Eden Island Snorkeling Trip from Hurghada

Eden Island is one of the quieter island stops off Hurghada, which is its main advantage. The formula is familiar - white sand, shallow turquoise water, reef within swimming distance - but it draws fewer boats than the better-known names, so the beach stays comfortable.

How the day runs

Pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned private vehicle, then around 7 hours out on the water and the sand. Snorkeling equipment and a guide are included, and there are stops over reef on the way. Lunch and drinks are served, umbrellas are provided on the beach, and a banana boat ride is included in the price.

As with all our island days, none of it is compulsory. Snorkel all day, ride the banana boat, or claim an umbrella and read - the trip is priced the same either way.

Good to know before you book

• The island charges its own entry fee, collected on arrival. Bring cash.
• Shade is limited to the umbrellas. A hat and a rash vest do more than sunscreen alone.
• Transfers are included from hotels inside Hurghada; a $5 per person supplement applies from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Ahyaa, El Gouna and Soma Bay.
• Photography and video services are not included.
• The crossing can be choppy when the wind gets up. Take seasickness tablets before boarding if you are unsure.

Snorkeling for the first time

Tell the guide. A mask that leaks ruins the day and takes two minutes to fix, and a life jacket lets you float without effort so you can concentrate on looking rather than staying up. Breathe slowly through the snorkel, keep your fins under the water rather than splashing, and stay off the coral.

What to bring

Swimwear under your clothes, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and a waterproof pouch. Water shoes help if you enter the sea from the beach.

$35 per person (regular price $42), including snorkeling equipment, guide, banana boat, lunch, drinks and hotel transfers.