Makadi: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch

The best part of this trip is the fast ride across the Red Sea to two snorkeling sites near Giftun National Park, followed by white sand and shallow water at Orange Bay. I like the small-boat feel and the chance to see coral, colorful fish, and perhaps sea turtles without spending the whole day on a large excursion boat. I also like that the price includes hotel transport, gear, drinks, fruit, park entry, and a lunch box.

The main caution is the transfer and sea conditions. A pickup can take extra time while other people are collected, and one account describes boarding the speedboat from a wobbly inflatable boat. The speedboat ride can feel cold and rough, so bring a light jacket, and skip this trip if back problems or seasickness are concerns.

Key points to know before booking

• Two 20-minute snorkeling stops: You get two separate chances to see coral and Red Sea fish rather than one long stop.
• Orange Bay is the beach highlight: Expect white sand, clear water, swimming, sun, and time to wander at your own pace.
• The $53 price covers the essentials: Hotel pickup, return transport, guide, equipment, park entry, soft drinks, water, fruit, and a lunch box are included.
• Sabry may be your guide: One especially helpful guide named Sabry assisted a daughter with snorkeling, though guide assignment is not guaranteed.
• Bring more than swimwear: A towel, sunscreen, cash, and a light sweater or jacket are practical. Water shoes can help with shells and stones.
• Pickup is strict: Be at the hotel entrance by the road, not the reception gate, and be ready on time. The driver may wait only five minutes.

A fast start from Hurghada to the Giftun Islands

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada or the Makadi area, followed by a ride to the marina. The exact pickup time arrives by email at about 10 p.m. the night before, so check your messages before going to bed and confirm your hotel name, address, room number, and nationality when booking.

The meeting point is the hotel entrance nearest the road. This detail matters. Do not wait at the reception gate or inside the hotel lobby, since the driver may not come looking for you. Pickup is treated as a timed service, with no more than five minutes of waiting because other people are sharing the vehicle.

The ride to the marina can be simple, but it may not be quick. One outing involved an early pickup from Stella Gardens, then about an hour of collecting other people in a full minibus. If you value a quiet start and extra space, ask about a private option or be ready for a shared transfer.

At the marina, you meet the guide and receive a short introduction before heading out on the water. The boat is designed for speed, so you reach the first snorkeling spot in about 20 minutes. That is a real advantage over a slower, larger boat, especially if you want to spend your time in the water rather than making a long approach.

Two 20-minute stops for Red Sea snorkeling

The snorkeling portion includes two stops, each lasting about 20 minutes. That is not a long time in the water, but two sites give you a better chance of finding clear conditions and seeing different parts of the reef.

You receive snorkeling equipment and a life jacket. The water around Giftun National Park is known here for clear visibility, coral reefs, colorful fish, and possible sea turtles. You should expect a natural marine setting, not an aquarium with guaranteed sightings. The best approach is to treat turtles and unusual fish as a bonus while enjoying the reef itself.

The crew can help you get comfortable. Sabry is specifically associated with assisting a nervous or less confident snorkeler, so if you need help, say so early rather than staying at the back of the group. The guide speaks English and Arabic.

The stops are short enough to suit people who want a taste of snorkeling without committing to a full-day water program. Strong swimmers may wish they had more time. Families and first-time snorkelers may appreciate the shorter sessions, especially when the boat, sun, and salt water begin to wear you out.

Between stops, you can sit on the boat, enjoy the shaded area, and take in the open-water views. Soft drinks, mineral water, and seasonal fruit are included. The stereo system adds a casual holiday feel, but this is not the right choice if you want a quiet, naturalist-style boat ride.

Orange Bay, white sand, and a busy beach setting

After snorkeling, the speedboat heads to Orange Bay. This is the visual centerpiece of the trip: white sand, clear shallow water, and a beach setting that gives the Red Sea outing a Caribbean feel.

You have time to swim, sit on the sand, soak up the sun, or explore the island at your own pace. The water is the main attraction, so bring your towel and sunscreen in an easy-to-reach bag. The beach can be hard on bare feet because of stones and shells. Water shoes are useful for walking near the shore, even though you may need to go barefoot in some island areas.

Orange Bay is beautiful, but it is not a deserted beach. One practical account describes it as very busy, with quieter corners available if you look for them. That means you should set expectations correctly. You are booking a popular beach stop with attractive water and sand, not a private island escape.

The speedboat gives the day a more active feel than a standard beach transfer. You get the excitement of crossing the Red Sea quickly, but you also feel the motion more. The ride can be cold, especially when moving fast, so pack a thin sweater or jacket even on a hot day.

What lunch really includes at Orange Bay

The basic package includes a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and roast beef, along with drinks and seasonal fruit. That makes the $53 price easier to judge: you are not paying extra for the core food and water during the day.

If you prefer to eat on Orange Bay, you can add an island lunch during checkout. A seafood lunch upgrade is also available. The island meal includes local dishes and drinks, but you should check the selected option carefully before paying because the included lunch box and the paid island meal are different choices.

I would choose the lunch box if you want to keep the trip simple and spend more time swimming. The island meal makes sense if sitting down for local food is part of the experience you want, or if you prefer not to carry a sandwich around the beach. Seafood is an optional upgrade, not part of the standard price.

The boat, the ride, and comfort concerns

The speedboat is the reason to choose this outing over a larger cruise. It feels quick, direct, and lively, and the first snorkeling site is only about 20 minutes away. The boat also has a shaded section, life jackets, and a stereo system.

The tradeoff is comfort. A speedboat exposes you to more wind, spray, and motion than a large vessel. One outing involved boarding the main boat by a large inflatable tender, with most people getting wet during the transfer. The tender also felt wobbly, which could be uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness.

The supplied information says the trip is not suitable for people with back problems. I would also think carefully if you are very sensitive to motion or want a stable platform. For everyone else, the boat is part of the fun, but pack your belongings in something that can handle splashes.

The tour can be private or shared. A private option should appeal to families or friends who want more control over their day, while a shared boat keeps the cost lower. The exact group size is not given, so do not assume a small private outing unless you select that option.

Is $53 good value?

At $53 per person, the price is strong for a Red Sea day that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat, guide, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, island entry, life jackets, drinks, fruit, and a lunch box.

You are also paying for convenience. Organizing separate transport, boat access, park entry, snorkeling gear, and a visit to Orange Bay would take more effort and could cost more once each part is added. The included return transfer is especially useful if you are staying in Hurghada or Makadi and do not want to arrange a marina taxi.

The value is less clear if you want a long snorkeling session, a quiet beach, or a full restaurant meal included in the base price. The two water stops last about 20 minutes each, Orange Bay can be busy, and the island lunch costs extra. Parasailing is another add-on rather than part of the standard fare.

Pickup from Safaga and Soma Bay is available as a paid add-on. Check this during checkout instead of assuming the standard transfer covers those areas.

How to prepare for a smoother day

Keep your morning simple. Have your passport copy ready because daily permissions require it, and make sure the operator has your correct nationality and hotel details.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash
• A light sweater or jacket
• Water shoes if your feet are sensitive
• A waterproof bag for small valuables

Arrive at the road-facing hotel entrance before the stated pickup time. The five-minute waiting limit is important. If you miss the vehicle, the rest of the group should not have to wait.

Use sunscreen before reaching the marina and reapply after swimming. The combination of bright sun, white sand, and reflected light from the Red Sea can catch you quickly. Keep a drink nearby even though water and soft drinks are provided.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the guide. The snorkeling equipment and life jackets help, and assistance may be available, but you should not wait until you are already uncomfortable in the water.

Who will enjoy this Giftun Island trip?

I would recommend this outing to someone who wants a half-day-style Red Sea adventure with several different elements: a fast boat ride, short snorkeling sessions, an island beach, lunch, and hotel transport.

It suits:

• First-time snorkelers who want guided support
• Families with older children who can manage a speedboat and open-water setting
• Couples and friends looking for a lively beach day
• People who prefer a smaller, faster boat to a large cruise vessel
• Visitors staying in Hurghada or Makadi who want the logistics handled

I would be cautious about booking it for anyone with back problems, serious seasickness, or a strong dislike of wet, unstable boat transfers. It is also not ideal if your main goal is a silent beach with very few people.

The experience has a high rating of 4.7 from 26 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on friendly crew members, helpful snorkeling support, and excellent snorkeling locations. That matches the structure of the day: the natural attractions are strong, while the main complaints concern transport comfort and crowding rather than the reef or island itself.

Should you book this Orange Bay speedboat cruise?

Book it if you want a lively and efficient way to see Giftun National Park without spending the whole day on a large boat. The combination of two reef stops and Orange Bay gives you more variety than a simple beach transfer, and the $53 price covers the basic equipment, food, entry, drinks, and transport.

Before booking, decide if you are comfortable with a fast ride, possible spray, a tender transfer, and a popular beach. Choose the private option if controlling the pace matters to you, and add the island or seafood lunch only if a proper meal on the beach is important.

My practical choice would be to bring a jacket, water shoes, and a waterproof bag, then treat the lunch box as the standard meal. With those expectations, this is a well-priced Red Sea outing for snorkeling, sunshine, and a good burst of island scenery.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The tour operates in Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, with pickup from hotels in Hurghada and the Makadi area. It visits two snorkeling sites around the Giftun Islands National Park and Orange Bay.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $53 per person. Some services, including island lunch, seafood lunch, parasailing, and long-range pickup from Safaga or Soma Bay, can be selected as add-ons.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the covered pickup areas. Pickup from Safaga and Soma Bay is available as an additional option.

What is included for lunch?

The standard package includes a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and roast beef. You can add lunch on Orange Bay or upgrade to a seafood lunch during checkout.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The tour includes two snorkeling stops. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

Can I see sea turtles?

Sea turtles may be encountered at the snorkeling sites, along with colorful fish and coral reefs. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

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

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with back problems.

When will I receive pickup details?

Pickup details are sent by email at about 10 p.m. the night before the trip. You should also provide your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number, then wait at the main hotel entrance by the road.