Makadi: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch

The Red Sea turns speed into the main event. I like the fast ride to Giftun National Park and the chance to snorkel at two separate reef sites, and Orange Bay gives you a proper sandy beach break rather than a day spent only on a boat. The main catch is the transfer and boat setup: pickup can be very early, and one report describes a crowded bus and a wobbly inflatable boat transfer.

This is a good-value half-day outing if you want several Red Sea highlights in one package. Friendly crew members, including a guide named Sabry, have helped nervous swimmers and children with snorkeling, but you should bring a light jacket for the chilly speedboat ride and water shoes for the shells and stones around the island.

Key points at a glance

• Two 20-minute snorkeling stops: You get two chances to see coral, colorful fish, and possibly sea turtles rather than relying on one reef site.
• Speedboat access to Giftun: The quick boat ride covers the sea in a lively, exciting way, though spray and wind can make it feel cold.
• Orange Bay beach time: White sand, clear water, swimming, and time to relax give the outing a calmer middle section.
• Lunch is basic but flexible: A cheese and roast beef lunch box is included, while island lunch and seafood upgrades can be added at checkout.
• Helpful crew: Sabry has been praised for assisting with snorkeling, and the crew is often described as friendly and attentive.
• Strict pickup timing: Be at the hotel’s main roadside entrance on time. The driver can wait no more than five minutes.

Why the $53 price can make sense

At $53 per person, this trip bundles hotel pickup and drop-off, a speedboat cruise, snorkeling gear, two reef stops, island entry, food, fruit, drinks, a guide, and life jackets. You are not paying only for a boat ride. You are paying for a compact day at sea with transport and the basic equipment already arranged.

I see the value most clearly if you want variety. In one outing, you get open-water views, two snorkeling areas, and a beach visit. Booking those pieces separately could take more planning, and you would need to arrange transport to the marina yourself.

The included meal is modest. The standard food is a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and roast beef sandwich, plus seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. If you want to eat on Orange Bay, you can add an island lunch during checkout, with a seafood option available as an upgrade. I would treat the included lunch as practical fuel, not a major dining event.

The price may feel less attractive if you dislike shared transfers or want a large, stable boat. One report describes a full minibus that spent about an hour collecting other passengers before reaching the marina. The experience itself was still considered acceptable, but that transfer was uncomfortable. If you are sensitive to road travel, ask carefully about the pickup arrangement and consider a private option if one is offered for your booking.

From Makadi pickup to the Hurghada marina

The day begins with hotel pickup and ends with a return to your hotel. The exact collection time depends on your hotel and booking, but the pickup message is sent by email at about 10 p.m. the night before. That is late enough that you should check your email before bed and keep your phone available.

You need to provide your nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy for daily permissions. The meeting point is the main entrance by the road, not the reception gate or an inner hotel entrance. This detail matters at large Makadi properties, where a driver may not be allowed to search around the grounds.

Be ready early. The operator allows no more than five minutes at the stated pickup point because other people are sharing the schedule. A missed pickup is a poor way to start a sea day, especially when the boat timetable is fixed.

Long-distance collection from Safaga and the Soma Bay area is available as an add-on during checkout. That service is useful if your hotel lies outside the usual Hurghada and Makadi route, but check the extra charge before paying.

At the marina, you meet the guide, receive a short introduction, and board the speedboat. The boat is described as speedy and comfortable, with a shaded area, stereo system, and life jackets. A speedboat makes the journey feel more like an outing than a transfer, but it also exposes you to wind, spray, and motion.

One important practical note comes from the mixed boat experience. The main ride is a speedboat, but at least one departure used a large inflatable boat to reach the vessel. Almost everyone on that transfer became wet, and the boat felt unstable to one passenger. If you have seasickness or dislike wobbly boarding, ask about the marina transfer before you commit.

The first 20-minute ride across the Red Sea

The first snorkeling area is reached in about 20 minutes. That short crossing is one of the trip’s strongest features. You spend less time plodding across the water and more time reaching the reef areas around Giftun.

The ride can be exhilarating, especially if the sea is calm. You will also feel the wind more than you would on a large enclosed boat. One useful tip is to pack a light sweater or jacket. The speed makes the air feel cold, even in warm Egyptian weather, and wet swimwear does not help.

Keep your towel and sunscreen where you can reach them. The boat has shade, but you may still want a sunny seat during the crossing. Apply sunscreen before boarding and bring cash for optional extras or personal spending.

Two reef stops, each lasting 20 minutes

The trip includes two snorkeling stops, with about 20 minutes in the water at each site. That is enough time to get a taste of the reef, see fish, and practice with the equipment, though it is not a long marine expedition.

The first stop lets you settle into the water. The guide can help with equipment and basic confidence, which is useful if you are not a strong swimmer. Sabry has received particular praise for helping a child with snorkeling, so families may appreciate the hands-on support.

The second stop gives you another chance if the first site is crowded, choppy, or less clear than expected. Conditions in the Red Sea can vary, and two locations are better than putting all your hopes on one patch of coral. You may see colorful fish and, if conditions cooperate, sea turtles.

Do not expect a private reef. The Giftun area is a popular stop, and the water may have other boats and swimmers. One person found the island area very busy but still beautiful, then sought out quieter spots. That is useful advice: enjoy the main sights, but do not expect solitude.

Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included. Even so, you should bring your own mask if you have one that fits well, though the supplied information does not promise a particular brand or style. Water shoes are especially useful around the islands. They can go in your bag while you swim, then protect your feet from shells and stones near shore.

The two stops are short, so listen closely when the guide explains the return time. It is easy to drift into a relaxed rhythm in clear water, but the boat cannot hold the whole schedule for one slow swimmer.

Orange Bay, white sand, and a Caribbean-style pause

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Orange Bay. The island stop is the visual centerpiece, with white sand and clear, shallow-looking water that creates the advertised Caribbean feel.

Orange Bay changes the pace. The snorkeling stops are active and limited by the clock, while the island gives you time to sit, swim, take photographs, or simply dry off. If you prefer a beach break to constant activity, this is where the tour earns its place.

The island can be busy. That is not a flaw unique to this trip, but it affects the mood. You may find a quieter corner, though you should not count on having a deserted beach. Go in expecting a popular day-stop with attractive water, not a private island escape.

The standard package includes island entry. Lunch is included as a box, and you can add island dining or upgrade to seafood at checkout. If eating on the sand or near the island facilities is important to you, pay for the option in advance rather than assuming the basic box will be replaced.

You also receive seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. That makes the food and drink arrangement simple, but it is still wise to bring cash. The instructions specifically recommend it, and cash can be useful for add-ons or anything not covered by the package.

The trip may include a parasailing adventure if you select that add-on. It is not part of the standard $53 price, so check the booking screen carefully before assuming it is included.

The ride back and what the boat setup means

After the island stop, you return by speedboat to the marina. Your driver then takes you back to your hotel, completing the same transport chain in reverse.

The speedboat is a good fit for people who want energy and open-air movement. You get a faster route between sites, and the ride itself becomes part of the fun. It is less suitable for anyone with back problems, which the operator specifically lists as a restriction.

People prone to seasickness should think carefully. The supplied information does not promise a large, heavy boat, and one person found the inflatable transfer wobbly. If you need maximum stability, a big boat may suit you better, even if it takes longer to reach the islands.

The onboard shaded area helps, and life jackets are provided. Still, I would keep your belongings in a secure waterproof bag. That suggestion follows naturally from the combination of spray, swimming, and a reported wet boarding transfer.

What the strong praise tells you

The most consistent positive theme is the crew. People describe the staff as friendly, attentive, and willing to help. That matters on a snorkeling trip because the guide can affect how comfortable you feel in the water, especially with children or first-time snorkelers.

The snorkeling itself also receives strong praise, with the reef locations considered a highlight. Two stops give the day structure and improve your odds of finding good water conditions.

The island receives a more mixed but still favorable picture. It is beautiful, with white sand and clear water, but it can be busy. That balance is important. You can enjoy the scenery without expecting a quiet castaway experience.

The ratings are strong overall, at 4.7 from 26 ratings. One lower score focused on transport and boarding comfort rather than the sea stops themselves. I would read that as a warning to set your expectations correctly, not as a reason to dismiss the trip.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a fast, compact introduction to the Giftun Islands. It suits couples, friends, and families who want snorkeling and beach time without spending a full day on a slow boat.

It is also a good choice if you value help in the water. The guide support, equipment, and life jackets reduce the amount of preparation you need to handle yourself.

You may prefer another format if you have back problems, strong seasickness, or a firm preference for a large stable vessel. The shared pickup can also be tiring for people staying far from Hurghada, especially if several hotel collections are scheduled before yours.

Pack these items:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Light sweater or jacket
• Cash
• Water shoes
• A secure bag for wet items

The jacket is not just a comfort extra. Speed, wind, and wet clothing can make the crossing surprisingly cold. Water shoes are equally practical because shells and stones can hurt bare feet around the islands.

Should you book the $53 Orange Bay cruise?

Book it if you want several Red Sea experiences in one reasonably priced package: a fast boat, two reef stops, an attractive island, lunch, and hotel transport. The crew support and snorkeling access make it especially appealing for families and casual swimmers.

I would skip it if you need a calm, spacious boat or cannot tolerate an early, shared pickup. In that case, look for a larger-boat cruise or a private charter, even if it costs more.

For most active visitors staying around Makadi, the $53 price is fair. Just arrive at the correct hotel entrance on time, bring a jacket and water shoes, and understand that Orange Bay is beautiful but popular. With those expectations, this is a lively and useful half-day on the Red Sea.

FAQ

Where does the cruise take place?

The cruise operates in the Red Sea Governorate of Egypt, traveling from Hurghada toward Giftun National Park and Orange Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with long-range pickup from Safaga and the Soma Bay area available as an add-on.

Where should I wait for pickup?

Wait at the main hotel entrance by the road. The meeting point is not the reception gate or an inner hotel area.

When will I receive the pickup details?

Pickup details are sent by email at about 10 p.m. the night before the trip.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The cruise includes two snorkeling stops, each lasting about 20 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

What food is included?

The standard package includes a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and a roast beef sandwich, along with seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Can I add an island lunch?

Yes. You can add lunch on Orange Bay during checkout, and a seafood lunch upgrade is available.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only if you select the add-on. It is not part of the standard package.

Is the cruise suitable for someone with back problems?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with back problems.

What languages are available?

The guide service is available in English and Arabic.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.