Mahmya Island – Caribbean feeling in Egypt

The Mahmya Island near Hurghada is the place you should not miss when in Egypt. Visit this private beach if you want to experience relaxation at the highest level on an eco-tourism destination while enjoying the sun on the Red Sea most beautiful white-sandy beaches and discovering the nearby protected coral reefs.

Written by Anett Szaszi

Anett is a certified scuba diver, freediver, and an expert in snorkeling with more than 10 years of experience. She fell in love with the ocean while snorkeling in the Red Sea on a vacation to Egypt back in 2008. Since then, she has been traveling to discover the world’s best snorkeling spots and sharing her experience and tips to inspire others. Find her photos on @anett.szaszi Instagram too!

Where Is Mahmya?

Mahmya is a private beach on the southern shores of Giftun Island off the coast of Hurghada. This little paradise with a powdery white sand beach, crystal clear blue lagoon, and vibrant marine life offer visitors VIP treatment and a unique Red Sea experience. Mahmya Island is available with an approx. 1 hour-long boat trip from Hurghada Marina. It is important to know that Giftun Island has several beaches but to enter this private area, you need to be a Mahmya guest. Normal Giftun Island or Orange Bay tours use different parts of the island.

Tip: read our where to snorkel in Egypt guide if you want to know what is the difference between the main tourist destinations in Egypt! Get special tips on snorkeling in Sharm el Sheikh, diving the Blue Hole in Dahab and swimming with dugong in Marsa Alam!

Mahmya The Eco-Tourist Island

When establishing Mahmya private beach, the management set high standards for sustainability and chose environment-friendly solutions over luxury. Mahmya in Arabic means “Protected Area” which points out that the area is a National Park. Everything was designed under the supervision of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency EEAA and the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association HEPCA.

Therefore, there are no concrete buildings or paved pathways on the island. But you find idyllic wooden beach furniture and a fascinating open-air sea-view restaurant with a natural sandy floor! All the details are perfectly designed so you will feel that you ended up somewhere in the Caribbean. Thanks to the picturesque landscape and romantic atmosphere, Mahmya private beach is often used for beach wedding ceremonies.

As a role model in waste management, Mahmya built a special system to handle the waste. They collect the waste in underwater tanks.  When the tanks are full, they empty them and take them back to Hurghada where proper disposal happens. To be even greener, they use solar panels to generate energy.

How To Get There?

Being a private area, only Mahmya boats are allowed to enter the area and bring guests to the island. This regulation helps to control the number of visitors avoiding crowdedness and ensuring that each guest will get the attention they deserve.

A fully equipped modern boat fleet provides visitors with a safe and comfortable journey. The private boats leave at 8:30 am from Mahmya Beach Marina and return in the afternoon at 4:30 pm. A second schedule is available for those who want to stay out till sunset departing at 10:30 am and returning at sunset time. To protect the coral reef and marine life, the boats moor at buoys off the pristine bay, and smaller boats take you to the island.

Activities On The Island

It is not a big surprise that most people choose to visit Mahmya Island to enjoy a day of relaxation while lying on the Red Sea most beautiful white sandy beaches. But don’t think that life is that boring here! Refresh yourself by swimming in the crystal clear lagoon! Put your snorkel mask on and explore the marine life around! Midday snorkeling trips are also organized to the nearby coral reefs. Weak-swimmers can sign up for SEA-SPI tours at the Aqua Center and discover the underwater world using glass-bottom eco-friendly motorized watercraft.

If you still have energy after swimming and snorkeling, team up with your friends and play beach volleyball on the spacious volleyball court! For those who like to share their holiday moments with friends and family, there is Wi-Fi available in the lounge area.

Mahmya tour prices

You can book a Mahmya tour by tour operators and directly on their official website! There are 3 different packages available so you can choose the one that suits your need the most:

Day use only

Purchasing a day-use pass will allow you to use the island facilities while giving you the flexibility to choose whatever meal and drinks you like from the A ’la carte menu and pay accordingly. Tickets include return boat transport. Price: 30 EUR /person and 15 EUR/child up to 12 years, kids under 2 go free

Day access + open buffet

If you choose to buy the Open Buffet Mahmya Island tour, with your day pass you can enjoy a freshly served open buffet lunch as well as free soft drinks and water. Of course, boat transfers are also included. Price: 50 EUR /person and 25 EUR /child under 12 years, under 2 years children go free

Mahmya full program

Spending a fun day at the Red Sea best beach couldn’t be any easier! The Mahmya team will wait for you with a rich lunch buffet and chilled soft drinks. Moreover, you can join the midday snorkeling trip to the famous Shaab Sabina reef which is one of the most beautiful coral gardens in Hurghada. Price: 75 EUR /person and 37.50 EUR /kids up to 12 years, for children under 2 years free