Snorkeling excursions from Sahl Hasheesh
Mahmya Island Snorkelling Day Trip from Sahel Hashesh
The Mahmya Island snorkelling day trip from Sahel Hashesh takes you into the protected waters of Giftun Island National Park for a day of reef snorkelling, lagoon swimming and beach time. After pickup, we transfer you to the harbour for the boat crossing to Mahmya Island. As you leave the coast, you get wide Red Sea views before the island appears as a low strip of sand surrounded by shallow, clear water.
When you arrive, you can use the provided snorkelling equipment to explore the reef. Around Giftun Island, you may see colourful fish and coral formations, with visibility depending on sea conditions. A guide shows you how to enter the water safely and helps you stay within the designated snorkelling areas. Advanced swimming skills are not needed, but you should feel comfortable in open water and be able to use a life jacket if required.
The boat continues to Mahmya Island, where the day is pleasantly simple: swim, snorkel, rest and enjoy the sea. The white sandy beaches give you room to pause between water activities. Sit in the shade, walk along the shoreline or swim in the lagoon while our team keeps the schedule moving at a relaxed pace.
Watch the water during the crossing and near the island. Travellers sometimes spot dolphins in Giftun Island National Park, though sightings depend on their movements and the conditions at sea. You may also notice seabirds, flying fish and the changing colours of the Red Sea as the boat moves farther from the coast.
Lunch and refreshments are arranged on the island, so you can eat without leaving the beach area for a separate restaurant. The schedule usually gives you several hours on Mahmya, shared between snorkelling, swimming and relaxing. Boat boarding, the sea crossing and walking over sand are part of the day, so comfortable footwear and a reasonable level of mobility are helpful.
This excursion suits couples, families with confident swimmers and travellers who want a full day on the Red Sea without arranging each part themselves. Children need close supervision around the water and on the boat. The trip is less suitable for travellers with serious mobility limitations, severe seasickness or medical conditions that make swimming and boat travel difficult. Tell us about any relevant needs before travel so we can explain the arrangements clearly.
Itinerary: We collect you from your accommodation in Sahel Hashesh and transfer you to the harbour. You then board the boat to Mahmya Island, with the crossing taking place in the morning. After arriving, you spend the day snorkelling, swimming and relaxing on the beach, with lunch and refreshments included. You return by boat to the harbour before transferring back to Sahel Hashesh. Exact departure and return times can vary with the boat schedule and sea conditions.
FAQs: Is snorkelling equipment included? Yes, standard snorkelling equipment is included, and our team shows you how to use it before you enter the water. Can I join if I do not snorkel? Yes, you can swim in suitable areas, relax on the beach or spend time in the lagoon instead. Is the trip suitable for children? The excursion can suit children who are comfortable around boats and water, provided an adult supervises them throughout. What should I do if I get seasick? Tell us before departure and bring any medication recommended for you, as the boat crossing can feel uncomfortable for some travellers. We confirm the pickup details and final meeting point before the excursion.
Snorkelling equipment
Boat transfer to and from Mahmya Island
Entry arrangements for Giftun Island National Park
Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Sahel Hashesh
Lunch and refreshments on the island
Support from our local tour team
Tips
Towels and swimwear
Optional photography or video services
Personal expenses
Any personal medication or seasickness treatment
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
A small amount of cash for personal expenses and tips
Personal medication, including any seasickness treatment you normally use
Comfortable sandals or water shoes
Reusable water bottle
Swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes
The Mahmya Island day trip from Sahel Hashesh includes your transfer to the departure point, the boat journey to Mahmya Island, time to snorkel in the Red Sea, and time to relax on the island’s white sandy beaches. The exact inclusions, such as snorkelling equipment or meals, are shown in your booking details.
Our team can confirm what you need to bring before travel, including whether you prefer to use provided equipment or bring your own.
The Mahmya Island excursion is a full-day trip, with time for the boat crossing, snorkelling, swimming and a beach break rather than a rushed series of stops. You can venture into the underwater world of the Red Sea at a comfortable pace and spend quieter time on shore between activities.
The day depends on the boat schedule and sea conditions, so the exact departure and return times are confirmed with your booking.
Transport from Sahel Hashesh to the boat departure point is arranged as part of the day trip, after which you sail across to the protected island of Mahmya in Giftun Island National Park. Your pickup details and meeting point are provided with the booking confirmation.
Allow extra time for the transfer and boat boarding, and keep your phone available on the travel day in case our team needs to contact you about logistics.
Mahmya Island can suit families and travellers with different swimming abilities, provided children are supervised and everyone follows the crew’s safety instructions. You can unwind on the beach or swim in the lagoon, while snorkelling is optional rather than required.
Travellers should be comfortable boarding a boat and moving across a beach. Tell our team about children, pregnancy, medical conditions or mobility concerns before booking so we can explain the practical arrangements.
For a Mahmya Island snorkelling day trip, wear swimwear and bring a towel, sun protection, a hat, water and a change of dry clothes. Comfortable sandals or shoes that are easy to remove can help when boarding the boat and walking on the beach.
A waterproof phone case or camera is useful, but avoid carrying valuables you do not need. If you want to watch for playful dolphins in Giftun Island National Park, keep your camera ready while respecting the crew’s guidance and the animals’ space.
Cancellation and change terms for the Mahmya Island day trip depend on the booking conditions shown for your selected date. Check those terms before confirming, then contact our team as soon as possible if your plans change.
Boat trips can also be affected by sea conditions or operational decisions. We will explain any available alternatives or changes using the contact details supplied with your booking.
Your unforgettable Egypt journey starts with a booking you can trust.
* Available on selected tours. Flights, cruises and special bookings may have different cancellation policies.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts
If you choose to pay online, a secure payment link can be provided after booking. For assistance or alternative payment options, please contact us via WhatsApp.
Your Itinerary
Our team collects you from your accommodation in Sahel Hashesh and transfers you to the marina for the boat crossing. After boarding, settle in for the journey across the Red Sea towards Mahmya Island, which lies within the protected Giftun Island National Park. Keep your eyes on the water during the cruise; dolphins may sometimes be seen in the area, although sightings depend on natural conditions.
Once ashore, you can venture into the underwater world of the Red Sea during a guided snorkelling session near the island’s reef formations. The crew explains the equipment and points out suitable places to swim before you enter the water. Later, take time to unwind on white sandy beaches, swim in the lagoon, or rest in the shade. A lunch stop on the island is typically included, with time to eat at an easy pace before the return boat journey.
After the cruise back to the marina, your driver meets you for the transfer to Sahel Hashesh. The day ends with drop-off at your accommodation.