Hurghada: Giftun Island with breakfast, lunch & Water Sports

The best part of this $26 Red Sea boat trip is its mix of reef time and easy beach fun. You’ll stop twice to snorkel, ride a banana boat or sofa boat, then spend about an hour and a half at Orange Bay, where white sand and clear water make a fine setting for a swim.

I like the strong safety setup, with several guides on each boat and special help for non-swimmers. I also like the value: hotel transport, snacks, buffet lunch, fruit, soft drinks, equipment, and island entry are bundled in. The catch is that Orange Bay can feel crowded, and its swimming area has no coral, so the snorkeling stops are the real prize.

Key points to know before booking

• Two reef stops: The snorkeling sites offer the best chance to see coral and fish, with one calmer stop and another that may have choppier water.
• Orange Bay beach time: You get roughly 1.5 hours to swim, relax, and take photos, but snorkeling is not the reason to visit this stop.
• Water rides included: A banana boat or sofa ride adds a short burst of fun without an extra charge.
• Good support for non-swimmers: Life jackets, an instructor, and a dedicated guide for non-swimmers make the water time less intimidating.
• Food is part of the deal: Light breakfast snacks, buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, tea, instant coffee, soft drinks, and mineral water are included.
• Transport needs attention: Pickup usually runs from 7:00 to 8:45 AM, and some pickup locations outside Hurghada cost extra.

The real appeal: a full Red Sea day for $26

At this price, you are not buying a quiet private cruise. You are buying a sociable, activity-packed day with the major costs covered. That can be a smart choice if you want to see the Red Sea without arranging a boat, equipment, meals, and transport separately.

I especially like the way the day combines different levels of effort. You can snorkel, swim, try a towable ride, or simply sit on the beach. Families and mixed-age groups benefit from that flexibility because nobody has to spend the whole day doing the same thing.

The 4.9 rating from 268 reviews reflects the parts that matter most on a boat trip: friendly staff, a good lunch, clear instructions, and help in the water. Still, the transport service can be uneven, and Orange Bay itself is not a private escape. Keep those limits in mind before you book.

Morning pickup and the start at Public Beach Number 9

Pickup from Hurghada hotels usually takes place between 7:00 and 8:45 AM. Your exact time depends on your hotel, so give accurate accommodation details when booking and keep your phone available that morning.

The stated starting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada. From there, air-conditioned transport takes you to the boat departure area. The activity ends back at the meeting point, with hotel drop-off included for the standard Hurghada service.

This is the part of the day where you should allow patience. Most pickup experiences are described as smooth and punctual, but some visitors have dealt with a delay of more than an hour or a drop-off at the wrong hotel. That is not a reason to reject the trip outright, but it is a reason to avoid scheduling a tight evening connection afterward.

Once aboard, the day becomes easier. The crew provides a light breakfast of snacks, and the guides explain the plan. There are usually two to four professional guides per boat, including a snorkeling instructor and a guide assigned to help non-swimmers.

The boat ride and two very different snorkeling stops

The boat ride gives you open views across the Red Sea and time to settle into the day. The exact length of each sailing leg is not specified, so the pace can vary with the route and sea conditions.

The two snorkeling stops are the strongest part of the trip. At both, you receive a mask, fins, and life jacket. Guides are available to explain where to enter, how to use the equipment, and how to stay clear of coral.

The stops do not offer identical conditions. One site may be in more open water, where waves can be high. That setting can produce a better sense of the sea, but it is less comfortable if you are new to snorkeling or prone to motion sickness.

The second stop is described as calmer, near the Giftun area, with coral and fish in the water. I would save my energy for this stop if conditions at the first site feel rough. You may see more marine life here without having to fight as much movement from the sea.

The guides’ role is important. Staff members such as Hisham have been praised for giving clear briefings, keeping people informed, and staying available throughout the day. The crew also reminds you not to touch or damage coral. Listen to that advice, keep your fins away from the reef, and avoid standing on the bottom.

If you do not swim confidently, tell the staff early. A life jacket is included, and the trip specifically provides a guide for non-swimmers. That does not turn open water into a pool, but it gives you a better chance to enjoy the stop at your own pace.

Lunch, fruit, and drinks aboard or on the island

Food is included rather than treated as an optional extra. You receive a buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, and drinks such as mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta. Light snacks are also served earlier in the day.

The meal has received unusually strong praise for a boat excursion. It is described as closer to restaurant quality than the basic packed meal you might expect at this price. That adds real value, especially because a day in the sun and water can leave you hungry well before the return journey.

The information says lunch may be served on the island or on the boat. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, contact the operator in advance so a suitable meal can be arranged. Do not assume that a last-minute request will be easy to handle on a busy boat.

Bring cash for personal expenses, and remember that towels are not supplied. Pack your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. A waterproof phone case or camera can be useful, but paid photography is separate and any purchase must be followed up directly with the photographer or photo company.

Orange Bay: beautiful water, limited peace and quiet

Orange Bay is the scenic centerpiece. You have free time on a white sandy beach, with turquoise water for swimming and space to sunbathe or take photos. The colors can be striking, especially when viewed from the boat or from the beach.

The stop lasts about 1.5 hours according to one detailed account. That is enough time for a swim and a look around, but not enough for a slow, empty-island afternoon. Many boats can use the same beach area, so you should expect other people in the water and on the sand.

Here is the key distinction: Orange Bay is better for beach time than for snorkeling. The water near the beach does not have the coral found at the reef stops. If your main aim is marine life, treat the island as a pleasant break between water activities, not as the day’s best underwater site.

I can see why some people love this stop. It gives non-swimmers and children an easier place to relax, and it breaks up the open-water schedule. You can sit out a snorkeling session, cool off in shallow water, or enjoy the view without needing special equipment.

I can also see why others would prefer another reef or a quieter beach. If you dislike crowds, one hour and a half at Orange Bay may feel long, especially when the main activity there is swimming. Go in expecting a shared beach experience, not a private island.

Banana boat or sofa ride for a quick jolt of fun

The water sports are included, and you can take a banana boat or sofa boat ride. These rides are short, social, and more about laughter than sightseeing. They give the day a little lift after the more relaxed snorkeling and lunch periods.

Safety remains the important point. Follow the crew’s instructions when getting on and off, and tell them if you have concerns about balance or strength. One account praised the staff for making safety the first concern during water activities.

Do not expect unlimited rides. The activity includes the banana boat and sofa boat, but the exact number of turns is not specified. One person received a single banana-boat ride, so I would treat it as one included activity rather than an all-day water-park pass.

Parasailing is available only if you select that option. It is not part of the standard $26 package, so check the booking choice carefully if that activity interests you.

Guides, group feel, and help in the water

The crew is one of the clearest strengths of this excursion. The guides are described as friendly, active, and willing to help, rather than simply pointing you toward the equipment and disappearing.

Hisham, also spelled Hesham in one account, receives special praise for clear briefings and steady help. He appears to be the kind of guide who keeps the schedule understandable, answers questions, and makes sure people know what is coming next.

The service is available in English, German, Arabic, and French. That matters during safety instructions, especially when a boat carries people with different swimming abilities and language backgrounds.

The boat setup is still shared. You will not have a private guide or a quiet deck reserved for your group unless you choose a private transfer, which applies to transport rather than necessarily creating a private boat trip. If you enjoy meeting people and do not mind a lively group setting, this should suit you well.

Transport, timing, and what can go wrong

Transport is included from Hurghada hotels, with air-conditioned vehicles and return service. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga requires selecting the relevant paid pickup option at checkout.

The practical lesson is simple: confirm the pickup location and time before the morning of the tour. Most accounts describe a smooth trip to and from the hotel, but transport problems have also occurred. If a driver is late, contact the operator rather than assuming the vehicle has left.

The day is affected by the weather. Strong wind or rough water can change the schedule or lead to cancellation, and the operator says you will be notified of changes. Keep your plans flexible, particularly if this is your only possible snorkeling day.

This is also a day for sun protection. You will spend time on a boat, in the water, and on an exposed beach. Use sunscreen often, wear a hat and sunglasses, and bring enough personal water even though drinks are supplied.

Who will get the most from this excursion?

I would recommend it to families, couples, first-time visitors to Hurghada, and groups that want several activities in one booking. The variety helps if not everyone in your party is a keen swimmer.

It is also a good fit for budget-minded visitors. For $26, the package covers the boat, two snorkeling stops, equipment, food, drinks, island access, water rides, and standard Hurghada transfers. That is strong value when you plan to use most of those inclusions.

You should think twice if you want a quiet, uncrowded beach or a serious reef-focused expedition. Orange Bay may feel too busy, and the beach stop does not provide coral snorkeling. Strong waves at one reef stop may also bother anyone who is not comfortable in open water.

The trip is less suitable for someone who wants a private schedule. The boat follows a group program, and the timing of each stop is set by the operator. You gain convenience and low cost, but you give up control.

Booking details that matter

The advertised price is $26 per person. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans may shift. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Bring cash for personal purchases, towels, and any photography. Do not count on the photographer’s service being part of the excursion price.

The standard package does not include towels or personal expenses. Private transfer and parasailing are optional selections, while pickup from the outlying resort areas costs extra. Read the transport choice carefully before paying so the low headline price does not surprise you at checkout.

Should you book this Orange Bay boat trip?

Book it if you want a low-cost, all-in-one Red Sea day with two proper snorkeling stops, a good meal, beach time, and a little water-sports excitement. The staff support, equipment, food, and help for non-swimmers make the package easier for mixed groups.

Skip it if Orange Bay’s crowds would spoil the day for you, or if your priority is coral right beside a quiet beach. In that case, look for a smaller reef trip with less island time.

For most visitors staying in Hurghada, I think the value is hard to ignore. Just set your expectations correctly: the reef stops are the underwater highlight, Orange Bay is the social beach break, and transport may require patience. Pack a towel, protect yourself from the sun, and let the guides handle the water work.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The activity starts at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada and ends back at the meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hurghada.

What time is hotel pickup?

Pickup usually takes place between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM, depending on your hotel location. You need to provide your hotel details when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The package includes a mask, fins, and life jacket, along with two snorkeling stops and a snorkeling instructor.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. You receive a buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta. Light breakfast snacks are also included.

Is the banana boat ride included?

Yes. Banana boat and sofa boat rides are included in the standard activity. Parasailing is available only if you select that option.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, and cash for personal expenses. Towels and photography services are not included.