Makadi Bay: Snorkelling and Diving Island Trip

This trip is interesting because it turns your Red Sea afternoon into a real water day, with time on an island and stops in clear shallows. I like the mix of boat cruising plus anchored snorkeling spots, so you are not just sitting on the sand waiting for the tide to do something interesting. I also like that it is built around Giftun Island time, not a quick stop that rushes you through the best water.

Here is the catch to keep in mind: the island stop is for about two hours, so if you want a long, slow, full-day snorkeling groove, you may feel a little time-pressured on the water. Still, for most people, that time window hits a sweet spot.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• Two hours at Giftun Island for snorkeling and swimming
• Snorkeling guide plus gear so you can get in the water faster
• Another boat stop with a scuba option if you want to go beyond snorkeling
• Lunch on board plus 1 soft drink and bottled water
• Convenient pickup and drop-off in Makadi Bay
• English, German, and Russian for easier communication onboard

From Makadi Bay to the private lagoon, this day moves at a good pace

Your day starts with pickup from your accommodation in Makadi Bay. You head to the boat jetty, board the yacht, and then you set sail toward the nearest coast. The captain drops anchor at a private lagoon, which is a nice way to start because you are already positioned where the water is clear and the snorkeling is the point.

This matters because Red Sea trips can either feel like a long ride to one short swim, or like a proper sequence of water time. Here, the schedule is set up so you get a start in the water zone fairly early, then you get your main island chunk at Giftun Island.

Giftun Island: the main stop for snorkeling and swimming

The highlight stop is Giftun Island, with about two hours to enjoy the water. This is your chance to swim and snorkel in an area known for good visibility and coral growth close to the shallows. It is enough time to do a calm first look, see what depths feel comfortable, and then go back out for a second pass when you feel more confident.

Practical note: two hours sounds short until you are actually in the water. You will burn time faster than you expect from sun, hopping in and out, and keeping an eye on where the current is taking you. If you want the best chance of a relaxed swim, arrive at the first moment the group is ready to head in.

Snorkeling gear and a real guide, so you spend less time figuring it out

Included in the experience is a snorkeling guide and equipment, which is one of the best value points for this trip. When the water is clear but the conditions are new, a guide helps you aim for productive spots instead of wandering around hoping the coral is where you happen to look.

What I like about this setup is that it reduces friction. You do not have to guess which entry points work, how to manage your time in the water, or what to watch for. You can focus on the simple, enjoyable stuff: watching coral textures, looking for fish patterns, and getting your breathing steady before you drift around.

Also, the water around Makadi Bay is often crystal clear when weather and sea conditions cooperate. That is exactly what makes snorkeling feel so rewarding here, because you get better visibility without needing special tricks.

The second water stop and the scuba option, for people who want more

After the island time, the day includes another stop where you can do more water time. The tour structure gives you a choice, with the option to go for a scuba session or to stay aboard and relax.

This is a good arrangement if you travel with mixed interests. You can let one person try the scuba option while another takes the calmer boat break and still feels like the day was worth it. And if you are not interested in scuba that day, the boat time is not wasted. You get a chance to cool down, reapply sunscreen, and keep watching the water from the deck.

One word of caution: if scuba is a priority for you, it is smart to ask onboard how the option is handled that day. The exact flow of who goes when is not spelled out in the basics, so you want clarity before you jump into gear decisions.

Lunch on board, plus the little items that keep you comfortable

You get lunch on board, with 1 soft drink included, and you also receive 1 bottle of water. This is practical value, because a day trip like this can otherwise turn into expensive “snack math” the moment you are hungry and sun-tired.

What to bring is straightforward and matters a lot on a boat:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear

If you are prone to sunburn, I would also treat this like a full-day sun event, not a casual swim. Even with shade from the yacht, you will spend time where the sun hits. Bring gear that makes it easy to reapply sunscreen and stay comfortable between water sessions.

Price and value: is about $47 a fair deal?

At $47 per person, this trip is positioned as a solid, mid-priced way to do the Red Sea without turning it into a complicated project. Here is where the value comes from.

You are paying for several concrete things:

• Pickup and drop-off in Makadi Bay
• Yacht cruise
• Snorkeling guide and snorkeling equipment
• Lunch on board
• 1 soft drink and 1 bottle of water

What you are not paying for is personal expenses. That is normal, but it helps you budget for anything extra you might want, like souvenirs or additional drinks.

My take: this looks like good value if you want guided snorkeling and an easy day structure. If you already snorkel often and do not need a guide or gear, you might find cheaper options. But if you want a smooth “show up, get in the water, eat lunch, go home happy” experience, $47 feels reasonable.

What the trip feels like in real life, and where it can fall short

This is a classic day-trip rhythm: pickup, boat ride, anchored snorkeling time, island stop, then a final water opportunity or a relax break, followed by lunch and return transport.

The biggest praised aspects point to a few patterns. People tend to love how friendly and helpful the crew is, and they like having enough snorkeling opportunities to actually feel satisfied. Many also mention the overall day is enjoyable, with a good balance between active water time and downtime.

Now, the key consideration is time. With an island stop of about two hours and multiple water moments, you will likely be active most of the day. If you want a slower pace with long, repeated swims, this might feel a bit scheduled. Still, for a one-day taste of the Red Sea, it is a fair pace.

Who should book this Makadi Bay yacht trip

I think this works especially well if you:

• Want guided snorkeling in clear Red Sea water
• Prefer a full day organized for you, with pickup and drop-off handled
• Like the idea of an island stop, not just a shoreline swim
• Travel with someone who might want scuba while you prefer a calmer option

It is also a good choice for first-time snorkelers who want equipment and a guide. The included setup makes it feel less intimidating. If you already know your snorkeling gear and routines well, you might find yourself wishing for more time, but the snorkeling opportunities can still be a win.

One more note: it is not suitable for wheelchair users. If accessibility is part of your needs, you will want a different style of tour.

Should you book this trip?

Book it if you want a straightforward Red Sea day from Makadi Bay that includes guided snorkeling, an island stop at Giftun Island, and lunch on board, all for about $47. It is a good value mix of convenience and time in the water, with enough flexibility for different interests.

Skip it if your top priority is long, unbroken time on the water for hours and hours, because the island time is only about two hours. Also consider scuba carefully, since the option exists but the details of how it runs that day are not laid out in the basics, so you should confirm the flow onboard.

If you want a well-organized day that stays focused on the water and keeps things easy, this is a strong fit.

FAQ

Where does the trip start and end?

You get pickup and then a transfer back to your accommodation in Makadi Bay.

What is included in the snorkeling portion?

A snorkeling guide and snorkeling equipment are included.

How much time do you spend at Giftun Island?

You get about two hours at Giftun Island.

Is scuba included?

The tour includes the option to go for a scuba session. The basics do not list scuba gear or full scuba inclusion details, so confirm what you will need onboard.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included, along with 1 soft drink.

What drinks and water do you get?

You get 1 bottle of water included.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear.

What languages are offered?

The experience is available in English, German, and Russian.

Can I pay later or get a refund if plans change?

You can reserve and pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.