Northern Red Sea Islands National Park
Nature
A marine park around the islands off Hurghada, including Giftun, Shadwan and Gubal, with some of Egypt's busiest snorkelling and diving.
- Arabic name
- محمية جزر البحر الأحمر الشمالية
- Type
- Marine park
- Governorate
- Red Sea
- Area
- 1,710 km²
- Protected since
- 2006
- Nearest city guide
- Hurghada
- Official website
- eeaa.gov.eg
The Northern Red Sea Islands National Park protects the islands and reefs at the entrance to the Gulf of Suez and around Hurghada. It includes the Giftun islands, Shadwan, Tawila and the Gubal islands, along with dozens of reefs and several famous wrecks.
Wildlife and landscape
The islands themselves are low and arid, but the surrounding waters are rich in hard and soft corals, reef fish, turtles, rays and dolphins. Island beaches host nesting seabirds and, on some islands, sea turtles. The Strait of Gubal is a major dive area, with wrecks such as the SS Thistlegorm nearby and the Carnatic and Giannis D at Abu Nuhas reef.
What to do
- Take a boat trip from Hurghada to Giftun for snorkelling and a beach stop.
- Dive the reefs and wrecks around Abu Nuhas and Gubal.
- Look out for dolphins on the way to and from the islands.
Getting there and best time
Boats leave daily from Hurghada’s marinas and from El Gouna. Landing on several islands is restricted to protect birds and turtles, so follow your crew’s instructions. Diving is good all year; March to May and September to November combine warm water with comfortable air temperatures.
Entry fee: a per-person park fee is collected through boat operators, with new rates set under the 2025 protectorate fee system (last checked October 2026).
Last checked October 2026. Entry fees and access rules change; check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency or a local operator before you go. Sources: eeaa.gov.eg, en.wikipedia.org, cairoscene.com.
Frequently asked questions
Which islands are in the park?
It includes the Giftun islands, Shadwan, Tawila and the Gubal islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Suez, along with dozens of reefs and several famous wrecks.
What wildlife will I see?
Hard and soft corals, reef fish, turtles, rays and dolphins, plus nesting seabirds and, on some islands, nesting sea turtles.
Which wrecks can I dive?
The Strait of Gubal area includes the Carnatic and Giannis D at Abu Nuhas reef, with the SS Thistlegorm nearby.
Can I land on the islands?
Landing on several islands is restricted to protect birds and turtles, so follow your crew's instructions. Boats leave daily from Hurghada's marinas and El Gouna, and Giftun trips usually include a beach stop.
How is the park fee paid?
A per-person park fee is collected through boat operators, with rates set under the 2025 protectorate fee system. Ask your operator whether it is included, or confirm the current amount with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (eeaa.gov.eg) or a licensed local operator.
