Hula Hula Island Red Sea Snorkeling
Full-day boat trip from Hurghada to Hula Hula Island (Giftun area): two guided snorkeling stops, buffet lunch onboard, about 3 hours free time on a private island with included banana/sofa boat rides, and hotel pickup & drop-off in Hurghada.
In Collaboration with Egypt Travel Guide. Updated on February 13, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Egypt Travel Guide, inspired by the tour Hula Hula Island Red Sea Snorkeling. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Two guided snorkeling stops on healthy Red Sea coral reefs
- About 3 hours of free time on Hula Hula Island (private beach)
- Onboard buffet lunch and unlimited soft drinks
- Included snorkeling equipment and life jackets
- Banana boat & sofa boat rides supervised by crew
Explore all itineraries in Hurghada.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at your hotel for pickup; full-day boat trip to Hula Hula Island with snorkeling, lunch, island time and return to hotel.
Hotel pickup and transfer to Hurghada Marina
Shared minibus pickup from hotels in Hurghada. Staff will collect guests between 08:15–08:45 depending on hotel location and bring you to Hurghada Marina for boarding.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your quoted pickup time; drivers may collect multiple hotels in a loop.
- Bring a small dry bag with essentials for the day (swimwear, sunscreen, spare clothes) — towels are not provided.
- If travelling with young children, carry any needed snacks or familiar items for the short transfer; life jackets are provided later on the boat.
Boarding & safety briefing at Hurghada Marina
Arrive at Hurghada Marina, check in with the crew, store luggage onboard and attend a short safety and snorkeling briefing before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your booking voucher or name ready at check-in to speed boarding.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat on arrival; there is limited shaded space on deck during embarkation.
- If anyone in your family is prone to sea sickness, take medication at least 30 minutes before departure.
Boat sail to snorkeling area (Giftun area)
Set sail across the Red Sea toward the Giftun islands area; enjoy sea views while the crew prepares snorkeling equipment.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a light jacket handy in the early morning as it can be breezy on open water.
- Charge phones/cameras fully before leaving the marina; protect electronics in waterproof cases.
- Use the restroom at the marina if needed — access onboard may be limited during the first transit.
Snorkeling stop 1 — guided reef swim
First guided snorkeling stop at a coral reef. Guides provide equipment fitting, safety oversight, and basic orientation for beginners.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear the provided life jacket if you or children are not strong swimmers — guides monitor the group continuously.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen before entering the water to protect coral; reapply on the boat after swimming.
- Keep hands away from corals and avoid touching marine life; guides will help point out highlights.
Snorkeling stop 2 — guided reef swim
Second snorkeling stop at a different reef site to see more marine variety. Suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a snorkel vest if you prefer extra buoyancy; standard masks and fins are available in multiple sizes.
- If snorkeling with children, keep them within arm's reach and notify the guide of any concerns before entering.
- Rinse off with fresh water on the boat between swims to remove salt and keep gear comfortable.
Buffet lunch served onboard
Return to the boat for a buffet lunch with grilled fish, chicken, pasta, salads and vegetarian options; soft drinks available throughout the day.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- If anyone has food allergies, notify crew at boarding so they can advise on suitable buffet choices.
- Children often appreciate simple options—ask crew if smaller portions are available to reduce waste.
- Bring a refillable water bottle if you prefer to top up between soft-drink offerings; stay hydrated in the sun.
Free time on Hula Hula Island (beach, swim, water sports)
Arrive at Hula Hula Island for about 3 hours of beach time: relax on white sand, swim in shallow turquoise water, and take supervised banana boat and sofa rides (included).
- Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sun protection and a change of clothes; there may be limited shaded areas on the beach.
- Water sports are supervised, but confirm age/weight restrictions with the crew before participating for children's safety.
- Towels are not provided — pack your own beach towel and a dry bag for wet swimwear.
Return to Hurghada Marina and hotel drop-off
Board the boat for the return trip to Hurghada Marina, followed by minibus transfer back to your hotel with expected drop-off between 16:30–17:00.
Tips from local experts:
- Collect all personal items from the island before boarding; lost items are harder to recover after departure.
- Plan for a flexible drop-off order; hotels are visited in a loop so your exact arrival time may vary within the stated window.
- Offer optional tips to crew if you were pleased with service; small local currency notes are convenient.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Outdoor, Meal |
Hula Hula Island is the Red Sea's family secret—a private reef where the water is calm, the sand is white, and children who've never snorkeled before suddenly find themselves face-to-face with a sea turtle.
Egypt Travel Guide runs a full-day boat to this protected island, where the typical itinerary balances structured and free time. The morning begins with boat pickup and a guided snorkel session at a shallow reef where beginners can touch bottom and the fish population is abundant. Back on the island, you'll have three unstructured hours—time to rest on the beach, wade in the shallows, or try snorkeling again on your own. Water sports (banana boat and sofa rides) are included, so active kids get their thrills. Lunch is a generous buffet served onboard, followed by an afternoon snorkel at a different reef if energy allows. Soft drinks are unlimited throughout.
The boat is designed for families—wide, stable, and staffed with people accustomed to managing groups with young children. Life jackets and snorkel equipment are provided and sized appropriately. No one is rushed; the rhythm is calibrated to family pace.
For families introducing children to the sea, or parents seeking a day where the infrastructure works around their actual needs, this is the template.
Before you go
- Best time: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer calm waters, warm temperatures, and the best visibility—ideal for children.
- Budget: All-inclusive—boat, snorkel equipment, water sports (banana/sofa rides), lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and island entry. Bring cash only for tips and optional onboard purchases.
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly for all ages. Non-swimmers can participate in life jackets; water sports are optional and fully supervised.
- What to bring: High SPF reef-safe sunscreen, swim shirt or rash guard (especially for kids), towel, dry bag for electronics, hat, and snacks if your children need them beyond buffet offerings.
- Getting there: Hotel pickup is included; the marina is a short drive from central Hurghada. Early breakfast recommended; boat departs at 8:30am.
- Accessibility: The boat has standard steps; wheelchairs or strollers can be stored and assistance provided for boarding. Shallow snorkel areas allow non-mobile or very young children to participate safely in water.
Frequently asked questions
How old do kids need to be to snorkel? Most operators accept children as young as 4–5 with supervision. Younger children can wade in the shallows with parents. Discuss age and ability at booking; the operator will provide specific recommendations.
What if a child is afraid of water? The shallow island areas allow gradual acclimatization. Many children gain confidence simply by being in the water close to parents. The operator's staff are experienced with fearful kids and won't push; the pace is child-led.
What's included in the price? Boat with hotel transfer, snorkel equipment (masks, fins, life jackets), two guided reef sessions, three hours on the island, banana and sofa boat rides, buffet lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and all entry fees.
Are there quiet areas for younger kids or babies? Yes. The island has designated quieter sections, and the boat has shaded areas for rest. Not every moment needs to be active—downtime is built in.
Complete your trip in Hurghada
For more reef variety, Paradise Island full-day snorkeling offers an aqua park and different marine life.
Switch to a cultural immersion: Luxor day trip teaches older kids about pharaonic Egypt in person.
Balance water time with relaxation: Turkish hammam provides parent recovery time if younger children are in hotel care.
Browse all Hurghada itineraries at TheNextGuide.
