ViP Orange Bay Giftun Island Tour By Boat With Lunch in Hurghada

Orange Bay and the Giftun Islands are the kind of day trip that makes Hurghada feel bigger than it is. You get snorkeling in clear Red Sea water, plus lunch and soft drinks on the boat, all with an easy hotel-to-marina setup. One thing to plan for: sea conditions can get windy, and that can affect timing or how many snorkeling stops you actually get.

What I like most is the balance of sea time and real downtime. You spend a solid chunk relaxing on Orange Island, and the crew members, including staff like Ahmed, tend to keep things friendly and moving. The group stays small, capped at 35 travelers, which matters when you’re sharing limited boat space.

Key things I’d plan around

• A smooth hotel pickup in Hurghada, with air-conditioned transport to the marina
• Two snorkeling stops with life jackets and provided equipment
• Boat lunch plus water and soft drinks, served during the cruise
• Included water sports rides, like the banana boat and sofa-style inflatable
• Two hours on Orange Island, with time for photos and swimming on the beach

Orange Bay and Giftun Islands, why this day trip works

If you’re in Hurghada and you want a Red Sea day that doesn’t require planning gear, hiring a guide, and learning the local logistics, this tour is built for you. The Giftun Islands National Park area is known for bright water and good snorkel visibility, and Orange Bay is one of the easier places to enjoy that without stress.

You can go in two mental modes. If you’re the snorkel-focused type, the day gives you structured stops and equipment. If you just want to relax, the day also offers beach time and onboard downtime, so you’re not stuck “working” the whole day.

Start time and how the day actually feels (about 7 hours)

This tour starts at 8:00am and runs about 7 hours. From my point of view, that’s a sweet spot. It gives you morning light for snorkeling and still returns you to Hurghada at a reasonable time.

A small note to keep in mind: if conditions are windy, you may see timing slide a bit. The overall itinerary is built around multiple sea segments, and waves can slow down travel. When that happens, the day can run late, and the number of snorkeling stops you get may adjust.

Getting from your Hurghada hotel to the boat, the part you’ll notice most

The big win here is the free transfer from and back to Hurghada hotels. You do not have to hunt down a meeting point, figure out taxi pricing, or coordinate a ride back after a long day in the sun.

Transport is described as air-conditioned, and once you reach the marina, boarding is straightforward. The group size limit of 35 travelers helps the loading process. It also helps once you’re on the boat, because you’re not fighting a crowd for space at the railing.

The cruise across the Red Sea: sights, comfort, and onboard fun

After you board, there’s a cruise from the Hurghada coast to the Giftun Islands area. This isn’t just “getting there.” The day is paced so you’re never waiting around forever. On the way, you get opportunities to enjoy the open-water feel and scenery.

A highlight is the included water play. The tour includes a water sport banana and sofa ride, which is basically your quick hit of speed and laughter before the snorkel stops. In practice, you should think of it as a short turn for each person, with a brief ride time rather than a long session.

The crew tends to run this like a safety-first operation. You’ll see people wearing life jackets and staying clear of risky spots on the boat. If you’re traveling with kids, that structure matters, because it keeps everyone feeling guided instead of chaotic.

Snorkeling at the reef stops: what you’re getting and how to set yourself up

The tour includes two snorkeling stops with life jacket and equipment provided. That’s important because it removes one of the biggest “vacation friction points.” You’re not negotiating gear rental, and you’re not figuring out how to match fins and masks on the spot.

At each snorkeling stop, your guide calls when it’s time to jump in. You can generally enter the water and swim near the reef while the guide watches the group rhythm. The tour description also points to the kind of reef you’re aiming for, including millions-year-old corals, plus fish and other sea life.

Practical tip: treat snorkeling as “short effort, frequent breaks.” Even when the water is clear, you’ll get better results if you don’t try to stay submerged too long. Keep your breathing calm, slow down your fin kicks, and you’ll see more without draining yourself.

Now, the honest consideration: you might not always get both snorkeling stops. One traveler noted that poor conditions reduced the day to fewer stops and pushed timing later. If you’re booking expecting perfectly identical timing every single day, you’ll be happier setting expectations to “two stops if conditions allow.”

Orange Island time: the beach segment that makes the day feel like a getaway

Orange Island is where the tour turns into an actual island day, not just a boat day. You get about two hours on Orange Island, which is plenty of time to do the big three: swim, sunbathe, and take photos without feeling rushed.

The plan is a swim-and-photo stretch on a white sandy beach, with time to relax in the clear water. You also get a brunch-style moment with sea views before the beach time, so you’re not hungry while you’re looking out over the water.

If you’re the type who likes to sit for a while and just watch, this is your payoff. You’ll see people floating near the shore, taking quick swims, and then settling back onto the sand for rest.

Weather can shape the mood here too. Even on a good day, wind can make it cooler and less comfortable on exposed areas. When conditions aren’t perfect, plan to use that time for photos, short swims, and a slower pace rather than trying to “beat the wind.”

Lunch onboard: where it fits and what to expect

Lunch is included, with water and soft drinks on the boat. You’ll eat onboard during the sailing day, so you don’t waste a separate meal stop or pay for food separately.

The lunch is described as a buffet, and at least some travelers describe it as tasty with hot and cold options. At the same time, you should be prepared for lunch that feels more served than restaurant-style variety. In other words, it’s included and it’s meant to satisfy you, but it’s not trying to be a five-star meal.

A good way to think about it: treat lunch as fuel for snorkeling and beach time. It’s there so you can keep enjoying the water instead of leaving the day to chase a meal.

Also, pay attention to hydration. With sun plus sea breeze, you might not feel as thirsty as you should. Having soft drinks and water included makes it easier to keep energy up.

What about dolphins and sea life?

The tour description says you may see dolphins, and that’s one of the reasons people love these cruises. In reality, wildlife sightings depend on the day, the water, and the route.

Even if you don’t spot dolphins, you still have a lot to watch. The snorkeling stops bring you face-to-face with reef life, and Orange Bay and Orange Island are about clear water and visible fish.

Value check: is $18.40 worth it in Hurghada?

At $18.40 per person, this is priced like a budget-friendly way into a full day at a National Park site. The main value driver is what’s bundled:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada
• 7 hours on the water and at sites
• Two snorkeling stops with life jackets and equipment
• Lunch, water, and soft drinks onboard
• Included banana and sofa water rides
• 2 hours on Orange Island

What’s not included is important for your final math. You pay National park fees of 5 Euro per person. You may also pay transfer supplements if you’re staying outside central Hurghada, including:

• EUR 5.00 per person for Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay
• EUR 10.00 per person for El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga

If you’re in Hurghada proper, you’re basically paying for the day package and then adding the park fee. If you’re farther out, your real cost rises a bit, but you still avoid the hassle of doing everything separately.

My take: this tour is best value when you want the included stuff and you don’t want to negotiate snorkeling gear, a boat charter, and a meal plan.

Who this tour suits best

This is a great fit if you:

• Want snorkeling with gear included and minimal logistics
• Prefer a guided day over DIY boating
• Like a mix of activity and relaxation, with real beach time
• Travel as a couple, with friends, or with kids and want a crew that keeps people safe and organized

It may be less ideal if you:

• Are extremely schedule-locked and hate any chance of delays from wind
• Expect a perfectly identical itinerary every day, regardless of conditions
• Want a long, uninterrupted snorkeling session. This is structured snorkel time, not all-day free snorkeling.

What to pack so the day stays comfortable

The tour is built around sun and water, so pack like you’re doing a full beach day plus snorkeling:

• Swimsuit and quick-dry layer for between sea swims
• Sunscreen and a hat, because you’ll be outside while boarding and on deck
• A dry bag or waterproof phone cover if you care about photos
• Towel or something that can dry fast after Orange Island

And bring a “float mindset.” This is a day trip meant to relax, not to win a marathon.

The practical takeaway from the near-perfect ratings

A 4.8 rating with strong recommendation percentages usually signals two things: people feel looked after, and the day delivers what it promises.

Across experiences, the consistent positives are:

• The crew is friendly and attentive
• The boat and onboard food feel well-run for the price
• The snorkeling and reef visuals are a major highlight
• Orange Bay and Orange Island are genuinely worth the trip

There are also a couple of common friction points you should treat as normal risk for this region:

• Wind can make the boat ride less pleasant
• Portions and timing can vary slightly when conditions change

That’s not a deal-breaker. It’s simply how sea days work.

Should you book the VIP Orange Bay Giftun Island Tour?

I’d book this if your goal is a classic Red Sea day out of Hurghada: snorkeling with gear, lunch included, and a real island break. The price is low enough that you’re not taking a big financial gamble, and the mix of stops is good for most ages and comfort levels.

But book with one expectation adjustment. If you’re sensitive to windy crossings or you need a very strict schedule, know that sea conditions can influence the timing and how many snorkeling stops happen.

If that sounds fine to you, this is a smart way to spend a day in the Giftun Islands area, with hotel pickup, snorkeling equipment, and Orange Island beach time all included in one package.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00am.

How long is the VIP Orange Bay and Giftun Island tour?

It’s about 7 hours in total.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. There is free transfer from and back to Hurghada hotels. Transfers from other areas have supplements (Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay, or El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga).

What’s included for snorkeling?

You get two snorkeling stops with life jacket and snorkeling equipment provided.

Is lunch included, and are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes lunch, water, and soft drinks on the boat.

How much time do I spend on Orange Island?

You get about 2 hours on Orange Island.

Do I need to pay anything extra on top of the tour price?

Yes. National park fees are 5 Euro per person, and there are also transfer supplements depending on where you’re staying.

How many people are on the boat?

The group size has a maximum of 35 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel in advance for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.