Makadi: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch

The Red Sea gets its moment. This Makadi speedboat trip packs coral reefs, two snorkeling stops, Giftun National Park, and Orange Bay into a lively half-day outing. I especially like the quick ride to the first reef and the chance to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and possibly dolphins without spending the day on a large tour boat. The $53 price also covers hotel transfers, equipment, lunch, drinks, and island entry.

The main catch is the transfer and boat style. Pickup can begin well before the advertised start while the minibus collects other passengers, and the small rubber speedboat can feel wet and wobbly in choppy water. If you get seasick or have back problems, think carefully. On the bright side, guides such as Sabry have been praised for helping less confident snorkelers, and the crew is known for being friendly and attentive.

Key points at a glance

• Two reef stops within Giftun National Park: Each snorkeling stop lasts about 20 minutes, giving you two chances to see fish, coral, and perhaps sea turtles.
• A fast ride to the islands: The speedboat reaches the first snorkeling area in roughly 20 minutes, rather than making a long cruise on a large vessel.
• Orange Bay combines sand and water: You get time for swimming, sunbathing, and lunch on an island with white sand and clear water.
• The $53 package covers the basics: Hotel pickup and return, guide, speedboat, snorkeling gear, life jacket, lunch box, drinks, fruit, and entry fee are included.
• Pack for a wet, breezy ride: A towel, sunscreen, cash, and water shoes are useful. An extra sweater or light jacket can help because the boat moves quickly.
• Pickup timing matters: Be at the hotel road entrance, not the reception gate, and be ready on time. The boat operator waits no more than five minutes.

Leaving Makadi for the Red Sea

The day begins with hotel pickup and a drive to the marina. The exact pickup time arrives by email at about 10 p.m. the night before, so check your messages before bed and confirm your hotel name, address, room number, and nationality as requested.

You need to wait at the main entrance by the road. Do not assume the driver will come to the reception area or an inner hotel gate. The operator allows only five minutes at the pickup point, which is understandable on a shared outing but leaves little room for a slow breakfast or a last-minute search for sunglasses.

The transfer may be the least polished part of the day. If you are staying at Stella Gardens or another hotel served by a shared minibus, the vehicle may collect several groups before reaching the marina. One reported pickup began at 6:50 a.m. for a 9 a.m. booking, followed by about an hour of hotel stops, with the bus full to the last seat.

That does not happen in every case, but it is a useful warning. Ask at booking whether your transfer is shared, and consider the early start part of the price. Long-range pickup from Safaga and Soma Bay is available as an add-on, so check the extra charge before confirming if you are staying outside the usual Makadi and Hurghada area.

At the marina, you meet the guide, receive a short introduction, and board the speedboat. The boat has a shaded area, stereo system, and life jackets. These are modest comforts, but shade matters in the strong Red Sea sun, and a life jacket is reassuring when you are moving between snorkeling areas.

The speedboat ride to Giftun National Park

The speedboat is the reason to choose this outing over a standard large-boat cruise. You reach the first snorkeling site in about 20 minutes, leaving more of your half-day for the water and Orange Bay.

There is a tradeoff. A small boat feels lively, especially when the sea is not calm. You may get splashed, and the ride can feel cold because of the speed and wind. One useful suggestion is to bring a light sweater or jacket, even on a hot day.

Boarding can also involve a short transfer in a rubber dinghy, depending on the marina setup. That small boat may wobble, and you could get wet before the actual cruise begins. If you have a history of seasickness, the speedboat and dinghy are not minor details. A larger boat would be steadier, though it would usually mean a slower, more crowded day on the water.

The boat is described as private or shared, so the feel of your outing depends on the option you choose and the number of people aboard. A private boat should give you more control over the pace and atmosphere, while a shared departure keeps the cost down. At $53 per person, the shared version is aimed at people who value included transport and activities more than total privacy.

Two 20-minute snorkeling stops

The first two major stops are snorkeling sites around Giftun Islands National Park. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough time to get a good look at the reef, though it is not a long, slow session for serious snorkelers.

The water is the star. You can expect clear Red Sea conditions, coral reefs, and colorful fish. Sea turtles are also possible, and the trip is designed to give you a chance to see dolphins from the boat. Dolphin sightings are never something to count on, but keeping your eyes on the water during the ride costs nothing.

I like the two-stop format because it gives you a second chance. If the first site feels crowded, visibility is less good, or you need time to get comfortable with the equipment, the next stop offers a fresh start. It also breaks up the morning instead of asking you to stay in one place.

The short sessions require some preparation. Listen closely when the guide explains where to enter and how long you have. Put on your mask and fins before the boat reaches the stop if the crew directs you to do so, and keep your towel and dry items secured.

Sabry has received special praise for helping a daughter during snorkeling. That matters if you are new to the activity or traveling with a child who needs encouragement. The listed languages are English and Arabic, so make sure you are comfortable with the safety instructions before entering the water.

The equipment is included, along with a life jacket. If you prefer your own mask or snorkel, you can bring it, but the package is set up so you do not need to rent the basics separately. Sunscreen is essential, though use it carefully around coral and follow any instructions from the crew.

Orange Bay, the postcard stop

After the reef stops, the speedboat heads to Orange Bay. This is the part built for easy holiday pleasure: white sand, clear water, sunshine, and time to swim or sit on the beach.

The island has a Caribbean-style look, with pale sand against bright Red Sea water. It is photogenic, but it is not a private desert island. The beach can be very busy, especially during popular departure times. If you want a quieter patch, walk a little away from the main activity areas when permitted and use the time to enjoy the water rather than expecting solitude.

Water shoes are a smart addition. You may be asked to go barefoot on the island, and shells and stones can hurt your feet. Keep the shoes in your backpack until you reach the beach, then follow the local instructions about where they can be worn.

You have time to relax, swim, or explore at your own pace. The island visit gives the day a welcome change of rhythm after the active snorkeling stops. If you are traveling with mixed interests, one person can swim while another stays on the sand.

The package includes a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and roast beef. Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are also included. If you want a fuller meal on the island, you can add island lunch during checkout, with a seafood lunch upgrade also available.

That distinction is important. The standard meal is not necessarily a sit-down island feast. If the island meal is a major reason you are booking, select the extra in advance rather than assuming it is part of the base price. Bring cash as well, since the practical information specifically recommends it and optional purchases may not be covered.

What $53 really gets you

At $53 per person, this trip offers solid value if you want several Red Sea highlights in one outing. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, speedboat transport, two snorkeling sessions, equipment, life jacket, island entry, a lunch box, fruit, soft drinks, and water.

You are also paying for convenience. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to the marina, find a boat operator, rent snorkeling gear, or negotiate island entry. For a first visit to Hurghada or Makadi, putting those pieces together in one booking can be worth more than the raw cost of the boat ride.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet, private sailing day. Shared transfers can be long, the minibus may be crowded, and the island can feel busy. A private speedboat option or a larger boat may suit you better, depending on what matters most.

Parasailing is not part of the base experience. It is available as an add-on, so check the checkout choices if you want that extra activity. Do not assume every person in your group receives it automatically.

The supplier, Go Shalabi, has a rating of 4.7 from 26 ratings. The strongest pattern is clear: people appreciate the friendly crew, good snorkeling locations, and helpful support in the water. The main criticism concerns the early, shared pickup and the small boat rather than the reef or island itself.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a compact day on the Red Sea and prefer speed over a slow cruise. It works especially well for couples, friends, and families who want snorkeling plus beach time without committing to a full-day boat program.

It is also a good choice for a first snorkeling experience if you are reasonably comfortable in the water. A guide can help, and the life jackets make it easier to stay afloat. Still, the 20-minute stops move at a brisk pace, so you should tell the guide if you need assistance.

You may want another option if you have back problems, since the activity is specifically not recommended for you. It is also a poor match if you suffer from seasickness or dislike small boats that bounce and spray water.

This is not the best pick for someone seeking a remote island atmosphere. Orange Bay is beautiful, but the sand and water are the main attraction, not solitude. Likewise, serious snorkelers may prefer a longer reef-focused trip with more time at each site.

Packing advice that saves trouble

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Add a light sweater or jacket for the fast ride, even if the forecast feels hot. Water shoes are useful for the beach, where shells and stones may make walking uncomfortable.

Keep your passport copy ready because daily permissions require it. Send your correct nationality and hotel details when requested, and watch for the pickup email at around 10 p.m. the evening before.

Wear swim clothes under your regular clothes if you want to get into the water quickly. Keep phones and cameras in a waterproof pouch, since both the dinghy transfer and speedboat can leave you wet.

Arrive at the road entrance of the hotel before the stated pickup time. Five minutes is the maximum waiting period, and a shared boat cannot hold for one late passenger without affecting the rest of the schedule.

Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Hurghada plans are still changing.

Should you book the Makadi Orange Bay cruise?

Book it if you want a fast, activity-filled half-day with two reef stops, an attractive island, and most essentials included for $53. The friendly crew and hands-on snorkeling help are real strengths, especially for families and beginners.

Skip it if a crowded transfer, a wet rubber dinghy, or a lively speedboat sounds unpleasant. In that case, look for a larger boat with steadier seating, even if it takes longer to reach the islands.

My practical choice would be to book the shared version for value, bring a jacket and water shoes, and pay for the island lunch only if a proper meal matters to you. Confirm the pickup point carefully, arrive early, and treat dolphin sightings as a lucky extra rather than the main promise. That approach gives you the best chance of enjoying the reefs, Orange Bay, and the Red Sea ride for what they are: a bright, busy, good-value day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the Makadi speedboat trip take place?

The trip operates from the Red Sea Governorate in Egypt, with pickup from hotels in the Hurghada and Makadi area. It visits snorkeling sites around Giftun Islands National Park and Orange Bay.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $53 per person. Long-range pickup from Safaga and Soma Bay is available as an add-on during checkout.

What is included in the $53 price?

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

How long is each snorkeling stop?

Each of the two snorkeling stops lasts about 20 minutes.

What might I see while snorkeling?

The Red Sea sites feature coral reefs and colorful marine life. Sea turtles may be seen, and the boat ride also offers a chance to watch for dolphins.

Is lunch served on Orange Bay?

The standard package includes a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and roast beef. You can add lunch on the island during checkout, including a seafood lunch upgrade.

Can I choose a private speedboat?

The experience is offered as a private or shared speedboat trip. Check the available choice and price when booking.

Where should I wait for hotel pickup?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light sweater or jacket is useful for the fast ride, and water shoes can help with shells and stones on the island.

Is the trip suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with back problems. It may also be uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness because the speedboat and dinghy can be wobbly.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve and pay later is also available.