Giftun Island – Reef in Egypt

Name: Giftun Island
Address: Egypt

About Giftun Island

Giftun Island, nestled in the heart of the Red Sea just a short boat ride from Hurghada, offers an unparalleled diving and snorkeling experience. This protected marine park, established in 1986, encompasses two main islands, Big Giftun (Giftun Kebir) and Small Giftun (Giftun Sughayar), both surrounded by some of the Red Sea's most vibrant coral reefs. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine underwater landscapes make it a paradise for marine life enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned divers. The area is accessible year-round, thanks to Hurghada’s stable weather and calm sea conditions. The topography around Giftun Island is remarkably diverse, featuring dramatic reef slopes, vertical walls, and extensive coral gardens teeming with life. Dive sites like Small Giftun, also known as Police Station, boast sloping reefs adorned with gorgonians and schools of anthias. Other areas offer wide coral gardens and soft coral overhangs. The park also features intriguing pinnacles or "ergs" – isolated coral towers rising from the seabed, each acting as a bustling ecosystem. These varied environments support an incredible biodiversity, including colorful hard and soft corals. Marine life encounters are a highlight at Giftun Island. Divers frequently spot a variety of species such as lionfish, anthias, barracuda, and turtles. Other residents include surgeonfish, morays, napoleon wrasse, fusiliers, giant morays, snappers, groupers, and blue-spotted rays. Occasional sightings of reef sharks and even dolphins add to the excitement. While many sites are calm and ideal for beginners, some areas feature mild to moderate currents, particularly suited for exhilarating drift dives. Easy boat access from Hurghada makes these exceptional dive sites readily available.

Highlights

Vivid coral wallsGorgonian gardensAbundant fish lifeOccasional turtles and barracudaPristine hard and soft coralsDramatic reef slopesIsolated coral pinnacles

Season calendar

Best months to dive here

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Excellent

Good

Mar – May & Sep – Nov (Peak)

Best conditions with 30m+ visibility, comfortable water temps 24–28°C. Hammerhead sharks at Brothers, thresher sharks at Elphinstone.

Jun – Aug & Dec – Feb (Shoulder)

Jun–Aug: hot topside but warm water, good for southern routes. Dec–Feb: cooler water (21–23°C) attracts oceanic whitetips at Elphinstone. Still excellent visibility.

Conditions & Currents

Dive sites around Giftun Island offer a range of current conditions. Small Giftun, for example, typically experiences a mild current, making it ideal for gentle drift diving. Other areas may feature moderate or thrilling currents, creating exciting drift dive opportunities, particularly along the exposed outer edges of the islands.

Marine life & sighting chances

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Giftun Island often involves drift dives, especially at sites like Small Giftun (Police Station). Typically, you'll enter the water via a negative entry or a giant stride from the main boat or a Zodiac. The dive begins on a shallow reef plateau, often on the southern tip, and you drift north along a sloping reef wall. Depths range from 5 meters on the plateau down to 30 meters or more along the wall. The route usually follows the reef, allowing divers to observe vibrant soft coral overhangs, gorgonians, and numerous cleaning stations. Turning points are often dictated by the current or air consumption, with the dive concluding as you slowly ascend towards the surface. Safety stops are typically performed in the shallower sections of the reef, around 5 meters, before deploying a surface marker buoy for boat pickup.

Underwater photography

Giftun Island provides excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. The soft coral gardens and dramatic reef slopes, especially at Erg Somaya, thrive in ambient light, making them perfect for wide-angle shots to capture the expansive beauty. For vibrant colors, consider using strobes with diffusers, particularly when photographing the pulsing Dendronephthya corals. When drifting, good buoyancy control is essential to maintain position and avoid disturbing the fragile ecosystem. For macro subjects, such as nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and cleaner shrimp in crevices, a macro lens will capture intricate details. The morning light on the eastern wall of Police Station between 9 and 10 AM is particularly good for illumination.

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

Access to Giftun Island is primarily from Hurghada, which has an international airport. Daily diving trips depart from various Hurghada ports, typically lasting a full day to allow for two or three dives. A boat ride to Giftun takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the specific site and departure point. Dive trips usually include lunch and refreshments. There are no specific permits required for individual divers beyond standard dive center bookings. Liveaboards in the Red Sea often include Giftun as part of a wider itinerary, combining it with other Hurghada area sites, though some longer liveaboard itineraries focus on more distant offshore reefs.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Giftun Island area is generally safe, with multiple dive centers operating from Hurghada. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Hurghada. Divers should always ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Site-specific hazards include occasional strong currents, especially at certain points or during specific tidal conditions; divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques or be accompanied by an experienced guide. Always stay close to your buddy and group, and maintain depth awareness, especially near deep walls. Deploying a Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) is highly recommended for safety stops and signaling the boat for pickup, particularly during drift dives.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

Suited for

Beginner divers seeking gentle reef experiences
Intermediate divers interested in drift dives
Underwater photographers due to varied subjects
Divers keen on abundant reef fish and corals
Those looking for daily boat trips from Hurghada

Less suited for

Divers exclusively seeking large pelagic action
Individuals who dislike boat travel
Those who prefer deep wreck penetration (though other sites offer this)
Divers seeking challenging technical dives
Those wanting remote, uncrowded dive experiences (can be busy)

FAQ

Giftun Island FAQ

What kind of marine life can I expect to see at Giftun Island?

Giftun Island is a biodiversity hotspot. You can expect to see a wide variety of reef fish like parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish in abundance. Encounters with moray eels, blue-spotted stingrays, and clownfish are common, and you might occasionally spot green turtles, Napoleon wrasse, or reef sharks in deeper areas.

Are the currents strong around Giftun Island?

Currents at Giftun Island typically range from mild to moderate, making many sites suitable for enjoyable drift dives. Specific spots like Police Station are known for gentle drifts, while other areas might have slightly stronger currents that bring in more nutrients, contributing to the vibrant coral life.

Is Giftun Island suitable for beginner divers?

Yes, Giftun Island is well-suited for divers of all levels, including beginners. Many sites feature shallow reef plates and gentle conditions, providing an ideal environment for new divers to gain experience and enjoy the rich marine ecosystem. Dive guides can tailor experiences to suit different certification levels.

How long does it take to get to Giftun Island from Hurghada?

A boat trip from Hurghada to Giftun Island typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. This short travel time makes it a popular choice for daily diving excursions, allowing divers to spend more time underwater and less time in transit.

Can I do night dives at Giftun Island?

Night dives are possible at some sites around Giftun Island, such as Banana Reef. These dives offer a different perspective on the marine life, as many nocturnal creatures become active after sunset. Check with your dive operator for specific night diving opportunities and requirements.

What is the visibility like at Giftun Island?

Visibility at Giftun Island is generally excellent, often ranging from 25 to over 40 meters. The crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea provide fantastic viewing conditions for the colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life, enhancing the overall diving experience.

Why dive Giftun Island from a liveaboard?

Giftun Island is one of Egypt's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Giftun Island on their Egypt itineraries.

Egypt

24 guests37 m

Dive sites similar to Giftun Island

Same character, same waters, six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes, then pick the site that fits your trip best.

Abu Dabbab

Egypt

Abu Dabbab stands out as one of the Red Sea's most celebrated dive destinations, particularly notable for being a rare location where divers can encounter the endangered dugong.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Shore / dayboat
Depth: 3–20 m
Theme: Reef

Abu Galawa

Saudi Arabia

Abu Galawa is a prominent dive site within Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, specifically located among the Seven Sisters reefs near Yanbu.

Suitable for: Intermediate
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 5–40 m
Theme: Reef / Wall

Abu Galawa Kebir

Egypt

Abu Galawa Kebir is a premier dive site located in the southern Red Sea, situated on the northwestern edge of the extensive Fury Shoal reef system.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 3–18 m
Theme: Wreck

Abu Nuhas

Egypt

Abu Nuhas, often called the "ship's graveyard" of the Red Sea, is a triangular coral reef situated at the northern edge of the Strait of Gubal.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth: 4–24 m
Theme: Wreck

Aida

Egypt

The Aida is a prominent wreck dive site located in the Egyptian Red Sea, frequently visited on liveaboard itineraries that traverse the central region between the northern and southern dive sites.

Suitable for: Advanced
Current: Strong
Access: Liveaboard only
Depth: 25–65 m
Theme: Wreck / Drift

Al Lith Mangrove Reef

Saudi Arabia

Al Lith Mangrove Reef, located approximately 210 km south of Jeddah, serves as the primary launch point for exploring the renowned Farasan Banks.

Suitable for: Beginner
Current: Strong
Access: Shore / dayboat
Depth: 3–15 m
Theme: Reef / Wall

About Giftun Island

Highlights

Season calendar

Mar – May & Sep – Nov (Peak)

Jun – Aug & Dec – Feb (Shoulder)

Dive site facts: Giftun Island

Conditions & Currents

Marine life & sighting chances

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Underwater photography

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

Safety & environment

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

Suited for

Less suited for

Giftun Island FAQ

Why dive Giftun Island from a liveaboard?

Liveaboards diving Giftun Island

Dive sites similar to Giftun Island

12 liveaboards run the Giftun Island route.