What is Paradise Island in Hurghada?

In Hurghada, 'Paradise Island' is usually the trade name for Abu Minqar, a small island close to the city with a white beach and shallow reef flats. Some boats use the name for other beach stops, so check the details of each trip.

Is Orange Bay worth it?

Yes, if you choose a trip with enough beach time. Orange Bay on Giftun Kebir has a shallow turquoise lagoon and soft sand, but some cheap trips allow less than an hour on the beach.

Which Hurghada island is best for children?

Paradise Island (Abu Minqar) and Mahmya both have calm, shallow water. Abu Minqar is closer to Hurghada, so the boat ride is shorter.

Do I need to pay an island fee?

The Giftun Islands are a protected area and a protectorate fee applies. Good trips include it in the price – always check before booking.

Orange Bay vs Paradise Island vs Mahmya (2026): Best Hurghada Island Trip

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A day on a boat to the islands off Hurghada is the classic Red Sea excursion. But the offers can be confusing: Orange Bay, Paradise Island, Mahmya, Giftun, the three-islands cruise – what's the difference, and which one is right for you? This guide explains each island trip, how a typical day works and what to check before you book.

The islands at a glance

Giftun Islands: Giftun Kebir (big) and Giftun Saghir (small), a protected national park opposite Hurghada. Orange Bay and Mahmya are both on Giftun Kebir.
Orange Bay: the famous lagoon beach on Giftun Kebir – busy, beautiful, 40–50 minutes by boat.
Paradise Island (Abu Minqar): a small island close to Hurghada with a white beach and shallow reef flats – the shortest boat ride.
Mahmya: an eco beach club on Giftun Kebir with limited guest numbers – the calmest beach day.
Three-islands cruise: a longer day combining Orange Bay, Magawish and a sandbank known as White Island.

The island trips compared

1. Orange Bay – the postcard beach

Boats anchored off Giftun Island — Photo: ivabalk on Pixabay

Orange Bay sits on the sheltered western side of Giftun Kebir, facing the mainland. Its pale sand and shallow, clear lagoon look like a swimming pool, and the water is usually calmer than on the open-sea side. A typical trip includes hotel pickup around 8am, one or two snorkel stops on coral reefs, lunch on board and time on the beach before returning in the late afternoon.

The catch is popularity: in high season the beach can be crowded, and cheap trips sometimes allow only 45 minutes ashore. A good trip gives you around two hours on the beach, two snorkel stops with a guide in the water, and includes the protectorate fee. Our pick: the Orange Bay & Giftun Island snorkelling trip. For more detail, see this Orange Bay guide.

2. Paradise Island (Abu Minqar) – short and easy

Many boats in Hurghada sell a trip to "Paradise Island". In most cases this means Abu Minqar, one of the islands closest to the city, with a white beach on its east side (often called Bali Beach) and wide, shallow reef flats. It's a relaxed beach day rather than a long snorkel trip – perfect for families, non-swimmers and anyone who gets seasick, because the boat ride is short. Facilities and fees vary between offers, so check what's included. Abu Minqar can also be a stop on a private yacht charter. More in this Paradise Island guide.

3. Mahmya – the calm, eco-friendly choice

The beach at Mahmya on Giftun Kebir — Photo: marucha on Pixabay

Mahmya is a beach club on the sheltered side of Giftun Kebir built around a simple idea: natural materials, no plastic and a limited number of guests per day. It has shaded sunbeds, a restaurant and calm, shallow water with coral patches just a few metres from the shore – one of the best places for first-time snorkellers. If you want more time on the sand and less on the boat, choose the Mahmya Island day trip, which includes the beach club entrance and lunch. Book ahead at Easter, in summer and at Christmas.

4. The three-islands cruise

A sailing boat on the Red Sea — Photo: Anrita1705 on Pixabay

The three-islands cruise packs more into one day: Orange Bay, Magawish island and White Island, a sandbank that appears in the open sea. It suits active travellers who want variety and several snorkel stops rather than a long beach break.

5. Dolphin House – for snorkellers

Dolphins swimming near the surface — Photo: womich on Pixabay

If dolphins matter more than beaches, the Dolphin House snorkelling trip heads to a reef where spinner dolphins often rest. Sightings are common but never guaranteed – and good operators keep their distance and don't chase the animals.

Which island trip should you choose?

Families with small children: Paradise Island (short ride) or Mahmya (calm water, shade).
The famous photo: Orange Bay – choose a trip with plenty of beach time.
Peace and quiet: Mahmya.
Best snorkelling: Orange Bay with two reef stops, the three-islands cruise or Dolphin House.
Groups or special occasions: a private yacht charter, with your own route and timing.

Tips for an island day

Check what's included: beach time, number of snorkel stops, lunch, drinks and the protectorate fee.
Pickup: most trips collect you from hotels in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh; pickups from further away start earlier. See the Makadi Bay guide.
Protect the reef: never stand on or touch coral, and use reef-friendly sunscreen.
Bring: a towel, hat, water shoes, a light jacket for the boat in winter and cash for tips.
Seasickness: if you're prone to it, sit at the back of the boat and choose a closer island.

Hurghada Island Trips: Orange Bay, Paradise Island, Mahmya or the Three-Island Cruise?

The islands at a glance