Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the combination of small-group speedboat travel and two proper snorkeling stops before your island time. You are not stuck on a large boat all day. You get moving quickly, reach Giftun Island National Park in about 20 minutes, and spend the day switching between coral reefs, open sea, and a white-sand beach.

I like the way the crew handles first-time snorkelers. Guides such as Mido, Ahmed, Yousif, and Hassan have been praised for staying close, explaining what to do, and helping nervous swimmers feel safe. I also like the early start option, since it can mean calmer water, fewer people at Orange Bay, and better chances of seeing dolphins.

The main catch is that Orange Bay can feel crowded, and the speedboat ride may be quite bumpy when the wind picks up. Pickup is also not exact: allow a one-hour window around the stated time in Hurghada, and up to 90 minutes from distant resort areas.

Key points to know before you book

• Two snorkeling stops: You get roughly 20 minutes at each site, with masks, fins, and life jackets supplied.
• Orange Bay time: Plan on about 1.5 hours for swimming, photos, beach time, and the island’s Caribbean-style setting.
• Small private group: The boat experience is arranged as a private group, with some boats carrying around eight people.
• Helpful crew: Mido, Ahmed, Wissam, Kareem, Yousif, and Hassan are among the guides and captains praised for patient, cheerful service.
• Extra pickup fees: Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay require a paid add-on or payment at the harbor.
• Bring a towel and cash: Also pack sun protection, a change of clothes, and a light rain jacket or poncho for spray.

Why this speedboat trip works better than a standard boat outing

Hurghada offers plenty of Red Sea excursions, but the boat style matters. A large day boat can mean more time waiting, more passengers, and a slower run out to the islands. This trip uses a speedboat, so the first snorkeling area is reached in about 20 minutes and Orange Bay follows after a short ride of around five minutes.

That speed gives the outing a lively feel from the start. The boat has a shaded area, a stereo system, and life jackets. You can sit back between stops, listen to music, and watch the Red Sea open around you. The ride is part of the attraction, not simply transport.

The tradeoff is motion. A fast boat is fun in calm weather, but it can bounce hard in wind and chop. If you have back problems, this trip is not suitable. Families with children have enjoyed it, but you should be honest about how your group handles speed, spray, and a moving boat.

The group setup is another plus. The experience is sold as a private group, and several bookings have had around eight people with two guides. That gives you more personal attention than a packed excursion boat, particularly in the water. It also makes it easier for the guide to notice if someone is nervous or needs help.

From hotel pickup to the Hurghada marina

Your day begins with a hotel pickup from Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, or Safaga, depending on the booking. The pickup point is the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not the reception entrance or lobby area.

Do not treat the scheduled time as exact. Hurghada pickups can vary by about 60 minutes, while extended areas may vary by about 90 minutes. The company sends the final details by email or WhatsApp at around 10:00 PM the night before, so provide your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number.

Look for a white or black bus with the Go Shalabi logo. The driver can wait only about five minutes, since other pickups follow. I would be ready early, with your phone charged and your booking details easy to show.

The company asks for a passport copy and nationality details. Keep your personal belongings close. The operator specifically places responsibility for lost or damaged items with you, so do not leave phones, sunglasses, wallets, or bags unattended on the beach or boat.

If you are staying in Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay, check the long-range transfer cost before paying. If you did not select the pickup add-on, you may need to pay at the harbor, and the booking cannot be canceled after 6:00 PM the day before for that reason.

Two Giftun Island snorkeling stops

After a short briefing at the marina, you board the speedboat and head toward Giftun Islands National Park. The first ride takes about 20 minutes, which is short enough to keep the day moving but long enough to enjoy the sea and the changing views.

The itinerary includes two snorkeling locations, with about 20 minutes in the water at each. Masks, fins, and life jackets are provided. The guides point out the best areas and can lead the way, which is useful if you have never snorkeled before or feel unsure in open water.

The Red Sea is the reason to book this outing. Expect coral formations and colorful fish, with the chance of seeing turtles, moray eels, flying fish, or dolphins. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but several outings have had close dolphin sightings, including dolphins seen on the return ride. That possibility adds excitement, but you should book for the reef and scenery rather than expect a particular animal.

Twenty minutes per stop is enough for a good look, though it is not a long snorkeling session. Confident swimmers may wish for more time. Nervous swimmers often appreciate the shorter format, especially when a guide stays nearby with a buoyancy aid.

Conditions matter. On a windy day, the water can be choppy and the ride can become rough. One guide offered a date change when the sea was especially windy, but a group can also choose to continue. Ask the crew about conditions before entering the water, and use the life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer.

A useful detail from the better outings is that the crew sometimes chooses less commercial reef areas rather than stopping beside a mass of other boats. That can make the water feel calmer and the reef easier to enjoy. The exact site depends on the captain and sea conditions.

Orange Bay and its soft-sand postcard look

After the snorkeling stops, the speedboat takes roughly five minutes to Orange Bay. You get about 1.5 hours on the island, enough time for a swim, a walk along the sand, photographs, and a rest under the sun.

Orange Bay has clear shallow water and soft white sand. Its platforms, beach setup, and bright sea create the Caribbean-style feel promised by the excursion. It is the most photogenic stop, and a crew photographer may take pictures in the water or on the island for an extra fee.

I would manage expectations here. Orange Bay is beautiful, but it is also a popular stop. During busy periods, the beach can feel crowded and the hour or two passes quickly. If you want a quiet desert-island experience, this is not that. If you want attractive water, easy swimming, and a convenient beach break after snorkeling, it delivers.

The timing makes a difference. Earlier trips may reach the island before the busiest period. Several people have also preferred morning departures because the sea can be calmer and the island less full. Check available start times when booking rather than assuming every departure follows the same schedule.

Use the island time well. Swim first, take photographs when the light is good, then find shade and relax. Ice cream and other drinks may cost extra, and some prices on the island can surprise you. Carry cash, preferably with small notes in a currency accepted by the operator and island businesses.

Food, drinks, music, and what is really included

The included refreshments are seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. Fresh fruit has been a welcome touch on hot days, and drinks are offered during the trip. Some people also describe an included lunch that was well presented, but the formal inclusions specifically list fruit and drinks rather than a detailed meal menu.

For that reason, I would confirm the lunch arrangement before booking if food matters to you. Bring a small snack if you have allergies, special dietary needs, or simply prefer more than fruit during a half-day on the water. One person specifically advised picky eaters to pack their own food.

The boat has shade and a stereo system. Music can add to the holiday mood, especially with an outgoing crew, but it may not suit everyone. If you want a quiet nature trip, mention that preference to your guide.

Parasailing is available only if you select it as an add-on. It is not part of the standard trip. One account found the parasailing very short for the extra cost, so I would ask about the exact duration and price before adding it.

Photography is also optional and may cost extra. You can bring your own phone, but protect it from spray and keep it in a secure waterproof pouch. The crew has taken underwater and island photos, which can be useful if you do not want to risk your own phone in the sea.

Is the $174 group price good value?

The listed price is $174 per group of up to two people. That makes the value strongest for a couple or two friends who want a more personal boat outing rather than a large shared cruise. The cost covers hotel pickup from the main service area, the speedboat, guide, snorkeling equipment, two stops, island entry, water, soft drinks, fruit, shade, and life jackets.

You are paying for time and boat style as much as for the island. A slower trip may cost less, but the speedboat gets you between locations quickly and gives the day a more private feel. For two people, that can be a fair price when you value comfort, flexibility, and personal help in the water.

The value becomes less clear if you need long-range pickup, paid photography, parasailing, or extra food. Add-on costs can change the final total. Check the full price for your hotel before you compare this with another Hurghada excursion.

The high overall rating, 4.7 from 1,233 ratings, fits the strongest parts of the experience: friendly crews, clear WhatsApp communication, small groups, good reef stops, and a fast boat. The occasional weak point is not usually the staff. It is the weather, crowding at Orange Bay, rough water, or an extra activity that feels expensive for its short duration.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would choose this trip if you want to see several sides of the Red Sea in one half-day. It suits couples, families with older children, small friend groups, first-time snorkelers, and solo visitors who want a guided boat day without joining a very large vessel.

It is especially useful for a short Hurghada stay. You get reef time, island time, and a proper speedboat ride in about four to six hours, leaving part of the day free.

Families should tell the guide if a child is nervous in the water. The crew has helped children and less confident swimmers, but the sea is still open water and the boat can be bumpy.

I would skip it if you have back problems, dislike fast boats, want a quiet beach with no other people, or need a guaranteed full meal. You may also prefer a longer snorkeling trip if reefs are your main reason for going.

Practical packing advice for the Red Sea

Bring a sun hat, towel, cash, swimwear, and a change of clothes. A light rain jacket or poncho may sound odd for Egypt, but boat spray and a rough ride can leave you wet.

Use strong sun protection and keep valuables in a dry bag. The boat has shade, but you will still spend plenty of time in direct sun at the snorkeling sites and on Orange Bay.

Read the final pickup message the night before. Be at the hotel road entrance early, not at reception. The five-minute waiting limit is important.

If you use prescription medication, keep it with you rather than in a checked hotel bag. The same goes for sunglasses, phones, and passports. You are responsible for personal items throughout the day.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your weather plans are uncertain, but extended pickup bookings have stricter rules after 6:00 PM the day before.

Should you book the Orange Bay speedboat cruise?

I would book it for a well-rounded Red Sea day with a lively ride, two short reef stops, and a pretty island break. The strongest reason to choose it is the small-group format and the crew’s hands-on help. Guides such as Mido, Ahmed, Yousif, Hassan, and Wissam have made a real difference for nervous swimmers and families.

Book an early departure if available. You may get better water conditions, less crowding at Orange Bay, and a better chance of spotting dolphins along the route.

Before paying, confirm three things: your exact hotel transfer cost, what lunch means for that departure, and the price and duration of any parasailing or photography add-on. If you accept the bumpy ride and touristy island setting, the $174 price for two can be a solid choice for Hurghada.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada Orange Bay speedboat trip last?

The activity lasts about four to six hours, depending on the departure and pickup arrangements.

Where does the tour pick up?

Pickup is available from Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Long-range pickup from Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and some Safaga locations requires an extra fee.

Where should I wait for the pickup?

Wait at the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance or inside the hotel. Look for a white or black bus with the Go Shalabi logo.

When will I receive the final pickup time?

The pickup details are sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before the trip. Pickup times can vary by about one hour in Hurghada and up to 90 minutes in extended areas.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. You spend about 20 minutes at each location, subject to sea and weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

How long do I spend at Orange Bay?

The itinerary allows about 1.5 hours at Orange Bay for swimming, beach time, relaxing, and photographs.

Is lunch included?

Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are included. Some departures have included a presented lunch, but you should confirm the meal details before booking if lunch is important to you.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is available only when selected as an add-on. It is not included in the standard package.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Long-range pickup arrangements have additional restrictions after 6:00 PM the day before.