ViP Orange Bay Giftun Island Tour By Boat With Lunch in Hurghada

Orange Bay is the star here: a white-sand stop in Giftun Islands National Park with clear water, swimming, sunbathing, and plenty of time for photos. You get there by boat from Hurghada, with snorkeling, lunch, soft drinks, fruit, and short banana boat or sofa rides folded into the day.

I like the very low price and the easy hotel pickup. I also like the mix of activities: you can snorkel over coral, relax on Orange Bay, and enjoy a little water-sports fun without booking separate outings. The main catch is weather and timing. Wind can make the crossing rough, one snorkeling stop may be dropped, and the day can run late.

Key points to know before booking

• Orange Bay gives you about two hours on a white-sand beach, with time for swimming, sunbathing, and photographs.
• Two snorkeling stops are planned, but poor weather or rough water may reduce this to one.
• Lunch, water, soft drinks, and fruit are included, though the meal may be served in portions rather than laid out as a traditional buffet.
• Banana boat and sofa rides add a playful break, but these are short rides, not a full water-sports session.
• Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels, while Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga cost extra.
• The group may reach 35 people, so expect a social boat trip rather than a private cruise.

Why Orange Bay makes this Hurghada boat trip appealing

At $18.40 per person, this is one of those Red Sea outings where the price does much of the selling. You are not paying only for a boat ride. The package combines transport, a roughly seven-hour excursion, two hours on Orange Bay, snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, lunch, drinks, fruit, and simple water sports.

You should add the 5 euro national park fee to the advertised price. Pickup from more distant resorts also costs extra: 5 euros per person from Sahl Hasheesh or Makadi Bay, and 10 euros from El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga. Even with those additions, the outing remains aimed at value rather than luxury.

The appeal is the variety. If you spend the entire day only on a beach, the boat ride can feel long. If you spend the whole day only snorkeling, younger children or less confident swimmers may tire. Here, you move between water, beach, food, and open-air time.

The style is lively and social. The crew keeps the mood light, and Ahmed is singled out as especially funny and helpful. Do not expect a silent yacht cruise or a private guide moving at your pace. This works best when you enjoy a shared boat, group activities, and a little cheerful commotion.

The morning pickup and ride to the marina

The day begins with pickup at about 8:00 am. Transport from Hurghada hotels is air-conditioned, which matters in the heat and saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi to the marina.

The advertised start time should be treated as a target rather than a guarantee. One account describes the boat leaving around 8:30, so allow some flexibility in your morning plans. Shared pickups can take time, and boats may need to gather everyone before departure.

Once aboard, you cruise along the Red Sea toward the Giftun Islands. The ride gives you open-water views and a chance to settle in before the active part begins. Wind is the big variable. On a calm day, the journey is pleasant and scenic. In rough or windy conditions, the crossing can be tiring, especially for anyone prone to seasickness.

Bring any medication you normally use for motion sickness, and keep a light jacket or cover-up handy. The boat may feel breezy even on a sunny day.

Snorkeling over coral and fish

The planned itinerary includes two snorkeling stops. Equipment and life jackets are supplied, and a guide helps people enter the water and get oriented. This makes the outing more approachable if you have limited snorkeling experience or are bringing children.

The underwater stops are the main reason to book this rather than a simple beach transfer. You can expect clear water, coral formations, and schools of fish. The marine life can include more memorable sightings, too. Some people spot a turtle or lionfish, though no particular animal is guaranteed.

The first stop can feel busy while everyone gets into the water. On a full boat, people may enter in groups, and the opening minutes can be less peaceful than the snorkeling itself. Once you move away from the boat, you get a better chance to focus on the coral and fish.

A guide can help nervous swimmers feel secure. Keep in mind that conditions control the experience. Wind, waves, and visibility can affect how enjoyable a stop feels. The crew may also decide that only one snorkeling area is safe or practical that day. That is sensible from a safety point of view, but it means the advertised two-stop plan is not guaranteed in poor weather.

If snorkeling is your main goal, ask the crew early about the expected water conditions and how long each stop will last. If you are happy with a flexible day that includes several activities, the weather issue is less important.

Banana boat and sofa rides

The water-sports stop adds a quick burst of fun between the cruise and snorkeling. You may ride a banana boat or an inflatable sofa pulled across the water. It is a short activity, with each person getting a brief turn rather than an extended session.

That limited time is worth understanding. The rides are a bonus, not the central event. Children and teenagers may love the speed and splashing, while adults looking for serious water sports may find the activity too brief.

The crew’s playful approach is part of the appeal. The outing is not formal or quiet, and the water-sports stop breaks up the longer stretches on the boat. If you prefer to skip it, the day still offers snorkeling and Orange Bay.

Lunch, soft drinks, and fruit aboard the boat

Lunch is served on the boat, with water and unlimited soft drinks included. The meal has been described as tasty and satisfying, with hot and cold items, salads, and meat dishes. Fruit is also served later in the day, often while cruising back.

The wording around the meal needs a little care. It is presented as a buffet lunch, but some accounts describe small portions served to each person rather than a self-service buffet. Expect a straightforward boat meal, not a restaurant spread with unlimited choice.

That is a fair arrangement at this price. The value comes from having food included during a full-day outing, so you do not need to pack a full picnic or buy lunch on Orange Bay. If you have dietary needs, confirm them before departure because the available information does not specify special menus.

The meal also gives you a useful pause. Snorkeling, swimming, and sun can leave you hungry, and eating aboard keeps the schedule moving. You will likely spend less time waiting around than if the group had to find food on the island.

Two hours on Orange Bay

Orange Bay is the visual highlight. After the boat reaches Giftun Islands National Park, you get time on a white-sand beach surrounded by clear water. The planned stay is about two hours, enough for swimming, sunbathing, and photographs without turning the whole day into a beach stop.

The beach is the place to slow down. After the boat ride and snorkeling, you can simply float, sit in the shallows, or find a spot for photographs. The setting is especially attractive when the sun is out and the sea is calm.

The island stop is not entirely predictable. Wind or weather can shorten the visit, and some accounts describe only about 90 minutes rather than the full two hours. If Orange Bay is the reason you booked, keep an eye on the schedule and listen for the crew’s instructions when it is time to return.

You should also expect other boats and day groups in the area. The beach is popular, so this is not a private island experience. Its value comes from the bright sand, clear water, and easy access, not solitude.

Use the stop for the activities that matter most to you. If you want photographs, take them early. If swimming is your priority, go straight to the water. Waiting until the final minutes can mean a rushed return to the boat.

The return cruise and final snorkeling plan

After Orange Bay, the boat may offer fruit and more time in the sun before heading toward another snorkeling area. The planned route includes a second chance to see fish and coral, followed by the return to Hurghada and a hotel shuttle.

This part of the day can feel long if the sea is rough or the schedule has slipped. One account describes arriving more than two hours late after extended stops and difficult conditions. A seven-hour estimate is useful for planning, but you should not book a tight evening flight, dinner reservation, or intercity transfer afterward.

The upside is that the return is not simply a straight ride back. You may have another chance to snorkel, relax on deck, and enjoy the views. The downside is that every extra stop adds time, especially when a large group is getting in and out of the water.

Group size, service, and the VIP label

The maximum group size is 35 people. That is manageable for a boat excursion but too large for a personal, quiet experience. Expect shared equipment, shared deck space, and some waiting when the group moves between activities.

The boat itself has been described as clean and modern, and the crew receives strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and supportive. The snorkeling guide is particularly important for families, since children may need help with equipment or confidence in the water.

The word VIP should not lead you to expect a private yacht or premium small-group service. Here, VIP seems to mean a packed day with a friendly crew and several included extras. The experience can still feel well organized, but it remains a budget group trip.

Professional photography may be offered aboard the boat. It can be a handy way to get underwater or action pictures, though you should ask how the images are delivered and what they cost. One person especially wished the filmed material had been easier to obtain, so clarify this before agreeing to a photo package.

Who will get the most from this excursion

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a low-cost Red Sea day with several activities in one booking. It suits families, couples, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who would rather not organize transport, equipment, lunch, and island access separately.

It also works well if your group has mixed interests. One person can snorkel, another can swim at Orange Bay, and children can enjoy the inflatable rides. The boat gives everyone several ways to spend the day.

You may want another option if you need strict timing, quiet surroundings, or guaranteed snorkeling at two separate sites. The group size, weather, and shared schedule can all change the pace. This is also not ideal if you dislike boat motion or want a long, uninterrupted stay on the beach.

Wear swim clothing under your regular clothes, bring sun protection, and pack a towel if one is not confirmed. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch, especially around the snorkeling stops and inflatable rides. You will also want cash or a card for the national park fee and any optional photo service.

Booking details and cancellation terms

Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people reserve around three weeks before the date. The tour starts at 8:00 am and lasts about seven hours, though weather and group timing can extend the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Since the trip depends on good weather, the operator offers another date or a full refund if conditions force cancellation.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is listed as suitable for most people. Still, snorkeling, boat steps, waves, and water sports require a basic level of comfort around water. Ask the provider directly if anyone in your party has specific mobility or medical needs.

Should you book the Orange Bay trip?

Yes, if you want a cheerful, active day at a very low cost and you can accept a flexible schedule. The combination of snorkeling, Orange Bay, lunch, drinks, hotel pickup, and short water-sports rides gives you a lot for $18.40, even after the national park fee.

Book it with realistic expectations. The boat may be busy, lunch may arrive in served portions, wind may make the ride uncomfortable, and one snorkeling stop or part of the island visit may be shortened. If those limits do not bother you, this is a strong value choice for seeing Giftun Islands National Park without much planning.

FAQ

What is included in the Orange Bay boat tour?

The tour includes hotel pickup and return from Hurghada, a boat trip of about seven hours, two hours at Orange Island, snorkeling equipment and life jackets, two planned snorkeling stops, lunch, water, soft drinks, and banana boat or sofa rides.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $18.40 per person. A separate 5 euro national park fee applies. Pickup supplements are also charged from Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay, and from El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and return are included from Hurghada hotels. Extra transfer charges apply for several resorts outside Hurghada.

How long do you stay at Orange Bay?

The planned stay is two hours. Weather and timing can shorten the visit, so the exact time is not guaranteed.

Are two snorkeling stops guaranteed?

Two snorkeling stops are planned, but poor weather or strong wind may lead to only one stop. Conditions can also affect the quality of visibility and the length of time in the water.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.