Makadi: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch

Orange Bay is the star of this Red Sea outing. You reach its white sand by speedboat, not a slow tour boat, then pair beach time with two 20-minute snorkeling stops around Giftun National Park. The water is clear, the reefs are colorful, and dolphins may appear along the route.

I like the small-boat feel and the chance to stop at two different reef sites. I also like the practical extras: hotel pickup, equipment, lunch, fruit, water, soft drinks, shade, and a stereo on board. The main catch is the early and sometimes lengthy pickup, plus a wet, wobbly transfer to the boat that may trouble anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points

• Two reef stops: Each snorkeling stop lasts about 20 minutes, with colorful fish and possible sea turtles.
• Orange Bay beach time: White sand and clear, shallow-looking water give the island its Caribbean-style appeal.
• Fast transport: The speedboat reaches the first snorkeling area in roughly 20 minutes.
• Helpful guides: Sabry has assisted children and swimmers who needed extra help in the water.
• Useful inclusions: Hotel pickup, lunch box, equipment, island entry, fruit, drinks, shade, and life jackets are included.
• Know the trade-off: Shared pickup routes can take longer, and the boat transfer can be wet and unsteady.

Why Orange Bay works as the main event

Orange Bay gives this trip its easy visual appeal. You step onto pale sand beside clear Red Sea water, with time to swim, sit in the sun, or wander around at your own pace. It has a polished island feel rather than a remote, untouched one, but the setting is still a welcome change from Hurghada’s hotels and roads.

The beach stop matters because the snorkeling sections are fairly short. Two 20-minute sessions let you see reef life without keeping you in the water all day, while Orange Bay gives you a proper break. You can dry off, eat, and enjoy the scenery instead of rushing from one water activity to the next.

The island can get busy. If you want quiet, walk away from the busiest section and look for a less crowded place to sit. Water shoes are useful for the shore. You may be asked to go barefoot on the island, but shells and stones can make walking uncomfortable, so carry the shoes in your bag and use them where permitted.

The speedboat ride from Hurghada to Giftun National Park

After pickup, you go to the marina, meet the guide, and receive a short introduction before setting off. The first snorkeling area is reached in about 20 minutes, a useful advantage over a slower full-day boat trip.

The speed gives the journey a sense of occasion. You get open views across the Red Sea, fresh air, and more time at the islands than you would with a long motorboat crossing. It also means wind. The boat can feel surprisingly cold at speed, especially when you are wet after snorkeling, so pack a light sweater or jacket even on a warm day.

The boat includes a shaded area, stereo system, mineral water, soft drinks, fruit, and life jackets. Those details are not glamorous, but they make a real difference. Shade gives you a place to cool down between stops, and the drinks help when the sun is strong.

The exact feel depends on the boat and the pickup arrangement. One reported outing used a large inflatable transfer boat to reach the main speedboat. The transfer was wet and wobbly, with most people getting splashed. If you have seasickness, balance problems, or dislike unstable boats, this is worth taking seriously.

Two 20-minute snorkeling stops

The snorkeling plan is simple: two different reef sites, around 20 minutes at each. The short sessions suit people who want a taste of Red Sea marine life without signing up for a long open-water program.

You can expect colorful fish around coral reefs, and sea turtles are possible. Dolphins may also be watched from the speedboat, though no wildlife sighting can be promised. Bring realistic expectations: this is a guided sightseeing trip, not a specialist marine expedition.

The two locations give you a better chance of seeing varied underwater scenery than a single stop. Conditions can change with wind, water movement, and visibility, so one site may feel stronger than the other. Still, the chance to try twice is valuable, especially for first-time snorkelers.

Sabry has been praised for helping a child with snorkeling. That points to a useful strength of this outing: you do not have to be an expert swimmer to take part, as long as you are comfortable with the water and follow the guide’s instructions. Life jackets are included, and the guide can offer support, but you should still tell the crew if you feel unsure before entering the water.

The equipment is included, which keeps the $53 price practical. You need to bring your own towel and sunscreen. Apply sunscreen before boarding and bring cash for any optional extras or personal spending.

Lunch, fruit, and the island pause

The standard meal is a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and roast beef sandwich. Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are also included. This is a functional boat-day meal, not a restaurant lunch, so plan your expectations accordingly.

You can add lunch on the island during checkout, with an upgrade to seafood lunch also available. That option may suit you if sitting down for a fuller meal is part of the appeal. If you are happy with a simple sandwich and want more beach time, the included box should be enough for a half-day outing.

After eating, you have time to swim, sit on the sand, or explore. This unstructured pause is one of the better features of the schedule. You are not pushed straight from lunch into another activity, and you can decide how much sun and water you want.

Remember that the Red Sea sun can feel strong even when the speedboat wind makes the air seem cool. Use the shaded area, drink water, and keep your sunscreen close. The supplied drinks help, but you should not rely on soft drinks alone for hydration.

Pickup timing can shape your whole morning

Hotel pickup and return are included from Hurghada and the Makadi area. Pickup details are sent by email at 10 pm the night before, so check your inbox and make sure the operator has your correct nationality, hotel, address, and room number.

The meeting point is the main hotel entrance by the road, not the reception entrance or a side gate. This is an important detail. Be ready there at the stated time, since the driver can wait no more than five minutes.

Shared pickups can add a lot of time. One 9 am booking from Stella Gardens involved a 6:50 am pickup followed by about an hour of collecting other people, with a full bus and cramped seating. That will not necessarily happen on every departure, but it shows why you should not judge the day only by the advertised boat time.

If you are staying in Safaga or Soma Bay, long-range pickup is available as a paid add-on during checkout. Confirm that extra cost before paying, since the standard price is aimed at the Hurghada and Makadi area.

A private speedboat or private arrangement may make sense if you dislike group transport or want more control over the pace. The experience is also available as a shared trip, which keeps the price down but may mean a longer road transfer and less personal space.

What the $53 price really covers

At $53 per person, the value is strongest when you use the full package. You are paying for hotel transport, the speedboat, guide, snorkeling gear, two reef stops, island entry, lunch box, fruit, water, soft drinks, and life jackets. For a day built around both reef time and a beach stop, that is a fair bundle.

The price also removes several small costs that can quickly add up on a boat outing. You do not need to rent snorkeling gear separately or pay island entry at the dock. You also have basic food and drinks covered.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a quiet beach day. Orange Bay can be busy, and the shared pickup may take longer than expected. In that case, the fast boat and two reef stops are what justify the cost, not the beach alone.

Parasailing is available as an add-on. Only select it if you want another paid activity and are comfortable with the extra charge. It is not part of the standard package.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This outing suits you if you want a half-day-style Red Sea experience with several elements in one booking. You get a fast ride, reef snorkeling, island time, lunch, and hotel transport without arranging each part separately.

Families may appreciate the guide support, life jackets, and short snorkeling sessions. Sabry has helped a child in the water, which is encouraging for parents, although every child should be comfortable following instructions and entering the sea.

It also suits couples and friends who want the speedboat itself to be part of the fun. The open-water ride adds energy, and the onboard stereo and shaded area make the trip feel social rather than purely instructional.

This is not a good choice for people with back problems. It is also a poor fit if you are very prone to seasickness or want a large, stable boat. The inflatable transfer and fast ride can be uncomfortable in choppy conditions. If stability matters more than speed, a larger boat trip may serve you better.

Practical packing advice for Orange Bay

Pack lightly, but include the right items:

• Towel
• High-factor sunscreen
• Light sweater or jacket
• Water shoes
• Cash
• Your passport copy, sent in advance for daily permissions

The jacket is especially useful because the speedboat wind can make the ride cold. Water shoes help with shells and stones, though you should follow the island’s footwear rules.

Keep your phone and other valuables protected from spray. The transfer to the speedboat may get wet, and even a calm Red Sea crossing involves wind and water around the boat.

Bring patience for the road pickup. The boat portion is the exciting part, but the day begins with hotel transfers, and shared routes can be much longer than you expect.

Book it if you want speed and variety

I would choose this trip if you want to see Giftun National Park, snorkel twice, and spend time on Orange Bay without committing to a long day on a large tour boat. The strongest points are the fast transport, helpful crew, included equipment, and good mix of reef and beach time.

I would hesitate if you have back problems, strong seasickness, or little tolerance for early pickups and crowded transfers. In that case, look for a larger boat with steadier boarding and more room.

For everyone else, $53 is a reasonable price for the number of services included. Book the private option if personal space and timing matter to you. Choose the shared version if keeping costs down is more important and you can accept a longer pickup route.

FAQ

What is included in the $53 tour price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a speedboat cruise, a guide, snorkeling equipment, two 20-minute snorkeling stops, island entry, a lunch box, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, shade on board, a stereo system, and life jackets.

Where does the tour go?

The trip travels from Hurghada to two snorkeling sites around Giftun National Park and then to Orange Bay Island.

How long is each snorkeling stop?

Each of the two snorkeling stops lasts about 20 minutes.

Can I see dolphins or sea turtles?

Dolphins may be watched from the speedboat, and sea turtles may be seen at the snorkeling sites. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What food is included?

The standard lunch box includes a cheese sandwich and a roast beef sandwich. Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are also included.

Can I upgrade the lunch?

Yes. You can add lunch on the island during checkout, including an option to upgrade to a seafood lunch.

Is pickup available from Safaga or Soma Bay?

Yes. Long-range pickup from Safaga and the Soma Bay area is available as a paid add-on during checkout.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light jacket is useful because the speedboat can feel cold, and water shoes can help with stones and shells on the island.