Makadi: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch

Giftun Islands and Orange Bay is an interesting mix because you get real time in the water and then a proper beach payoff the same half day. I love the speedboat ride for how quickly it gets you to the snorkel zones, and I love the two snorkeling stops that give you more than one chance to see coral and sea life. One thing to consider is that the ride can get cold because the boat goes fast, so pack a thin layer.

I also like that the day is built around convenience, pickup and drop-off, included snorkeling gear, and a crew that helps you get oriented. The possible drawback is timing and water conditions, the provider can wait only 5 minutes at pickup, and if you are prone to seasickness this type of ride may not be your best match.

Key moments worth planning for

• Two snorkel sessions around Giftun, each about 20 minutes
• Orange Bay beach time with white sand and crystal-clear water
• Included lunch structure, with a lunch box included and island lunch available
• Friendly crew support, including guide Sabry with snorkeling help
• Fast boat, cooler wind, so bring something to cover up
• Water shoes help, since barefoot can mean sharp stones and shells on the island

Giftun and Orange Bay: the Red Sea combo you actually get to enjoy

This is the kind of trip that fits how most people want to experience the Red Sea. You start with open-water views from a speedboat, then you hit two snorkeling stops near Giftun National Park, and finally you get a real island break at Orange Bay. The day has enough rhythm that you are not rushing, but it still feels energetic.

You’ll be in the Red Sea Governorate area around Hurghada, cruising out from the marina after pickup. The goal is simple, great snorkeling over coral, plus beach time on white sand where you can relax after your swims.

I especially like that the experience is built for people who want both sides of the vacation coin. Not everyone is a die-hard snorkeler, but even on a short trip you get multiple chances to see sea life, then you can switch off and enjoy the shoreline.

Pickup in Hurghada: the small logistics that make or break the day

The best tours feel smooth because you do not lose time at the start. Here, pickup is included, and you get a guide and a driver to keep the day moving. After pickup, you head to the marina, meet your guide, and get a quick intro before you jump onto the boat.

Do not miss the details that keep the day from getting stressful:

• Pickup details are sent by email the night before, around 10 pm.
• Your pickup point is the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not at a reception gate.
• The activity provider can wait no more than 5 minutes, because other guests are on the schedule.

If you want a calmer morning, plan to be at the pickup point early, even if your hotel lobby feels convenient. A late arrival can mean you miss the start.

The speedboat ride: quick, fun, and sometimes a bit chilly

Once you’re at the marina, you transfer to the speedboat. After the short introduction, the boat takes you to the first snorkeling spot within about 20 minutes. This fast transfer matters because it reduces the amount of time you spend sitting on the water before you get into the action.

There’s also practical comfort built in. You get an onboard shaded area and a stereo system, plus life jackets for everyone. That shade is not just nice, it can keep you from getting blasted by sun while you wait your turn.

One note from real-world experience on rides like this is that speedboat travel can feel cold. The wind plus spray can take the edge off, even in bright weather. Bring a thin extra layer so you can warm up quickly after the snorkel.

And if you are sensitive to motion, pay attention to how you react during the ride. One past experience called out the difficulty for people who get seasick, so if that’s you, take it seriously.

Snorkeling near Giftun: two tries at coral, fish, and turtles

This is the core of the trip. You snorkel at two different spots around Giftun National Park, with about 20 minutes per stop. That structure is perfect for most people because you get a satisfying time in the water without feeling exhausted or rushed.

What you’re looking for is the Red Sea’s signature, colorful fish and coral reefs. You may also spot sea turtles. Even if you do not see turtles, the coral and marine life are the reason this area stays popular.

What the snorkeling setup means for you

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you are not stuck renting last minute or figuring out gear in a rush. You also get life jackets on the boat, which helps during boarding and cruising, though you’ll obviously swim without them.

A guide is with you, and in one example Sabry stood out for being attentive during snorkeling help. That kind of guidance is valuable if you feel unsure about breathing, clearing your mask, or staying calm when waves pick up.

How to make your snorkel time count

You only have two short sessions, so use them smart:

• Put sunscreen on before the water time, then reapply after.
• Keep a quick rhythm, breathe steadily and do not fight the water.
• If you feel cold or tight, head back early. The goal is to enjoy the reef, not prove toughness.

Orange Bay beach time: lunch, swimming, and that postcard feeling

After the snorkeling, you reach Orange Bay. This is where the trip turns from active water time to relaxed beach time. Orange Bay is known for white sand and clear water, and it really does feel like a postcard.

You’ll also get a lunch setup. Your lunch box is included, and it’s listed as a cheese sandwich plus roast beef. If you prefer a proper island lunch, you can add it during checkout. There’s also an upgrade option for seafood lunch.

On the island, lunch can include local dishes and drinks, and you’ll have fruits plus soft drinks and mineral water as part of what’s provided. Then it’s free time. You can sit under the sun, swim in the shallows, or explore at your own pace.

A practical detail for beach comfort: you may need to go barefoot on the island. That can be rough if there are sharp stones or shells. Water shoes are a simple fix and they make beach walking much more pleasant.

What you actually get included, and what to consider adding

The included package covers the big stuff so you are not piecing the day together yourself:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Guide
• Speedboat cruise
• Snorkeling equipment
• Two snorkeling stops (about 20 minutes each)
• Island entry fee
• Seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and mineral water
• Lunch box
• Parasailing adventure if selected as an add-on
• Onboard shaded area and stereo system
• Life jackets

That list is where the value lives. You are paying for transportation, access, gear, and the guided snorkel flow, not just for “getting to a beach.”

Should you add parasailing?

Parasailing is offered as an add-on. If you like trying one extra adrenaline moment and you have the comfort level for it, it can be a fun add-on without changing the rest of the day. If you prefer a quieter trip, skip it and spend that time just relaxing on Orange Bay.

Upgrade to seafood lunch if you want a fuller meal

The base includes the lunch box, but if you want a sit-down meal on the island, plan to add island lunch when you check out. Seafood upgrade is also available. This matters if you care more about food variety than just grabbing something quick.

Comfort, packing, and smart tips for a smooth Red Sea day

A short speedboat snorkel cruise sounds easy, but a few comfort issues can make it either great or annoying. You can fix most of them with simple packing.

Bring these essentials

You’ll want:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Cash can come into play for things that are not listed as included, or for small extras. It’s worth having on hand.

Dress for sun, wind, and water

Wear swimwear under clothing and choose a cover-up you can pull on fast. Even on a sunny day, the wind during speedboat cruising can cool you down. An extra sweater or light jacket can save the end of the snorkel stretch.

Water shoes beat the sand pain

If you walk on the island barefoot, sharp shells and stones can be a problem. Water shoes help you enjoy the beach without cutting your feet up.

If you have back issues, take the warning seriously

This trip is not suitable for people with back problems. That is important. The ride style and time in boat movements can be rough, so do not assume you can tolerate it.

The guide and crew vibe: why it matters more than you think

Tour companies can list snorkeling stops, but the real difference is how you feel once you’re on the boat. Multiple positive experiences point to friendly staff and careful handling, and Sabry is specifically mentioned as a guide who helped with snorkeling.

That matters because snorkeling is not only about eyesight. It’s about comfort. If you know what to do, you enjoy your time. If you feel lost, you start wasting your limited minutes.

Also, having a shaded area on board and a crew that keeps the flow organized helps reduce stress. You’re not constantly wondering when you’ll get back in the water or where to go next.

Price and value: what $53 is buying you in real terms

At about $53 per person, you’re paying for a bundle of things that would add up fast if you tried to arrange them separately. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat ride to Giftun, guide service, snorkeling gear, entry fee, island time at Orange Bay, and drinks plus fruits.

Then there’s the key benefit, you get two snorkeling stops in a half-day format. That second stop is valuable because reefs can differ from one spot to the next, and visibility and sea life can vary. It boosts your odds of seeing something memorable.

Is it the cheapest option? Maybe not. But the price feels fair for what you get, especially if you would otherwise pay for boat access, gear rental, and a guide.

Who this trip is best for, and who should look elsewhere

This cruise works well if you want a compact Red Sea day with snorkel time and beach time without overplanning.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want two chances to snorkel instead of just one
• You enjoy beach time and want both coral and sand
• You prefer a guided experience with included gear
• You like the lively speedboat transfer and quick pacing

You might want to skip it if:

• You have back problems, because it’s not suitable
• You get seasick easily, since the ride style and motion can be challenging
• You want lots of long downtime. This is a short format, so relaxation is part of the plan, not the whole plan

Should you book the Makadi Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay and Lunch?

I think this is a strong choice if you want an efficient, good-value Red Sea day. The winning combo is clear: two snorkeling stops around Giftun, then Orange Bay beach time with lunch and swimming. Add the included gear, entry fee, and drink setup, and it becomes a low-hassle way to see what makes this area famous.

Book it if you can be on time for pickup, you’re comfortable with a speedboat ride, and you want a mix of snorkeling and beach relaxation. I’d pass if your back is sensitive or if seasickness hits you hard, since the boat ride can be uncomfortable for some people.

If you do book, plan for cooler wind, bring water shoes, and treat your first snorkel like it counts, because it does.

FAQ

How many snorkeling stops are included, and how long are they?

You get 2 snorkeling stops, with about 20 minutes snorkeling time at each spot.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

What lunch is included on the tour?

A lunch box is included, listed as a cheese sandwich and roast beef. Island lunch can be added during checkout, with an option to upgrade to seafood lunch.

Are drinks and fruits included?

Yes. The tour includes seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Do I need to send a passport copy?

Yes. You are asked to share a passport copy for daily permissions.

When will I receive pickup details, and how strict is timing?

Pickup details are sent by email at around 10 pm the night before. The provider can wait no more than 5 minutes at the pickup location.

Where is the pickup point at my hotel?

Pickup is at the main entrance of your hotel, the one by the road, not at the reception gate or reception area.

Can I add parasailing?

Yes, parasailing is available as an add-on if you select it during checkout.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems?

No. It is not suitable for people with back problems.