Hurghada: Orange & Giftun Island Cruise with Massage & Lunch

The Red Sea rewards a full day afloat. This $53 Orange Bay and Giftun Island cruise combines beach time, two snorkeling stops, a buffet lunch, a massage, and water activities in one well-packed outing. I like the spacious yacht and the crew’s careful help in the water, especially for less confident swimmers. I also like that the schedule gives you real time at Orange Bay instead of treating it as a quick photo stop. The main drawback is the length: at 510 minutes, this is a long day, and lunch may not arrive until around 2 p.m.

The experience also earns points for its practical inclusions. Hotel transfers, drinks, snacks, equipment, reserve fees, and lunch are covered, so the price is easier to judge than a bare-bones boat trip. Bring a breakfast box if you need food early, plus cash, sunscreen, a towel, and a hat.

What makes this Red Sea cruise worth considering

• Orange Bay gets 75 minutes: You have time to sit on the beach, swim, and enjoy the clear water rather than simply stepping ashore for a rushed photograph.

• Two separate snorkeling stops: Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī offer two chances to see coral and fish in different settings.

• The yacht is roomy: The boat has been praised for giving passengers space, with a clean and comfortable feel rather than a cramped ride.

• A massage is included: This is a useful extra after swimming and sun exposure, not just another short boat activity.

• Lunch is substantial: Expect salads, vegetables, fish, and BBQ dishes, with enough variety for different tastes.

• The crew provides water support: Staff members such as Bassem and Andrew have been singled out for kind, steady help during snorkeling.

A long but well-planned day from Hurghada

The advertised duration is 510 minutes, or eight hours and 30 minutes. That includes the road transfer, boat movement, beach time, snorkeling, lunch, and water sports. It is not a quick half-day outing, so I would reserve it for a day when you want the sea to be the main event.

Pickup is available from Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and El Gouna. The van ride is listed as about 45 minutes, though your actual journey depends on your hotel and the pickup route. The provider contacts you one day before the excursion with the exact time. Wait outside your reception five minutes before that time.

The return transfer follows the same general pattern, with drop-off available in Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and El Gouna. Pickup is not available from Viva Blue Hotel, so check this before paying.

The guide languages are English, German, Russian, and Arabic. The separate entrance arrangement may help the start of the day move more smoothly, but the real value comes later, once you are out on the water.

Leaving shore on a spacious yacht

After the van transfer, you spend about 45 minutes cruising across the Red Sea toward Orange Bay. This first stretch gives you time to settle in, take in the open water, and use the provided hot drinks, soft drinks, and snacks.

The boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Several guests have described it as clean, comfortable, and spacious for the number of people aboard. That matters on a full-day cruise. You will want room to sit between activities, dry off after snorkeling, eat without feeling boxed in, and enjoy the sea without spending every minute shoulder to shoulder.

The word luxurious should be kept in proportion. This is still an organized group boat excursion with a set schedule. Yet the combination of space, food, service, and included extras gives it a more polished feel than a basic transfer boat.

The crew’s manner is another plus. Bassem has been praised for keeping the mood friendly and helping people throughout the day. Andrew and his team have also received strong marks for guiding swimmers and helping people feel safe in the water. That support is especially useful if you can swim but do not often snorkel in open sea.

Orange Bay: 75 minutes of beach and clear water

Orange Bay is the first main stop, with about 75 minutes on the island. You can use the time to relax on the beach or swim in the clear water. The setting is designed for easy enjoyment: sand, shallow-looking blue water, and a break from the motion of the boat.

The timing matters. Seventy-five minutes is long enough to do more than take a quick picture, though it is not a full beach day. You can swim, sit in the sun, take photographs, and enjoy the island before returning to the yacht.

Some schedules may bring boats in early, which can make the first part of the visit feel quieter. One useful tip is to enjoy the island while you have it, rather than waiting too long to leave the boat. Orange Bay is the relaxed part of the day, while the later stops focus more on the sea and activities.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There is little point reaching a beautiful island and spending the whole visit worrying about sunburn. You also need your own towel and swimwear, as those are not supplied in the inclusions.

Small Giftun snorkeling: your first look below the surface

After Orange Bay, the yacht cruises for about 20 minutes to the Small Giftun snorkeling site. You then have around 45 minutes in the water.

This is where the trip earns its place on a Hurghada itinerary. The Red Sea is known for coral gardens and a large range of fish, and the supplied information refers to more than 500 kinds of fish and 125 kinds of coral in the region. You should not treat those figures as a promise of seeing every species, but they explain why the snorkeling can be so rewarding.

Expect to look for coral shapes, small fish, and changing colors beneath the surface. The crew accompanies snorkelers and points out useful areas, which can make a real difference. Without guidance, it is easy to swim over a reef without noticing the small life around it.

You are expected to treat the reef carefully. Do not touch marine life or plants. This is good for the coral, the animals, and your own safety. If you are unsure in the water, tell the crew. The strongest part of the service is the willingness to help people feel secure rather than leaving everyone to manage alone.

The exact water conditions can vary. Clear water is part of the appeal, but visibility and comfort are never perfectly fixed in the Red Sea. Pack a towel and dry clothing for the ride afterward.

Buffet lunch on the Red Sea

Lunch lasts about 45 minutes and is served aboard the yacht. The spread includes salads, vegetables, fish, and BBQ dishes, with soft drinks and hot drinks also included.

This is more than a token meal. The food has been praised for its taste and range, with one strong opinion placing it above the food served at a five-star hotel. You should still remember that this is boat catering, not a restaurant tasting menu. The important point is that you get a proper meal after swimming, with options for different appetites.

Timing is the one practical concern. Lunch may be served around 2 p.m., which is late for some people. Eat the supplied snacks early and bring a breakfast box if you need a substantial morning meal. The advice is particularly helpful for families, early risers, and anyone who becomes hungry after snorkeling.

You should also bring water, even though drinks are included. A long day in the sun can make you thirsty, and having your own bottle is sensible.

Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī brings a second snorkeling chance

The next stop is Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, reached after about 45 minutes of lunch and cruise time according to the schedule. You get another 45-minute snorkeling session here.

A second site is valuable because it gives you another chance if the first stop was not ideal for your comfort, visibility, or confidence. You may also notice different coral shapes and fish activity. Even if you already enjoyed Small Giftun, the second swim keeps the underwater part of the day from feeling like a single repeat experience.

The crew’s help remains important here. Staff members have assisted people who needed extra support, including one passenger with sore feet who still wanted to snorkel. That does not mean every physical need can be accommodated, but it does show the kind of attentive service you can reasonably hope for.

Take the reef rules seriously at both sites. Look, do not touch. Fins, hands, and careless standing can damage coral quickly.

Banana boat fun and a gentle ride home

After the second snorkeling stop, the schedule includes about 45 minutes of banana boat activity. This adds a playful burst of speed after the calmer reef time.

The water sports are included, but participation is not compulsory. If you prefer a quiet afternoon, you can stay aboard and enjoy the sea. If you want more action, the banana boat gives the day a different rhythm. The mix works well for couples, families, and groups with different energy levels.

The activity is followed by a 25-minute boat cruise and then the van journey back, listed at about 45 minutes. By this stage, you may be ready for a shower and a quiet dinner. That is normal. The length is part of the value, but it is also the main thing to consider before booking.

The included massage is a useful extra

The massage is one of the most unusual features of this cruise. It gives you a chance to lie back and relax while the yacht moves across the Red Sea.

Several people have found it especially welcome after snorkeling and other water activities. I see it as a simple comfort rather than a spa treatment. The available information does not specify the treatment length, massage style, or private-room arrangements, so keep your expectations modest.

Still, it changes the character of the trip. Many boat excursions pile on water activities and leave you tired. Here, the massage creates a pause. It is a good reason to choose this outing if you want both sightseeing and relaxation.

Is $53 good value?

At $53 per person, the price is competitive for an eight-and-a-half-hour package that includes hotel transfers, a full-day yacht trip, Orange Bay, two snorkeling sites, equipment, lunch, snacks, hot and soft drinks, a massage, banana boat activity, guide service, and the natural reserve entry fee.

The comparison to make is not simply the ticket price. Ask what you would pay separately for transport, a boat, snorkeling gear, a beach visit, lunch, drinks, and water sports. Once those costs are added, the package becomes easier to justify.

The value also depends on how much of the day you use. If you want only a short swim and a quick island visit, this is too long. If you want a complete Red Sea day with several kinds of activity, the price looks strong.

Cash is recommended, so carry some for personal spending or tipping. Taxes are included, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans may shift.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for a first Red Sea boat day, especially if you want a little of everything. You get a beach, two reef stops, food, a massage, and a water ride without arranging separate bookings.

It suits couples particularly well, thanks to the relaxed pace and massage. Families and mixed-age groups can also benefit because not every activity requires the same level of effort. Confident snorkelers will appreciate the two sites, while beginners can make use of the crew’s support.

I would think twice if you dislike long organized excursions, struggle with a late lunch, or want a quiet private boat. The program is varied, but it is still a scheduled group experience with road transfers and fixed activity times.

Pack these items:

• Swimwear and your own towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Camera and a waterproof way to protect it
• Water and snacks, especially for the morning
• Cash
• A breakfast box if you prefer an early meal

Should you book the Orange Bay cruise?

Yes, if you want a well-rounded sea day at a fair price. The best reasons are the roomy yacht, attentive crew, generous lunch, two snorkeling stops, and the welcome massage. The repeated praise for Bassem, Andrew, and the wider crew points to service that is not merely functional, but genuinely helpful.

Book it with realistic expectations. Orange Bay is a scheduled island visit, not a private beach retreat. The snorkeling depends on sea conditions, and the day can run long. But for $53, the package gives you a lot of Red Sea time and very little need to organize extras yourself.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or eight hours and 30 minutes. This includes hotel transfers, the yacht trip, island time, snorkeling, lunch, water activities, and the return journey.

Where is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna. Pickup is not available from Viva Blue Hotel.

Which languages are offered by the guide?

The available guide languages are English, German, Russian, and Arabic.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet with salads, vegetables, fish, and BBQ dishes. Soft drinks and hot drinks are also included.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling spots are included. The scheduled locations are Small Giftun diving site and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with the natural reserve entry fee.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. You need to bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve now and pay later option is also available.