Makadi: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch

Orange Bay looks made for postcards. This Makadi speedboat trip combines two snorkel stops, a beach break at Orange Bay, and a simple lunch with time on the Red Sea. I like the fast boat ride and the chance to see coral, colorful fish, and possibly sea turtles without spending a full day on a large cruise boat. I also like the helpful guides, with Sabry earning praise for assisting a child in the water. The main drawback is the transfer and boarding process: pickups can be very early, and one account found the shared bus crowded and the small boarding boat wet and unsteady.

For $53 per person, you get hotel transport, a guide, speedboat travel, equipment, two snorkel stops, island entry, drinks, fruit, and a lunch box. That is good value if you want a compact Red Sea outing, but you should bring a jacket for the chilly ride, water shoes for the island, and patience if your pickup includes several hotel stops.

Key points at a glance

• Two 20-minute snorkel stops: You get separate chances to see coral, colorful fish, and possibly sea turtles around Giftun National Park.
• A fast route to Orange Bay: The speedboat reaches the first snorkel area in about 20 minutes, making the trip feel active rather than slow.
• Orange Bay is the main beach pause: Expect white sand, clear water, swimming, sunbathing, and time to explore at your own pace.
• Lunch comes in two forms: A lunch box with cheese and roast beef sandwiches is included. You can pay extra for island dining or upgrade to seafood at checkout.
• A helpful guide matters: Sabry was singled out for helping with snorkeling, while the wider crew received strong praise for being friendly and attentive.
• Plan for the transfer: Hotel pickup is from the main road entrance, not the reception gate, and the vehicle may arrive early to collect other people.

Why this Giftun trip works well from Makadi

The appeal is simple: you see several parts of the Red Sea in one outing without committing to a long day on a large vessel. You start with a speedboat ride, stop twice for snorkeling, spend time at Orange Bay, eat lunch, and return to the marina for your hotel transfer.

I like this format because it gives you variety. You are not sitting on a boat all day waiting for one beach stop. The first snorkeling area comes within roughly 20 minutes, so the trip gets to the water quickly. The boat also makes the distance between stops feel shorter and more exciting.

The speedboat is private or shared, depending on the option you choose. No group size is specified, so check the booking choice carefully if having a private ride matters to you. The onboard shaded area, stereo system, and life jackets add practical comfort, though the trip is still mainly about sun, water, and movement.

The experience has a clear weakness: transport can take more time than the sea portion suggests. A pickup booked for 9 a.m. was reported as starting at 6:50 a.m. from Stella Gardens, followed by about an hour of collecting other people. A full shared bus made that transfer uncomfortable. This may not happen on every departure, but it is worth allowing extra time and asking about pickup expectations.

The early hotel pickup and marina transfer

Your pickup is arranged from your hotel, but the exact details arrive by email at about 10 p.m. the night before. The meeting point is the hotel’s main entrance by the road, not the reception entrance or an inner gate. This distinction matters in large resort areas, where a driver may not be permitted to search the property.

Be ready on time. The operator says the vehicle can wait no more than five minutes because other people are also being collected. I would pack everything the night before and wait at the correct entrance a little early.

Pickup is available from Makadi, while longer transfers from Safaga and Soma Bay can be added during checkout. Since those areas are farther away, the extra transport may affect the length and comfort of your day. Give your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number when booking, and provide a passport copy for the daily permission process.

At the marina, you meet the guide and receive a short introduction before boarding. One important practical detail is that boarding may involve a smaller inflatable craft before you reach the speedboat. One person found this part wobbly and reported getting wet. If you have seasickness or dislike unstable boats, this is the point to take seriously.

The speedboat ride to Giftun National Park

Once underway, the speedboat gives you a much quicker feel for the Red Sea than a slow sightseeing vessel. The first snorkeling point is reached in about 20 minutes, and the ride itself is part of the attraction.

Fast boats can be fun, but they also create wind. One person found the ride cold enough to recommend an extra sweater or jacket, even in warm Egyptian weather. That is good advice. Keep a light layer in a dry bag or backpack, especially if you are riding in the morning or sitting in the shade.

The boat includes a shaded area, a stereo system, mineral water, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, and life jackets. The shade is useful when you need a break from the sun, but do not expect an enclosed cabin. Bring sunscreen and use it regularly, since the reflection from the sea adds to the heat.

The Red Sea is at its best from the water. Clear conditions can make the coral and fish visible even before you enter. The trip is not only about reaching Orange Bay. The boat ride gives you changing views of open water, reefs, and the Giftun Islands, with enough speed to keep the outing lively.

Two 20-minute snorkeling stops

The snorkeling portion includes two stops, each lasting about 20 minutes. That is enough time to get a good look around, but it is not an unlimited water session. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, enter the water promptly and use both stops well.

You can expect coral reefs, colorful fish, and a chance of seeing sea turtles. The exact marine life varies with conditions, so nobody should book this expecting guaranteed turtle sightings. The strongest praise goes to the snorkeling itself, with one person calling it fantastic and describing the coral areas as excellent.

The guide can make a big difference here. Sabry was praised for helping a child with snorkeling, which suggests useful support for beginners and younger swimmers. Still, you should be comfortable following basic water instructions and wearing the supplied life jacket if needed.

Snorkeling gear is included, along with life jackets. Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Water shoes are especially useful for the island and rocky or shelly patches near the shore. One practical detail is that shoes may need to come off on the island, so keep them in your bag rather than leaving them behind on the boat.

The 20-minute limit keeps the whole schedule moving, but it can feel short if you spend the first few minutes adjusting your mask or waiting for help. If you are new to snorkeling, ask the guide for assistance early rather than losing half the stop.

Orange Bay, white sand, and clear water

Orange Bay is the visual centerpiece of the trip. After the snorkeling stops, you reach a beach with pale sand and clear shallow-looking water, giving the place a tropical feel that explains its Caribbean-style nickname.

The island stop is designed for choice. You can swim, sit in the sun, walk around, or find a quieter patch away from the main activity. The beach can become busy, so do not expect total solitude. One person enjoyed finding quieter areas, while still noting that Orange Bay is both crowded and beautiful.

That balance is important. Orange Bay is attractive, but it is a popular stop rather than an untouched beach. The more people arrive, the harder it becomes to claim a peaceful corner. If you want the calmest possible experience, move away from the central area when you arrive, while keeping track of the meeting time.

The clear water makes swimming appealing, but the shoreline can contain stones and shells that hurt bare feet. Water shoes are useful, even if you must remove them on certain parts of the island. A towel is not listed as included, so bring your own.

You also get time to relax after the more active snorkeling. I like this pause because it prevents the trip from becoming a nonstop sequence of water activities. You can dry off, eat, swim again, or simply sit with a drink before returning to the boat.

Lunch: included box or island upgrade

The standard package includes a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and a roast beef sandwich. Soft drinks, mineral water, and seasonal fruit are also included. This is a practical meal rather than a major culinary event, and it keeps the basic price reasonable.

If you want to eat on the island, you can add island lunch during checkout. A seafood lunch upgrade is also available. Check the exact option you select, since island dining and seafood are add-ons rather than part of the basic lunch box package.

The timing of the meal matters. After snorkeling, you may be hungry and ready for something simple. The lunch box is easy to handle on the beach or boat, while the paid island meal may suit you better if you want a more complete sit-down break.

I would bring cash for extras, including optional food choices and any personal spending. Cash is specifically recommended, and it is also useful if you decide to add parasailing.

Optional parasailing and the return ride

Parasailing is available only if you choose the add-on. It is not part of the standard $53 price, so check the total before paying. This option fits people who want another short activity above the water, but it is not necessary to enjoy the main snorkeling and island program.

After your Orange Bay time, you return to the marina by speedboat. The driver then takes you back to your hotel. Since the return transfer may again involve other hotel drop-offs, keep the rest of your day flexible rather than booking a tight evening plan.

The trip works best when you treat it as a half-day-style outing with a flexible end time, not as a precise appointment. One person specifically found it suitable as a half-day trip, but shared transfers can add time at both ends.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53, the package offers a lot for a Red Sea day: hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, speedboat transport, snorkeling equipment, two water stops, island entry, drinks, fruit, and a lunch box. You also get the main attraction, Orange Bay, without needing to arrange separate transport.

The value is strongest if you want an active outing with several elements. A slower boat trip might give you more room and a steadier ride, but this package favors speed and variety. You can also keep the base price down by using the included lunch box and skipping the optional parasailing or seafood meal.

The value is weaker if you dislike early starts, shared transfers, or small boats. A crowded transfer bus can make the day feel tiring before you reach the water. If you have back problems, the activity is not suitable, and the unstable boarding craft could be uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness.

The rating of 4.7 from 26 ratings fits the overall picture: the sea activities and crew receive strong praise, while the main complaints concern transport comfort and the boarding boat. That makes the choice fairly clear. You are paying for a lively water trip, not a quiet, highly polished cruise experience.

Who should book this speedboat cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see Giftun National Park, snorkel twice, and spend time on a famous beach without paying for a full luxury charter. It suits couples, friends, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who prefers a fast boat to a large shared cruise vessel.

The guide support is a plus for beginners. Sabry’s help with a child shows why a guide can matter when someone is unsure in the water. Still, parents should stay attentive, follow all instructions, and make sure children are comfortable with the boat and snorkeling conditions.

I would be cautious if you have back problems, strong seasickness, or little patience for long shared transfers. The boat ride can be cold from the wind, the boarding craft may be wobbly, and the beach can be busy. A jacket, towel, sunscreen, cash, and water shoes will make the day easier.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if you want the full refund option. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans are still changing.

FAQ

How much does the Giftun Island speedboat cruise cost?

The listed price is $53 per person. Parasailing, longer pickup service from Safaga or Soma Bay, island lunch, and a seafood lunch upgrade may cost extra if selected.

What is included in the standard price?

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, speedboat travel, snorkeling equipment, two 20-minute snorkeling stops, island entry, a lunch box, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, shaded seating, a stereo system, and life jackets.

What food is included?

The standard lunch box contains a cheese sandwich and a roast beef sandwich. You can add lunch on the island or upgrade to seafood during checkout.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is at the hotel’s main entrance by the road. It is not at the reception gate or another inner entrance. The exact pickup details are sent by email at about 10 p.m. the night before.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. An extra sweater or jacket is useful because the speedboat ride can feel cold, and water shoes are helpful around the island’s stones and shells.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with back problems. One account also found the smaller boarding boat wobbly, so people prone to seasickness should consider that before booking.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your ideal Red Sea day includes fast boat travel, two focused snorkeling stops, and a beach break at Orange Bay. The friendly crew, helpful guide support, and strong snorkeling make the core experience worthwhile, and the base price covers the essentials.

Skip it if you need a smooth, spacious boat, a quiet beach, or a tightly timed schedule. For most active visitors staying in Makadi, though, this is a well-priced way to combine coral reefs, open water, and one of the Giftun Islands’ most photogenic beaches in a single outing.