Giftun Soraya

Giftun Soraya is a sheltered reef and protected mooring area off Small Giftun Island (Giftun Soraya), part of the Giftun Island National Park south of Hurghada.

Overview

Giftun Soraya (the smaller Giftun island, as opposed to the larger Giftun Kebir) lies within one of the Red Sea’s most visited marine protected areas. The reef surrounding the island offers calm, sheltered diving on the island’s lee side, making it a favourite with beginners and those seeking a relaxed dive after more demanding sites in the area. The reef wall here is gentle rather than dramatic, sloping from the coral-draped shallows down to a sandy floor at 12–15 meters. Hard corals are abundant and in good health given the park’s protected status, and the island’s moorings see regular day boats from Hurghada operating half-day and full-day snorkel and dive trips.

Site Information

• Location: Small Giftun Island, Giftun Island National Park, south of Hurghada
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Maximum Depth: 15 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–25 meters
• Current: Minimal to mild on the lee side
• Best Time: Year-round; October to May for most stable conditions

Marine Life

The shallow reef is teeming with colourful reef fish — butterflyfish, parrotfish, wrasse, and chromis fill the water above the coral. Clownfish inhabit anemones on the reef flat, and hawksbill turtles are regularly seen grazing. humphead wrasse are present and notably accustomed to human contact given the high visitor numbers. Bluespotted stingrays rest under coral overhangs, and sergeant major fish defend egg patches on flat rock surfaces. The sandy floor hosts garden eels at the reef base.

Dive Profile

The shallow nature of this site means extended bottom times are comfortably achievable within no-decompression limits. Follow the reef slope from the mooring buoy, descending to the sandy floor at 12–15 meters and slowly working back up the slope. The most diverse coral sections are in the 5–10 meter range. Finish on the reef flat for the safety stop while observing turtles and reef fish from above.

Entry and Exit

Day-boat access from Hurghada. The island is served by numerous licensed operators and the mooring infrastructure is well maintained. Entry by giant stride. Exit back to the mooring boat using the reference line.

Tips and Recommendations

• An ideal site for newly certified divers to build confidence in clear, warm, calm water
• Bring an underwater camera — the fish life in the shallows is dense and approachable
• Snorkellers can observe the same shallow reef from the surface alongside divers
• Arrive early — this site can get busy with multiple boats by mid-morning
• The island also offers a beach break between dives

Safety Considerations

The site is extremely beginner-friendly, but basic safety practices still apply. Deploy an SMB before surfacing as boat traffic in the Giftun area can be heavy. Avoid touching coral or reef surfaces. Sunscreen should be reef-safe — enforcement of this is increasingly common in the national park.

Photography

The shallow, clear water and abundant fish life make this an excellent photography site without the need for artificial lighting. Natural light is strong throughout the morning and afternoon. Clownfish in anemones and resting turtles are standout subjects. Wide-angle with ambient light works beautifully in the 5–10 meter range.

Sources: Divezone - Red Sea, Dive the World - Egypt Red Sea, Red Sea Scuba Diving, PADI - Diving in Egypt. Last updated 2026-04-04.