Short answer: The best-known sea excursions from Hurghada go to the Giftun Islands, including Orange Bay and Mahmya, to Dolphin House at Shaab El Erg, and to island reefs such as Abu Ramada, Umm Gamar, El Fanous and Abu Nugar. You can join a shared boat with other groups, or book a private boat for your group only, such as LYT-200 or LYT-102, with the route and times planned around you.
The main excursions side by side
| Excursion | What it is | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Giftun Islands and Orange Bay | Giftun Kebir and Giftun Soraya, inside the Northern Red Sea Islands protected area, with beaches and reefs | Families, beach lovers, snorkellers |
| Dolphin House | Shaab El Erg, a reef north of Hurghada where dolphins rest; visits follow strict rules | Calm-sea days, confident swimmers |
| Abu Ramada | A small island south of Giftun with sheltered coral gardens | Snorkellers, beginners |
| Umm Gamar | A crescent-shaped island in open sea with a reef wall and coral towers | Strong snorkellers, divers |
| El Fanous | Reefs about 30 minutes by boat from central Hurghada, with a shallow lagoon | A shorter trip, children |
| Abu Nugar | Reefs north of Hurghada near El Gouna, with a shallow reef top | Snorkellers |
| Sunset cruise | A few calm hours along the coast | Couples, celebrations |
Read more in Giftun Island by private boat, Dolphin House rules and the best snorkeling in Hurghada.
Private boats you can book in Hurghada
| Boat | Leaves from | Guests | Trips | On board |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LYT-200, 16 m motor yacht built in 2025 | Tourist Port, Hurghada | Up to 13 | Half day (about 4 hours) or full day (about 8 hours) | Captain and two crew. Lunch, fruit and snacks, snorkelling gear, life jackets, fuel for the agreed route and national park fees included |
| LYT-102, 17 m motor yacht | Marine Sports Club, Hurghada | Up to 12 | Half day (about 4 hours), full day (about 8 hours) or sunset (about 3 hours) | Captain and two crew, life jackets, three cabins. Seafood lunch, snorkelling gear, fishing gear and park fees can be added per person |
Both boats sail to Orange Bay, the Giftun Islands, Dolphin House, Abu Ramada, Abu Nugar, El Fanous and Umm Gamar. You book the whole boat for your group, and the price is per boat, not per person. Your concierge confirms the route for your date in the written quote.
Shared trip or private boat
| Shared excursion | Private boat | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is on board | Other groups | Your group only |
| Timetable | Fixed | Planned with you |
| Stops | The same for everyone, often the busiest beaches | Chosen for your group and the sea that day |
| Price | Per person | Per boat, better value as the group grows |
Before you book
- Protected-area rules apply at the islands; your quote says whether fees are included.
- The north wind can change the route on the day; see Hurghada weather by month and Red Sea water temperature.
- Dolphins are wild: sightings are never certain, and no one may chase or touch them.
- Reef rules and safety basics are in snorkeling in the Red Sea.
Questions
Is Orange Bay part of Giftun Island?
Yes. Orange Bay is a beach on Giftun Kebir, the larger of the two Giftun Islands off Hurghada. See Orange Bay by private boat.
Should we start in Hurghada or El Gouna?
It depends where you stay and which reefs you want. See El Gouna or Hurghada.
How fast do we get a quote?
The LYT Concierge Team replies within 2 hours, 9:00 to 22:00 Cairo time, and checks availability with the crew. Nothing is paid until you accept the written quote.
Yachts you can book in Hurghada
Real yachts, checked with their operators. Send your date and group for a written quote. Nothing to pay until you accept.
Sails from Hurghada
12 m Motor Yacht · Hurghada · Giftun Islands & Dolphin House
- Motor yacht
- 12 m
- Up to 10 guests
From EGP 6,500 per trip
