Hurghada · Giftun Island, off Hurghada
Orange Bay — Giftun Island
The turquoise water over white sand that earned the place its nickname: the Egyptian Maldives.
A laid-out beach on Giftun Island, a short hour by boat from Hurghada: a shallow lagoon, water of unreal clarity, loungers and straw shelters, and a reef within fins' reach for snorkelling. The day is sold as an excursion from the marina, usually with lunch, plus a snorkelling stop or two on the way.
The extra bit
Bring cash: on the island, drinks and the beach fee are paid on the spot, and there is no cash machine.
Know before you go
The island is a protected area: an access fee is added to the excursion price and is not always announced when booking — ask what is included before paying. The coral is alive and breaks: do not stand on it, do not lean on it. The guide has a separate entry for the Giftun islands themselves: Orange Bay is one laid-out beach on them, not the whole island.
