Giftun Islands Snorkeling Trip with Lunch and Water Activities

Giftun Islands snorkeling from Hurghada is interesting because you get a full day that mixes coral reef time with an actual island break, all on a yacht. I like that this trip includes hotel pickup plus a buffet lunch and soft drinks, so you are not spending the day hunting down snacks. I also like the simple setup: the guide handles safety basics and snorkeling gear use, then you get repeat shots in the water with two snorkeling stops.

One thing to consider: your exact time in the water and the feel of the island can vary with crowds and sea conditions. If you choose Orange Bay, you might find it a bit busy, and if pickups run late, you may spend extra time waiting at the port.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Two snorkeling stops with equipment: You get guided instruction and then real time in the water at reef areas.
• Nearly 2 hours on Giftun Island: Enough time to snorkel, relax, and take photos, not just a quick stop.
• Island choice during the trip: You can aim for Orange Bay, Hula Hula, or Nemo.
• Lunch and drinks on board: Buffet lunch plus water and soft drinks, so you are fueled for the day.
• Water activities included: Banana boat and couch rides are part of the fun package.
• Small group size: Max 30 people helps keep things more manageable.

Entering the Red Sea: Hurghada to Giftun Islands by Yacht

This is a classic Red Sea half-day style trip, but stretched into a longer day at sea. Start time is 8:30 am, and the whole experience runs about 7 hours, from pickup through the return drive.

You will be picked up from your inn or motel and taken to the port in an air-conditioned vehicle. At the harbor, you board a high-class yacht, where the crew and guide keep the day running. The vibe is busy, sunny, and easy, which is exactly what most people want when they are on vacation.

A practical tip: bring your sunscreen on dry skin before you leave the hotel. You will be outside a lot, and once you are out on the water, reapplying can feel like a hassle.

The Snorkeling Plan: Two Stops, Gear Help, and Safety Basics

You get two snorkeling stops, and the equipment is included. Before you jump in, the guide gives instruction on how to use the snorkel set properly and how to stay safe in the water. That matters because good snorkeling is mostly about comfort and control, not bravado.

What you should expect at each stop:

• A chance to snorkel near coral and reef areas
• Time to look for colorful fish and marine life
• Repeated opportunity to get your breathing and float figured out

Between stops, you are back on board, usually with a chance to cool off in the shade and reset. On a day like this, that rhythm helps, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.

One caution: snorkeling time can vary. Sea conditions and crowding can change how long you actually spend in the water, even though the plan calls for two stops. If you are picky about reef time, show up ready, and do not assume every stop will feel equally long.

Island Time on Giftun: Orange Bay, Hula Hula, or Nemo

After you spend time at sea, you get nearly two hours on Giftun Islands. This is one of the best parts of the day because you are not locked on the boat the whole time. You can rest, take photos, and enjoy the island views while the group is on land.

The trip also lets you choose the island you want to visit during the excursion: Orange Bay, Hula Hula, or Nemo. That choice is not a small detail. Different bays can feel different in crowd levels and general activity.

Here is how I think about your best island pick based on what the day feels like:

• If you want a more lively beach scene, Orange Bay might fit, but it can also feel overcrowded depending on the day.
• If you prefer a calmer break, Hula Hula or Nemo may feel more your speed, since the focus of the day is still the water and reef, not nonstop beach activity.

A good move: if you get to the island and it feels crowded, spend your island time in the spots that let you breathe. Take the photos you want, then get back to the water when it is most comfortable.

Lunch and Soft Drinks on Board: Simple, Included Fuel

Between snorkeling moments and island time, you will recharge with a buffet lunch on the yacht. Soft drinks and water are also included, which is helpful because hydration is not optional in Egypt sun.

Why I like this setup: you do not need to “plan lunch” like you do on many DIY days. You just do what the trip does, and you eat when it makes sense in the schedule.

Keep your expectations reasonable. Buffet lunch on a day tour is meant to keep you satisfied, not blow you away like a restaurant meal. Still, it is a big value point since food and drinks are usually the hidden costs in Red Sea day trips.

Small practical note: if you are the type who likes something specific to eat, consider bringing a snack of your own. The included lunch covers you, but personal preferences can be picky.

Banana Boat and Water Couch Rides: Included Fun With a Catch

The tour includes activities on the water: banana boat and couch rides. This is the kind of extra that turns a snorkeling day into a full entertainment day.

Do not overthink it. The rides are optional in the sense that you can choose whether to participate, but they are built into the experience. If you like speed and splash, you will probably have a good time. If you are not into getting thrown around, just hang back and enjoy the views.

A simple readiness checklist helps:

• Bring swimwear that stays put
• Use a towel you can dry with quickly
• Keep your phone protected if you plan to take pictures

Also, if you are prone to seasickness, this is the day to be cautious. A boat with water rides can be more bouncy than a quiet cruise.

Getting Back to Shore: Harbor Views, Photos, and the Return Drive

After the boat ride and island time, you return to the harbor. You can take in breathtaking views of the Red Sea and its shores and snap photos before you head back.

Then you drive back to your hotel in a clean, modern, air-conditioned vehicle. That AC ride is a real perk. Heat can sneak up on you fast, even when you feel fine at first.

If you want the best photos, aim for moments right after you return to harbor. You have your bearings again, the light may soften, and you are not dealing with the distraction of gearing up to snorkel.

Price and Value: What $15 Really Includes (And What Costs Extra)

At $15 per person, the value is strong because the base package covers a lot:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle
• A 7-hour boat trip
• Two snorkeling stops with equipment
• Buffet lunch plus water and soft drinks
• Activities on the water (banana boat and couch)
• Almost two hours on Giftun Islands
• A mobile ticket

So where does the money go, and where might you pay more?

Costs that are not included:

• National park fees: 10 Euro per person
• Some hotel transfer extras: if you are at Makadi & Sahl Hashesh, there is an additional €5 per person. For El Gouna & Safaga, it is €10 per person.

My practical advice: budget for the park fee and any extra transfer charge if it applies to your hotel area. Even after that, the day still can work out as good value because you are getting both snorkeling time and an island break plus lunch and drinks.

Timing, Group Size, and Comfort for a 7-Hour Day

This trip is capped at a maximum of 30 people, which helps keep the day feeling organized. Smaller boats often mean less waiting around, more predictable snack breaks, and a better chance to get attention when you need it.

That said, timing can be messy in real life. The start time is 8:30 am, but if people arrive late from pickups, you could end up waiting longer at the port. Plan for a little flex in your day. Vacation days run on sun and schedules, but sometimes schedules slip.

For comfort:

• Bring towels and swimming attire, since those are required.
• Wear something quick-drying for the boat ride and island time.
• Put on sunscreen early. Then reapply if you can when you’re back on board.

A Note on Reef Reality and Photo Sales

The day focuses on snorkeling and island time, so your best outcomes depend on conditions and crowd levels. Coral and fish viewing can be excellent, but any day on the water is subject to visibility and water movement.

Also, there may be a photographer on board who takes pictures during the day. One downside people reported is that it can feel awkward if you are not interested in buying photo packages. My suggestion: decide in advance how you want to handle photo offers, and keep your response simple. You are there to snorkel, not negotiate art sales.

Who This Trip Suits Best

This is a strong choice if you want a Red Sea snorkeling day without the hassle of planning, timing, and finding gear. You get instruction, equipment, lunch, and water activities, all wrapped in one price.

You will likely enjoy this most if you:

• Are comfortable swimming and want guided help with snorkeling setup
• Like the idea of two reef stops plus a real island break
• Want easy value and do not want to spend extra on food and drinks

If you are the type who hates waiting, or you are chasing very specific snorkeling time down to the minute, you might want to treat this as a flexible day experience rather than a strict underwater itinerary.

Should You Book the Giftun Islands Snorkeling Trip?

If you are looking for a solid day out of Hurghada that mixes reefs, an island break, lunch, and fun water rides, this trip makes a lot of sense for the price. The combo of pickup, gear, two snorkeling stops, and nearly two hours on Giftun Islands is a strong value package, especially when you factor in buffet lunch and included water and soft drinks.

Book it if:

• You want convenience and a full day plan.
• You are happy to treat snorkeling time as “guided stops” rather than guaranteed minute counts.
• You would like the optional banana boat and couch rides.

Skip or think twice if:

• You are very sensitive to schedule delays.
• You only want the quietest possible beach and bay experience, since Orange Bay can feel crowded depending on the day.
• You strongly dislike any photo sales pressure on tours.

FAQ

What time does the Giftun Islands snorkeling trip start in Hurghada?

The start time is 8:30 am. The total duration is about 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included by air-conditioned vehicle. There may be extra transfer fees for certain areas like Makadi & Sahl Hashesh and for El Gouna & Safaga.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You get two snorkeling stops, and snorkeling equipment is included.

How long do I spend on Giftun Islands, and can I choose the island?

You spend almost two hours on Giftun Islands. During the trip, you can choose between Orange, Hula Hula, or Nemo.

What food and drinks are included?

A buffet lunch is included along with water and soft drinks on board the yacht.

What costs extra, and what should I bring?

National park fees are not included and are listed as 10 Euro per person. Bring towels and swimming attire.