Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is the star here: pale sand, clear shallows, and a relaxed island stop before the boat heads to two Red Sea snorkeling sites. You get a full day at sea rather than a quick island visit, with lunch, drinks, snacks, and a massage included.

I especially like the small-group feel and the attentive crew, with guides such as Andrew, Fox, Jaser, Salam, and Ibrahim praised for helping first-time snorkelers and nervous swimmers. I also like the practical value: hotel transfers, gear, food, soft drinks, hot drinks, and water activities are bundled into the $53 price.

The main catch is the length. This can run from an early morning pickup to around 6 p.m., and Orange Bay itself gets about 75 minutes. If you want a quiet beach day with no schedule, this packed program may feel busy.

Key points to know before booking

• Orange Bay comes early: The 75-minute island stop can be wonderfully quiet if your boat arrives near opening time.
• Two snorkeling stops are included: Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī give you two chances to see coral and fish.
• The price covers a lot: Lunch, drinks, snacks, equipment, transfers, marine fees, and a massage are included.
• The crew is a real strength: Staff help children, beginners, and people who are not confident swimmers.
• Water sports finish the day: A 45-minute stop at Magawish Island includes a banana boat ride.
• Scuba is not part of the base price: An optional paid session may be offered onboard, but snorkeling is included.

A full Red Sea day for $53

At $53 per person, this is not simply a boat ride to Orange Bay. It is an all-day package that combines an island stop, two snorkeling sessions, lunch, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, snacks, a massage, and water sports.

That matters because separate costs can add up quickly on the Red Sea. Hotel pickup and return are included from five resort areas, as are marine fees, snorkeling equipment, life vests, taxes, and a guide. You still need cash for personal purchases, including anything not specifically listed, but the main day is covered.

I would call the value very strong for an active day on the water. You are paying for variety rather than long, lazy hours in one place. The tradeoff is that each activity has a fixed time, so you will be moving from one part of the program to the next.

The tour lasts 510 minutes, or about 8.5 hours. Add the stated 30-minute van ride each way and the day can feel long, especially if your pickup is early. One booking had a 6:40 a.m. pickup and an arrival back around 6 p.m., so bring enough energy for a full outing.

Getting from your hotel to the marina

Pickup is available in Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. You receive the pickup details one day before the activity and should wait outside your hotel reception five minutes before the agreed time.

The transfer is by van and is listed at about 30 minutes. That is a useful detail when planning breakfast, medication, or a morning coffee. The same arrangement brings you back after the cruise.

The tour is described as a small-group trip. That helps explain why the crew can spend time with people who need extra support in the water. Several bookings specifically praised the staff for assisting children, first-time snorkelers, and people who could not swim confidently.

This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The boat, van, beach stop, and water activities require getting around and entering or leaving the water. If you have a physical limitation, ask the provider before paying.

The 45-minute cruise out to Orange Bay

Once aboard, the first leg takes about 45 minutes across the Red Sea. This is your chance to settle in, choose a place to sit, and get a feel for the boat.

The experience is built around a luxury yacht setting, with room to sit, sunbathe, and move between activity areas. The boat is described as clean and spacious, though one person felt it needed some general care. That is a fair expectation: think comfortable excursion boat, not a private yacht charter.

Drinks are available throughout the day, including soft drinks, fresh juices, tea, and coffee. Snacks are also included. The crew’s hospitality gets repeated praise, and names such as Andrew, Fox, Jaser, and Salam come up in connection with smooth organization and friendly service.

The Red Sea can be breezy, especially on an early departure. In cooler months, take a light hoodie or jacket for the outward trip. Later in the day, that same breeze can be welcome in the heat.

Orange Bay: beautiful, but keep an eye on the clock

Orange Bay receives about 75 minutes. The water is clear, the sand is pale, and there are plenty of spots to sit, take photos, or simply enjoy the island setting.

The best tip is to get moving when you arrive. Some departures reach the island while it is still quiet, giving you a calmer start and better photo opportunities. A few people were especially pleased to arrive early, before the beach filled up.

Still, 75 minutes is not a long beach visit. One booking specifically wished for more island time, and that is the clearest limitation of the program. You can swim, take pictures, and relax, but you probably cannot do all three at a slow pace.

Food and drinks on the island are not part of the included boat package in the same way as the onboard buffet. Bring cash if you want to buy something there. One person found an island cocktail expensive and disappointing, so I would not spend heavily on drinks when the boat already supplies refreshments.

Snorkeling at Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī

The two snorkeling stops are the heart of the day. Each lasts about 45 minutes, giving you time to enter the water, follow the guide, and look around without rushing through a five-minute swim.

At Small Giftun, expect a guided look at coral reefs and Red Sea fish. At Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, you get a second chance to see underwater life in a different area. Conditions can vary, and no wildlife sighting is guaranteed, but the program is designed around clear water, coral, and fish.

The guides are an important part of this. Ibrahim is singled out for taking time to point out unusual fish and explain what you are seeing. That turns the stop into more than floating above the reef. You can follow the guide or explore at a calmer pace, depending on how comfortable you are.

The tour information mentions the possibility of rays, sea turtles, sea angels, and dolphins. Treat these as lucky sightings, not promises. One booking described seeing dolphins beside the boat, while many focused on the variety of fish and coral.

You do not need to bring snorkeling gear. Masks, equipment, and life vests are included. If you are nervous in the water, tell the crew early. Several people who could not swim well, or who were trying snorkeling for the first time, felt more comfortable after receiving direct help.

This is also where you should be realistic about the physical side. You need to climb in and out of the water and spend time swimming or floating. If you prefer not to snorkel, you can stay aboard and sunbathe, as one person did, but the best value comes from joining at least one water stop.

Lunch with fish, chicken, kofta, and salads

Lunch is served onboard after the first snorkeling stop and lasts about 45 minutes. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four kinds of salad, and bread.

The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat meal. It is not a restaurant tasting menu, but there is enough choice for different appetites, and seconds are available. Fresh juices, local fruit, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks remain part of the all-inclusive setup.

The buffet is especially useful on a long day. You are not forced to rely on expensive island snacks or wait until returning to shore. If you have an allergy or dietary concern, raise it with the crew before serving yourself. One person found the staff accommodating, but specific dietary arrangements are not guaranteed in the supplied information.

A small point of balance: one person noted that the food was not cooked directly onboard and therefore lacked some crispness. That is a minor concern, but it helps set expectations. You are getting a generous excursion buffet, not made-to-order cooking.

A massage and a final burst of water sports

A massage is included for each person onboard. It is a simple but welcome touch after swimming and before the afternoon activities. If you prefer a quiet break, this gives you a reason to step out of the sun and slow down.

The final activity stop is at Magawish Island, with about 45 minutes for a banana boat ride. The program describes the water sports as included, and the banana boat is the main named activity. It adds a playful finish after the more peaceful island and snorkeling stops.

The water rides may be shorter than some people expect. One person enjoyed them but noted that the rides were brief. I would treat this as a fun extra, not the main reason to book the cruise.

Scuba sessions may be offered for an additional fee on the day. The base package includes snorkeling, not a full scuba experience. If trying scuba is important to you, ask about the price, instruction, safety arrangements, and availability before entering the water. Some people found the optional session to be the highlight, but it is not guaranteed as part of the $53 booking.

Crew care, safety, and the small-group advantage

The strongest part of this experience is the crew. People repeatedly describe staff as friendly, attentive, and willing to help. The snorkeling team also receives credit for taking safety seriously and giving personal help instead of simply pointing toward the water.

That matters if you are a solo visitor, traveling with children, or worried about snorkeling for the first time. One solo person felt welcomed and included, while another person who could not swim said the staff helped greatly.

The service is not flawless. One complaint described an overly aggressive exchange about entering the dining area while wet to retrieve a towel. It appears to have been an isolated service problem, but it is worth remembering that a busy boat day can include small moments of friction.

Bring your own towel, since a towel is listed under what to bring. Also pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and cash. The sun reflects strongly off the water, and the island may offer purchases that are not included.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want many Red Sea activities in one day and prefer having the details handled for you. It suits families, solo visitors, couples, first-time snorkelers, and people who want both relaxing and active moments.

It is especially good for anyone who values help in the water. The crew support can make a big difference when you are unsure about swimming, snorkeling, or trying an optional scuba session.

You may want another option if Orange Bay is your only goal. With 75 minutes on the island and much of the day spent cruising, snorkeling, eating, and doing water sports, this is not an island-only excursion.

It may also be a poor match if you dislike early starts, boats, fixed schedules, or a full day in the sun. The 510-minute duration is a real commitment. The boat offers breaks, food, drinks, and a massage, but you still remain part of a busy activity program.

Should you book Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay?

At $53, I think this is a good buy for an active Red Sea day. The best reasons to book are the crew, the two snorkeling stops, the generous food and drinks package, and the included massage.

Book it if you want variety and practical value. Skip it if you want several quiet hours on Orange Bay or need a fully accessible experience. Pack a hoodie for the morning, your own towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash, then expect a long but well-filled day on the water.

FAQ

How long does the Orange Bay cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about 8.5 hours. The full day also includes van transfers, with the listed driving time about 30 minutes each way.

Where is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available in Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. The return transfer serves the same five areas.

How much time is spent at Orange Bay?

The planned visit to Orange Bay lasts about 75 minutes. This gives you time for swimming, photos, and relaxing, but it is not a full-day beach stay.

Are snorkeling stops included?

Yes. Two snorkeling stops are included, at Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī. Each stop is listed at about 45 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. You should still bring a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

What food is served at lunch?

The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four kinds of salad, and bread. Fresh juices, local fruit, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are also included.

Is scuba included in the price?

No. The $53 package includes snorkeling, but scuba may be available for an additional fee onboard. Ask the crew about the optional session before agreeing to it.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guiding is available in Arabic, English, German, and Russian.