π Nemo Island Β· Giftun National Park Β· Snorkeling & Beach
Nemo Island Hurghada
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Updated: April 2026 Β |Β β±οΈ 12 min read Β |Β π· From β¬35 / person Β |Β β 4.8/5 Β |Β π Clownfish Guaranteed
Nemo Island Hurghada β officially Nemo Bay on the Giftun Islands β is one of the Red Sea’s most beloved island day trips. Named after the clownfish colonies that inhabit its vibrant anemone gardens, Nemo Island sits within the protected Giftun Island National Park, approximately 17 km east of Hurghada Marina. Pristine white sand, turquoise shallow waters, coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, and a relaxed beach atmosphere make this the most popular island excursion for families, couples, and first-time Red Sea visitors in 2026.
Unlike Orange Bay (which is positioned as a premium destination), Nemo Island offers a more accessible, family-friendly experience at a lower price point β without compromising on the underwater quality. This guide covers the complete day program hour by hour, what marine life to expect, pricing, packing essentials, and everything you need to book with confidence.
π‘ Nemo Island vs Orange Bay: Both are within the Giftun National Park and offer excellent snorkeling. Nemo Island is better value and more family-oriented. Orange Bay has premium facilities and a more exclusive atmosphere. If you are visiting with young children or on a tighter budget, Nemo Island is the clear choice. If you want a luxury sailing experience with a gourmet lunch, choose the Orange Bay luxury sailing trip.
What Is Nemo Island & Why Visit in 2026?
Nemo Island (Nemo Bay) is a sheltered beach on the northern face of Giftun Island β the larger of the two Giftun Islands that form the Giftun National Park. It is one of Egypt’s most important marine protected areas, with regulations strictly limiting boat traffic and banning fishing, which is why the reef here remains exceptionally healthy.
In 2026, Nemo Island has gained wider attention as a slightly less crowded alternative to Orange Bay β particularly for families with younger children, because the beach’s lagoon is shallow and calm, making supervised swimming safe even for toddlers. The clownfish colonies (Nemo’s) in the anemone gardens near the beach are present year-round and are virtually guaranteed to be seen on every snorkeling session.
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Location
Giftun Island National Park, ~17 km east of Hurghada Marina
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Duration
Full day: 7β8 hours including transfers
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Water Visibility
20β30 metres year-round β among the best in the Red Sea
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Water Temperature
22β28Β°C year-round β no wetsuit needed
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Best For
Families, couples, first-time snorkelers, budget travellers
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Best Season
MarchβNovember (warmest water, calmest seas)
Full Day Itinerary β Hour by Hour
07:30 β 08:30 AM β Hotel Pickup
Air-Conditioned Transfer to Hurghada Marina
Pickup from your hotel lobby in Hurghada. Transfer to Hurghada Marina β 10β25 minutes depending on hotel location. Guests from El Gouna, Makadi Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh have slightly earlier pickups (extra transfer charge applies β confirmed on booking). Exact pickup time confirmed the evening before.
08:30 β 09:00 AM β Marina Boarding
Welcome Onboard Β· Equipment & Safety Briefing
Board the yacht at the marina. Receive snorkeling equipment: mask, fins, snorkel tube, and life jacket (mandatory for all guests). Safety briefing from the crew covers snorkeling techniques, reef protection rules (do not touch coral), and emergency procedures. Welcome tea, coffee, and soft drinks served as the boat departs.
09:00 β 10:30 AM β First Snorkeling Stop
Coral Reef Gardens β Clownfish, Parrotfish & More
The boat anchors at a vibrant coral reef approximately 30β45 minutes from the marina. This is often a site within the Giftun National Park with excellent visibility (20+ metres). Underwater guides accompany all snorkelers β pointing out marine life, keeping groups together, and assisting beginners. Typical sightings: clownfish in anemones, parrotfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, giant moray eels, and sea turtles. Duration: 60β75 minutes in the water.
10:30 β 11:30 AM β Sail to Nemo Island
Dolphin Watch & Open Red Sea Sailing
The boat sails toward Giftun Island through open Red Sea waters. Time on deck to dry off, sunbathe, and look out for spinner dolphins β frequently spotted along this route. Photography opportunities of the Hurghada coastline and the turquoise transition from deep blue to shallow turquoise as you approach the island.
11:30 AM β 01:00 PM β Nemo Bay Island
White Sand Beach Β· Shallow Lagoon Β· Island Relaxation
Approximately 1.5β2 hours at Nemo Bay beach. The beach features powder-soft white sand, a shallow turquoise lagoon ideal for children and non-swimmers, sun loungers and shaded areas, hammocks, and a water swing for photos. The water at the shoreline is crystal clear and 0.5β1.5 metres deep β perfect for families. Optional shore snorkeling near the beach rocks reveals clownfish and small reef fish without needing to swim far.
01:00 β 02:00 PM β Lunch Onboard
Buffet Lunch at Anchor Β· Unlimited Soft Drinks
Return to the boat for the included buffet lunch served anchored near Nemo Bay. Typical spread: grilled chicken, kofta or fish, rice, salads, bread, and fruit. Unlimited soft drinks and water throughout the day. Vegetarian options available. The crew serves with generous portions β multiple reviews specifically praise the quality and quantity of the food.
02:00 β 02:30 PM β Water Sports (Optional)
Banana Boat Β· Sofa Ride Β· Donut Ride
After lunch, optional water sports are available (separate charge, approximately β¬8ββ¬12 per activity): banana boat rides, sofa boat, donut rides, and paddleboarding. Families with children aged 6+ consistently describe the banana boat as a highlight. Not compulsory β relaxing on deck is equally enjoyable.
02:30 β 03:30 PM β Second Snorkeling Stop
Return Reef β Different Site, More Marine Life
The boat moves to a second reef site on the return route β often with different coral formations and fish species to the morning stop. A second 45β60 minute snorkeling session for those who want more underwater time. Guests who prefer to rest on deck can do so.
03:30 β 05:00 PM β Return to Hurghada Β· Hotel Transfer
Afternoon Return Β· Direct Hotel Drop-Off
The boat returns to Hurghada Marina. Air-conditioned transfer back to your hotel. Arrival typically between 16:00 and 17:00. The late afternoon light on the return sail creates exceptional sea photographs. You return to your hotel with a full evening ahead β enough time for dinner and a show.
Marine Life at Nemo Island β What You Will See
The Giftun National Park waters around Nemo Island are among the healthiest reefs in the Red Sea. Here is what to look for at each snorkeling stop:
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Clownfish (Nemo) β Guaranteed
Living in carpet anemones near the reef. The specific reason the island is named “Nemo.” Present year-round in shallow (2β4m) water.
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Green Sea Turtles
Frequently seen feeding on seagrass beds. Slow, unbothered by snorkelers. Many guests photograph turtles within arm’s reach.
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Lionfish
Spectacular fan-shaped fins in striking red and white stripes. Venomous β guides keep a safe distance. One of the Red Sea’s most photogenic residents.
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Pufferfish
Round, friendly-looking fish near coral heads. Inflate when startled. Children especially love them.
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Giant Moray Eels
Often visible with heads protruding from coral crevices. Green morays can reach 2.5 metres. Non-aggressive unless touched.
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Spinner Dolphins
Common between the marina and Giftun Island. Seen riding the boat’s bow wave. Sightings most common before 10:00 AM.
Beach Activities & Water Sports at Nemo Island
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Swimming
Free for all guests. The Nemo Bay lagoon is shallow (0.5β1.5m at the shoreline), warm (22β28Β°C), and calm β perfect for children and nervous swimmers.
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Snorkeling
Two guided snorkeling stops plus optional shore snorkeling at the beach. Equipment and guides included. Beginners welcome β guides accompany you into the water.
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Banana Boat
The most-reviewed activity at Nemo Island β an inflatable banana towed by a speedboat. ~β¬8β10 per person. Children aged 6+ highly recommended. Full of laughs, consistently cited in reviews.
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Paddleboard & Kayak
Available at the beach on most trips. ~β¬8ββ¬10 per session. The calm lagoon makes paddleboarding easy for beginners. Not available in high wind conditions.
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Beach & Sun Loungers
Free sun loungers and shaded areas on the beach. Hammocks, overwater swings, and a photogenic beach volleyball net. The overwater swing creates the most-shared photo of any Nemo Island trip.
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Underwater Photography
The crew offers professional underwater GoPro photography/video as an optional extra (~β¬20ββ¬25 for the full day package). Quality varies β bring your own waterproof phone case for guaranteed results.
2026 Pricing β What Is Included & Not Included
From
β¬35
per adult Β· ~Β£30 Β· Children (5β10): 50% Β· Under 5: Free
β Transfer Β· β Snorkeling Equipment Β· β 2 Stops Β· β Lunch Β· β Drinks
Included
β Round-trip hotel transfers (Hurghada central β extra charge from El Gouna β¬5, Makadi/Sahl Hasheesh β¬5, Safaga/El Gouna β¬10)
β Full day on boat (7β8 hours including transfers)
β Two guided snorkeling stops with professional underwater guides
β Full snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel tube, life jacket)
β 1.5β2 hours at Nemo Bay beach (sun loungers, hammocks, island access)
β Buffet lunch onboard
β Unlimited soft drinks and water all day
Not Included
β Optional water sports: banana boat, sofa boat, donut ride, paddleboard (~β¬8ββ¬12 each)
β Alcoholic drinks (purchased onboard)
β Professional underwater photography/video (~β¬20ββ¬25)
β Tips for crew (EGP 30β50 per person β optional but appreciated)
Tips & Packing Checklist
Tip 1 β Don’t touch the coral. Red Sea coral is slow-growing and ecologically sensitive. The Giftun National Park is strictly protected β touching coral carries a fine and damages habitat that the local community depends on. Your guides will remind you, but this is the most important rule of the day.
Tip 2 β Arrive at the marina 10 minutes early. Boats depart on time. Late arrivals cause the boat to depart without you and your ticket is non-refundable on departure day.
Tip 3 β Bring a waterproof bag for valuables. The boat has storage but no lockers. A dry bag (~Β£5 on Amazon) keeps your passport, phone, and cash safe while swimming.
Tip 4 β Children under 5 need to be supervised in the water at all times. The lagoon is shallow but the sea around the boat during snorkeling stops is deeper. Life jackets are mandatory for all young children.
Packing checklist:
Swimwear Β· Towel Β· Change of clothes Β· Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50 Β· Wide-brimmed hat Β· UV sunglasses Β· Waterproof phone case Β· EGP cash (for water sports and tips) Β· Motion sickness tablets if prone Β· GoPro or waterproof camera (optional) Β· Light snack for early morning pickup if hungry before breakfast on board
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I definitely see clownfish at Nemo Island?
Yes. The clownfish colonies at Nemo Bay are resident year-round in the anemone gardens near the reef. The island is named for them. Every guided snorkeling session includes a visit to the anemone gardens where clownfish are virtually guaranteed. Your guide will show you exactly where to look.
Is Nemo Island suitable for children who cannot swim?
Yes. Life jackets are provided for all guests regardless of swimming ability. The Nemo Bay lagoon is extremely shallow (0.5β1.5 metres at the shoreline) β non-swimmers can stand, paddle, and enjoy the water safely. Guides provide one-on-one assistance for children and nervous adults during snorkeling.
What is the difference between Nemo Island and Orange Bay?
Both are within the Giftun National Park with excellent snorkeling. Nemo Island (Nemo Bay) is more family-oriented, slightly more budget-friendly, and has a calmer, shallower lagoon. Orange Bay has more upscale facilities, overwater hammocks, and a more “premium” atmosphere. The Orange Bay luxury sailing trip uses a smaller, more exclusive sailing yacht with a sit-down buffet lunch. If budget and family-friendliness are priorities, choose Nemo Island. For a premium experience, choose Orange Bay luxury sailing.
How much cash should I bring for the day?
Bring approximately EGP 200β400 (approximately Β£3βΒ£6) in cash for the day. This covers tips for the crew (EGP 30β50 pp), optional water sports (β¬8ββ¬12 per activity), and any drinks beyond the included soft drinks. EGP is preferred β euros are accepted at some activities.
When is the best time of year to visit Nemo Island from Hurghada?
March to November is ideal β water temperatures are warmest (24β28Β°C) and sea conditions are calmest. December to February can be windier, occasionally causing water sports to be suspended. The trip runs year-round, weather permitting. Mornings are always calmer than afternoons β the departure time of 08:00β08:30 AM is optimal for flat sea conditions and the best snorkeling visibility.
Book Your Nemo Island Hurghada Day Trip
From β¬35 per adult Β· Children 50% Β· Hotel pickup Β· Snorkeling equipment Β· Buffet lunch Β· Unlimited soft drinks Β· Free cancellation 24 hours before.
π Book Now β From β¬35
