Hurghada: Giftun Island with breakfast, lunch & Water Sports

Sun, sea, and a boat full of fun. This Orange Bay outing combines two snorkeling stops with beach time, lunch, soft drinks, and banana boat or sofa rides for just $26 per person. I especially like the helpful safety setup, including life jackets, trained snorkeling staff, and a guide assigned to non-swimmers. The main caution is transport: most pickups run smoothly, but delays and the wrong hotel drop-off have caused trouble for some people.

You leave Hurghada in the morning and return after a full day on the Red Sea. Orange Bay is pretty and easygoing, while the snorkeling stops provide the best water experience. The island can feel crowded, and its shallow swimming area has no coral, so you should treat the beach visit as a relaxation stop rather than the main reason to book.

Key points to know before booking

• Two snorkeling stops: The coral and fish are the strongest part of the day, with one open-water stop and one calmer site near Giftun Island.
• Orange Bay beach time: Expect about an hour and a half on the island, with white sand, clear water, swimming, and photo opportunities.
• Water sports included: A banana boat or sofa ride adds a short burst of fun without an extra charge.
• Food is covered: Light breakfast snacks, a buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, and drinks are included.
• Safety gets real attention: Staff provide masks, fins, life jackets, instructions, and special help for non-swimmers.
• Transport needs checking: Pickup is generally between 7:00 and 8:45 AM, but confirm your hotel details and drop-off point carefully.

The morning pickup from Hurghada

Your day begins with hotel pickup, usually sometime between 7:00 and 8:45 AM. The exact time depends on where you are staying, so enter your hotel details carefully when booking and keep your phone available in the morning.

The transport is air-conditioned, which matters once the Egyptian sun gets going. You are taken to Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada, the stated meeting point for the boat portion of the trip. After the day at sea, the activity ends back at this meeting point, with hotel drop-off included for the standard Hurghada service.

This is the one part I would handle with patience. The pickup is usually described as punctual and smooth, but there have also been serious complaints about a vehicle arriving more than an hour late and leaving someone at the wrong hotel. That does not ruin the day for everyone, but it shows why you should confirm the hotel name and location before departure. If you are staying in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga, select the paid pickup option at checkout rather than assuming it is covered.

A small breakfast of snacks helps during the early start. Bring water anyway, even though mineral water and other drinks are supplied later.

The boat ride across the Red Sea

Once you reach the meeting point, you board the ferry boat and head toward the island and snorkeling sites. The ride gives you open views of the Red Sea and a pleasant change from Hurghada’s streets. You will spend much of the day on or around the boat, so wear swimwear under your clothes and keep your sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen easy to reach.

The boat carries two to four professional guides. Their job is not just to point out fish. They explain the plan, help with equipment, watch people in the water, and assist with getting on and off the boat. This is particularly useful if you are not a confident swimmer or if children are joining you.

The equipment provided includes a mask, fins, and life jacket. A special guide is available for non-swimmers, which makes this a more welcoming choice than a basic boat trip where everyone is expected to manage alone. You should still tell the staff clearly about your swimming ability before entering the water.

The atmosphere is social and lively, with staff who take part in the fun while keeping an eye on safety. You might prefer a quiet private boat if you dislike group outings, but for families and groups of friends, the shared setting helps keep the price low and the day active.

First snorkeling stop: the best reason to book

The two snorkeling stops are the strongest part of the outing. The first is described as being in more open water, where the coral is especially good and the sea life is worth watching carefully.

Open water can also mean more movement. If the waves are high, getting a clear view through your mask is harder, and less confident swimmers may feel tired sooner. Listen to the guide, use the life jacket, and do not push yourself far from the boat just to see more.

The coral areas are where this trip offers its best value. Orange Bay is attractive, but the island’s swimming zone does not provide the same underwater sights. If you are choosing between a beach-only boat trip and this excursion, the two reef stops give you a more complete Red Sea experience.

Use reef-friendly behavior throughout the stop. Do not touch coral, stand on it, or chase fish. The staff remind people to respect the marine environment, and that guidance is worth following. Coral can be damaged quickly by careless feet and fins.

Second snorkeling stop near Giftun Island

The second stop is closer to Giftun Island and usually offers calmer water. That makes it a good contrast with the first site, especially if the open-water waves were tiring.

The coral and fish here are described as good rather than exceptional, but calm conditions can make the stop more enjoyable. You can take your time, adjust your mask, and focus on looking below rather than battling the surface.

I would plan your energy around these two stops. The snorkeling is not a quick extra squeezed between beach visits. It is the part of the day where the boat, guides, and equipment earn their keep. If you are a keen snorkeler, take both stops seriously and bring an underwater camera if you have one.

Photography services may also be offered for purchase. They are not included, and you should deal directly with the photographer or photo company about payment and delivery. Do not feel pressured to buy pictures simply because you appear in them.

Orange Bay and the white-sand break

Orange Bay is the visual centerpiece. After the reef stops, you spend roughly an hour and a half on the island, depending on the day’s schedule. The beach has pale sand and clear, turquoise water, making it a fine place to swim, sit in the sun, or take photographs.

This is a pleasant pause after snorkeling. You can leave your fins behind, stretch your legs, and enjoy a slower hour before the boat returns. Families may appreciate the easy beach setting, while couples and groups will find plenty of time for photos and a swim.

Keep your expectations realistic. Orange Bay is not mainly a snorkeling beach. The shallow water near shore has no coral, and the island can be crowded with many other people. If you picture a quiet, empty strip of sand, you may be disappointed.

For me, Orange Bay works best as a change of pace, not the star attraction. The reef stops offer the more memorable natural experience. The island provides the postcard setting and a chance to relax.

Banana boat or sofa ride for extra fun

The included water sport is a banana boat or sofa ride. This is a short, playful activity rather than a major watersports session, but it adds energy to a day that could otherwise become a series of swims and meals.

You do not need to pay extra for the standard banana boat or sofa ride. Listen carefully to the staff before boarding, especially when getting in and out of the water. The crew’s attention to safety has been one of the strongest features of the outing.

One important detail: the included ride may happen only once. If you are expecting repeated turns or a long session, adjust your expectations. Think of it as a fun bonus that breaks up the day, not a full afternoon of water sports.

Parasailing is available only if you select that option. It is not part of the basic $26 price, so check your booking choice before assuming it is included.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks on board

Food is included, which makes the price more attractive. You receive light breakfast snacks early in the day, followed by a buffet lunch served on the island or boat. Seasonal fruit is also included.

The lunch has received especially warm praise for its quality. It is described as closer to restaurant food than the bare-bones buffet you might expect from a budget boat trip. That is useful after swimming, snorkeling, and sitting in the sun for hours.

Drinks include mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta. Soft drinks are supplied, but bring cash if you want to buy personal extras or pay for photographs. A towel is not supplied, so pack one from your hotel.

If you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions, tell the provider in advance. The meal can then be adjusted where possible. Do not wait until you are already on the boat, when choices may be limited.

Guides who keep the day moving

The staff are a major strength. The guides are friendly, active, and willing to explain what is happening next. Hisham, also referred to as Hesham, received special praise for clear briefings, useful information, and always being available to help.

That kind of communication matters on a group boat. You need to know when to collect equipment, where to meet after beach time, how long you have in the water, and when lunch begins. Good instructions reduce the usual confusion that can turn a pleasant outing into a tiring one.

The crew also mixes humor with practical help. They assist people in the water and pay attention while people climb aboard. This is especially valuable for children, older participants, and anyone who is nervous around open water.

The service is available in English, German, Arabic, and French. If you need a particular language, check availability when booking rather than assuming every guide speaks all four.

What the $26 price really covers

At $26 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want several activities in one booking. Hotel transport in Hurghada, the ferry boat, island entry, two snorkeling stops, equipment, water sports, snacks, lunch, fruit, and drinks are all included.

Comparable outings can become expensive once you add equipment hire, food, and beach entry. Here, the main cost advantage is that you do not need to arrange each piece separately. The inclusion of a non-swimmer guide also adds practical value for families.

The low price does come with trade-offs. You are sharing the boat, the snorkeling sites, and the island with other people. The schedule is set by the group, and a delayed vehicle can affect the start of the day.

Private transfer is available if selected, and parasailing costs extra. Pickup from several resort areas also requires an added option. Read the checkout choices closely so the advertised price matches what you need.

Who should book this Orange Bay trip?

I would recommend it to families, couples, first-time visitors to Hurghada, and groups that want a full day without organizing separate activities. It is also a sensible choice if some people in your party swim confidently while others need extra support.

It suits you particularly well if you want a mix of reef time, beach relaxation, lunch, and a short water ride. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, though you should be comfortable following the guides and wearing the supplied safety equipment.

Strong snorkelers may wish for more time at the reefs and less time on Orange Bay. People seeking silence may find the group setting and crowded island less appealing. If your priority is an empty beach or a private boat, this is not the right format.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, and some cash. Keep valuables to a minimum, and remember that towels and personal expenses are not included.

Is the trip worth booking?

For $26, I think this is a good buy, with one clear condition: book it for the combination of snorkeling and activities, not for a secluded island escape. The reefs, helpful crew, included food, and safety support give the day real value.

Before paying, confirm your hotel pickup, check any resort-area surcharge, and accept that Orange Bay may be crowded. If you can live with a shared boat and a fixed schedule, this is an enjoyable and well-priced way to see the Red Sea around Hurghada.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. That flexibility helps if your plans depend on the weather, which can affect or cancel the trip.

FAQ

Where does the activity start and end?

The stated meeting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada. The activity ends back at the meeting point, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for the standard Hurghada service.

What time is hotel pickup?

Pickup generally takes place between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM. The exact time depends on your hotel location, so provide complete hotel details when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The trip includes a mask, fins, and life jacket. A snorkeling instructor and two to four professional guides are assigned to each boat.

Are non-swimmers allowed to join?

Yes. A special guide is provided for non-swimmers, and life jackets are included. You should tell the staff about your swimming ability before entering the water.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes light breakfast snacks, a buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta. Tell the provider about allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.

Is the banana boat ride included?

Yes. A banana boat or sofa boat ride is included in the standard trip. Parasailing is available only when selected as an additional option.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, and cash. Towels, personal expenses, and photography services are not included.