Quick answer
You can only reach Tawila Island by boat. Guests of Tawila Island Resort take a free shared shuttle from Marina Abydos in El Gouna at 11:00 on arrival day, a trip of about 90 minutes, and the return boat leaves the island at 13:30 on check-out day. Fly into Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and take a road transfer to Marina Abydos; private speedboats or yachts cost extra.
Tawila is a private island of about 5,000 acres in the Red Sea, roughly 22 km off El Gouna and 36 km from Hurghada. Tawila Island Resort, the first luxury resort on the island, has 31 bungalows and villas, many built over the water. There is no bridge or airstrip, so the boat times decide how you plan your flights. Details below come from the resort's official website, checked in October 2026.
The route, step by step
- Fly to Hurghada International Airport (HRG). It is the nearest airport to the island.
- Drive to Marina Abydos in El Gouna. El Gouna is about 26 km from the airport; we arrange a private transfer with your booking.
- Board the shuttle boat at 11:00. The shared boat is included with every room booking at Tawila Island Resort and takes about 90 minutes.
- Return on check-out day at 13:30. The boat leaves the island at 13:30 and takes you back to Marina Abydos, where your transfer to the airport waits.
| Leg | How | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Hurghada Airport → Marina Abydos, El Gouna | Private road transfer | About 30–45 minutes |
| Marina Abydos → Tawila Island | Free shared shuttle boat, departs 11:00 | About 90 minutes |
| Tawila Island → Marina Abydos | Free shared shuttle boat, departs 13:30 | About 90 minutes |
| Any time of day | Private speedboat or yacht | On request, extra cost |
Planning your flights around the boat
- On arrival day, land at Hurghada early enough to reach Marina Abydos before 11:00. If your flight lands later, book a private boat or spend the first night in El Gouna.
- On check-out day, the shared boat leaves at 13:30 and reaches the marina about 90 minutes later, so choose an evening flight home.
- Morning flights out usually need a private boat or a last night on the mainland.
Tell us your flight times when you send your request and we line up the road transfer and, if needed, a private boat or a night in El Gouna.
What to know before you go
- Rooms are beach bungalows, over-water bungalows with private pools, over-water suites and one presidential villa. Bungalows and suites sleep up to two adults.
- Families are welcome: there is a Kids Club with a certified attendant, under-2s stay free with a cot and under-6s sharing their parents' room stay free.
- There are no accessible or connecting rooms at the moment, and pets are not allowed.
- Payment is due within 10 days of confirmation, and changes or cancellations less than 15 days before arrival cost one night (resort terms, October 2026).
See the full Tawila Island Resort page for rooms, dining, the over-water spa and the reefs around the island.