Mahmya Island Hurghada: Beach Club, Snorkeling & How to Visit

Mahmya is a beach club on Giftun Kebir, the large island of the Giftun National Park opposite Hurghada. It is built around a simple idea: natural materials, no plastic, a limited number of guests per day and nothing built on the reef. The result is one of the calmest and cleanest beach days you can have from Hurghada.

If you want more time on the sand and less time on a boat, Mahmya is usually the best choice. Our Mahmya Island trip includes the boat, the beach club entrance and lunch; for a private day, the private yacht charter can stop here too.

Where is Mahmya?

Mahmya lies on the sheltered side of Giftun Kebir, about 40–50 minutes by boat from the Hurghada marinas. Boats moor just off the beach, and guests come ashore by a short transfer or by walking along the jetty, depending on the day.

What you'll find there

• A wide white beach with shaded sunbeds and umbrellas
• A restaurant and bar serving lunch and drinks
• Calm, shallow water in front of the beach, ideal for children and non-swimmers
• Coral patches that start only a few metres from the shore
• A strict environmental concept: no plastic bottles, limited guest numbers

Because the reef is so close, Mahmya is one of the best places for first-time snorkelers: you can walk in, practise in the shallows and swim out to the corals when you feel ready.

Snorkeling at Mahmya

The coral patches in front of the beach attract parrotfish, butterflyfish, damselfish and the occasional ray. Visibility is usually very good in the morning. Always wear the life jacket or float the crew offers if you are not a confident swimmer, and never stand on the coral — it is alive and protected.

Best time to go

Mahmya is open all year. From April to November the water is warm enough for long swims; in winter, sunny days are still pleasant but bring something warm for the boat. Places are limited, so in high season (Easter, summer and Christmas) book a few days ahead.

Frequently asked questions