Useful Information
Mahmaya: Giftun Island Snorkeling Cruise
Returning to the boats, you will sail between the three islands and stop for around one hour of snorkeling. Returning to Giftun Island at around 1:00pm, lunch will be served at one of the restaurants, then you have free time to further explore the island before returning to the boat at 3:30pm.
Don't worry if you don't have your own snorkeling gear, it is available upon arrival at Giftun Island at the Aquarius center, free of charge.
Reviewed by ROBERT S, United Kingdom, November 2010
Reviewed by Dan Michell, February 2011
Positives:
Excellent on the vegetarian information chain. EVERYONE knew about the requirement which was an achievement given the number of people involved in the communication chain.
Pick-up and collection. Very good. It was also excellent that the guide did not go with us on the 'cruise' as it was both unnecessary and would have invaded personal space.
Mahyar.
A slick organisation ideally partnered for this type of day trip.
Negatives.
The sequencing of events gave a rushed and 'tourist processing' feel to the day. For groups wanting to snorkel it would have been better for them to go directly to the area and to be briefed and equipped en route, that way more time snorkelling on the reefs. This was the way they did it in the Caribbean.
The reef was damaged from tourists standing on it etc. The marine park authorities and tour operators didn't supervise the swimmers so, unsurprisingly, other groups (not Mahyar) were seen standing on the reef.
On balance I wouldn't pay for a trip like this in Egypt again, but this is not a criticism of Viator organisation.
