Paradise Island Speedboat or Yacht Snorkelling Trip Sahl Hasheesh

Paradise Island

Paradise Island is a small, sandy island in the Giftun Islands, a protected marine area off Hurghada. Its beach is long and pale, the water is shallow and turquoise, and the reef begins only a short swim from the shore. The scene is a classic Red Sea postcard, which explains why the name stuck.

If you are looking for a Paradise Island trip from Sahl Hasheesh, the island is the heart of the day. Guests swim, sunbathe, walk along the sand and enjoy lunch, with time to take photographs. Entry fees are included, so there is nothing extra to pay at the landing. Visitors who want quieter moments can walk further along the shore.

Snorkelling the reef

The reef around Paradise Island is shallow and colourful, with coral heads, anemonefish, parrotfish, butterflyfish and schools of smaller fish moving in the clear, warm water. Snorkelling equipment is provided and a guide leads the snorkelling, making it suitable for beginners as well as confident swimmers.

Life jackets are available, and the guide explains how to use mask and snorkel properly. Do not touch or stand on the coral, and avoid feeding fish, so that the reef stays healthy for the next visitors. A rash vest is useful for sun protection, especially at mid-day. Morning light shows the colours at their best, and the shallow water means that children can float safely with a life jacket and an adult beside them. Please keep sunscreen reef-friendly if you can.

The 7-hour yacht day

The default option is a yacht trip with about seven hours on the water, giving you a long, unhurried day. The yacht has shaded seating and a deck for the sun, and the crew gives safety instructions and on-board assistance. The sail to the island is part of the pleasure, with sea views and breezes.

With more time on the island and in the water, the yacht suits families with children, couples and guests who prefer a slower rhythm. The departures are at 9 am and 11:30 am, and the total time including the hotel transfer is about nine hours. The crew also helps with towels, life jackets and getting in and out of the water.

The faster speedboat option

The alternative is a speedboat trip with about four hours on the water, six hours in total. The speedboat crosses to Paradise Island quickly, which leaves more time for snorkelling and the beach and suits guests who prefer a shorter day or are limited by flight times.

The speedboat is a more energetic ride, with spray and bumps in rough weather, so it is less suitable for guests who dislike fast boats. Departures are at 9 am and 1 pm. Equipment, entry fees, lunch and soft drinks are included, the same as the yacht option. The ride is exciting for some, and the guide gives a safety briefing before departure. Please hold on when the boat accelerates, and bring a light waterproof layer for spray.

Island lunch and planning your day

Lunch and soft drinks are served on the island, and the meal is an oriental-style lunch. It is a relaxed break in the middle of the day, with time to rest in the shade before the next swim. Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book.

Pickup is from Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and Al Ahyaa, and the time is confirmed before the trip. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and cash for photo packages, which are optional. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, and the water is warm all year. Check the latest pickup message the evening before. Keep your phone close for any change.