Giftun Island ( Orange bay ) from Hurghada

A bright sea day for very little money. This Giftun Island boat trip combines hotel pickup, two snorkeling stops, lunch, and island time into an eight-hour outing from Hurghada. I like the simple setup: you do not need to arrange a taxi to the marina, find a restaurant, or rent basic snorkeling gear once you are on the boat.

I also like the strong value at $20.94 per person, especially since coffee, tea, soft drinks, and lunch are included. The main drawback is time: you get about one hour on the island, and some activities may feel brief. The boat itself may also be older, depending on the vessel used that day.

The excursion is rated 4.7 out of 5 from 49 ratings, with 98 percent recommending it. That is a good sign, but the experience works best if you want an active, social day at sea rather than a quiet private escape.

Key points to know before booking

• Two snorkeling trips are included, with snorkeling equipment supplied.
• One hour on Giftun Island gives you time to swim, take photographs, and enjoy the beach, but not much time for a long wander.
• Hotel pickup and return transfer are included from Hurghada, with extra charges for several resort areas.
• Lunch is served on the boat, along with coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
• Banana boats and sofa boats depend on the weather, so treat them as possible extras, not guaranteed features.
• The group can reach 20 people, making this a shared boat excursion rather than a private trip.

From your Hurghada hotel to the marina

The day begins with pickup at your hotel in Hurghada. A minibus takes you to the port, removing one of the most annoying parts of a boat trip: working out how to reach the marina early in the morning.

The transfer is one of the better-liked parts of the outing. Several accounts describe pickup and drop-off as smooth, with one family noting that the bus arrived on time and was in good condition. Another account praised the driver as especially pleasant. Still, one person experienced a long wait for hotel pickup, so you should allow some patience at the start of the day.

If you are staying outside central Hurghada, check the transfer supplement carefully. Pickup from El Gouna costs an additional 5 euros per person when at least two people travel, or 10 euros for one person. The same charges apply to Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and Soma Bay.

That extra cost does not necessarily ruin the value, but it changes the calculation. At $20.94, the basic fare is remarkably low. Add a transfer fee, and the trip still may be affordable, but you should compare the final price with excursions leaving directly from your resort.

Setting out by boat toward Giftun Island

At the port, you board the excursion boat and head toward Giftun Island. The journey is part of the attraction, giving you open-water views and time to settle into the rhythm of the day.

This is a shared boat with a maximum of 20 people. That is small enough to feel manageable, but you should not expect a private charter or a silent trip. The atmosphere can include music, entertainment, and group activity. One highly positive account specifically praised the crew members Mustafa and Bakkar, along with a photographer named Bisou.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. I would consider that important for a day involving children and water. One family said four children felt safe and well looked after, while other comments describe the staff as friendly, helpful, and entertaining without being too pushy.

The boat may not be brand new. One account found it somewhat old but still considered the trip good value because the crew was kind and the service was pleasant. If you care more about a modern vessel than a low price, this may not be your ideal choice.

First snorkeling stop: a look below the Red Sea

The excursion includes two snorkeling trips. Equipment is supplied, so you do not need to buy or pack a mask and snorkel unless you prefer using your own.

The snorkeling is a major reason to book. One person called it fascinating and beautiful, while another described it as acceptable but wished for newer masks. That is a fair picture: the underwater experience can be lovely, but the equipment may be basic rather than premium.

You should expect the quality of the snorkeling to depend on the weather and sea conditions. Clear water and calm seas can make the stop memorable. Wind or choppy water can make swimming less comfortable and reduce visibility. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a changed date or a full refund.

The two stops are useful because they give you more than one chance to enjoy the water. If the first location is not perfect for you, the second may offer a better swim. The schedule also keeps the day moving, which suits people who prefer several activities instead of spending hours in one place.

Giftun Island and the one-hour beach stop

The boat then takes you to Giftun Island, known here as the Orange Bay portion of the trip. The appeal is straightforward: pale sand, clear water, swimming, and time away from the city.

You have about one hour on the island. That is enough for a swim, a few photographs, and a quick look around. It is not enough for an unhurried beach day, a long walk, or plenty of time to settle into a sun lounger.

This is the clearest weakness in the itinerary. Two separate comments wished for more time on the island or felt that the activities ended too quickly. I agree that the island stop is likely to leave you wanting more, especially if your main goal is beach time.

The short stop does have one advantage. You are not left sitting on shore for half the day. The boat keeps the schedule active, and you return to the water for snorkeling and other activities. Think of Giftun Island as one attractive chapter in a full day, not the whole book.

Bring what you need before leaving the boat. One unhappy account warned about high prices at a small shop on the island. The practical lesson is simple: carry your own water needs, sun protection, and personal items rather than relying on a shop once you arrive.

Lunch on the boat, with drinks included

Lunch is served on the boat, so you do not need to search for a restaurant during the excursion. This is a practical feature, not just a minor extra. An organized island day can become tiring when you are hungry, and a meal between water activities helps keep the schedule moving.

The food receives good marks overall. One vegetarian visitor specifically said the lunch was good for vegetarians, which is useful if you do not eat meat. The exact menu is not provided, so you should not book expecting a particular dish.

Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are included. Those drinks add value to the low fare, especially since you are spending most of the day in the sun. I would still bring any personal drinks or snacks you particularly want, because the included selection is limited to what is listed.

Lunch is served aboard rather than during the one-hour island stop. That means the island time remains available for swimming and beach activity. It also means you may be eating in a group setting, which fits the social character of the excursion.

Banana boats, sofa boats, and the fun factor

The trip may include banana boats and sofa boats, but their availability depends on the weather. This wording matters. These activities should be seen as a bonus, not a promise.

The overall atmosphere appears lively and family-friendly. One account praised the range of fun activities for people of different ages, while another said the entertainment team looked after everyone well. If you enjoy a little noise, group fun, and organized water activity, you will likely find the tone enjoyable.

If you prefer peace and quiet, the entertainment may feel like too much. The boat is designed for a full day of shared activity, not a private retreat. You can choose whether to join the water sports, but the group setting remains part of the experience.

What the $20.94 price really buys you

At the listed price, this is one of those excursions where the inclusions matter more than luxury. For $20.94, you receive hotel transfers in the Hurghada area, boat transport, two snorkeling trips, equipment, lunch, hot drinks, and soft drinks.

That is a strong package. You also avoid the cost and effort of arranging separate transport to the port, hiring snorkeling equipment, and buying lunch. Several high ratings focus on exactly this combination, calling the trip excellent value and saying there was more included than expected for the price.

The fare does not cover everything. Entrance fees are listed separately, though no amount is given. Services not listed in the description are also excluded, as are the transfer supplements for outlying resort areas.

For a couple or family based in Hurghada, the arithmetic looks especially good. For a solo participant staying in one of the listed resort areas, the 10-euro transfer supplement deserves more attention. You should ask for the final total before booking so the low headline price does not surprise you later.

Who will enjoy this Giftun Island trip most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a low-cost full day on the Red Sea with several activities built into one plan. It suits families, first-time visitors to Hurghada, couples who like a social atmosphere, and anyone who wants snorkeling without organizing the details alone.

It also works well for mixed groups. Confident swimmers can take part in the snorkeling and possible water sports, while other members of the group can stay on the boat or enjoy the island. The crew’s friendly approach and attention to children are encouraging for families.

You may want a different trip if your priority is a long, quiet stretch of beach. One hour on Giftun Island is short, and the group boat may feel busy. You may also be disappointed if you expect modern snorkeling masks, a new vessel, or guaranteed banana boat rides.

The group limit of 20 is a useful middle ground. It is not intimate, but it is more controlled than a very large boat excursion. The actual feel will depend on the people booked that day and the boat assigned.

Tips for making the day easier

Pack modestly but carefully. You will want swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a secure way to keep personal items dry. The supplied information does not confirm that towels or waterproof storage are provided, so do not assume they will be available.

Wear something comfortable for the minibus and boat ride. You will move between land, boat, and water several times, so simple clothing is more useful than a bulky beach bag.

Bring your own preferred snorkeling mask if you already have one. The supplied equipment makes the trip accessible, but one person found the masks less modern than expected.

Keep a little patience for the pickup. Most accounts describe transport positively, but one person had a longer wait. Pickup times can vary because the minibus may collect people from several hotels.

Ask about any extra entrance charge and the exact transfer price before you finalize your plans. This is particularly important if your hotel is in El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Makadi Bay, or Soma Bay.

The tour can be canceled with a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can also lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

My verdict: book it for value, not luxury

I would book this Giftun Island and Orange Bay trip if I were staying in Hurghada and wanted a busy, affordable Red Sea day. The combination of transport, two snorkeling stops, lunch, drinks, and island time is hard to fault at $20.94.

The best parts are the helpful crew, family-friendly service, and the amount packed into eight hours. The trade-offs are equally clear: only one hour on the island, possible extra fees, basic equipment, and a boat that may be showing its age.

Book it when you want variety and good value. Skip it when you want a private boat, a long beach stay, or guaranteed water sports. For most people seeking an easy introduction to Giftun Island from Hurghada, this is a sensible choice, provided you confirm the final cost and accept the group-tour format.

FAQ

How long does the Giftun Island excursion last?

The excursion lasts approximately eight hours, including hotel pickup, the boat trip, snorkeling stops, island time, lunch, and the return journey.

Is hotel pickup included from Hurghada?

Yes. Round-trip hotel transportation is included for the Hurghada area.

How much time do I get on Giftun Island?

You get approximately one hour on the island, with time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the beach.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The excursion includes two snorkeling trips. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on the boat. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are also included.

Are banana boats and sofa boats guaranteed?

No. Their availability depends on the weather on the day of the excursion.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.