Hurghada: Giftun Island with breakfast, lunch & Water Sports

A bright day on the Red Sea awaits. This $26 boat trip combines two snorkeling stops, a beach visit to Orange Bay, a buffet lunch, soft drinks, and banana boat or sofa rides, giving you a lot for one modest price. I especially like the helpful crew and the special support offered to non-swimmers.

I also like the simple mix of action and downtime. You can swim with fish in the morning, enjoy a water ride, then stretch out on a sandy beach. The main drawback is that Orange Bay can feel crowded, and the beach stop has little coral for snorkeling. Pickup is usually between 7:00 and 8:45 AM, but transport timing has not been perfect for everyone.

Key points to know before booking

• Two snorkeling stops: The reef stops are the strongest part of the day, with coral, fish, and equipment supplied.
• Orange Bay lasts about 1.5 hours: Expect pretty water and a sandy beach, but not a quiet island escape.
• Water rides are included: You get a banana boat or sofa ride without paying extra on the boat.
• Lunch is better than basic excursion food: A buffet, fruit, snacks, and soft drinks are included.
• Good safety support: Each boat has two to four professional guides, plus specific help for non-swimmers.
• Transfers need attention: Hotel pickup is included in Hurghada, but confirm your address and pickup time carefully.

What this Hurghada boat trip is really like

This is a full-day Red Sea outing from Hurghada, built around a ferry boat ride, snorkeling, beach time, and light water sports. It is not a quiet sailing trip or a private island escape. You will share the boat, the snorkeling sites, and Orange Bay with other groups.

That shared setup is also why the price works. For $26 per person, you get transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and return in Hurghada, the boat, island entry, food, drinks, equipment, guides, and two water-based activities. Optional extras such as private transport and parasailing cost more, while towels, personal spending, and photos are not included.

I see this as a good-value day for families, couples, and groups who want several activities without arranging each one separately. If you want an uncrowded beach or serious reef time right from the sand, you may prefer a smaller boat or a different island outing.

Morning pickup and the ride to Public Beach Number 9

Pickup is arranged from your Hurghada hotel, usually between 7:00 and 8:45 AM. The exact time depends on where you are staying, so you need to provide correct hotel details when booking and keep your phone available on the morning of the trip.

The activity begins at Public Beach Number 9, then continues by boat. Air-conditioned transport is included, which matters in Hurghada, where an early road transfer in the heat can quickly become tiring. Private transfer is available only if you select that option.

Transport is the one area where I would keep expectations practical. Some outings have had smooth, punctual transfers, while one party reported waiting more than an hour and being dropped at the wrong hotel on the return. That does not appear to be the usual experience, but it is a reason to confirm your pickup point and check the vehicle before leaving the boat.

Once you are aboard, the mood becomes more relaxed. The crew welcomes you with snacks for a light breakfast, and drinks are available during the day. Mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta are listed as included.

The first snorkeling stop, where the day earns its price

The two snorkeling stops are the main reason I would book this trip. The Red Sea is famous for clear water, coral formations, and colorful fish, and the schedule gives you two chances to see that underwater world rather than relying only on the beach stop.

You receive a mask, fins, and life jacket. Guides explain what to do, and each boat carries two to four professional guides. A special guide is available for non-swimmers, which is a useful detail for families or anyone who feels uncertain in open water.

The first stop can be in more exposed water, where the surface may be rougher. One detailed account described strong waves at an open-sea reef, but also praised the coral there. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the guide and use the life jacket. You do not need to prove anything by swimming far from the boat.

The crew also places emphasis on reef care. You should avoid touching coral, standing on it, or chasing fish. That is not only good manners, it helps protect the very thing you came to see.

The calmer second stop near Giftun Island

The second snorkeling stop is described as calmer, with coral and fish near Giftun Island. This can be the easier stop for beginners because the water may feel less demanding than the more open location.

Conditions depend on the day. Wind and waves can affect the trip, and the operator may change or cancel the schedule when weather makes the outing unsafe. You should treat the exact order and feel of the stops as flexible rather than fixed.

I like having two reef stops because they spread the risk. If the first water stop is choppy, the second may be more comfortable. If you already enjoy snorkeling, the pair gives you more time in the water. If you mainly want a beach day, the two stops may feel like a lot of waiting around the boat, especially when other groups are using the same equipment.

Orange Bay, the pretty beach stop with a crowd factor

Orange Bay is the postcard section of the day. Expect white sand, shallow turquoise water, and time to swim, sit in the sun, or take photos. The island entry fee is included, and the stop lasts around 1.5 hours.

The water color is the big attraction. Orange Bay looks impressive in photographs, and it gives you a change of pace after the snorkeling stops. You can simply sit on the beach, paddle in the water, or use the time to dry off and relax.

But I would not book this excursion mainly for Orange Bay’s snorkeling. The beach area has little or no coral for that purpose, and it can be shared with many other people. One detailed account found the stop unnecessary compared with the reef sites, while another found the beach beautiful and enjoyable.

That difference comes down to what you want. If you like a lively beach break and want time on sand, Orange Bay earns its place. If you want quiet water and reef access from shore, the stop may feel less worthwhile. The island is best treated as a scenic rest stop, not the most important underwater site of the day.

Banana boat or sofa ride, a short burst of fun

The included water sport is either a banana boat ride or a sofa boat ride. Both add a playful, family-friendly moment to the schedule, and you do not need to arrange a separate activity or pay an extra fee once aboard.

This is not the main event, and the ride may be brief. One account described getting only one banana boat ride, so you should not expect repeated turns or a long session. Still, it is a welcome extra for children, teenagers, and adults who want something faster than swimming.

Safety remains the crew’s priority during these activities and when people get on and off the boat. Listen closely to the instructions, especially if the water is choppy or you are helping a child aboard.

Parasailing is not part of the standard package. It is available only when you select that option, so check the exact package before assuming it is included.

Lunch, fruit, snacks, and drinks on a long day out

A full day at sea needs proper food, and this trip includes a buffet lunch plus seasonal fruit and soft drinks. Light breakfast snacks are provided early in the day.

The food receives unusually strong praise for a low-cost boat excursion. It has been described as restaurant standard and surprisingly good, rather than a token meal meant only to fill a gap. That matters because you may be out for many hours, with snorkeling and water rides making you hungry.

Soft drinks include mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta. You should still bring cash for personal expenses and any purchases not covered by the package. Towels are not supplied, so pack one from your hotel.

If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, tell the operator in advance. Suitable meals can be arranged, but this needs to be handled before the trip rather than explained at the buffet.

The guides and the feel of the boat

The human side of this outing is one of its strongest points. The crew is described as friendly, funny, attentive, and willing to help. Guides keep explaining what is happening next, help with snorkeling, and watch people in the water.

Hisham, also referred to as Hesham, receives especially warm praise for being friendly, informative, and available throughout the day. If he is assigned to your boat, you can expect clear briefings and a guide who stays engaged with the group.

The safety arrangements are more thoughtful than the low price might suggest. There are two to four professional guides on each boat, snorkeling instructors, life jackets, and a dedicated guide for non-swimmers. That does not remove the need for personal care, but it makes the trip easier for mixed-ability groups.

The boat is shared, so expect other people around you during meals, transfers between stops, and water activities. Some people enjoy that social energy. Others may find the pace slow when waiting for another group to finish an activity.

Who will get the most from this $26 excursion?

I would recommend this trip if you want a broad taste of Hurghada’s Red Sea activities in one day. It suits you especially well if you are:

• A first-time visitor who wants snorkeling and an island stop
• A family that needs several activities in one package
• A couple looking for an affordable day on the water
• A mixed group with both swimmers and non-swimmers
• Someone who values included food, drinks, equipment, and transport
• A visitor who does not want to arrange boat tickets and reef stops separately

I would be more cautious if you want a peaceful, small-group experience. Orange Bay is not presented as an empty beach, and the boat may feel busy. Serious snorkelers may also prefer an outing centered entirely on reef locations rather than one that spends part of the day at a sandy beach.

You should also think about the early start and the weather. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, cash, and a towel. The Red Sea sun is strong, and a wet day on the boat can make you notice every missing item.

Practical booking advice for a smoother day

Choose the correct pickup area when booking. Hurghada hotel pickup is included, but additional pickup charges apply for Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga unless you select the relevant option.

Confirm the hotel name, room or reception details if requested, and the pickup window. If you are staying outside central Hurghada, do not assume the basic transfer includes you.

Photography services are separate. You may be approached about photos or videos during the trip, but any purchase and follow-up must be handled directly with the photographer or photo company. You can bring your own camera instead, provided it is protected from splashes.

The outing is offered in English, German, Arabic, and French. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather can alter the plan, so keep a little flexibility in your schedule.

Should you book the Orange Bay and Giftun trip?

Book it if value and variety matter most. The combination of two reef stops, island time, lunch, drinks, equipment, guides, and water sports is hard to fault at $26. The crew’s care, especially toward non-swimmers, adds real value, and the snorkeling is likely to be the day’s best memory.

Go in with the right picture of Orange Bay. It is a pretty, social beach stop, not a private island and not the best coral location. If you can accept shared spaces and keep an eye on the pickup details, this is a strong choice for an active, affordable day from Hurghada.

FAQ

Where does the activity start and finish?

The activity starts at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included, with pickup times generally between 7:00 and 8:45 AM depending on your location.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

The trip provides a mask, fins, and life jacket. A guide and snorkeling instructor are also included.

Are the banana boat and sofa ride included?

Yes. A banana boat or sofa boat ride is included in the standard activity.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The package includes a buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, light breakfast snacks, and drinks such as mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta.

Are towels included?

No. You should bring your own towel, along with swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, and cash.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather may also affect the trip, and the operator will notify you about changes or cancellations.