Small Giftun Island - Hurghada

Small Giftun is a staple of Hurghada diving, and for good reason. We’ve found the drift dives here consistently rewarding, especially along the walls that plunge past 100 meters. You’re often carried past a procession of soft corals and gorgonians, with big pelagics like tuna sometimes cruising in the blue. Keep an eye out on the plateaus too; we’ve had some cracking encounters with resident moray eels and the occasional turtle here. It’s a site that works well for divers comfortable with current, offering a varied dive depending on your entry point.

Location
Hurghada, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.220000, 33.900000

Best Time to Dive in Hurghada

The warmest water temperatures in Hurghada occur in August, averaging 28.9°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 22.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.1°C
  • February: 22.3°C
  • March: 22.0°C
  • April: 22.8°C
  • May: 24.9°C
  • June: 26.2°C
  • July: 27.5°C
  • August: 28.9°C
  • September: 28.1°C
  • October: 27.3°C
  • November: 26.6°C
  • December: 24.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Hurghada

Nearest Dive Centres to Small Giftun Island

Marine Life in Hurghada

Home to 47 recorded species including 33 reef fish, 7 whales & dolphins, 4 seagrass & algae, 1 sharks & rays, 1 sea cucumbers, 1 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Small Giftun Island

Based on average water temperature of 25.4°C, currents 20 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 25°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths and maximum depths at Small Giftun Island?
The walls at Small Giftun Island drop to impressive depths of over 100m, offering opportunities for deep exploration. Divers can also visit two distinct plateaus, with specific depths varying based on the dive plan. While the maximum wall depth is significant, typical recreational diving depths would be shallower, though not explicitly detailed in the provided information.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Small Giftun Island?
Divers at Small Giftun Island can expect to encounter spectacular drop-offs and extensive coral-covered plateaus. The underwater landscape also features fascinating pinnacles, overhangs, and caves. While specific marine life species are not detailed, these rich coral formations typically host a diverse array of reef inhabitants.
How challenging is diving at Small Giftun Island, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at Small Giftun Island is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is best suited for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners. The site offers various dive plans that can be adapted depending on the current, indicating that divers should be comfortable with different conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at Small Giftun Island for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for diving at Small Giftun Island or for optimal conditions and marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving in the Hurghada region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource.
What dive certifications are typically required or recommended for diving at Small Giftun Island?
Given the intermediate difficulty of diving at Small Giftun Island, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is typically recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate the site's features, including potential deeper sections and drift dives. Always check with your local dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like when diving around Small Giftun Island?
Current conditions at Small Giftun Island are a significant factor, with dive plans often depending on them and allowing for exciting drift dives along drop-offs. While the presence of currents is noted, specific details regarding their strength or typical visibility levels are not provided in the available information.