Paradise Island Paradise in Hurghada - Egypt, Red Sea. See photos of the excursion Paradise Island

Mahmaya Island, located 45 minutes by boat near the resort of Hurghada, can be called an untouched pearl of nature.

This uninhabited island boasts of its soft beaches and some of the most scenic coral reefs. On the way to the island, you can relax and contemplate the flocks of colorful Red Sea fish through the transparent bottom of the boat and watch the dolphins that often swim in these places.

An unforgettable journey into the underwater world of the Mahmai reefs awaits on the island with an experienced diving and snorkeling instructor to a depth of 3-5 meters. After an underwater walk, you can enjoy sunbathing on the white sand of Mahmai.

Coordinates: 27.18318800,33.95593600

Giftun Islands

Over the past few years, more and more tourists are turning their attention to the Giftun Islands, located near Hurghada. Only here the owners of special diving gear will be able to see the grandiose underwater world stretching along the coast.

There are two Giftun islands in total: Small and Big. Usually tourists visit the Big Island. It is completely sandy and practically devoid of vegetation; sea winds roam here at full speed. Sand often rises and flies at high speed low above the surface of the island, when you hit it, you will feel a strong tingling sensation in places unprotected by clothing. The views are simply stunning: turquoise sea, blue sky and yellow sands underfoot. The sea temperature is much higher than around Hurghada itself.

There are many beautiful reefs in the area of \u200b\u200bthe island. The most diverse species of marine animals live here: moray eels, cuttlefish, stingrays and other exotic inhabitants. A large number of underwater caves are located near Maly Giftun, and the depth of the bottom reaches 45 meters.

Coordinates: 27.21952500,33.92916300

Utopia island

Utopia Island is an amazing place that is part of a coral reserve. It is so named because several times a year it is completely hidden under the waves of the Red Sea.

at any time of the year, the water temperature here is always 5 degrees higher than in other regions. This creates a favorable environment for the growth of an incredibly diverse coral.

This is a shallow place where you can see the fantastic landscapes of the seabed without having to wear scuba gear. All you need is a mask and fins, because all the wealth of the coral garden is in full view.

During a sightseeing trip to the island, you will have an hour and a half to swim, sunbathe and enjoy the atmosphere of tranquility.

Coordinates: 23.60961000,36.19405700

Paradise Island

This small island gives you the pleasure of the hot sun, unusually warm, clean and transparent water. The sand on the beach is white, fine, incredibly pleasant to the touch. The entrance to the sea is smooth and comfortable - the bottom is cleaned of corals.

There are palm-shaped umbrellas on the beach, under which you can comfortably relax, several bars with drinks and light snacks, several cafes. There are always many yachts near the island, because many tourists come here on an excursion program, a must-see of which is a visit to this amazing island.

Coordinates: 27.24974600,33.92028800

Coral island

Coral Island is a small natural landmark in the Red Sea that attracts many tourists. The island lies a few kilometers east of Hurghada, and tourists are brought here by boat.

The coral island has very tiny dimensions: its width does not exceed 50 meters, and its length is 100 meters. There is no vegetation on the island, and the only capital structure is a pyramid model, created for the entertainment of tourists.

However, the main treasure of the island is not the beaches, but a large coral reef that surrounds its coast in a wide ring. And if the surface of the island can hardly be called picturesque, then real beauty is hidden under the water. Colorful corals and other amazing inhabitants of the Red Sea attract many divers and ordinary scuba divers to the island.

Coordinates: 27.14900600,33.85738000

Omo Gamar Peninsula

The Omo Gamar Peninsula, located in the Red Sea near Hurghada, is approximately 400 meters long and forms part of a long, colorful reef that stretches for two kilometers.

A distinctive feature of the peninsula is the coral reef in the shape of a rhino horn. Here you can see a great abundance of flocks of beautiful and colorful fish and colorful corals that adorn the numerous cracks of the island.

Everyone will be able to dive under the water accompanied by an instructor and get acquainted with the inhabitants of the Red Sea who are not afraid of guests.

Coordinates: 26.79572700,33.93970400

Hurghada landmarks

The amazing beauty of the sea, the cleanest sandy beach, an impressive variety of flora and fauna - this and much more awaits you during an excursion to Paradise Island, or "Egyptian Maldives" as tourists often call it.

The excursion is quite inexpensive, and the impressions received will be enough for you for many years to come! You can rest assured: having visited Paradise Island once, you will definitely want to come back here again.

A small island with a white beach is located in the southeastern part of the Red Sea, about 40-60 minutes from Hurghada by yacht. The protected area is divided into 3 zones:

Depending on the travel agency and the services included, the cost of the excursion can vary quite widely. The average price is $ 20-40.

For this money, you can count on the following:

• round trip transfer;
• guide services;
• mask, snorkel and fins;
• light lunch on the yacht.

Also, the price may include additional services and entertainment. Most often these are national dances and songs - it is very interesting to observe such a program during a meal.

Traditionally, the tour lasts from 8-9 to 16-17 hours.

What to do on Paradise Island?

Here you can devote time to a beach holiday and get to know the incredibly beautiful representatives of the local flora and fauna.

In general, events unfold as follows. First, tourists are picked up on a yacht at a predetermined place. On average, the ship spends 40 minutes on the way, and then moors near the protected area. From here, vacationers are picked up by small boats and taken to the coast.

The guide gives out flippers, masks and snorkels to tourists. You can bring a life jacket if needed. Further, members of the excursion group are given some time to get acquainted with the atmosphere and atmosphere of the island, explore the enchanting underwater world, sunbathe and other similar events.

Undoubtedly the most interesting and impressive part of the excursion is the diving. Even without scuba gear, with the most ordinary mask, you will get a lot of unforgettable emotions and impressions. The water here is crystal clear, and the majestic coral reefs are inhabited by many colorful inhabitants - even the most venerable scuba divers are impressed.

After lunch, events may unfold in different ways, depending on the specifics of the particular tour. In some excursions, a show program is held for guests, in others additional dives are organized, etc. Please check this point separately before buying a yacht ticket.

And, of course, you will be allowed to take the time to photograph. Take with you a voluminous flash drive for your camera, because there really is something to shoot here! Tourists wonder: how can there be so many picturesque objects on such a tiny island? It turns out that it can.

Flora and fauna of Paradise Island

Paradise Island is a protected nature reserve. Sensitive control by the authorities made it possible to preserve the local flora and fauna in their almost original form.

Armed with your mask, snorkel and fins, head out to discover the coral reefs - they are very beautiful here. All the necessary equipment will be given to you. If you have your own mask, take it on an excursion to avoid unpleasant emotions when receiving spoiled inventory. This happens here, albeit very rarely.

During your acquaintance with the picturesque coral reefs, you will see a lot of amazing in their beauty and diversity of inhabitants: all kinds of fish, stingrays, sea urchins, squids and many others. At the same time, they are not at all afraid of people, they pose with pleasure and allow themselves to be touched. But touching the fish, if you, of course, do not know how to distinguish "by eye" harmless creatures from poisonous and dangerous representatives of the marine fauna, is not worth it. Even a simple observation will give you a lot of emotions and real delight.

If you're lucky, you can feed moraines, napoleons and other huge fish like boiled eggs. These giants swim below and it is dangerous to approach close to them - after all, 150-200 kg of live weight, be careful.

As noted, Paradise Island is a conservation area with strict rules that prohibit fishing of any kind, getting coral and sea shells, or any other activity that could harm the environment.

To keep things going in their best shape, remember a few simple rules and stick to them throughout your journey.

First, if possible, try to buy a ticket at one of the local travel agencies - it will be cheaper than at a hotel.

Second, pack your bags properly. You will need the following things here:

• swimming trunks / bathing suit;
• towel;
• sunscreen;
• glasses;
• camera;
• headdress;
• t-shirt with long sleeves. Try to swim and walk in it so as not to get sunburned while exploring Paradise Island.

Also bring a couple of bottles of drinking water with you. On the yacht, you will be offered food and drinks, but on the island itself, unless, of course, your excursion involves visiting the VIP zone with restaurants, there will be no such pleasures.

You can not take money, except for a tip to the team and staff, but this is optional. Usually the trip ends with the captain walking along the yacht, unobtrusively asking for a small "bakshish" (the local name for a tip) and inviting tourists to buy photographs taken during the excursion. In general, additional costs are entirely at your discretion.

Have a nice holiday!

Table. Excursion to Paradise Island

Video - Paradise Island Hurghada

An excellent opportunity to visit an extraordinary place is provided - Paradise Island... For the snow-white sand and turquoise of the sea, it is also called Paradise. The hotel offers a variety of excursions to suit all tastes and preferences. But we already know where we will go! Even in Kiev, looking through unusually beautiful photos and fascinating reviews on the Internet, we were fascinated by this island. I wanted to see with my eyes what he is - Paradise Island! Does it deserve its name!

The long-awaited day of the walk has come! Opening my eyes, I was in anticipation and could not wait for the start of our journey toparadise Island... We bought the tickets the day before from the local "businessman" Sultan. The cost of an excursion at the hotel costs $ 60 for two people, but the locals are half cheaper. The tour is no different. The trip is carried out on a snow-white yacht from the hotel pier. The duration of the walk is approximately seven hours, from 9 am to 4 pm. Our ship was led by an experienced captain - Sultan. He prepared for us a fascinating excursion across the Red Sea. During the walk, there were three stops on the reefs, lunch on the yacht,paradise Island and see dolphins if possible. Apparently the latter are not always shown to tourists.

By itself, a yacht trip is already an amazing adventure! The bow of our vessel was heading rapidly away from the city towards the open sea. Hotels and the coast are no longer visible in the distance, but only water is around. It is not for nothing that they say that water soothes, makes thoughts harmonious. Yes ... in such an environment, you can write novels or compose poetry. Calm, lightness ... inspiration overflows.

Snorkeling on the reefs

Swaying through the waves, we approached the first stop. The reef here is amazing! Of course, there are a lot of people at these stops. Tourists are taken here. If you swim yourself, you can get a little lost. It is good that our thoughtful captain summoned everyone with an exclamation: "Sultangrup!" And it is immediately clear where "our"

The first and second stops of the snow-white yacht were near the colorful reefs, where you could see the beauty of the underwater world. Diving with a mask and fins. The equipment was provided when going to sea. But whoever has his own mask is better to take it with him. I already wrote how to choose a mask, snorkel and fins, click on the link to anyone interested.

Those who do not swim well, clung to the lifebuoy, and the courageous Sultan pulled them around the reef and showed everything. What kind of fish were not there, the eyes widened, and the heart began to beat faster with admiration. Flocks of colorful fish surrounded me with their attention)) Surprisingly, they swim so close and are not at all afraid of people, you can even reach out to them with your hand. But you have to be careful with fish in Egypt and it is advisable not to touch them, because danger can lurk under the beauty of sea inhabitants. I chose to just watch and look at them. Delight from what I saw overwhelmed me! The underwater world of the Red Sea is incredibly beautiful and diverse, and our vacation on the Red Sea left in our memory how much delight and positive emotions!

I am swimming underwater looking at fish and reefs with interest, then something suspicious, small green, I am looking more closely, a five dollar bill is floating at me.

Fish of the red sea

The third stop was devoted to feeding the huge fish. They were to races Napoleons and the formidable Morena... They float below, but they are clearly visible. The weight of an adult Napoleon fish reaches 190 kg. Impressive, isn't it ?! We fed them boiled eggs, they love to feast on them). I didn't dare to swim close, health is more important after all! The moraine looks like a huge viper and has a leopard print. Fortunately, she goes hunting at night. The first time I saw a small moraine near a reef in a hotel, but I had no idea that it grows to this size.

During the breaks, Sultan and his team entertained us with oriental songs and dances, it was very exciting! The captain of the ship rolled funny figures from towels to each of the guests, and then showed a master class "How to tie an arafatka". This talent is lost! It was very interesting to see, I love such accessories.) I even bought myself a souvenir from Egypt like this.

The well-thought-out team had everything under control, for those wishing to do a photo session under water or on a yacht, please pose. They take pictures of all the tourists during the entire walk, and at the end of the walk they offer to order a photo from them.

Amazing Paradise Island in Hurghada

A small particle of sand can already be seen in the distance, surrounded on all sides by the waters of the Red Sea. Finally, our long awaited stop is Paradise Island... From the yacht we were loaded into a small motorboat and dropped off on the white sand. The infrastructure on the island is not well developed. Unfortunately, there are no umbrellas under which you can hide from the scorching sun. It is important to bring a hat, a towel and sunscreen. It is imperative to apply the cream, because you can easily burn out. The extraordinary open sea from the first minutes on the island beckons to itself, and the turquoise of the local waters captivates the eye. It would be nice to be on such an island together with your beloved at least for a day! Eh ... Time on the island flew by quickly, it's time to return. After all, we were lucky to see dolphins on the way back. They greeted us, emerging here and there, thereby competing with the ship who is faster.

In full delight and emotional lift, we returned to the hotel. Not for a moment not regretting the time spent. The day was eventful and full of impressions. Our excursion in Egypt was exciting and I can say thatparadise Island really deserves to be called Paradise!

Useful Information (Paradise Island)

• an excursion to the paradise island will cost less from the locals ($ 30 for two) than what is offered from the hotel ($ 60 for two).
• Walking time from 9 am to 4 pm
• If you have your own equipment (fins, mask, snorkel), it is better to take it with you, but if there is none, they are provided before the trip, as well as for those who cannot swim, they are given a life jacket.
• You need to take with you to Paradise Island: a camera, a towel, a bathing suit, a hat, sunglasses and glasses, as well as a tunic or long-sleeved shirt just in case so as not to burn out. After all, there are no umbrellas on the island, no trees under which you can hide from the scorching Egyptian sun. Moreover, as a rule, on Paradise Island you will be at the peak time at 14-15 hours.
• It is advisable to take a couple of bottles of water with you at the hotel. Despite the fact that on the yacht you will be watered and fed for free, there will be no such joy on the island.
• You don't need to take money with you. Unless, at the end of the trip, out of joy and emotion, you want to tip the team that entertained you throughout the trip. But this is optional. As a rule, at the end of the trip, the captain walks with a bottle - asks for "bakshish" and offers photographs that they have already snapped both under water and on a yacht during the entire trip. But I somehow doubt their quality. This is of course optional. Who wants to give money and who wants not! After all, everything has already been paid.)

Like me with Muhammad cooked pigeons and discovered national cuisine of Egyptyou can read

I'll make a reservation right away, "Paradise Island" is a fictitious name. There is no Paradise Island in Hurghada or any other part of Egypt. There is Giftun Island with 2 beaches, Paradise and Mahmya. Accordingly, Paradise, which means paradise in translation, is referred to as the Paradise Island, and Mahmya is the island of Mahmeya. However, whatever you name the excursion, the essence of the matter will not change. The bottom line is that the opportunity to swim in the Red Sea off the coast of Hurghada is very tempting in itself. Admiring the beauty, landing on the island, snorkeling by the reef in the open sea is not possible every day. Of course, I could not refuse this.

Coast of hurghada

This was my first sea excursion on a yacht. The tour bus brought us to where the pier is located.

Princess Mony was the most well-groomed of the 4 moored yachts. And in comparison with other sea excursions, the yacht on which we went to Paradise Island seemed to me more beautiful. She carried us north along the coast of Hurghada for a while.

And then our "princess" turned towards the open sea.

On the approaches to the Paradise Island, the sea began to play, became multi-colored. Khaki, marsh, yellow, pale green, aquamarine, blue-green, bright blue, light blue, blue, dark blue - it's amazing. The blue is so bright that it seems like it is being illuminated from the bottom. This is a multi-colored sea, and if you call it Red, then not from the supposedly red rocks bordering the coast, but from the old Russian word "red" meaning "beautiful".

Paradise Island Paradise

On the island there is a large inscription "PARADISE" which can be seen from afar. Seeing her, you understand that this is the Paradise Island.

We sailed on a yacht to the paradise island Paradise for about an hour. Here she is, our princess Mony)))

It took another 15 minutes to get to the shore by motor boat.

Thus, on the Paradise Island itself, we spent 1 hour - disembarking at 10.40 and loaded back at about 11.40.

By the way, we did not visit Paradise beach itself on Paradise Island. It is in private hands and is surrounded by a fence. The entrance to Paradise is paid. I don't know the cost, there was no need for time. True, you can walk along the sea, the fence does not go into the sea, but the guards are sitting there)) They are not allowed to start up, but they are allowed to take pictures without problems. In appearance, the equipped Paradise Island differs from the unsettled Giftun Island only by the presence of beach umbrellas.

Paradise Island is a rather harsh place. One word - Egypt! Hot sand and not a drop of greenery. You can only hide from the mercilessly scorching sun in the water. However, this does not save you from getting burnt.

In the opposite direction, you can walk to the Mahmeya beach. If you wish, you can even go back in an hour, but I preferred to sunbathe a little and wander along the shore. How wonderful it is to walk on sand, soft as flour, when a gentle wave of the sea caresses your feet! However, such sand only borders the beach, 4 meters wide from the sea. Next comes the sand not very different from what was in.

On the coast of Paradise Island, I came across a piece of Caral. Maybe someone cut it, but then why didn't they take it away? And most likely just the wave endured. The export of corals from Egypt is strictly prohibited, but if you tamp it into a bag skillfully, then they say it is possible to smuggle it in, but somehow I had no particular desire to try it.

Paradise island of Mahmeya

Then we went along Giftun, past Mahmey for diving with a mask, snorkel and fins, which we got before leaving for Sinbad. As it turned out, some, fearing to damage the fins or perhaps drown the mask, indicated the wrong coordinates of residence, and when they returned, they could not remember what they were saying there to delete them. This is of course everyone's right, but God forbid, if something happens, how will they understand who you are and where you are from?

If we compare Mahmeya and Paradise Island, then of course Mahmeya has a prettier appearance.

According to the reviews of those who visited Mahmeya, I can say that it all consists of sand, fine as flour, you can watch corals in a mask without even swimming, but simply at the bottom and bending your head. In general, the reviews are extremely enthusiastic. One problem, the price is almost 3 times more expensive than Paradise Island. Although, perhaps at the height of the season, the difference will be leveled and then, of course, you only need to take the island of Mahmeya.

Swimming and snorkeling in the waters of the paradise island

At the beginning of the first hour of the day we stopped for a swim. To be honest, the strength and temperature of the wind did not contribute to the desire to climb into the water. But here I simply could not control myself)))

The water was warmer, moreover, the water was even warmer than on the coast near the hotel. If Giftun Island in Egypt did not at all deserve the name "Paradise Island", then in relation to the Red Sea the adjective "Paradise" is quite applicable. Extraordinary beauty.

A jellyfish paraded past me at arm's length, somewhere below the first coral islands appeared, although I swam in the wrong direction. But it took me 5-7 minutes, the waters of the Red Sea turned out to be very bitter and salty. The wave now and then whipped my pipe and water flowed into my mouth. Either strong waves, or I was very fond of tilting my head below the permissible level, or whether the pipe was bad (those in the know convinced me of the last option), but I drank salt water just as I wanted. True, we were immediately fed lunch and, in general, my stomach did not even take offense at me. Everything was digested)) True, I then basked in the sun for a long time, sitting on the upper deck in the bow of the ship, where the wind was practically not felt.

Dolphins and seagulls

Already on the way back, the Arabs began to fuss. On one of the yachts, a dolphin was spotted nearby and at the same minute all nearby yachts rushed at him like hungry seagulls on fish. The dolphin was alone. He seemed to be asleep. The yachts came and went, and he did not even make an attempt to sail away, because he had these two-legged creatures pointing at him and making strange sounds on huge iron cans. But then, apparently all the same, this vanity bothered him and he plunged into the depths.

Red Sea video

The video shows the Red Sea near the coast of Hurghada and Paradise Island. The quality is average.

Where to buy an excursion to Paradise Island in Hurghada

1. At the tour operator. If you arrived in Egypt with a tour operator, then the hotel guides will certainly offer you to purchase excursions. Among others, there will definitely be an excursion from Hurghada to Luxor. The advantages of this option are that you don't have to bother at all, the main disadvantage is the price. It has long been known that tour operators usually have the highest prices.
2. Outdoors. Everything is simple here. Look for a travel agency on the streets of Hurghada and buy a tour there. Of the advantages, of course, the price, perhaps you will even be put on the same bus in which the tourists who bought the excursion at the hotel will go. Of the minuses is the quality of Arab service in Egypt tourism.
3. The best option where you can buy or book an excursion from Hurghada to Luxor seems to us to be the Internet. It is quite reliable and not expensive. Excursions from Hurghada at the best prices can be found on the website. But the largest selection of excursions can be found.

Our impressions and reviews of the trip to Paradise Island in Hurghada

In general, the excursion to the paradise island in Hurghada was light. If you do not have high expectations from Giftun Island itself, which cannot be called paradise, then the emotions from the trip remain purely positive. Impressions from the beauty of the Red Sea will stay with you for a long time. Be sure to bring a sunscreen with good protection and a hat. I also recommend taking a T-shirt or a long sleeve shirt. When you take a snorkel mask, be sure to check that it is intact everywhere and nothing falls off anywhere else, otherwise water may flow into the snorkel.