Hurghada: Orange & Giftun Island Cruise with Massage & Lunch

Orange Bay is the main draw here: a bright strip of sand and shallow Red Sea water reached by boat from Hurghada. You get 75 minutes on the island, then two reef stops, lunch, a massage, and a banana boat ride. It is a full day, not a quick offshore hop.

I like the combination of real time in the water and quiet time on deck. I also like the spacious yacht, generous food, and crew support during snorkeling. Bassem and the boat team have been singled out for friendly help, including assistance for a passenger with sore feet. The one catch is the early pickup, long day, and late lunch, so bring a breakfast box if you need food before 2 p.m.

Key points at a glance

• Orange Bay gets 75 minutes: Use the time for the beach, shallow water, and photographs.
• Two separate snorkeling stops: Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī give you two chances to see coral and fish.
• Lunch comes late: The buffet is served after the first reef stop, so carry a small breakfast or snack.
• A massage is included: This is a short relaxation break while the boat is at sea.
• The yacht is spacious: The boat has room to spread out, rather than keeping everyone crowded together.
• Water activities add variety: A banana boat ride follows the second snorkeling stop.

Why this Red Sea day works so well

At $53 per person, this is priced as a full package rather than a bare boat transfer. Hotel pickup and drop-off, the yacht trip, natural reserve fee, equipment, lunch, drinks, snacks, massage, two snorkeling stops, and the banana boat ride are all included.

That matters because separate costs can quickly add up on a day at sea. You are not paying only for access to Orange Bay. You are paying for transport from your hotel, food, gear, water activities, and a guide team for roughly 8.5 hours.

The strongest part is the balance. Orange Bay gives you a beach stop, while the two reef visits give you the Red Sea experience itself. Between them, the massage and lunch keep the day from becoming one long stretch of swimming.

The yacht is described as clean and spacious, with enough room for people to sit comfortably. That is important on a long cruise. You will spend about 45 minutes in the van each way, 45 minutes traveling out by boat, and another 25 minutes on the return boat ride. A crowded deck would make those stretches tiring.

From your hotel to Hurghada’s open water

Pickup is offered from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna. The provider contacts you one day before the trip with the exact pickup time. Wait outside your hotel reception five minutes before that time.

The van ride is listed at about 45 minutes. Your actual ride depends on the pickup area, since the service covers several resort zones. Safaga and El Gouna can mean a longer start or finish than a central Hurghada hotel, so keep the whole day free.

Pickup is not available from Viva Blue Hotel. That is a small but important point to check before booking.

Once you reach the boat, the pace changes. The first boat ride takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to settle in, take in the sea views, and have a hot or soft drink. Snacks are included, which helps, but I would still pack something more substantial for the morning.

Orange Bay and the first taste of Giftun Island

The first major stop is Orange Bay, where you have 75 minutes. You can stay on the beach, wade in the clear water, or simply take photographs from the sand and shallow sea.

The bay is the calmest part of the day. It gives you a chance to slow down before the active water stops begin. If you want a peaceful swim, use this visit early rather than waiting for the snorkeling stops. If photographs matter to you, this is also the best place to get beach and sea images without wearing a mask and fins.

One useful timing detail comes from the day’s schedule: the boat aims to arrive early. That can make the beach feel more relaxed before the main flow of boat activity builds. Conditions vary, of course, but an early arrival is a real advantage at a popular island stop.

Do not expect an isolated desert island experience. Orange Bay is a known stop on the Giftun Island route, with a designed beach setting and water activities. Its appeal is easy access, clear water, and a pleasant break from the boat, not wilderness.

Small Giftun: your first reef stop

After Orange Bay, the boat takes about 20 minutes to reach the Small Giftun reef area. You have 45 minutes for snorkeling.

This is where the trip shifts from beach day to Red Sea wildlife experience. You can expect coral formations and fish in clear water, with the crew helping you find suitable places to look. The stated marine life figures, more than 500 kinds of fish and 125 kinds of coral, describe the wider Red Sea rather than guarantee a checklist at this one site.

The crew support is one of the most useful parts of the outing. If you are new to snorkeling, you can rely on guidance during the water session. That extra help can make a big difference when you are unsure how to use the equipment, where to look, or how to stay comfortable in open water.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. Snorkeling equipment is included, but the supplied information does not say that towels are provided. Wear sunscreen before boarding and reapply when you come out of the water. You are asked not to touch marine life or plants, both for your safety and for the reef.

Lunch on the Red Sea, served late

After the first snorkeling stop, lunch is served on the boat for about 45 minutes. The buffet includes salads, vegetables, fish, and barbecue dishes. Hot drinks, soft drinks, and snacks are also included during the day.

The food is more than a token meal. The menu offers several choices, which is useful if your group has different tastes. A hot buffet also makes sense after time in the water, when you may be hungry and ready to sit down.

The timing deserves attention. Lunch is around 2 p.m. on at least some departures, so you should bring a breakfast box or filling snack. The included snacks help, but I would not rely on them as your only morning food, especially if you have a long pickup from Safaga or El Gouna.

You eat while the yacht is on the Red Sea, rather than returning to shore. That keeps the day moving and lets you use the full excursion time for the islands and reefs.

Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī brings a second look underwater

The second snorkeling stop is at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, with about 45 minutes in the water. Two reef locations are better than one because water conditions, visibility, and marine life can change from site to site.

You might find the second stop more relaxed because you already know how the equipment feels. It is a good time to look closely at coral shapes and fish rather than rushing to see everything. The Red Sea is known for colorful reefs, but visibility is never something a tour can guarantee. Wind, current, and weather affect what you see.

You should follow the crew’s instructions and avoid standing on coral or touching plants. The point is to observe the reef without damaging it. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water. The staff are there to help, and the activity is designed to include guidance.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a worthwhile session without making the entire day feel like a swim test. You can also choose to spend more time on the boat if you need a break, though the exact arrangements depend on the crew and conditions.

Massage and banana boat time

The massage is a welcome change of pace. It takes place as you sail on the calm Red Sea, giving you a short period to relax after the water activities. This is not a spa day with a long treatment menu. Think of it as a simple included massage that adds comfort to a busy excursion.

That small detail helps explain the tour’s appeal. Many boat trips offer snorkeling and lunch, then send you home tired. Here, the massage gives you a chance to sit still and enjoy the sea air.

The banana boat ride follows the second snorkeling stop and lasts about 45 minutes in the schedule. Water sports are included, so this is not an extra activity you need to arrange separately. It adds a playful finish for anyone who wants more movement after snorkeling.

You do not have to treat every included activity as a requirement. If you prefer the shade, a quiet drink, or more time on deck, the boat’s range of activities lets you shape the day around your energy.

The boat, crew, and languages

The yacht is presented as a more comfortable option, with a spacious deck and clean facilities. You should still expect a working excursion boat rather than a private yacht. Other people will be on board, and the day includes several organized stops.

The crew’s role is especially important during snorkeling. Bassem and the boat team are noted for staying helpful, keeping drinks available, and assisting people who need extra care. One account describes the crew finding a way to help an injured passenger take part in snorkeling. That suggests a practical, attentive approach, though you should always tell the crew about any physical limits before an activity begins.

Guiding is available in German, English, Russian, and Arabic. That makes the trip easier for mixed-language groups. The supplied details do not identify every guide by name, but Bassem is associated with the boat team and is worth asking for when you meet the crew.

What to pack for a long day at sea

The practical packing list is simple:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Water and extra snacks
• Cash
• A breakfast box if you do not like waiting until a late lunch

Use reef-friendly habits even though the tour does not specify a particular sunscreen type. Do not touch fish, coral, or plants. Keep your camera secure around the water, and remember that sea spray can reach the deck.

Bring cash because it is specifically recommended, though the provided details do not state which extra services require it. Comfortable clothing for the van ride is also sensible, since the full day includes transport before and after the cruise.

Who will get the most from this trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want several Red Sea activities in one booking. It suits couples, families, and groups who do not all want the same thing every minute. One person can snorkel, another can enjoy the beach, and everyone can meet for lunch and the boat ride.

It is also a good match for first-time snorkelers because equipment and crew support are included. You do not need to arrange a separate reef guide or find your own boat transfer.

You may want a different experience if you dislike organized schedules or prefer a quiet private charter. The day moves through a set sequence: van, boat, island, reef, lunch, second reef, water activity, and return. The long duration is part of the value, but it can feel like a lot if you want only a short swim and beach stop.

The trip is not ideal for anyone expecting lunch early in the day, a completely empty island, or guaranteed sightings of specific fish. The sea is natural, and conditions can change.

Booking value and flexible plans

At $53, the package offers strong value if you plan to use most of what is included. The combination of transport, natural reserve entry, yacht time, lunch, gear, drinks, massage, and two reef stops would be costly to arrange piece by piece.

The value is strongest for an active full-day outing. If you only want to sit on a beach, you may pay for activities you will not use. If you want snorkeling, island time, food, and a little fun on the water, the price is easier to justify.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Check the starting time when you choose your date, since pickup times vary by hotel and location.

Should you book it?

Book this Orange Bay and Giftun Island cruise if you want a well-filled day with two reef stops, a beach visit, and a proper buffet lunch. The included massage, spacious yacht, and helpful crew make it more comfortable than a basic snorkeling transfer.

I would especially recommend it to first-time visitors to Hurghada, mixed groups, and anyone who likes good value in an all-in-one tour. Pack breakfast, expect a long day, and keep your schedule clear from pickup through drop-off. If that sounds right, this is a sensible way to experience the Red Sea without arranging each part yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Orange Bay and Giftun Island cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about 8.5 hours, including transport, the boat cruise, island time, snorkeling, lunch, water activities, and the return journey.

Where is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna. Pickup is not available from Viva Blue Hotel.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The van ride is listed at about 45 minutes each way, though the exact time depends on your pickup area.

How long do you spend at Orange Bay?

The scheduled visit to Orange Bay lasts 75 minutes. You can use that time on the beach or swimming in the clear water.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. One is at the Small Giftun reef area, and the other is at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī. Each snorkeling session is scheduled for about 45 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and the natural reserve entry fee are included. You should bring your own swimwear and towel.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is a buffet with salads, vegetables, fish, and barbecue dishes. Soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are also included.

Which languages are available on the tour?

Live tour support is available in German, English, Russian, and Arabic.