NaturePhoto Wikimedia CommonsGiftun Islands
Egypt
The Giftun Islands are two islands in the Red Sea near Hurghada in Egypt. Giftun Kebir or Big Giftun is located further west and closer to Hurghada. Giftun Soraya or Little Giftun is further east.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Giftun Islands, a marine protected area often described as the 'Maldives of the Red Sea' due to its pristine white sand beaches and exceptionally clear, shallow turquoise waters. Located just off the coast of…
Listen in the app2Orange Bay: The Shallow Paradise
Orange Bay is perhaps the most iconic destination within the Giftun Islands, famous for its expansive, shallow lagoon where the water rarely reaches above the waist even far from the shore. The bottom is pure, soft sand, making…
Listen in the app3Paradise Beach and the Red Sea Yacht Life
On the opposite side of the island lies Paradise Beach, another stunning stretch of coastline that caters to the thriving yacht culture of the Red Sea. Here, the water is slightly deeper, allowing for the larger excursion boats…
Listen in the app4Snorkeling the Fringing Reefs: A Scaled-Down Maldives
While Orange Bay is known for its sand, the surrounding areas of the Giftun Islands offer several excellent snorkeling spots along the fringing reefs. Many tours include two separate snorkeling stops where you can jump directly…
Listen in the app5Giftun’s Geology: A History of Sand and Coral
The Giftun Islands are a fascinating geological case study, representing the intersection of tectonic activity and biological growth. Like much of the Red Sea coast, these islands were shaped by the rifting of the Arabian and…
Listen in the app6Avian Sanctuary: The Birds of Giftun
Beyond the marine life, the Giftun Islands are a vital sanctuary for several species of birds, making it a point of interest for ornithologists and nature lovers. The islands serve as a breeding ground for the rare Sooty Falcon…
Listen in the app7The Tourist Narrative: Reclaiming the Coast
The Giftun Islands are a central piece of Egypt's strategy to reclaim its place as a global cultural and touristic superpower. For years, the country’s tourism was dominated by the historical sites of the Nile Valley, but the…
Listen in the app8Closing
As the sun begins to lower and our boat heads back toward Hurghada, the Giftun Islands slowly fade into a shimmering line on the horizon. You carry with you the physical sensations of the day: the warmth of the shallow lagoon,…
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What is Giftun Islands?
Giftun Islands is a place in Egypt with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Egypt |
|---|---|
| Type | Nature |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 27.2331, 33.9144 |
| Last updated |