White sand, turquoise water and coral reefs: a day on one of the Hurghada islands is a must on any Red Sea holiday. But between Mahmya, Orange Bay, Paradise Island, Orizea and White Island, it is not always easy to know which one to pick. Each island has its own feel, programme and budget. Here is our comparison, with 2026 prices and our tips to help you choose.
What is the most beautiful island in Hurghada?
There is no single answer: it depends on what you are looking for. Mahmya, in a protected area of the marine park, is often called the most beautiful and the quietest. Orange Bay is the most famous, with its swings in the water. Paradise Island is ideal if you want a long time on the beach. And if you want the place to yourselves, a private speedboat to White Island is hard to beat.
Hurghada islands compared
| Island | Style | Adult price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahmya | Premium, protected area | €80 | Nature lovers, peace and quiet |
| Paradise Island | Long beach day (about 4 h) | €30 | Beach lovers |
| Orange Bay | Classic, 2 snorkeling stops | €25 | First boat trip, families |
| Hula Hula | Simple and budget-friendly | €25 | Small budgets, families |
| Bianca | All-inclusive, entertainment | €65 | Groups of friends, party mood |
| Orizea | Full day, pool | €65 | Comfort lovers |
| Orizea by speedboat | Small group (max 8 people) | €70 | Couples, small groups |
| Eden Island | Equipped beach, drinks all day | €65 | Upmarket relaxation |
| Magawish | Semi-private speedboat | €45 | Speed and small groups |
| White Island | Private speedboat, 4 h | €125 per boat (2-4 people) | Couples, families, privacy |
Except for White Island (price per boat), children aged 0 to 5 go free and children aged 6 to 11 pay half price (€12.50 for Orange Bay, for example). Every trip includes hotel pick-up in Hurghada and snorkeling equipment.
Mahmya: the premium island
In a protected zone of the Red Sea marine park, Mahmya stands out for its white sand, turquoise water and fewer visitors. The day includes beach time, snorkeling on the reef and lunch with unlimited drinks during the meal. Entrance and marine park fees are included. See the Mahmya Island trip.
Paradise Island: the most time on the beach
After a snorkeling stop on a colourful reef and a buffet lunch, you spend about 4 hours on the island. Paradise Island, near Hula Hula, is smaller than Orange Bay, but its deeper water has coral and lots of fish. A sunset option with a foam party is available on request. See the Paradise Island trip.
Orange Bay: the most famous
In Giftun National Park, Orange Bay is known for its wide beach, shallow water and swings in the sea. The day includes two snorkeling stops, lunch on board with drinks and 1.5 to 2 hours on the island. On some days there is a free towed ride or banana boat, if the authorities allow it. The marine park fee (€5 per person) is extra. All the details are in our Orange Bay guide. See the Orange Bay trip.
Hula Hula: the budget day
A simple, affordable trip: about 1.5 hours on the beach, a snorkeling stop on the reef and a buffet lunch on board with unlimited soft drinks. Island entrance fees are included. Perfect for a first family day at sea. See the Hula Hula Island trip.
Bianca: the all-inclusive party island
Formerly called Utopia, Bianca Island has white sand, wooden pergolas and shaded sunbeds. About 45 minutes of snorkeling, a snack, buffet lunch, unlimited soft drinks, a glass-bottom boat ride, Wi-Fi, entertainment and a foam party make for a busy day. Bring your own towel. See the Bianca Island trip.
Orizea: a full day with a pool
On Orizea you stay on the island from about 10:00 to 15:15, with private umbrellas and sunbeds. A snorkeling trip of about 45 minutes, an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch and access to a raised pool facing the sea are included. Drinks are paid on the island. See the Orizea Island trip.
Orizea by speedboat: faster and quieter
The same island, but by fast boat in a small group of 8 people maximum. You get there faster, away from the big boats, with a snorkeling stop and free time on the island. Note: meals and drinks are not included, so confirm when you book. See the Orizea speedboat trip.
Eden Island: upmarket relaxation
Eden Island, a protected island in the marine park, has an equipped beach with sunbeds, umbrellas and pergolas. Lunch is served in the island restaurant, soft drinks are unlimited all day and a guided snorkeling session is included. The nature reserve fee (€5 per person) is paid when boarding. See the Eden Island trip.
Magawish by semi-private speedboat
About 7 hours in a small group on a fast boat: a stop on Magawish Island, snorkeling on the reef, lunch on the island with one drink and a stop at White Island. A good balance between comfort and price. See the Magawish trip.
White Island by private speedboat
The boat and captain are yours alone for 4 hours. You head to White Island, a white sandbank surrounded by turquoise water, with snorkeling on the programme. The price is for the whole boat, for 2 to 4 people; meals and drinks are not included. See the White Island trip.
Our tips for your island day
- What to bring: towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a photo of your passport on your phone and some cash for extras.
- Wind: book your boat trip early in your holiday. If we cancel because of the weather, you choose a new date or get a full refund.
- With children: Orange Bay and Hula Hula, with their simple programmes, are good choices.
- For snorkeling: Paradise Island and its nearby reefs have more fish than Orange Bay.
- Staying outside Hurghada? Pick-up from El Gouna, Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh is possible for a supplement: ask us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest island trip in Hurghada?
Orange Bay and Hula Hula cost €25 per adult, followed by Paradise Island at €30. For Orange Bay, add the €5 marine park fee.
What is the difference between Orange Bay and Paradise Island?
Both are part of the Giftun islands. Orange Bay is bigger, with shallow water but no coral near the beach. Paradise Island is smaller, with deeper water, reefs and lots of fish.
How can I pay?
In euros, US dollars, Egyptian pounds or by PayPal. You can book from just 1 person, and our team speaks English and French.
Can I cancel?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the trip. To book or ask a question, message us on WhatsApp at +20 101 780 8340.
Want to see dolphins too? Read our guide to dolphin trips in Hurghada. For more ideas, see the best things to do in Hurghada.
