The Giftun Island Orange Sea Excursion from Hurghada

If you want an easy Red Sea day with clear water, coral, and a simple boat routine, this Hurghada Orange and Giftun excursion is built for that. You cruise between Orange Bay and the Giftun Islands, with chances to spot dolphins along the way and two separate snorkeling areas.

Two things I especially like: the on-time hotel pickup and the way the trip sets you up with snorkeling gear plus a snorkeling guide for the stops. One thing to weigh: the advertised price is not the full total, since tax and entrance fees of $10 per person are listed as obligatory unless you chose an option that includes them.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Two snorkeling stops with provided gear so you can spend your time swimming instead of hunting equipment
• Orange Island beach time with a couple hours to lounge on soft sand and enjoy the sea views
• Friendly, helpful crew on a clean boat with a smooth, organized feel from start to finish
• Lunch onboard plus water and soda keeps the day relaxed and prevents the mid-trip hunger spiral
• Small group size (up to 30 people) which usually means less waiting around for gear and boarding

Orange Bay and Giftun: what this trip delivers for your money

This is a classic Red Sea “boat day” with a clear goal: get you to top water areas around Hurghada and give you two snorkeling opportunities. The setup is practical, not complicated. You start with pickup, get on the boat, eat while cruising, and return after a full day on the water.

Price-wise, it looks budget-friendly at about $23.81 per person, and booking tends to happen in advance. But the real value math depends on the extra $10 per person tax and entrance fees that are marked as obligatory unless your option covers them. Add that in and you are still in the realm of good value if snorkeling and beach time are your priorities.

This trip is also capped at 30 people, which matters. Big groups can turn snorkeling into a schedule puzzle. Here, the flow is set up so you can actually enjoy the water without constant delays.

Getting from your hotel to the dock, starting at 8:30 am

The day starts with pickup offered and a start time of 8:30 am. In practice, this kind of early departure is what makes the water feel calm and clear, and it also gives you more usable hours on the islands.

A comfortable vehicle handles transportation to and from your hotel, but there are transfer exceptions. The data specifies that transfers are not included from Makadi & Sahl Hashesh hotels, and not from El Gouna & Safaga hotels. If you are staying outside the normal pickup zone, you may need to arrange another way to reach the meeting point or starting area.

Once you are aboard, the routine stays simple. You cruise, you get instructions for the snorkeling stops, you eat, then you cruise again. The whole thing is designed to feel like a well-run day, not a stressful logistics exercise.

Also, you should be able to use a mobile ticket, which is a nice time-saver at check-in.

The boat cruise part: sea views, dolphin spotting, and a relaxed pace

Even if snorkeling is the main reason you booked, the cruise segment is part of the experience. The itinerary explicitly mentions cruising around the islands, plus keeping an eye out for dolphins. Even if you do not see any, the Red Sea visibility tends to make the boat ride worth it.

The boat day is also structured around comfort. Included items cover life jackets and snorkeling gear for the snorkeling stops. You are not expected to bring your own kit. That is a real value boost if you are traveling light or renting is getting expensive elsewhere.

One of the standout themes in the feedback is that the team keeps things moving. People point out pickup timing and friendly, helpful staff. That matters on a day tour, where one slow bottleneck can ruin your whole rhythm.

The boat being described as clean also helps. When the vessel is well maintained, it feels safer and more comfortable while you wait for your swim turn.

Stop 1 around Orange Bay: first water views and first snorkeling chance

The first part of the route focuses on the Hurghada Red Sea area heading toward Orange Bay and the islands nearby. This stop is where you get that early taste of the trip, with cruising plus swimming time and the first set of snorkeling opportunities.

The plan includes a couple of things that work well together:

• You get time on the water with clear ocean visibility.
• You get stunning coral areas with tropical fish and reef life as your target.

Orange Bay is also described in the feedback as beautiful and clear. That matters because snorkeling quality depends heavily on water clarity and the reef being within reachable swimming distance. When the water is actually inviting, you spend less time fighting conditions and more time looking.

A small consideration: this trip includes two snorkeling windows across the day, and the snorkeling interest can vary by spot. One review noted that their return snorkeling stop was less interesting for them. That does not mean your experience will match theirs, but it is a good reminder to go in with open expectations and focus on the overall package: boat day plus multiple chances.

Orange Island beach time: soft sand, downtime, and included water fun

One of the best parts of this excursion is the built-in beach and break time at Orange Island, with around 2 hours stay. This is not just a quick stop for photos. You have time to relax, swim, and soak in the view.

Orange Island is known in the description for crystal clear water and soft white dunes that feel good for lounging. If you are traveling with someone who does not want to snorkel the whole time, this beach break is the compromise that keeps everyone happy.

The included meal timing also fits this downtime. You will have a buffet lunch onboard, with beverages including water and soda. That means you can go from swimming to eating without leaving the boat and without spending extra.

There is also included water sports, listed as banana and sofa. Those are typically quick fun rides, and they are listed as included here, which improves the value. Just remember these activities are weather and boat conditions dependent, so do not plan your entire emotional storyline around getting on the banana.

One more practical note from the feedback: while water and soda are included, snacks or extras like chips can cost extra. If you have a big snack habit, pack a little or budget for small add-ons so you do not get surprised.

Stop 2 near the Giftun Islands: second snorkeling stop and more swim time

The second main block of the day is centered on the Giftun Islands area. The description emphasizes clear water around Orange Island and the idea that you get more snorkeling chances along the route.

This is where the trip earns its name. You are not just going to one reef area and calling it done. You get a second snorkeling opportunity, again with snorkeling gear, a life jacket, and a snorkeling guide.

The best way to think about the second stop is as a second chance to enjoy the reef. If the first snorkel felt crowded or the current was slightly different, the second stop can feel like a reset. If the first snorkel was calm and clear, the second one can be the best highlight of the day because you get more time looking and comparing.

Based on the feedback you can expect to see plenty of reef life. Multiple reviews mention brilliant fish and corals, and that snorkeling was genuinely enjoyable. That is the heart of the experience, so when you plan your day, plan your energy around it.

Snorkeling expectations: what to do, what to watch for, and how to get the most out of it

Snorkeling here is set up as a guided, gear-provided activity. That lowers friction, but it does not replace smart water habits.

Here is how I would approach it to get the best results:

• Listen closely at the snorkeling briefing so you know where to swim and how long you have.
• Wear sunscreen before you get on the water, then reapply when you are back on board.
• Keep your snorkel time steady rather than sprinting. The reefs are where you slow down and look.

You should also consider that conditions can change during a boat day. One person may love every stop, another might find one spot less exciting. That is normal in ocean conditions, not a failure on your part.

The good part: because the trip includes two snorkeling stops, you are not betting everything on one reef. Even if one spot is simply okay, you still have a second chance to have an amazing view of fish and coral.

If you have never snorkeled before, this kind of tour is often a smooth first experience because the guide and equipment are part of the package. Just go slow at the start. Your eyes will do the rest once you are comfortable.

Lunch onboard and drinks: good value, plus small costs that can pop up

Lunch is included as a buffet onboard, and drinks included are water and soda. That is exactly what you want on a day tour. You are not juggling meals, and you can eat without spending time off the water.

The feedback is strong on the food experience. People describe the buffet lunch as better than expected, with one reviewer saying it far surpassed their meal expectations. That kind of consistency matters. A cheap boat day sometimes has low-energy food. Here, at least based on the notes provided, it is a positive point.

Still, watch for small extras. One review specifically mentioned soda in cans and chips as being additional. So if you want specific drinks beyond water and soda, or you want salty snacks, keep a little budget ready.

Also, if you have dietary needs, the data does not mention special meal options. If you rely on certain foods, you might want to bring something simple that sits well with you.

How long is the day, and what the schedule feels like

The duration is listed as about 7 hours. With a start time of 8:30 am, you can assume you will be out most of the day, then back later for dinner plans.

The flow is designed around movement and visibility:

• Cruise and navigation to the islands
• Snorkeling stops along the route
• Beach time at Orange Island
• Lunch onboard between or around the swimming segments

In your planning, treat it like a full half-day plus. If you were hoping to do a second activity right after pickup, this probably is not the best match. You will want your afternoon free to shower and unwind.

The maximum group size of 30 also influences the feel of the day. You should not be stuck waiting too long to get gear or to board back onto the boat.

Price and value in Hurghada: add the fee and compare the real deal

At $23.81 per person, the base price looks very appealing for a trip that includes boat time, two snorkeling opportunities with gear and guide, lunch, and basic drinks. That is a lot packed into one ticket.

But do the simple math before you fall in love with the sticker price. The trip lists tax and entrance fees of $10 per person as obligatory unless your selected option already covers it. That can change the true total.

Even after that, it can still be a strong value if your priorities are:

• snorkeling at more than one reef area
• beach time at Orange Island
• a lunch stop that is actually good enough to count

One review calls it a must in Hurghada, and another says it is their favorite trip. That kind of repeated praise usually means the trip hits the basics: friendly crew, clear organization, clean boat, and enjoyable snorkeling.

The drawback side is mostly about time and pacing. One person said Orange Bay beach time felt too short, describing it as 2 hours. That is a good reality check. If you are the type who wants hours and hours of one single beach, you might feel rushed. But if you like variety and you came for both sand and snorkeling, the structure makes sense.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This tour makes the most sense if you:

• want two snorkeling chances instead of one
• like the idea of Orange Island beach time plus sea time
• prefer a guided plan where gear, safety basics, and a guide are handled
• appreciate a crew that feels friendly and organized

You might think twice if you:

• hate group schedules and want totally flexible time on one beach
• are sensitive to add-on costs like snacks or any fees not included in your chosen option
• need hotel transfers from a zone that the trip lists as not included, since you would need an alternate plan

Should you book the Giftun Island Orange Sea excursion?

If you want a dependable Red Sea day with snorkeling, I think this is a strong candidate. The combination of two snorkeling stops, gear and guide included, a real lunch onboard, and the Orange Island beach break covers most of what people actually want from Hurghada sea excursions.

The key decision point is value math. Confirm whether your option includes the $10 per person tax and entrance fees so you do not get surprised later. If it is included, the base price looks like a smart deal. If it is not included, you can still book, but compare it to other snorkeling day trips once you know the full total.

And if you like a smooth, friendly day with a capped group size and on-time pickup, this one fits that style well.

FAQ

What time does the excursion start from Hurghada?

The start time is listed as 8:30 am.

How long is the Orange and Giftun excursion?

The duration is approximately 7 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Pickup is offered, and transportation is included to and from your hotel. Transfers are not included from Makadi and Sahl Hashesh hotels, or from El Gouna and Safaga hotels.

Are snorkeling gear and a guide included?

Yes. The trip includes snorkeling gear, life jacket, and a snorkeling guide for the snorkeling stops.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

There are two stops that include snorkeling as part of the route.

Is lunch and any drinks included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included, along with water and soda. Additional snacks or extras may cost extra.

Are taxes and entrance fees included in the price?

Tax and entrance fees are listed as not included, at USD 10.00 per person unless you select an option that includes them.