Hurghada: Luxury Cruise Trip to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is the draw, but the best part of this Hurghada day is likely to be two long snorkeling stops at coral sites before and after lunch. The water can be remarkably clear, with clownfish, rays, dolphins, and many-colored coral in view.

I like the early arrival at Orange Bay, when the island can feel almost empty, and the crew’s careful help in the water. I also like the value: at $53, you get transport, food, drinks, equipment, a massage, and a full day at sea. The trade-off is a busy schedule, and Orange Bay itself can feel touristy once other boats arrive.

Key points to know before booking

• Orange Bay before the crowds: The boat aims to arrive early, giving you a quieter stretch of sand before the island fills up.
• Two coral stops: Snorkeling at Jazā’ir Jiftūn and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī gives you two chances to see fish and reef life.
• A very attentive crew: Andrew, Mostafa, and the wider Royal Cruise team are often involved in explaining activities and helping weaker swimmers.
• Lunch is included: Expect fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, potatoes, salads, fruit, snacks, and drinks.
• The massage is part of the package: Each person receives one back massage while the boat is moving.
• Weather can change the plan: Wind and waves may affect the banana boat, swimming conditions, and how comfortable you feel at sea.

A full Red Sea day for $53

At $53 per person, this is not just a boat ride to Orange Bay. It is a packaged day with hotel pickup and return, a cruise, two snorkeling sessions, lunch, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks, life jackets, equipment, and one massage.

I think that makes the price appealing if you want several activities in one booking. You do not need to add transport, rent basic snorkeling gear, or buy lunch separately. The value is less convincing if you want a quiet beach day with plenty of time in one place, since the schedule keeps moving.

The total duration is listed as 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours. That includes roughly 30 minutes in the van each way, along with the boat ride and stops. Pickup is available from Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and El Gouna.

The exact pickup time depends on your hotel and the day’s schedule. You should wait outside reception five minutes before the agreed time. The road transfer may be bumpy, so anyone prone to motion sickness should consider preparing for both the van and the boat.

Getting to the Royal Cruise boat

The day begins with a van transfer to the marina area, followed by a 45-minute cruise across the Red Sea. This opening stretch gives you time to settle in, find a place to sit, and listen to the crew explain the day.

The boat is described as clean and comfortable, with sunbathing areas and toilets. The crew is large enough to keep an eye on people during the water activities. Andrew is frequently singled out as a friendly host, while Mostafa is also named as a strong guide. Mohammed handles photography, according to the supplied details from the trip.

The languages offered are English, German, Arabic, and Russian. That matters on a water trip, where a clear safety briefing is more useful than a long speech on land. The guides explain how to use the equipment and help people who are nervous in the water.

Do not expect a silent yacht cruise. Music, conversation, and a cheerful crew are part of the atmosphere. That suits people who want a social day, but it may not suit you if you are seeking a private charter or a calm, quiet ride.

Orange Bay before the crowds arrive

The first major stop is Orange Bay, reached after the initial cruise. You spend about 75 minutes there, which is enough for a walk on the sand, photographs, and time in the shallow water.

The timing is the clever part. The boat aims to arrive early, sometimes before the larger group of island boats. At that point, the pale sand and clear water can feel much more peaceful. Later in the morning, the same place may feel far more commercial and crowded.

Orange Bay is often called the Egyptian Caribbean because of its bright sand and shallow turquoise water. The nickname gives you a useful picture, but keep your expectations sensible. This is a popular excursion stop, not an untouched island.

Seventy-five minutes will pass quickly. If you want a long swim, a slow lunch by the shore, and plenty of beach time, this schedule may feel short. The benefit is that you do not spend the whole day sitting on a crowded beach. You get a taste of the island, then return to the boat for the stronger part of the day: the reef stops.

Drinks on the island are not included. Bring cash if you want to buy something there. On the boat, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are included without a stated limit.

First snorkeling stop at Jazā’ir Jiftūn

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to Jazā’ir Jiftūn for about 45 minutes of snorkeling. This is one of the most valuable parts of the schedule because you have time to get beyond the beach and see the Red Sea as a living marine environment.

The water may offer clownfish, rays, dolphins, and coral in several colors. Visibility can reach up to 45 meters in good conditions, though wind, light, and water movement affect what you actually see on the day.

You receive snorkeling equipment and a life jacket. The guides help with safety and provide advice on how to use the gear. If you cannot swim well, tell the crew early. The supplied information describes guides staying with weaker swimmers so they can still take part, but you should not treat this as a substitute for being honest about your ability.

This stop is also where the sea conditions matter most. A calm surface makes it easier to spot fish and stay comfortable. Strong wind can make entry and exit harder, and some people may feel seasick. Motion sickness tablets, taken according to medical advice, may be worth considering if you know you are sensitive.

Some guests add scuba as an extra, but it is not included in this package. The included activity is snorkeling. Ask about any optional underwater activity before agreeing to pay for it.

Buffet lunch on the Red Sea

Lunch is served on board after the first snorkeling stop. Eating at sea keeps the schedule practical and avoids losing more time returning to shore.

The buffet includes fish, chicken, chicken nuggets, meat kofta, oven-roasted potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, and four kinds of salad. Three types of fruit are also included. It is a broad, filling menu rather than a refined restaurant meal.

I see the food as a strong part of the price, especially for families and anyone who wants a proper meal after swimming. There should be enough choice for people who prefer meat, fish, vegetables, or simple pasta and rice. Snacks and drinks are also available during the day.

Do not expect every drink choice you might find at a hotel bar. The drinks are mainly soft drinks and hot drinks, and the range may be limited. If you have strict dietary needs, ask the operator in advance rather than assuming the buffet can meet them.

Lunch lasts about 45 minutes. That gives you time to eat without turning the whole excursion into a restaurant stop. The boat remains the base for the rest of the day, so you can return to the shade or sun after eating.

A second reef stop at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī

The second snorkeling session takes place at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī and lasts another 45 minutes. Having two separate reef stops is better than one long swim at a single location.

The water and fish life can differ from the first site, and the break between stops gives you time to dry off, eat, and regain energy. This also helps beginners. You can treat the first stop as practice, then feel more comfortable during the second.

The crew’s role is important here. You are not simply handed a mask and pointed toward the water. Guides offer advice, watch the group, and help people who need support. That is particularly useful for children and adults who are anxious about snorkeling.

Still, the sea is not a swimming pool. Conditions can change, and the trip may feel tiring if you are not used to being in the water. Take breaks, drink regularly, and use the life jacket if you need extra confidence.

Banana boat, free time, and the massage

The itinerary allows about 45 minutes for a banana boat ride, followed by another 45 minutes of free time on the Red Sea. These activities depend on the weather and current safety decisions.

Water sports have occasionally been canceled because of conditions or local safety concerns. You should treat the banana boat as a possible extra, not the main reason to book. Snorkeling and Orange Bay are the reliable centerpieces.

The free time gives you room to sit, sunbathe, enjoy the view, or have more snacks and drinks. After two snorkeling sessions, this pause is welcome. Bring a towel and dry clothes, since you may spend a long part of the afternoon moving between wet swimwear and the open deck.

Each person receives one back massage while the boat cruises. It is a short onboard treatment, not a spa appointment, but it adds a pleasant break to a packed day. If you want a quiet massage, choose a time when the deck is less active.

The boat returns to the Red Sea for another 45-minute cruise before the van transfer back to your hotel. By then, you will likely be ready for a nap, especially if you joined every water activity.

What the crew does well

The human side of this trip is one of its strongest features. Andrew is often the main point of contact, and Mostafa is also named as a helpful guide. The crew is described as friendly, funny, attentive, and careful with safety.

That matters more than polished sales talk. A boat day can quickly become stressful if nobody explains where to go, how to use the equipment, or when to return. Here, the guides appear to keep the schedule moving while still helping individuals.

The crew also makes an effort with birthdays and special occasions. A complimentary cake has been provided for at least one birthday, and the team has helped make family celebrations feel personal. Do not assume this is guaranteed, but you can ask when booking.

Photography is another optional part of the day. Mohammed is identified as the photographer, including underwater photography. Photos and videos may cost extra, so check the price before committing.

Tips are shared among the crew rather than handed to one person, according to the supplied trip details. That can make tipping simpler, but carry cash if you plan to thank the team.

What to bring and who should skip it

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A waterproof phone pouch can also be useful, though it is not listed as an included item.

You should bring motion sickness medicine only if it is suitable for you and approved by your doctor or pharmacist. The boat can feel windy and choppy, especially around Orange Bay or during transfers between sites.

This trip suits you if you want a full Red Sea day with a little of everything: island time, reef snorkeling, food, a massage, and possible water sports. Families, couples, first-time snorkelers, and people who cannot swim confidently may appreciate the crew support.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The boat, van, island landing, and water activities require a level of movement and balance. You should also think twice if you dislike organized schedules, crowded attractions, or open-water conditions.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Is the Orange Bay cruise worth booking?

I would book this tour if I wanted a well-priced, full-day introduction to Hurghada’s Red Sea. The strongest reasons are the early Orange Bay arrival, two snorkeling stops, attentive guides, and the amount included for $53.

I would not book it for a private-island fantasy or a slow luxury cruise. Orange Bay can become crowded, the schedule is active, the banana boat may be canceled, and the sea can be rough enough to cause sickness.

For the best chance of a good day, bring sun protection, arrive ready for an early start, tell Andrew or another guide if you are nervous in the water, and keep some time free to rest between activities. If that balance of comfort, activity, and value sounds right, Royal Cruise Hurghada offers a sensible way to see more of the Red Sea in one day.

FAQ

How long does the Orange Bay cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours. This includes hotel transfers, cruising, the island visit, two snorkeling stops, lunch, free time, and possible water activities.

Where can pickup and drop-off be arranged?

Pickup and drop-off are available in Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and El Gouna.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, along with a guided snorkeling stop at two selected Red Sea locations.

What food and drinks are included?

The buffet includes fish, chicken, chicken nuggets, meat kofta, roasted potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, four salads, and three kinds of fruit. Unlimited soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are included on the boat. Drinks on Orange Bay are not included.

Is scuba included in the price?

No. Scuba is not included in the stated package. It may be available as an optional extra, but you should confirm the price before adding it.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.