Hurghada: Orange & Giftun Island Cruise with Massage & Lunch

This Hurghada day trip is interesting because it mixes snorkeling with a real, included massage on the water. I like the way the day is built around easy, guided reef time and then slows down again on deck, with stops that feel planned rather than rushed.

One thing to consider up front is that this is a full day on the sea, about 8.5 hours total. That’s great if you want a complete beach-and-reef experience, but it does mean you should show up ready for sun and bring your own towel and swimwear so you are not stuck halfway through.

Key points to know before you go

• Orange Bay beach time (75 minutes) gives you a proper stretch of sand and swim time, not just a quick photo stop
• Two snorkeling sessions at selected reef spots, with snorkeling equipment included
• Massage included on the cruise, so relaxation is built into the schedule, not something you have to arrange separately
• Lunch buffet plus snacks and drinks throughout the day, with salads, fish, and BBQ options
• Water fun is included, including a banana boat ride session listed in the program
• The crew support matters, with staff helping you find safe snorkeling spots, and keeping the pace comfortable

Orange Bay and Giftun: what makes this Hurghada cruise a smart choice

If you are planning a Red Sea trip from Hurghada, you basically have two needs: a good place to snorkel and a day that feels comfortable when you are not in the water. This cruise is built around both.

The big draw is that it is not just transport to a reef. You get a full-day yacht-style outing with hotel pickup, time on Orange Bay, and then reef swimming at two set points. Add the included massage, and it stops feeling like a basic excursion.

From the way the day is described, the staff focus on keeping you moving but not frantic. The crew is there with guidance during snorkeling, and the boat experience is designed to feel spacious rather than cramped, so you can actually enjoy the sea time between activities.

Pickup and timing: how the 510 minutes really feel

The total duration is 510 minutes, which is about 8.5 hours end to end. That includes van pickup from several hotel zones, plus a boat ride to get out toward the islands and snorkeling areas.

Here’s the practical flow:

• You get picked up from one of five areas: Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada 1, El Gouna, or Hurghada
• The van transfer is around 45 minutes
• Then you cruise by boat for about 45 minutes before reaching the first island area
• Later you switch between Orange Bay beach time and reef snorkeling, with lunch and a water sports window in between
• Drop-off goes back to the same five areas, including Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna

Two small timing things I would plan around:

• Many people underestimate how long the “in-between” sea time can feel. Sunscreen and water help.
• Lunch is listed at about 45 minutes, and it happens after the morning activities. It’s worth having a backup plan if you get hungry early.

Also note how pickup works: the provider contacts you about the exact pickup time, and you should wait 5 minutes before that agreed time outside reception. Pickup is not available from Viva Blue Hotel.

Orange Bay Island beach time: 75 minutes of real Red Sea breathing room

Orange Bay is where the day turns from travel mode into vacation mode. You get about 75 minutes at Orange Bay, and you can choose how you spend that window.

Most people use this time in one of two ways:

• Relax on the beach and enjoy the calm, salty air
• Swim in the clear water right from the shore areas (even if you are not in snorkeling gear)

What I like about this stop is that it breaks up the day. You are not forced to be in the water the whole time, and that matters if you want to keep energy for the snorkeling sessions later.

A helpful mindset: treat Orange Bay as your reset. You can swim lightly, cool off, and dry out before the next reef stop. And because this is Egypt, you should assume the sun will be strong. Bring what you need, and use sunscreen early rather than waiting until you feel burnt.

Snorkeling near Giftun: two guided reef sessions with included equipment

The cruise includes snorkeling at two selected spots, both focused on coral and marine life. Snorkeling equipment is included, which removes one of the common pain points of these trips.

The day’s reef plan is split into two sessions:

• Small Giftun snorkeling site: about 45 minutes
• Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī: about 45 minutes

What you should expect underwater:

• Coral formations and colorful reef areas
• Marine life, with the program highlighting chances to see 500+ fish types and 125 coral types
• A guided approach, where crew members help you understand where to swim and what to watch for, so you do not feel lost in the water

I also appreciate that the rules are clear: you are not allowed to touch marine life or plants. That is the right way to protect the reef and to keep things safer for you too.

If you are a nervous first-timer, this is where the cruise’s structure helps. Two shorter snorkeling windows are easier to manage than one long one, and having crew support means you spend less time worrying about where to go and more time actually seeing the Red Sea.

Lunch buffet and drinks: what you eat between reef sessions

A good snorkeling day needs food that holds you over without feeling like a rushed cafeteria stop. Here, lunch is built in as part of the full plan.

Lunch is listed as 45 minutes and happens during the sea schedule after the first activities. The buffet includes:

• Salads and vegetables
• Fish options
• BBQ dishes
• More than one option for different tastes

You also get soft drinks and hot drinks, plus snacks during the cruise, so you are not waiting around empty-handed between swim windows.

One practical tip: since lunch timing can land around 2pm in the flow of the day, I recommend packing a small breakfast box or light snack from your hotel if you wake up early. It makes the morning smoother and keeps energy steady for snorkeling.

Massage on the cruise plus banana boat fun: the balance of chill and hype

This is one of the features that makes the day feel more like a treat than a chore. A massage is included while you sail the calm waters of the Red Sea.

Because the massage is part of the on-board experience, it also changes the “texture” of the day. You get a break from thinking about timing and gear. If you are traveling as a couple or just want one activity that feels genuinely relaxing, this is the one that most directly delivers that.

Then the program adds a more playful side with water sports. The itinerary lists a banana boat ride (about 45 minutes). That’s the type of activity that brings a bit of laughter to a day that can otherwise be mostly calm and scenic.

A consideration: if you prefer quiet cruising time, you might want to treat the banana boat session as optional for your comfort level. But since it is included in the program, it can be a fun group moment if you are game.

What to bring, and the reef rules that keep things smooth

This cruise gives you snorkeling equipment, but it still expects you to show up prepared. Here’s what the day asks you to bring:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Snacks (not required everywhere, but handy)
• Water

Two notes I would take seriously:

• Bring your own towel and swimwear. Do not assume these will be available on board.
• Sunscreen is recommended, and you will use it more than once in a day like this.

You are also told what not to do:

• No touching marine life
• No touching plants

That’s not just “because rules.” It protects the reef and it keeps wildlife safe, and it also reduces the chance of you damaging something by accident.

Finally, bring some cash money. The program specifically mentions bringing cash, which usually means there may be small onboard purchases or incidental needs.

Price and value at about $53: who this trip fits best

At around $53 per person, the value here comes from the mix of included pieces that normally add up separately: hotel pickup and drop-off, a full-day boat outing, Orange Bay beach time, two snorkeling spots, snorkeling equipment, lunch buffet, drinks and snacks, a massage, and a listed water sports session.

So the “value logic” is simple:

• If you want snorkeling but also want comfort, food, and at least one relaxing moment, this checks multiple boxes.
• If you already have your own snorkeling plan and just want the reef, you might find other options cheaper, but those may not bundle lunch, equipment, and massage.

Who it suits best:

• Couples and small groups who want an organized day with a clear plan
• First-time snorkelers who want crew guidance rather than figuring it out alone
• Travelers who like a balanced day, some beach time, some reef time, and a break built in

Who might want to rethink it:

• If your main goal is maximum time underwater, the snorkeling is split into set windows rather than one all-day session.
• If you hate long days on the water, an 8.5-hour schedule may feel like too much.

Should you book this Orange Bay and Giftun cruise from Royal Cruise Hurghada?

If you want a well-rounded Red Sea day that includes beach time at Orange Bay, two snorkeling sessions with equipment, a satisfying buffet lunch, plus an actual on-board massage, this is an easy yes for many visitors.

My “book it” checklist:

• You want snorkeling guidance, not just a boat ticket
• You like the idea of a relaxing massage included during the cruise
• You are happy with a structured day instead of an all-day free swim marathon
• You appreciate having food and drinks built in, especially around lunch time

If you match those points, you will likely feel like the $53 is doing real work. And if you do go, show up with sun protection, keep the reef rules in mind, and let the crew handle the snorkeling flow so you can focus on the coral and fish.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is listed as 510 minutes, which is about 8.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup is available from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada 1, El Gouna, and Hurghada. Drop-off is also listed for Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna.

What snorkeling is included?

The trip includes snorkeling at two selected spots. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. You get a lunch buffet with salads plus fish and BBQ dishes, and the lunch service is listed as lasting 45 minutes.

Is massage included?

Yes. A massage is included as part of the cruise while you sail calm waters of the Red Sea.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. You are not allowed to touch marine life or touch plants.

Can I cancel for a full refund, and is pay later available?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve now and pay later.