Giftun Island ( Orange bay ) from Hurghada

Sea, sand, and a full day afloat. This Giftun Island trip is an easy way to reach Orange Bay without arranging taxis, boats, or lunch yourself. I especially like the round-trip hotel transfer and the fact that snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and two snorkeling stops are included. The main drawback is the short one-hour island stay, which may feel rushed if you want a long stretch of quiet beach time.

At about $20.94 per person, this is a strong-value day out for families, couples, and anyone who wants a straightforward Red Sea excursion. The boat day includes free time on Giftun Island, swimming, snorkeling, and optional water activities, although banana boats and sofa boats depend on the weather. You should also expect a busy schedule, possible waiting around pickup, and a boat that may be practical rather than polished.

Key points to know before booking

• Two snorkeling stops: You get two chances to see the underwater world, with equipment provided.
• Only one hour on Giftun Island: The beach visit is scenic but brief, so this is not a beach-only escape.
• Hotel pickup is included: Transport to and from the port removes much of the usual hassle.
• Lunch is served on the boat: Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are also included.
• Small maximum group: The excursion accepts up to 20 people, which should feel more manageable than a very large boat outing.
• Extra transfer charges apply: Pickup from El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Makadi Bay, or Soma Bay costs extra.

From your Hurghada hotel to the harbor

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Hurghada, followed by a minibus ride to the port. That simple arrangement is one of the trip’s best features. You do not need to find the marina, negotiate a taxi, or work out where to meet the boat.

The pickup quality can matter more than it sounds. Several people specifically praised drivers arriving on time and vehicles being in good condition. One person did note a long wait for hotel collection, so I would keep your morning flexible rather than planning anything immediately before or after this eight-hour excursion.

The group limit is 20 people. That is not a private tour, but it is small enough to avoid the feel of a huge crowd in the minibus or on the boat. The exact atmosphere depends on the day. You might find a friendly, lively group, especially when the crew organizes water activities and entertainment.

If your hotel is outside central Hurghada, check the transfer supplement before paying. Pickup from El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and Soma Bay is not included at the standard price. The stated supplement is €5 per person when at least two people book from those areas, or €10 for a single person.

The boat ride across the Red Sea

Once aboard, the boat takes you toward Giftun Island. The trip is built around swimming, snorkeling, and time on the water rather than a guided lecture about the island. That makes it a good fit if you want an active day with little formal sightseeing.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly and helpful. Specific crew names connected with this excursion include Mustafa, Bakkar, and the photographer Bisou. The staff are also praised for helping families feel safe, including a group traveling with four children. That is useful if you want a boat day that feels social but not intimidating.

You may see dolphins during the journey, though this is never guaranteed. Treat a sighting as a lucky bonus, not as a promised part of the program. The main attraction is the sea itself, with clear water, coral areas, and the chance to swim away from the Hurghada shore.

The boat may not be brand-new. One account describes it as somewhat old, while still calling the trip good value. That is a fair expectation to set. You are paying for transport, food, equipment, and access to the island, not for a luxury yacht.

Two snorkeling stops in the Red Sea

The excursion includes two snorkeling trips, and this is where much of the day’s value lies. You receive snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to rent a mask and fins separately. The underwater scenery is described as fascinating and beautiful, though the quality of the experience naturally depends on sea conditions and the exact stop used that day.

I like the two-stop format because it gives you a second chance. If the first location feels crowded, windy, or less clear than expected, the next stop may offer better conditions. It also breaks up the boat ride and gives confident swimmers more than one chance to get in the water.

The equipment may be basic. One person felt the masks could be more modern. If you own a mask that fits well, bring it. A poor seal can spoil snorkeling faster than almost anything else, but the supplied equipment is useful for keeping the basic cost low.

You should be comfortable in open water, or use the available support and stay close to the crew. The excursion is suitable for most people according to the stated participation information, but snorkeling is still an active water activity. Children should be watched closely by their adults, even though the crew has been praised for being reassuring and helpful with families.

One hour at Giftun Island and Orange Bay

Giftun Island is the visual reward of the trip. You get a beach stop with time to swim, snorkel, and walk around. The pale sand and bright sea make this the classic Red Sea island scene you probably have in mind when you book.

The catch is time. The island stay lasts about one hour, which is enough to take photos, swim, and enjoy the setting, but not enough for a slow beach afternoon. Two separate comments make the same practical point: the activities and island time could be longer.

I would treat Orange Bay as a scenic stop, not the entire purpose of the day. If your priority is a quiet beach with hours on the sand, a longer island cruise may suit you better. If you want a mix of island scenery, snorkeling, lunch, and boat activities, the short stop works well.

Bring everything you want with you before leaving the boat. A small shop on or near the island received a sharp complaint about high prices and aggressive selling. You can avoid an awkward purchase by carrying your own water, snacks, sunscreen, and other small essentials. Soft drinks are supplied, but personal items and shopping are not covered.

Lunch, drinks, and the rhythm of the day

Lunch is served on the boat, so you do not lose more time looking for a restaurant. That is especially useful with only one hour on the island. You can return from the beach or snorkeling stop and eat without arranging another transfer.

The food received good marks, including from a vegetarian passenger. The available details do not provide a full menu, so I would not book this as a food-focused outing. Still, a decent included meal makes the low price easier to justify.

Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are included as well. You should bring any special drinks or dietary items you need, since the description only confirms those basic refreshments. If you have dietary concerns, it is sensible to ask the operator when booking rather than assume every preference can be handled.

The day has a cheerful, social rhythm. The crew may organize entertainment and water activities, and the atmosphere can become festive. That suits families and groups looking for fun. It may be less appealing if you want a silent, private boat ride with no organized activity.

Banana boats and sofa boats depend on weather

Optional water activities are part of the appeal, but their availability is not guaranteed. Banana boats and sofa boats depend on the weather on the day of your excursion.

That condition is important. Do not judge the price solely on the assumption that every listed activity will operate. The dependable parts are the boat trip, the island visit, two snorkeling stops, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. The extra rides are a bonus when the sea allows them.

The water activities also help explain why this trip suits mixed-age groups. You can snorkel, swim, relax, or join the more energetic rides. The crew has been praised for looking after people of different ages, though everyone should choose activities according to their own comfort and fitness.

What the $20.94 price really includes

At approximately $20.94 per person, the cost is impressively low for an eight-hour outing. You receive hotel pickup and return, boat transport, two snorkeling sessions, equipment, lunch, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Even allowing for the short island stay and basic boat standards, that is a lot of included value.

The price is strongest for someone starting in Hurghada with no special transport needs. You can spend the day at sea without paying separately for a marina transfer, restaurant meal, or snorkeling rental.

The value changes if you stay farther away. Add the transfer fee from El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Makadi Bay, or Soma Bay before comparing this excursion with alternatives. Also check any entrance fee, since it is listed among the items not included but no amount is given.

The tour is recommended by 98 percent of its published customers and has a 4.7 rating from 49 reviews. Those figures point to a reliable budget experience, but they do not turn it into a luxury product. I would book it for the combination of activities and convenience, not for private space or a refined boat.

Families, couples, and solo visitors

Families can benefit from the included transfers and the crew’s friendly approach. You do not need to keep children occupied with a long island stay alone, since the day changes between boat travel, snorkeling, swimming, lunch, and optional rides. The small maximum group also helps keep the outing more manageable.

Couples will like the scenery and the chance to combine a beach stop with time on the water. The atmosphere may be lively rather than romantic and quiet, especially when entertainment is running. If you want a private celebration, this is not the right format.

Solo visitors can book it as an easy social day. The group setting gives you company without the cost of a private boat. The main thing to consider is that pickup timing and group movement leave you little control over the schedule.

This is also a good choice for first-time snorkelers. Equipment is supplied, two water stops give you practice, and the crew is described as helpful. Experienced snorkelers may find the gear and schedule less satisfying if they want long, independent time in the water.

Practical things I would bring

Pack light, but bring the items that make a beach day easier:

• Swimsuit and a change of dry clothes
• Towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Waterproof phone protection
• Cash for personal purchases
• Any preferred snorkeling mask
• Medication or special snacks you need
• A light layer for the boat ride

The shop warning is worth remembering. Take what you need from Hurghada rather than relying on an island shop, particularly if you dislike pressure or inflated prices.

Because the excursion depends on good weather, keep your plans flexible. If the operator cancels for poor conditions, you should be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff uses local time.

Is this Giftun Island trip worth booking?

I would book this excursion if you want a low-cost, full-day Red Sea outing with transport, food, snorkeling, and a scenic island stop bundled together. It is particularly good for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone staying in Hurghada who wants a simple plan.

I would hesitate if your main goal is several hours on Giftun Island, luxury boat comfort, or a quiet private day. The one-hour island visit is brief, the boat may show its age, and optional rides can be canceled by weather.

For the price, the balance is favorable. You get a lot of activity for about $20.94, and the most praised parts are the helpful crew, reliable transfers, attractive island, good value, and enjoyable snorkeling. Book it with realistic expectations, bring your own essentials, and think of Orange Bay as one part of an active boat day rather than a long beach retreat.

FAQ

How long does the Giftun Island excursion last?

The excursion lasts approximately eight hours, including hotel pickup, transport to the port, the boat ride, snorkeling stops, the island visit, lunch, and the return journey.

How much time do you spend on Giftun Island?

You spend about one hour on the island. This gives you time to swim, snorkel, take photos, and explore briefly, but it is not a full afternoon beach stay.

Are hotel transfers included?

Round-trip hotel transfers are included for the standard Hurghada service. Extra charges apply for pickup from El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and Soma Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with two snorkeling trips. Some equipment may be basic, so you can bring your own mask if you have one that fits better.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on the boat. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are also included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.