The Giftun Islands by private yacht

The Giftun Islands are the most popular day out from Hurghada. Their beaches and the reefs around them make a full day of swimming, snorkelling and resting on deck. Because the islands are protected, the rules for visitors are stricter than on an ordinary beach.

On a private yacht the boat is only yours, so you choose the pace: more time on the reef, a longer beach stop, or a quiet lunch on board.

• Stone Beach (also called Stoney Beach) On the north side of Giftun Kebir, a small beach and a bay where boats moor when the weather allows, beside a reef wall with moray eels, large groupers and tuna.
• Shaab Sabina A reef between the two islands, a maze of coral garden at about 5 to 14 m.
• El Aruk Giftun More than 40 coral pinnacles on a plateau at about 10 to 15 m near Giftun Kebir, with lionfish, copper sweepers and Red Sea anthias. Venomous fish hide well camouflaged on the bottom, so never touch the coral or the sand.
• Erg Somaya A reef wall off Giftun Soraya with soft corals, Red Sea anthias and turtles. The current is often strong, and boats stop here only in good weather.
• Giftun Drift A drift dive along the deep wall of Giftun Soraya, at about 27 to 30 m, with gorgonian fans, Napoleon wrasse and turtles. It is for experienced divers.

Your captain chooses the stops for the wind and the sea on the day. If you want to dive, say so in your request. South of the islands, Abu Ramada has sheltered reefs for another stop.

1. You send a request with your date, your group and your swimming level. Giftun is already filled in.
2. The LYT Concierge Team replies within 2 hours, 9:00 to 22:00 Cairo time, and sends a written quote: the yacht, the harbour, the departure time, the hours at sea and what is included.
3. You accept the quote and pay a 25% deposit online. The operator confirms in writing.
4. On the day, you meet the crew at the harbour named on your quote, with your passport or a copy. The crew gives a short safety briefing.
5. The yacht sails out to the islands. The captain chooses the stops for the wind and the sea.
6. Between stops you swim, snorkel or rest on deck. Lunch and drinks are on board if your quote includes them.
7. You sail back at the time on your quote. The 75% balance goes to the operator before boarding.

Every yacht we list carries a licensed crew and a life jacket for every guest, including children’s sizes. Everything else is written on your quote, line by line: snorkelling gear, food and drinks, towels, any protected-area fee and a hotel transfer. If it is not on the quote, it is not included.

Boats tie up to mooring buoys instead of dropping anchor on the coral. Do not touch or stand on coral, do not feed the fish, and take nothing from the sea, not even shells. Leave no rubbish on the beach or in the water.

Boats sail to Giftun all year. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for a full day. Summer brings the warmest sea and the strongest sun, so a morning start helps. The wind blows from the north all year and is strongest from late May to early October. If the port authority or your captain stops sailing, you choose a new date or a full refund.

A motor yacht or a catamaran gives shade and space for a full day at Giftun. See how to choose between a speedboat, motor yacht, catamaran or sailing yacht.