Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

The Red Sea is best seen from the water. This Hurghada trip combines a fast speedboat ride, two snorkeling stops, and time on Orange Bay, so I like the small-boat feel and the chance to reach reefs more quickly than on a large excursion boat. I also like that guides such as Mido, Ahmed, Youssef, and Captain Wissam are repeatedly praised for helping nervous swimmers and keeping the mood friendly.

The main drawback is that Orange Bay can be crowded, especially later in the day. The speedboat ride can also be rough when the wind picks up, and the stated pickup window can stretch by 60 to 90 minutes depending on your hotel. Still, with a 4.7 rating from 1,233 bookings, this is one of Hurghada’s stronger choices for a short Red Sea outing.

Key points at a glance

• Two reef stops before the beach: You get about 20 minutes at each snorkeling site, with equipment and life jackets provided.
• Orange Bay gets about 1.5 hours: Swim, sit on the white sand, or enjoy the island’s tropical, Caribbean-style setting.
• Fast transport matters: The first snorkeling area is about 20 minutes from the marina, followed by a short five-minute ride to Orange Bay.
• Helpful crews are a major strength: Guides including Ahmed, Mido, Mahmoud, Youssef, and Hassan have helped children, beginners, and less confident swimmers.
• The ride can be bumpy: Bring a towel, sun hat, cash, and a change of clothes. A light rain jacket or poncho is also a sensible extra.
• Good value for a couple: The listed price is $174 per group of up to two, with pickup, guide, boat, equipment, island fees, drinks, fruit, and lunch described as included.

Why this Hurghada boat trip works well

Hurghada has no shortage of boat excursions, but this one gets the balance right for people who do not want to spend an entire day at sea. The advertised duration is four to six hours, giving you a compact outing with several distinct parts: hotel transfer, speedboat travel, snorkeling, island time, and the return ride.

I like the speedboat format because it gives you more time in the Red Sea and less time waiting around at a large marina. The boat includes a shaded area, stereo system, mineral water, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, and life jackets. Those are modest touches, but they matter during a hot day on open water.

The trip is described as a private group experience, and the price is $174 for up to two people. That makes the cost easier to justify for a couple or two friends who value a more personal outing. Group arrangements can vary, so check the exact booking setup before paying, especially if you are booking for more than two people. One larger party reported traveling with eight friends on a speedboat, so the practical format may depend on the selected option.

The strongest part of the experience is the crew. Ahmed is praised for assisting a nervous swimmer with a buoyancy aid, while Youssef patiently helped a first-time snorkeler. Mido, Mahmoud, Hassan, Karim, Islam, and Wissam also receive repeated praise for being cheerful, attentive, and encouraging. That personal help can make the difference between sitting on the boat and actually getting into the water.

Hotel pickup requires patience and precision

Pickup is included from Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga under the standard arrangements. Extended pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and parts of Safaga costs extra and must be selected as an add-on.

You will receive the pickup details by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before. Provide your nationality, passport copy, hotel name, address, and room number so the operator can coordinate the transfer.

On the morning of the trip, wait at the main entrance of your hotel by the road. Do not wait at the reception entrance or inside the hotel. Look for a white or black bus with the Go Shalabi logo, and be ready on time because the driver can wait only about five minutes.

The pickup time can vary. Hotels in Hurghada may have a window of roughly 60 minutes, while longer-distance areas can involve a window of up to 90 minutes. That is not ideal if you like a tightly timed morning, but it is normal for a shared hotel transfer covering several resorts.

The marina briefing and 20-minute speedboat ride

At the marina, you meet your guide, receive a short safety briefing, and board the speedboat. The first snorkeling area takes about 20 minutes to reach.

This is where the trip begins to feel different from a standard large-boat cruise. You are moving quickly across the Red Sea, with the shore and nearby islands opening up around you. The speed is part of the fun, but it also means a rougher ride when the sea is windy.

Several people specifically enjoyed the energetic ride, music, and friendly atmosphere on board. Others warned that the boat can be bumpy. If you have back problems, this outing is not suitable. If you are traveling with young children, the experience can still work, but keep them seated, use the provided life jackets, and expect a lively ride rather than a gentle cruise.

Keep your belongings secure. You are responsible for personal items, and the operator does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged property. A waterproof bag for phones and small valuables is a smart choice, though it is not listed as a provided item.

Two snorkeling stops with colorful Red Sea life

The tour includes two snorkeling stops, each lasting about 20 minutes. Masks, fins, and other basic snorkeling equipment are provided, and guides enter the water to point out fish and coral.

The reefs are the main reason to book this trip. Reports describe colorful fish, coral formations, moray eels, flying fish, turtles, and occasional dolphins during the boat rides. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the Red Sea snorkeling itself is the reliable attraction.

I especially like the way the guides handle mixed abilities. You can stay close to the boat, use a buoyancy aid, or follow the guide toward the reef. Ahmed personally accompanied one less confident swimmer, while Youssef patiently supported a beginner. That makes the activity more approachable than a rushed group swim.

Twenty minutes at each site is enough for a taste, but it is not a full snorkeling session. Confident snorkelers may wish for more time in the water. On windy days, the surface can be choppy, making it harder to see clearly and less comfortable for first-timers.

The timing can also affect the quality of the stops. An early departure is worth considering because it may mean calmer water and fewer boats at the reef sites. One early group reported enjoying snorkeling areas with no other boats around. That quieter setting can make the reef feel far more special.

Do not expect every snorkeling stop to be completely private. Conditions, boat traffic, and the day’s schedule can change. The crew appears willing to adjust locations when possible, but weather controls the final plan.

Orange Bay, beautiful but not deserted

After snorkeling, the speedboat reaches Orange Bay in about five minutes. You spend approximately 1.5 hours on the island.

Orange Bay is built for easy holiday enjoyment. The water is clear, the sand is pale, and the setting has a polished Caribbean-style look. You can swim, sit on the beach, take photographs, or simply enjoy a break from the boat.

The island is also the most visually impressive part of the outing. It gives you a change of pace after the snorkeling, with solid ground, space to stretch your legs, and plenty of attractive photo spots.

The catch is popularity. Orange Bay is not an untouched beach, and it can become busy. One useful tip is to choose an early departure if you want a calmer visit. Even then, you should treat the island as a popular excursion stop rather than a deserted beach.

The 1.5-hour stay is long enough to enjoy the setting without turning the tour into an all-day beach visit. Time passes quickly, especially if you want to swim, eat, take photos, and walk around. Watch the departure time carefully.

Food and drink arrangements deserve a little attention. The experience includes seasonal fruit, mineral water, and soft drinks, and one booking described a well-presented included lunch. However, another person advised bringing personal snacks if you have special dietary needs or are selective about food. The details of the meal are not fully specified, so pack something small if lunch is important to you.

Orange Bay may also have paid food and drinks. A particularly expensive ice cream was mentioned in one account, so carry cash and do not assume every island purchase is included.

The return ride may bring dolphins

The return to the marina is another chance to enjoy the speedboat and Red Sea views. Dolphins have been spotted during some journeys, including groups that saw them close to the boat, but this is luck rather than part of the guaranteed program.

People also reported seeing dolphins, turtles, and flying fish at different points. The captain may slow down or look for wildlife when conditions allow, but no crew can promise an animal sighting.

Back at the marina, your driver takes you to your hotel. The full outing generally lasts four to six hours, depending on pickup timing, sea conditions, and the schedule of the boat.

How the price compares with the experience

At $174 per group of up to two, this is not the cheapest way to reach Giftun Island, but it can be strong value for a couple. The price covers hotel pickup in the standard service area, a guide, speedboat transport, snorkeling gear, two reef stops, island entry, life jackets, fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Lunch is described as included, though the exact menu is not provided. Parasailing is available only if you select it as an add-on, so do not assume it forms part of the basic price.

The value comes from the combination of speed and support. You are not paying only for a beach visit. You are getting two snorkeling sites, an island stop, a fast boat ride, and guides who can help you in the water.

Parasailing deserves a warning. One person found the add-on far too short for the price, with only about two minutes in the air. I would treat it as optional and ask about the exact duration and cost before adding it.

Extra pickup from the farther resort areas also costs more. If you are staying in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga, check the add-on price at checkout. If you did not arrange long-distance pickup in advance, payment may be required at the harbor, and cancellations are not accepted after 6:00 PM the evening before.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack lightly, but bring the right things:

• Sun hat
• Towel
• Cash
• Change of clothes
• Waterproof protection for valuables
• Light rain jacket or poncho if the forecast looks unsettled

The sun can feel strong even when the boat ride is breezy. You will want a towel after snorkeling and a dry layer for the return transfer.

Bring cash for optional purchases, tips, photographs, extra drinks, or transport charges from distant resort areas. A photographer may take pictures on the boat, at Orange Bay, or in the water, and digital images can cost extra.

The crew’s music and friendly style are part of the appeal, but this is not a quiet nature cruise. You should book it for energy, scenery, and water activities, not for silence.

Who should book this trip

I would recommend it to couples, friends, families with older children, and first-time snorkelers who want a well-supported introduction to the Red Sea. The staff’s willingness to help nervous swimmers is a real advantage.

It suits you especially well if you want:

• A half-day rather than a full-day boat excursion
• A faster ride instead of a large slow boat
• Two snorkeling stops
• Time on a photogenic sandy island
• A smaller, more personal atmosphere
• Hotel pickup from the main Hurghada area

I would think twice if you have back problems, dislike rough boat rides, need a quiet outing, or want a deserted island. Orange Bay can be crowded, and the sea may be choppy.

The guides also speak English, which helps with safety instructions and snorkeling support. The crew names change by departure, but the strongest praise centers on people such as Ahmed, Mido, Youssef, Mahmoud, Hassan, Karim, Islam, and Wissam.

Should you book the Giftun Island speedboat cruise?

Yes, if you want a lively half-day with excellent snorkeling, a scenic island stop, and a crew that pays attention to individual needs. The best reason to book is not simply Orange Bay. It is the complete mix of quick boat travel, two reef stops, practical support in the water, and a comfortable break on the beach.

Book an early departure if you can. You may get calmer water, less crowded reef stops, and a more relaxed Orange Bay visit. Confirm the pickup area, meal details, group arrangement, and any add-ons before checkout.

For most couples staying in Hurghada, the $174 price is reasonable because it includes far more than a simple transfer to the island. Just bring cash, protect your belongings, expect some bumps, and keep your expectations realistic about Orange Bay. It is beautiful, but it is not a secret beach.

FAQ

How long does the Giftun Island and Orange Bay trip last?

The activity lasts approximately four to six hours. The schedule includes about 1.5 hours around Giftun Island, two snorkeling stops of about 20 minutes each, and about 1.5 hours at Orange Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from the listed Hurghada areas. The pickup point is the main hotel entrance by the road, not the reception entrance. Extra charges apply for longer-distance areas such as Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga.

What time will the driver collect me?

The exact pickup details are sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before. Hurghada hotels can have a pickup window of approximately 60 minutes, while extended areas can have a window of up to 90 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, along with two snorkeling stops.

How much time do I spend at Orange Bay?

You spend about 1.5 hours at Orange Bay. You can swim, relax on the white sand, take photographs, or enjoy the island setting.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is described as included, along with seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. The exact meal details are not specified, so you should bring extra snacks if you have dietary requirements or specific food preferences.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is not part of the basic package. It is available only when selected as an add-on during booking.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Long-distance pickup bookings have an additional restriction, with no cancellations accepted after 6:00 PM on the day before the trip.