Mahmya Island Hurghada Tours: Compare & Book
Mahmya Island is one of the most popular day trips from Hurghada, drawing thousands of visitors each year to its white-sand beach on Big Giftun Island. Shared full-day boat trips typically cost $40–$65 per adult, while premium packages with hotel transfers and extras run $100–$160 per adult, varying by supplier and season.
Red Sea Quest connects you with verified local suppliers offering Mahmya day trips — compare options, check inclusions, and book a Mahmya Island trip with free cancellation on most listings.
What Is Mahmya Island and Why Go from Hurghada?
Mahmya Beach is a privately managed eco-tourism destination on Big Giftun Island, part of the Giftun National Park in the Red Sea. It sits roughly 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada Marina and holds a 4.7-star rating across 5,400+ Google reviews. The beach is known for turquoise shallow water, soft white sand, and a laid-back atmosphere with sun loungers, a restaurant, and chill-out music.
Unlike wilder snorkeling stops, Mahmya offers organized facilities — buffet lunch, freshwater showers, and a bar — while still sitting inside a protected marine reserve. Snorkeling happens at nearby reef sites like Sabina Reef and the Giftun coral gardens, where visibility stays high year-round. Turtle and ray sightings are common but not guaranteed.
Mahmya Island Day Trip Prices, Inclusions & Extras
Prices fluctuate by season, group size, and supplier. Here is a general breakdown:
| Package Type | Typical Price (per adult) | Usually Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared full-day boat trip | $40–$65 | Boat transfer, beach access, marine park fee, welcome drink, snorkeling stop |
| All-inclusive / premium | $100–$160 | Hotel pickup & drop-off, buffet lunch, open bar, snorkeling gear, guide |
| Private speedboat charter | From ~$65 per person (min. group) | Faster transfer (~20–25 min), flexible schedule |
Most suppliers include the Giftun National Park entrance fee in the quoted price. A few budget listings exclude lunch or hotel transfer — always confirm inclusions before booking. Children under 6 often travel free; ages 6–11 typically receive a 30–50% discount.
Typical Itinerary from Hurghada Marina to Giftun Island
A standard Mahmya day trip runs 7–9 hours door to door. Here is what a typical schedule looks like:
- 07:00–08:30 — Hotel pickup from El Mina, Hurghada waterfront, or resort zones (Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh pickups may cost €5–€10 extra)
- 08:30–09:00 — Check-in at Hurghada Marina (New Marina)
- 09:00–09:45 — Boat transfer to Giftun Island, passing coral formations en route
- 09:45–10:30 — Snorkeling stop at Sabina Reef or nearby Giftun reef wall
- 10:30–15:00 — Free time on Mahmya Beach: swimming, sunbathing, lunch, optional water sports
- 15:00–15:45 — Return boat to Hurghada Marina
- 16:00–17:00 — Drop-off at hotel
How to Choose the Best Mahmya Tour from Hurghada
Focus on three factors: inclusions, boat type, and reviews.
Inclusions matter most. A trip listed at $40 without lunch or hotel transfer can end up costing the same as a $110 all-inclusive package once you add extras. Confirm whether snorkeling gear, the marine park fee, and the buffet are included. Boat type affects comfort. Large shared boats (30–50 passengers) are the most affordable and include sun decks. Smaller group boats or private speedboats offer more flexibility and less crowding. If you want to compare more boat trips in Hurghada, look at catamaran or glass-bottom options as well. Reviews tell the real story. Mahmya trips on GetYourGuide hold a 4.5/5 average across 7,100+ reviews. Look for recent feedback mentioning reef condition, food quality, and crowd levels.
Best Time to Visit Mahmya Island for Swimming & Snorkeling
March through November offers the warmest water and calmest seas. Peak season (June–September) means water temperatures around 26–29°C and maximum visibility at the reef, but also the highest visitor numbers on the beach.
April–May and October–November hit a sweet spot: warm water, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices from some suppliers. Winter months (December–February) are still swimmable — water hovers around 21–23°C — but wind can make the boat crossing choppier.
Mahmya Beach operates daily, 9 AM–6 PM, weather permitting.
Mahmya vs. Orange Bay vs. Magawish Island
All three are popular Hurghada island excursions on or near Giftun Island. Here is how they compare:
| Mahmya Beach | Orange Bay | Magawish Island | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Big Giftun Island | Big Giftun Island | Magawish (closer to shore) |
| Vibe | Upscale eco-beach, music, restaurant | Busy beach club, water sports | Quieter, less developed |
| Snorkeling quality | High — Sabina Reef, Giftun walls | Moderate — sandy lagoon focus | Moderate |
| Typical price | $40–$160 | $25–$50 | $20–$40 |
| Best for | Snorkeling + beach comfort | Budget beach day, families | Quiet escape |
For a broader look at island-hopping and reef excursions, browse Hurghada boat cruises.
Booking Tips, Cancellation Policy & What to Pack
Booking: Reserve at least 1–2 days ahead in peak season. Most Mahmya Island tours from Hurghada on Red Sea Quest offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, so you can lock in a spot without risk. What to pack:- Reef-safe sunscreen (required inside the national park)
- Towel, swimwear, hat, sunglasses
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Cash for optional extras (jet ski, parasailing, drinks beyond the included package)
