Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

Fast boats make the Red Sea feel close. This Hurghada outing combines two snorkeling stops with time on Orange Bay, so you get coral, fish, sand, and open-water views in one half-day trip. I especially like the small-group speedboat and the helpful water support from guides such as Ahmed, Mido, Yousif, and Mahmoud.

I also like the practical touches: equipment, life jackets, drinks, seasonal fruit, hotel transport, and shaded seating are included. The main caution is that Orange Bay can get crowded, the speedboat ride can be rough in windy weather, and the optional parasailing add-on has drawn complaints about its short flight time.

Key points to know before you book

• Two separate snorkeling stops: You get about 20 minutes at each site, with guides helping you find coral and fish.
• Orange Bay is the relaxation stop: Plan on roughly 1.5 hours for swimming, beach time, photos, and the island’s Caribbean-style setting.
• The ride is genuinely fast: That saves time on the water, but it can also feel bumpy when the sea is choppy.
• Small boats feel personal: Private groups are offered, while shared boats can still be relatively intimate rather than ferry-sized.
• Pickup needs care: Wait at your hotel’s main entrance by the road, not at reception, and be ready for a pickup window of up to 60 minutes in Hurghada.
• Bring your own protection: A hat, towel, cash, and a change of clothes are sensible additions.

Why this Red Sea trip works so well

Hurghada has no shortage of boat excursions. The appeal here is the balance. You are not spending the entire day on a large boat with a long list of stops. Instead, the speedboat gets you out to Giftun Island National Park quickly, then gives you two chances to see the Red Sea underwater before settling into beach time at Orange Bay.

The listed price is $174 per group of up to two people. That is not the cheapest per-person boat outing, but it can be good value for a couple wanting a private experience. The price includes transport from Hurghada, a guide, speedboat travel, snorkeling gear, two snorkeling stops, island entry, water, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, shaded seating, music, and life jackets.

You need to check the exact booking setup carefully. The experience is described as a private group, but some departures include small shared groups, including a boat of eight people. That can be a pleasant middle ground: enough company for a lively ride, without the feel of a packed day boat.

The strongest part is the crew. Guides commonly named in the feedback include Mido, Ahmed, Mahmoud, Yousif, Hamdy, Karim, Wissam, and Hassan. Their jobs go beyond pointing at the reef. Several guests found the water support reassuring, especially when a swimmer was nervous or inexperienced. That matters in open water, where a calm guide can make the difference between watching from the boat and actually enjoying the snorkeling.

Hotel pickup requires a little patience

The day begins with hotel pickup, followed by a transfer to the marina. The supplier sends the final pickup details at about 10:00 PM the night before by email or WhatsApp, so you need to provide your nationality, hotel name, address, and room number accurately.

Pickup times are not exact. Hurghada hotels can expect a window of about 60 minutes, while Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga may have a window of up to 90 minutes. The long-distance areas also require an extra pickup fee, selected as an add-on during checkout.

On the morning itself, look for the white or black vehicle with the Go Shalabi logo. Wait at the main entrance by the road, not inside the reception area or at a separate hotel gate. The driver can wait only five minutes, so this is not the morning to linger over breakfast.

That tight waiting rule sounds strict, but it keeps the route moving when several hotel pickups are involved. I would keep your phone charged and stay near the correct entrance during the pickup window. If you stay in an extended area and did not book the extra transfer, you may need to pay at the harbor, and cancellations are not available after 6:00 PM the day before.

The speedboat ride is part of the attraction

At the marina, you meet the guide, receive a short safety briefing, and board the speedboat. The first snorkeling area is reached in about 20 minutes, which is a major advantage over slower boats that spend much of the morning simply getting offshore.

The boat has an onboard shaded area, stereo system, and life jackets. Drinks are provided during the outing, and fresh fruit is served along the way. The music and fast ride give the trip a cheerful holiday feel, and several crews have been praised for keeping families and first-time snorkelers comfortable.

You should also know what a speedboat feels like. On a calm day, it is exciting and efficient. In wind, it can be a hard, bouncing ride. One family was warned about rough conditions and chose to continue, while another parent advised bringing a rain jacket or poncho and spare clothes. That may sound odd on a sunny Red Sea trip, but spray and sea conditions can leave you wet before you reach the island.

If you have back problems, this is not the right excursion. The motion can be sharp, especially toward the back of the boat. Sit where the crew recommends, hold on when the boat accelerates, and keep loose belongings secure.

Two snorkeling stops, each with a clear purpose

The tour includes two snorkeling locations, with about 20 minutes in the water at each. That is enough time to get a useful look at the reef without making the day feel like one long swim session.

Expect colorful fish and coral, with the possibility of seeing sea turtles, dolphins, flying fish, or moray eels. Sightings are never guaranteed, so treat dolphins as a lucky bonus rather than part of the deal. Several departures did spot dolphins, including close encounters on the return ride, but the best reason to book is the reef itself.

The guides are one of the activity’s strongest features. Yousif was praised for patiently helping a first-time snorkeler, while Ahmed was appreciated for personally accompanying a less confident swimmer with a buoyancy aid. Other crews led people toward the better coral areas and kept an eye on the group.

Snorkeling for 20 minutes can feel short if you are already comfortable in the water. Still, two separate stops are useful because conditions vary. If one site is choppy or visibility is weaker, the second may offer a better look. The crew can also adjust its approach to the people onboard, as one captain did when some passengers preferred to remain on the island while others wanted more time in the water.

Masks, fins, and life jackets are included. Bring a towel and sun hat, and protect your phone and cash. You are responsible for personal belongings, and the company does not cover lost or damaged items.

Orange Bay gives you the postcard moment

After the snorkeling, the boat makes a short ride of about five minutes to Orange Bay. You get around 1.5 hours on the island, which is enough for a swim, beach time, photos, and a slow break from the boat.

The setting is the classic Red Sea escape: pale sand, clear water, and a relaxed tropical feel. The beach is the easy part of the day. You can stay dry and enjoy the scenery, or go into the water without the pressure of keeping up with a snorkeling group.

Orange Bay is also the most commercial and popular part of the outing. It can become busy, especially later in the day, and the hour or two can pass quickly. One useful tip is to choose an early departure if available. Earlier arrivals may find a quieter beach and cooler conditions, though starting times depend on availability.

The island works best if you see it for what it is. It is not a remote beach with no facilities or other boats. It is a scenic stop designed for easy swimming, lounging, and photos. Some people find it slightly overrated, while others consider it the visual highlight of the day. I would book this trip for the combination of reef and beach, not for solitude at Orange Bay.

There may be extra spending on the island. Cash is listed among the recommended items, and a few people found snacks, drinks, ice cream, or photos expensive. You do not need to buy these extras to enjoy the visit, but having some cash gives you flexibility.

Lunch, fruit, and what you actually receive

The experience title includes lunch, and one detailed account praised the included lunch as well presented and tasty. The formal inclusions specifically confirm seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water, but they do not give a full menu or explain the lunch format.

For that reason, I would not plan the day around a substantial restaurant-style meal. Treat the food as a useful part of the boat outing, and bring a small snack if you have dietary needs or are selective about food. One person specifically recommended packing personal snacks for that reason.

Fruit is a welcome touch after swimming, and drinks are offered throughout the trip. If you need a special diet, contact the supplier before departure rather than assuming the included food will suit you.

The return ride can bring surprises

After Orange Bay, you return to the marina by speedboat. The route is often a pleasant final stretch, with open Red Sea views and another chance to spot wildlife. Dolphins have been seen on return journeys, along with flying fish and other sea life, but again, these sightings depend on luck and conditions.

At the marina, your driver takes you back to the hotel. The full outing usually lasts four to six hours, depending on pickup locations, sea conditions, and the day’s timing. That makes it easy to fit around other Hurghada plans, though extended transfers from Safaga or other outlying resort areas can make the day longer.

The crew may also offer photos or videos taken during the snorkeling and at Orange Bay. These are optional extras, not part of the main package. If you do not want to buy them, you can take your own pictures, but be careful with phones around the water.

Is the $174 price good value?

For two people, $174 works out to $87 each before any optional extras. That is a fair price when you value privacy, direct transport, and a fast boat rather than the lowest possible fare.

The value improves if you are a couple or a small family that would otherwise pay separately for transport, equipment, island access, and a private boat. The crew attention also adds something practical. A nervous swimmer can receive hands-on help, and families do not have to manage a huge boat crowd.

The value is less convincing if you mainly want a long snorkeling session. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, and the island is a popular beach stop rather than an untouched shore. You may also spend more on photos, food, ice cream, parasailing, or long-range pickup.

Parasailing is an optional add-on. One person found the flight lasted only about two minutes and felt poor value for the extra charge. I would treat it as a separate decision, not a reason to choose the cruise.

Who should book this speedboat outing?

I would recommend it to couples who want a private or small-group day, families with older children, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who prefers a lively boat ride to a slow group cruise.

It is particularly good for people who like variety. You get a quick ride, reef time, a beach stop, drinks, fruit, and a chance of seeing dolphins. The guides also appear well suited to people who feel unsure in the water.

I would hesitate if you have back problems, dislike choppy boat rides, need a quiet beach, or want a full day of uninterrupted snorkeling. You should also think twice if strict pickup windows cause stress, since the hotel transfer can vary by an hour or more.

The cancellation policy is useful: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps payment flexible. Check the final pickup area and add-ons before confirming.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want an energetic half-day on the Red Sea with strong crew support, two reef stops, and a scenic beach break. The best value comes from booking as a pair or small private group and choosing an early departure when possible.

Skip it if your priority is peace and quiet, a long formal lunch, or a completely smooth ride. For most people who want to see Giftun Island without giving up comfort and time, the mix is hard to beat. Just bring a towel, hat, cash, spare clothes, and realistic expectations about the busy Orange Bay stop.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts about four to six hours. The total time can vary because of hotel pickup locations, transfer times, and the day’s schedule.

What is included in the price?

The package includes Hurghada pickup and drop-off, a guide, speedboat travel, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, island entry, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, shaded seating, a stereo system, and life jackets.

How long do you spend snorkeling?

You stop at two snorkeling sites and spend about 20 minutes at each location. The guide may help you find coral and fish and assist swimmers who need extra support.

How long do you stay at Orange Bay?

You spend about 1.5 hours at Orange Bay. You can swim, rest on the white sand, take photos, or enjoy the island atmosphere.

Is hotel pickup available from Safaga or other extended areas?

Pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay is available for an extra fee as an add-on. These areas have longer pickup windows, usually up to 90 minutes.

What should you bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, and cash. A change of clothes or a rain jacket can also be useful because the speedboat may create spray, especially in windy conditions.

Is the trip suitable for someone with back problems?

No. The experience is not considered suitable for people with back problems because the speedboat ride may be bumpy.