Orange Bay Island

This Orange Bay Island cruise is interesting because it swaps your resort beach for open-sea sailing and real snorkeling spots, then finishes with free time at a famous sand-and-shallows bay near Hurghada. If you like the idea of seeing more than one water scene in a single morning-to-afternoon outing, this fits.

I like that the day centers on two snorkel stops with a snorkeling-group guide keeping the group together. I also like the value, since lunch plus soft drinks and hot drinks are included while you’re out on the water.

One drawback to keep in mind is that the beach restaurant lunch option is not included, and alcoholic drinks are also excluded. If you snack and drink a lot, you will want to budget a bit extra.

Orange Bay, Giftun, and Two Snorkel Stops: The Big Picture

This is a boat day with a simple rhythm. You get picked up (from many Hurghada and nearby resort areas), ride out to the Giftun Islands area for a beach and water stop, then continue on with snorkeling at reefs along the way. Later, you reach Orange Bay and spend time relaxing on the sand and in the shallow, clear water.

What makes it feel like a proper excursion is that you are not only looking at the sea. You get time to swim and snorkel, then actual free time where you can take your own pace.

The boat setup tends to matter on trips like this, and the reviews point to a clean boat and a friendly crew. That combination usually means less stress when you are trying to enjoy your day, not manage it.

What You Pay Around $44.32 Includes (and What It Does Not)

At about $44.32 per person, you are mostly paying for four things: transport to the marina area, boat time, the structured swim stops, and meals while you are on the water.

Here’s what is included:

• Lunch served on the boat, plus soft drinks and coffee/tea/water
• A snorkeling group guide
• Admission ticket for the Giftun Islands stop
• Hotel transfers (for many locations), plus a mobile ticket option

What is not included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Snacks
• Lunch at the beach restaurant on the island, unless you choose an Orange De Luxe option
• Tips

For me, the value part is the lunch package and the fact that the snorkeling has guidance. You’re not just buying a ride, you’re buying a guided day with built-in breaks. Just remember that if you want extra food on the island or adult drinks, you’ll pay for those separately.

Pickup, Start Time, and How the Day Actually Runs

This trip starts at 7:30 am and runs about 7 hours. That early start is a common reason people love these excursions, because you get to the water while it is still calm and the day feels fresh.

Pickup is offered, and transfers are included from your hotel area in Hurghada and nearby resorts. If you’re staying at other resorts, transport may be available for an extra cost. The meeting point is described as near public transportation, which is useful if you end up handling your own way to the pickup area.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, so you can plan on showing your pass on your phone at check-in. That saves time, especially if you are doing this on a day you are also trying to catch a few other plans.

Group size is capped at 33 travelers. That’s big enough to have a party feel, but small enough that the guide can still manage the snorkeling group without turning it into a cattle line.

Giftun Islands: 2 Hours of Beach Time and Great Water Views

The first main stop is the Giftun Islands area, with about 2 hours there. This part works well if you want a classic “vacation postcard” moment early in the day, before you move into the more active snorkeling blocks.

In this stop, you should expect:

• Tranquil beach time with “awesome views” and a relaxed vibe
• Options to swim and snorkel
• A straightforward plan where you get to do multiple things without rushing

One practical upside of the Giftun time window is that it is long enough to actually change your mindset. You go from waiting around at a boat dock to being in saltwater mode, and you still have time to dry off, take photos, and reset before the later snorkeling and lunch.

A small consideration is that beach time means you need your basics ready. If you burn easily or hate sun, you’ll want sunscreen and shade planning so the beach stop stays fun, not just bearable.

Snorkeling Reefs Along the Way: Group Guide Plus a Private Upgrade

Between the island stop and the later Orange Bay time, the cruise includes two snorkeling stops. The snorkeling itself is supported by a guide for the group, which is a big deal on day trips like this.

A group guide helps with:

• Staying together so nobody gets left behind
• Finding decent snorkeling spots without guesswork
• Keeping the water time structured

If you really care about the snorkeling and want more focused attention, there is an option to upgrade to a private snorkel guide. That can be worth it if you’re confident but want a more personal pace, or if you want someone watching what you’re doing rather than watching the group.

The reviews highlight that the snorkel stops feel exciting and not disappointing. I take that as a good sign that you’re not paying for “mostly sightseeing” with token water breaks. You’ll get enough time in the water to feel the main point of the day.

Orange Bay Beach and Turquoise Shallows: Free Time That You Control

After you sail to Orange Bay on Giftun Island, the best part is usually the free time. This is where you stop being a passenger and start being a beach person.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Relaxing on the sands at Orange Bay
• Time to enjoy the turquoise shallows
• A chance to swim without the tight structure of a snorkeling stop

This section is where the cruise can feel like the perfect “reset.” You can choose to float, swim, and then come out when you’re ready. It’s also the time to take photos that actually look like the photos, because you’re not always fighting choppy movement or rushing to the next check-in.

One thing to plan for: the island has a beach restaurant, but lunch there is excluded unless you booked the Orange De Luxe option. So if you rely on buying meals on the island, know it’s an extra spend. Also, alcoholic beverages are excluded on the tour package.

If you want an easy day with minimal decisions, the included boat lunch can keep you covered until you’re done with beach time. After that, you can decide whether you want island food or you’d rather bring simple snacks.

Lunch on the Boat: Included Fuel for a Long Water Day

Lunch is served in the boat, along with soft drinks and coffee/tea/water. For me, this is one of the key comforts on a full day cruise, because it removes a stressful timing problem.

Instead of hunting for food or trying to stretch a half-snack, you get a meal as part of the schedule. That makes it easier to stay energized for snorkeling and beach time.

The trade-off is that alcohol is not included, so if you enjoy a beer or a cocktail during tours, you’ll need to handle that separately. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, you are covered with soft drinks plus the hot drinks listed.

Getting the Most From a 7-Hour Cruise (Without Turning It Into Work)

A cruise like this can feel either smooth or rushed depending on how you prepare. My advice is to treat it like a water day first, sightseeing day second.

Do this before you leave:

• Wear something you don’t mind getting wet for the snorkeling stops
• Have swim gear ready in your bag so you are not stuck searching
• Bring sunscreen and plan for sun exposure during beach time

During the stops:

• When the group is geared up for snorkeling, be ready to get in when your cue comes. Small delays can add up across two snorkel stops.
• On the Orange Bay beach time, set a simple plan for yourself. Decide how long you want in the shallows, then give your body a real break.

The group size limit of 33 helps here. You can usually keep your own pace while still staying within the flow of the guide.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Might Prefer Something Different

This is a solid choice if you want:

• A first-timer friendly snorkeling plan with a group guide
• A classic day trip from Hurghada with real beach time
• Hotel pickup and a schedule that does most of the thinking for you

It’s also a good match for couples and friends who want shared memories but still want personal time at Orange Bay. The free time part is the perfect place to do that.

I’d suggest thinking twice if:

• You want a highly private experience without any group structure. Even at 33 people, it’s still a group.
• You are mainly interested in beach lounging only, because the day includes snorkeling-focused blocks.
• You plan to spend on lots of extra food and drinks at the island. Alcohol and island restaurant lunch are not included.

The upside is that the basic package already gives you the essentials, so you can keep it simple or add upgrades later.

The Little Details That Change Your Experience

Based on how the day tends to go, these factors matter more than most people expect.

First, the boat condition. Reviews point to a clean boat and a friendly team, and that matters because you are spending time onboard waiting, changing clothes, and settling in. A clean, well-run boat makes the whole trip feel calmer.

Second, the crew vibe. The feedback mentions good Egyptian energy and a friendly team attitude. When staff are in a good mood, you usually notice it in how smoothly they handle transitions between swimming and relaxing.

Third, snorkel stop quality. One review describes excitement but also says the stops are not disappointing. That tells me this isn’t just a slow sightseeing cruise with occasional water peeks. You should expect actual snorkeling time in the plan.

Should You Book Orange Bay Island Cruise From Hurghada?

I think this is worth booking if you want a single-day mix of sailing, snorkeling, and beach free time with included lunch and pickup. The price point around $44.32 feels reasonable for a day that handles the boat, the meals on board, and the guided snorkeling support.

Book it if you:

• Want two snorkeling stops without planning your own route
• Like the idea of starting with Giftun Islands beach time and ending at Orange Bay
• Prefer a manageable group size capped at 33

Skip it or compare options if you:

• Care most about luxury and private pacing
• Plan to rely heavily on the island restaurant for meals and would rather have everything included
• Want alcoholic drinks included in the base price

If you’re trying to get more sea time than your hotel offers, this is a clean, efficient choice.

FAQ

What time does the Orange Bay Island cruise start?

The start time is 7:30 am, with the whole experience lasting about 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and hotel transfers are included. Transport from other resorts may cost extra.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Lunch is included and served on the boat. Soft drinks and coffee/tea/water are also included. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Are there snorkeling stops, and is there a guide?

Yes. The cruise includes two snorkeling stops, and a snorkeling group guide is included.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 33 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.