Mahmya Island day trip from Hurghada
From €80 per person, transfer included
Mahmya is a developed beach at the southern tip of Giftun Kebir, the big island facing Hurghada, inside the Giftun protected area. People come for the white sand, the very clear turquoise water and a calmer feel than elsewhere on the island. Hurghada Habibi runs it from €80 per person, with an all-you-can-eat meal included.
Where Mahmya is and how far
Mahmya is at the south end of Giftun Island, about 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada, reached only by the boats that serve the beach; the partner handles the transfer from your hotel.
It shares an island with Orange Bay but plays a different tune: wooden structures, palm parasols, sandy paths, and fewer people. It's the beach you pick when you've done Giftun once and want to see it from another angle.
How the day goes
- Hotel pick-up in the morning, then the crossing to Giftun.
- Arrival at Mahmya, settle in on the beach.
- Snorkelling on the reserve's reefs.
- All-you-can-eat meal on site.
- Free time, then back in the afternoon.
The real luxury at Mahmya is time. Once you've found your spot, there's nothing left to decide until the boat home.
What there is to do
Nothing compulsory, which is the whole idea: swimming, snorkelling, a nap in the shade, a walk along the water, with enough fish close to the beach that you don't need to go far.
Get into the water where the staff point you. The entry points are placed to protect the reef, and they're often the richest spots too. Stay horizontal, kick gently, keep your hands to yourself. A life vest or float means you never tire.
Midday light makes the water look almost unreal. Great for photos from the jetty. Less great for sitting in the sun without cover.
Mahmya, Orange Bay or Paradise?
Mahmya is the most looked-after and the priciest of the three (from €80, against €25 for the other two), and it earns the gap if you want calm and a polished beach over a lively day.
Best time to go
Any month, and above all on a calm day: without wind, Mahmya's water is as clear as it gets, with the air mild from October to May and the sea between 22 and 27°C.
What to bring
- Swimmers, towel, and a dry pair for later
- Reef-friendly sun cream, cap, sunglasses
- Water shoes
- A waterproof pouch
- A little cash for extras and a tip
Mahmya tickets and booking
From €80 per person with Hurghada Habibi, covering transfer, yacht, entry, the all-you-can-eat meal and snorkelling; partner price, confirmed on WhatsApp for your date.