Mahmya Island. I’m not joking — it’s like the Red Sea’s version of the Maldives. I went with Funny Picnic last time and honestly, I still don’t shut up about it.
It’s a full-day thing, 9am to 4pm, but it flies by. They pick you up straight from your hotel, you hop on a proper chill boat, and they take you straight to Mahmya — this island that literally looks like it’s been edited by the universe. White sands. Turquoise water. Not a plastic chair or loudspeaker in sight. It’s got that classy, untouched vibe, but still fun and relaxed.
You get 4 whole hours on the island — and trust me, once you’re there, you’ll want even more. There’s a beach bar, comfy loungers, music playing low in the background, and loads of space to just switch off. Like, proper switch off. You can swim, tan, nap under an umbrella, or just wander around pretending you’ve moved there for good.
Before docking, there’s also a stop for snorkelling — 45 mins of pure underwater bliss. Not too intense, not too short, just enough to feel like you’ve had a proper swim with the fish without your mask fogging up too many times. The reef in that area is stunning — so many colours, it actually doesn’t look real.
And the lunch? Served right on the island. Super fresh, loads of flavour, and a sea view that makes everything taste ten times better. Soft drinks are included too, so you don’t have to stress about bringing extras — just show up, and they’ve got you covered.
They’ll also drop you back at your hotel by late afternoon, so you still have your evening free. Transfers are included if you’re staying in Hurghada, and it’s just a tiny fee if you’re out in Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi (€5) or Safaga/El Gouna (€10).
Price-wise? It’s usually €85, but with Funny Picnic it’s down to €80, which for a whole island escape is more than fair. Oh — and if you’re going with kids, it’s free for under 5s, and half price for 5 to 10-year-olds.
If you want to feel like you’re on a private island without flying halfway across the world, Mahmya’s the one. Trust me, you’ll come back sun-kissed, full, and wondering why you didn’t book it sooner.
