Compare Paradise Island Hurghada Tours & Book
Paradise Island Hurghada is one of the most affordable full-day boat trips on the Red Sea — a white-sandbar beach on Big Giftun Island with turquoise shallows, coral reefs, and far fewer crowds than neighboring Orange Bay. Typical shared-boat trips run $20–$35 per adult, last 7–9 hours including hotel pickup, and include lunch, snorkeling gear, and soft drinks.
Red Sea Quest connects you with verified local suppliers who run these trips daily from Hurghada Marina. You can filter by boat type, pickup zone, and group size — then reserve online with free cancellation and pay on the day. Browse Hurghada boat cruises to compare prices side by side, or keep reading for the full breakdown.
What Is Paradise Island Hurghada?
Paradise Island is a beach area on Big Giftun Island, part of the Giftun Islands National Park — Egypt's first designated marine national park in the Red Sea. It sits roughly 45–60 minutes by standard boat from Hurghada Marina (approximately 11–15 km offshore). The beach is a natural sandbar with shallow, calm water on one side and a reef drop-off on the other, making it suitable for both swimmers and snorkelers.
Unlike Orange Bay or Mahmya, Paradise Island has minimal built infrastructure. There are no permanent wooden walkways or photo-prop swings — just sand, sea, and shade umbrellas set up by the boat operator. That stripped-back character is exactly why travelers who want a quieter day choose it over the busier alternatives on the same island.
The national park status means reef protection rules apply: no standing on coral, no fish feeding, and a small park entrance fee (typically around $5–$7 per person, sometimes collected in cash at the dock).
Paradise Island vs Orange Bay vs Giftun Island
All three names refer to beaches on Big Giftun Island, but they are separate commercial zones with different vibes and price points.
| Feature | Paradise Island | Orange Bay | Mahmya |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Natural, quiet, simple | Lively beach-club, photo-heavy | Premium, organized, controlled |
| Typical price (adult) | $20–$35 | $25–$50 | €60–€85 (published programs) |
| Crowd level | Low–moderate | High in peak months | Managed, moderate |
| Infrastructure | Basic shade, operator-dependent | Wooden structures, swings, DJ | Reserved loungers, towels, buffet |
| Best for | Budget travelers, peace seekers | Groups, social travelers, photos | Couples, comfort seekers |
Key distinction: Paradise Island and Orange Bay occupy different stretches of Big Giftun's shoreline. They are not the same beach. Mahmya operates its own program with fixed departure times and published EUR pricing. If you want a deeper comparison, browse Hurghada boat cruises to see how operators package each stop differently.
Prices, Inclusions & Extra Fees
Expect to pay typically $20–$35 per adult for a standard shared-boat Paradise Island day trip. Speedboat or semi-private options run higher — commonly $50–$90 per person depending on group size and boat exclusivity.
What's usually included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Hurghada city, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh)
- Boat cruise to Paradise Island with one or two snorkeling stops
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Buffet lunch and soft drinks on board
- Beach time (typically 2–3 hours on the island)
Common extra fees
- National park entrance fee: ~$5–$7 per person (cash, sometimes not included)
- Transfers from Soma Bay or distant hotels: $5–$10 supplement
- Underwater photos or "official" group photos: offered on board, optional
- Towels and waterproof phone pouches: not always provided
Itinerary: Hotel Pickup, Boat Cruise, Snorkeling & Beach Time
A typical Paradise Island Hurghada day trip follows this schedule:
- 07:00–08:30 — Hotel pickup by minibus. Pickups cover Hurghada center, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh. Expect earlier collection for hotels farther from the marina.
- 09:00–09:30 — Depart from Hurghada Marina (New Marina area). Safety briefing on board.
- 10:00–10:45 — First snorkeling stop at a coral reef site. Common stops include reefs near Abu Ramada or the Fanadir reef area, depending on conditions and operator route.
- 11:00–12:30 — Arrive at Paradise Island. Beach time begins — swimming in the shallows, sunbathing, or a second snorkel along the reef edge.
- 12:30–13:30 — Buffet lunch served on the boat or on the beach (varies by operator).
- 13:30–15:00 — Additional free time on the island or a second snorkeling stop.
- 15:00–16:00 — Return cruise to Hurghada Marina.
- 16:30–17:30 — Hotel drop-off.
Best Time to Go + What to Bring
March through May and September through November are the practical sweet spots. Water temperatures range from around 22°C in February to 28°C in August, so the sea is swimmable year-round — but wind matters more than temperature for comfort. Late May through early October brings stronger winds (often 20–25 knots), which can mean choppier crossings and reduced visibility at snorkel sites.
Packing list
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) — reapply after every swim
- Rash guard or UV shirt for extended snorkeling
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Cash for park fee and tips (small bills, USD or EGP)
- Light windbreaker for the return boat ride
- Towel (confirm whether your operator provides one)
- Underwater camera if you have one — marine life sightings are common but not guaranteed
Book a Paradise Island Trip
Ready to lock in your day? Red Sea Quest lists Paradise Island trips from verified local suppliers with transparent pricing, listed inclusions, and free cancellation policies. Filter by departure point, boat type, and budget to find the right fit.
You can reserve your spot online and pay cash on arrival after confirming the boat and crew — a model that keeps operators accountable and gives you confidence before money changes hands. See all Hurghada excursions or go directly to Hurghada boat cruises to compare Paradise Island trips now.
