Makadi Bay: Snorkelling and Diving Island Trip

The best part of this Red Sea boat trip is the mix of open water, island time, and easy access to coral reefs. You can spend about two hours around Giftun Island swimming and snorkeling, then enjoy lunch on board without having to arrange separate transport or equipment.

I like the included hotel pickup and the friendly crew, plus the chance to look for marine life such as moray eels at the snorkeling stops. The main thing to watch is the name: despite being sold as a Makadi Bay island trip, the route is described as going to Giftun Island, and one booking was changed to Orange Bay.

Key points at a glance

• Giftun Island stop: Spend about two hours swimming and snorkeling around an island lagoon.
• Two water activities: The day includes a snorkeling stop and another opportunity for scuba, with time to relax on the boat if you prefer.
• Moray eel sightings: The crew may know good places to look for larger sea life, including moray eels.
• Lunch at sea: A meal, one soft drink, and a bottle of water are included.
• About seven hours: Hotel pickup and return make this a simple full-day outing from Makadi Bay.
• Good value at $47: Equipment, guide, boat trip, food, drink, and transfers are bundled into the price.

From Makadi Bay to the Red Sea

Your day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Makadi Bay. From there, you go to the boat jetty, board the yacht, and head out along the Red Sea coast.

That transfer matters. You do not need to find a taxi to the marina or rent snorkeling equipment once you arrive. The package keeps the day simple, especially if you are staying in Makadi Bay and want a water outing without planning every part yourself.

The exact pickup time is not provided, so you should confirm it when booking. The trip is offered in English, German, and Russian, which gives you a useful choice if you are not comfortable joining an English-only activity.

The yacht itself is part of the appeal. You get time to watch the coastline recede, feel the sea air, and move between stops without packing and unpacking beach gear. On the other hand, a full day on a shared boat means the pace is set by the crew and the other people aboard. If you prefer a quiet private outing, this may feel less flexible.

Two hours around Giftun Island

The main island stop is Giftun Island, where you are given about two hours for swimming and snorkeling. The boat anchors at a private lagoon, and the clear water gives you a good setting for seeing coral reefs close to the coast.

This is the part of the day most people will remember. You can enter the water with the provided equipment and follow the snorkeling guide, or simply swim and enjoy the warm Red Sea. If you are not keen to get wet, you can stay on the boat and relax.

The two-hour window is long enough to avoid a rushed dip, but it is not an all-day beach visit. You will want to use the time well. Bring your swimwear, sunglasses, and sun hat, and apply sun protection before boarding. The information provided does not confirm whether beach chairs, umbrellas, or additional island facilities are available, so do not book this expecting a fully equipped resort beach.

There is also an important naming issue. The activity is presented as a Makadi Bay trip, but the route and stop are described as Giftun Island. One booking instead became an Orange Bay snorkeling trip. The Orange Bay outing was still considered enjoyable, but if the exact island matters to you, confirm the destination shortly before departure.

Snorkeling over coral reefs

Snorkeling is included, along with equipment and a guide. That makes the activity accessible if you did not pack your own mask and fins, and the guide can help direct you toward the reef rather than leaving you to search at random.

The water around Makadi Bay is described as crystal-clear, with coral reefs along the coast. You might see plenty of reef life, but marine sightings are never guaranteed. One especially useful detail from this trip is that the crew knew where moray eels could be found, and a full-length moray eel was seen.

That kind of local knowledge can make a real difference. A reef can look beautiful from above, but a guide who knows where animals tend to shelter may help you notice more than you would alone. Keep your expectations sensible, though. This is a recreational snorkeling trip, not a specialist marine biology excursion.

You should also listen carefully to the snorkeling instructions. The tour information confirms a guide and equipment, but it does not specify the depth of the water, the size of the group, or how long each water session lasts. Those details can affect how comfortable the stop feels for a first-time snorkeler.

An optional scuba session

The schedule includes a second opportunity for scuba. If you want more than surface snorkeling, this gives you a chance to see the reef from below. If you do not want to take part, you can stay on the boat and relax.

The wording does not provide details about certification, instructor arrangements, extra charges, or the precise length of the scuba session. You should ask the provider about those points before booking if scuba is the main reason you are choosing this trip.

That lack of detail is worth taking seriously. The price includes the cruise, snorkeling guide, snorkeling equipment, lunch, a soft drink, and water, but the information does not clearly say that scuba equipment or a full scuba instruction session is included. Treat scuba as an option to confirm, not as a guaranteed package feature with every cost covered.

For a mixed group, this arrangement works well. One person can try the optional scuba activity, another can snorkel, and someone else can simply enjoy the boat and the island stop.

Lunch on board and a simple break

Lunch is served on the boat, with one soft drink and one bottle of water included. You do not need to return to shore for a meal, which keeps the day moving and gives you a proper break between time in the water.

The food is described as delicious in the tour details, while the exact menu is not provided. I would treat it as a practical included meal rather than choosing this trip for a special food experience. If you have dietary needs, ask before departure, since no dietary arrangements are listed.

Bring extra water if you usually drink a lot in the sun. One bottle is included, but several hours on a boat, combined with swimming and strong heat, can make you want more. A small dry bag can also help protect a phone, wallet, or room key, though such a bag is not included.

Lunch on board has another advantage: you do not lose island time looking for food. The tradeoff is that your meal takes place in the shared boat setting, not at a quiet waterfront restaurant.

What the seven-hour day feels like

The full outing lasts about seven hours according to the practical details provided. That includes pickup, the boat ride, water stops, lunch, the return cruise, and transfer back to your accommodation.

Seven hours is long enough to make the boat journey worthwhile, but you should plan for a proper day in the sun. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear are specifically recommended. You may also want a light cover-up for the ride back, when wet swimwear can become uncomfortable.

The schedule seems to balance activity and rest. You get a cruise, a substantial island stop, snorkeling, an optional scuba session, and time to sit on deck. It is not simply a quick swim followed by an early return.

The drawback is that the itinerary is not described minute by minute. You are told about the two-hour Giftun Island stop, but not the exact duration of each snorkeling session or the length of the scuba activity. If you like a tightly planned schedule, confirm these details.

What $47 includes

At $47 per person, the price is reasonable for a package that includes the main practical costs:

• Pickup and return to your Makadi Bay accommodation
• Yacht cruise
• Snorkeling guide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch
• One soft drink
• One bottle of water
• Access to the island stop and water activities

The value comes from combining transport, boat access, equipment, food, and a guide in one booking. A self-arranged day would require you to organize your own trip to the jetty, find a boat, rent gear, and arrange lunch separately.

Personal expenses are not included. The package also does not list extra drinks, souvenirs, optional scuba costs, or other purchases. Keep a little money aside rather than assuming every part of the day is covered.

For couples and families who want a straightforward Red Sea day, the bundle is attractive. It is less compelling if you already have a private boat, your own equipment, and a preferred snorkeling site.

The crew and the small details that matter

The crew is described as friendly, and the guides are available to help during the water activities. The staff also appear to be responsive before the trip, which can be useful when you need to confirm pickup or the final destination.

No individual guide names are provided, so I cannot point you toward a particular staff member. The available language options are English, German, and Russian.

The crew’s knowledge of moray eel locations is one of the more useful details here. It suggests that the snorkeling is not simply an unplanned stop at the nearest patch of water. Still, conditions and sightings can change from day to day.

The boat is also a good fallback for non-swimmers or anyone who needs a break. You can sit back while others take part in the water activities. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so access needs should be considered before booking.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a full Red Sea day with several activities included and do not need a private schedule. It suits:

• First-time snorkelers who want equipment and a guide
• Couples looking for an easy day away from the hotel
• Families with older children who are comfortable around water
• Mixed groups where some people want water activities and others prefer to relax
• Visitors who want an island stop without arranging boat transport themselves

You may want a different option if you need wheelchair access, want a guaranteed specific island, or are booking mainly for a fully specified scuba program. The destination wording also matters. Ask whether your boat will go to Giftun Island or Orange Bay before you commit.

The flexible booking terms are useful if your plans may change. You can reserve and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those terms reduce the risk of booking too early, though you should still check the final pickup and destination details.

Should you book the Makadi Bay island trip?

Yes, if you want good value and a relaxed day built around snorkeling, an island stop, and a boat ride. The included equipment, lunch, drinks, hotel transfer, and friendly crew make $47 a fair price.

I would book it with one clear question first: Which island is scheduled for my departure? The advertised trip points to Giftun Island, but Orange Bay has also been used. If you are happy with either destination and mainly want clear water, coral reefs, and time at sea, this is an appealing choice.

Book something else if the exact route, private service, wheelchair access, or a fully detailed scuba package is essential. For everyone else, pack lightly, protect yourself from the sun, and expect a pleasant, active day rather than a luxury yacht charter.

FAQ

Where does the trip start?

Pickup is provided from your accommodation in Makadi Bay, followed by transport to the boat jetty.

How long does the trip last?

The practical details describe the outing as lasting about seven hours, including the boat trip, activities, lunch, and return transfer.

Which island does the boat visit?

The trip is described as visiting Giftun Island, with about two hours for snorkeling and swimming. One scheduled outing instead went to Orange Bay, so confirm the destination before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a snorkeling guide are included.

Is scuba included?

Scuba is offered as an option, but the supplied information does not specify certification requirements, equipment details, or any extra cost. Confirm these points with the provider.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, one soft drink, and one bottle of water are included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear. Personal expenses are not included.

Can I cancel the booking?

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