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Close-up of a scuba diver adjusting mask, ready for an ocean dive.
📷 Hossam Ashoor · Pexels

Giftun Soraya

3.7 — based on 14 community signals
4.2 12 species 25 contributors

Giftun Soraya is a year-round Red Sea dive site in Egypt offering reef exploration with stable coral health and diverse marine life.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
ReefFocusPhotoFriendlyFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
Giftun Soraya location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
11.8 kn
Wave
0.4 m
Water
28.3°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NW (54%)
Now: WNW (293°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.48m

Next: Low at 06:00 (-0.17m)

+0.3 m0 m-0.2 m
▼ 06:00 · -0.17m ▲ 13:00 · +0.01m ▼ 18:00 · -0.09m ▲ 01:00 · +0.03m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV6.65 · high Air PM2.56 · good 06:31 18:44
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 17.1 0.7 7 0mm
09-20 16.4 0.84 7 0mm
09-21 15.9 0.82 7 0mm
09-22 15 0.72 7 0mm
09-23 15.2 0.78 7 0mm
09-24 15.8 0.8 7 0mm
09-25 17.5 1.06 7 0mm

About this spot

Giftun Soraya sits in Egypt's Red Sea and welcomes divers throughout the year. The reef supports healthy coral with no current bleaching stress, making it a reliable choice for underwater exploration. Twelve documented species observations provide baseline data on the marine community here. The site attracts divers interested in reef ecosystems. Video documentation from the community shows the underwater terrain and conditions, giving you a preview before you visit. Water clarity and reef structure support both leisure and technical diving interests. Access and logistics are straightforward for divers based in or visiting Egypt's Red Sea region. The site operates outside a marine protected area, so standard Red Sea dive protocols and local regulations apply. Whether you're planning a single dive or multi-day exploration, Giftun Soraya fits into most Egypt Red Sea itineraries. Local dive operators and liveaboards serving the region can arrange trips. Bring standard reef diving gear and respect coral by maintaining buoyancy control and distance from the seabed.

📖 Guide: Diving in Egypt: 258 Sites From Wrecks to Hammerheads

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

ReefBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F · 220V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 3944km · ~907kg · €16

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 59/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 8h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 7h east · 5 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Giftun Soraya?

Giftun Soraya is diveable year-round. The Red Sea maintains warm water and reasonable visibility in most seasons. Check with local operators for seasonal weather patterns and current conditions, as wind and surface conditions vary by month.

What is the difficulty level and depth?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings for this site are not documented in available data. Contact local dive operators in the Red Sea region—they can assess your experience level and advise on Giftun Soraya's suitability for your certification and training.

What marine life can I expect?

Twelve species observations are documented at Giftun Soraya. The site supports a healthy reef ecosystem with no current coral bleaching stress. Community videos show the marine environment; watch these to see what other divers have encountered.

Do I need permits or special access?

Giftun Soraya is not inside a marine protected area, so standard Red Sea diving applies. Check Egypt's current dive regulations and any regional requirements with your chosen operator before booking.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Small Giftun Island, also called Giftun Soraya, is less than an hour from Hurghada.

Dive Red Sea - Diving Centre

Diving the Red Sea | Egypt North & Wrecks | Day 6 (Small Giftun)

Scuba Raber

Diving Egypt | BDE Safari | Tauchen in Ägypten | Day 6 | Small Giftun

Scuba Raber
wind peaks Jun-Aug-Sep, calmest Jan-Nov-Dec, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jul (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (87/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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