Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the way it packs Red Sea snorkeling and island time into one fast half-day. You reach the first reef in about 20 minutes, explore two different sites, then spend roughly 1.5 hours on the soft sand at Orange Bay.

I like the small speedboat format, which feels more personal than a large boat loaded with dozens of people. I also like the patient water help from guides such as Ahmed and Youssef, especially if you are new to snorkeling. The main catch is that the ride can be bumpy, and Orange Bay can get crowded quickly.

Key things to know before booking

• Two reef stops: You get about 20 minutes at each snorkeling site, with equipment and life jackets supplied.
• A fast boat ride: The speedboat reaches the first stop quickly, but choppy water can make the journey rough.
• Orange Bay time: You have about 1.5 hours for swimming, photos, sun, and beach relaxation.
• Small-group feel: The experience is offered as a private group, with private or shared options available.
• Useful pickup warning: Your hotel pickup may vary by 60 to 90 minutes, and the vehicle waits only five minutes.
• Extra costs to check: Long-distance pickup and parasailing are add-ons, while the food details should be confirmed before departure.

Why this Hurghada cruise is worth considering

Hurghada has plenty of boat excursions, but the speedboat changes the rhythm of the day. You spend less time making a slow trip across the water and more time at the places you came to see. That matters on a four to six-hour outing, especially if you want a taste of the Red Sea without giving up a full day.

The experience starts with hotel pickup and a transfer to the marina. At the harbor, you meet the guide, receive a short briefing, and board the boat. The exact pickup time is not fixed to the minute. You may be collected one hour earlier or later than the scheduled time from Hurghada hotels, and the window can stretch to 90 minutes for Safaga, Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay.

That wide window is practical for the operator but inconvenient for you. Keep your morning free, watch for the confirmation sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10 p.m. the night before, and wait at the main entrance of the hotel by the road. Do not wait at reception or at a secondary gate.

Look for a white or black bus with the GoShalabi logo. The driver can wait only five minutes, so have your passport copy, nationality, hotel details, address, and room number ready ahead of time.

The speedboat ride to Giftun Island

Once you leave the marina, the boat itself becomes part of the attraction. The route to the first snorkeling site takes about 20 minutes, far quicker and more lively than a slow cruise. You have a shaded area, a stereo system, soft drinks, mineral water, seasonal fruit, and life jackets on board.

The ride is not always smooth. Several accounts describe a bumpy trip, particularly on windy days. One family was advised to bring a rain jacket or poncho, a change of clothes, and towels. That is sensible advice even when the forecast looks warm. Spray can reach the seating area, and wet swimwear stays uncomfortable on the return journey.

The crew names appearing most often in the feedback include Captain Wissam, Captain Islam, Captain Karim, Ahmed, Mido, Mahmoud, Hamdy, Hassan, and Youssef. The exact crew depends on the departure, but the useful pattern is clear: guides tend to stay involved rather than simply point out the water and leave you to manage alone.

That is especially helpful for children and nervous swimmers. Ahmed is praised for accompanying a less confident swimmer with a buoyancy aid, while Youssef is noted for calmly helping a first-time snorkeler. You should still be comfortable entering open water, since the snorkeling stops are not described as shallow beach sessions.

Two snorkeling stops in the Red Sea

The tour includes two snorkeling locations, with about 20 minutes at each. Masks, fins, and other basic snorkeling equipment are provided, and life jackets are available. The guide usually explains how to use the equipment and helps direct you toward the reef.

The appeal is the variety of Red Sea sea life. Expect coral formations and many kinds of fish, with possible sightings of turtles, dolphins, flying fish, and moray eels. Wildlife is never guaranteed, of course. Dolphins were seen on some outings, including close encounters on the return route, but you should treat that as luck rather than part of the promised program.

The first stop gets you into the water quickly. The second gives you another chance if the first site is choppy or you are still finding your confidence. This two-stop plan is useful because conditions can change across the water. One location may have better visibility, calmer water, or more fish on the day.

I particularly like the guide-led approach described by several people. A guide may point out coral and fish, lead you toward better sections of the reef, and keep an eye on less confident swimmers. You are not simply handed a mask and told to swim around.

Still, 20 minutes is not a long time. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, the schedule may feel brief. The tour is designed as a mixture of boat travel, reef time, and beach time, not as a specialist snorkeling expedition.

Wind is another factor. A calm sea can make the water feel easy and bright. On a windy day, the ride can be rough and the snorkeling less comfortable. If you are prone to seasickness or have back problems, take this seriously. The activity is specifically not suitable for people with back problems.

Orange Bay and the Caribbean-style setting

After the snorkeling, the boat takes about five minutes to reach Orange Bay. You get around 1.5 hours on the island, enough time to swim, sit on the beach, take photographs, and enjoy the clear water without rushing from one activity to another.

Orange Bay’s main draw is visual. The white sand and shallow-looking clear water create the tropical scene many people want from a Red Sea holiday. There are attractive spots for photographs, and the stop provides a welcome break after time in the water.

The setting also has a lively side. Orange Bay is popular, and it can become busy. One useful tip is to take an early departure if you want a calmer visit and a better chance of enjoying the beach before more boats arrive. Even then, do not expect a deserted island.

I would treat Orange Bay as a pleasant beach stop rather than an untouched wilderness experience. It has the Caribbean-style atmosphere advertised, but the popularity is part of the package. If you want quiet nature above all else, the island may feel too developed or crowded. If you want easy swimming, photos, and a comfortable pause between boat rides, it works well.

The 1.5-hour stay is one of the strongest parts of the schedule. It is long enough to settle in, but not so long that you lose the rest of your day. You can use the time for a swim, a walk along the sand, or simply a shaded rest.

Food, drinks, and what to bring

The activity includes mineral water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit. Several people particularly appreciated the fresh fruit served on board. The title describes the experience as including lunch, and one account describes a well-presented included lunch, but the formal inclusion details do not give a menu or clearly list lunch among the standard items.

I would confirm the lunch arrangement before departure, especially if food matters to you. One person found the available snacks less suitable for a picky eater or anyone with special dietary needs. Bring your own snack if you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or strong food preferences.

Bring a sun hat, towel, and cash. Add sunscreen, a dry change of clothes, and a light rain jacket or poncho for the boat ride. Keep phones, cameras, passports, and money in a sealed waterproof bag. You are responsible for personal belongings, and the operator does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Cash may be useful for optional purchases, photographs, tips, or extra services. Some feedback suggests carrying euros can be more convenient for certain costs, but the supplied information does not set a required currency or fixed prices for extras. Ask before paying.

Group size, private bookings, and the onboard mood

The tour is described as a private group experience, with private or shared speedboat choices. The advertised price is $174 per group of up to two people. That can be good value for a couple if the private option gives you a boat and crew without a large crowd. For larger parties, check the exact pricing and boat capacity during booking.

The reviews include both couples and a group of eight friends, so the final setup may vary. Some outings have felt especially personal, with two guides on a small boat. Others have included music, jokes, fruit, and a more energetic atmosphere.

You should know what kind of boat day you are choosing. The stereo and fast ride suit people who enjoy a social, lively outing. If you want silence and a slow cruise, this is not the right style. The captain controls the pace, and the ride may be exciting rather than gentle.

The guides are repeatedly praised for being friendly and attentive. Mido is described as entertaining, while Captain Islam is praised for music and keeping the group involved. Captain Wissam and Ahmed receive strong marks for helping with children and making people feel safe. That human element matters on a water trip. Good equipment is useful, but calm instructions and a watchful guide make a bigger difference when you are out of your comfort zone.

Optional parasailing and other extras

Parasailing is available if you select it as an add-on. It is not part of the basic experience unless you choose that option. One account considered the parasailing session far too short for the extra cost, describing only about two minutes in the air.

That is a useful warning. If you are booking mainly for snorkeling and Orange Bay, you can skip the add-on without losing the core of the day. If parasailing is a priority, ask how long the actual flight lasts and what the total charge includes before paying.

Photography may also be available for an extra fee. Guides or photographers can take pictures and videos in the water and at Orange Bay. This can be convenient, but it is another optional cost, so agree on the price and delivery details in advance.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and first-time snorkelers who want plenty of support. The short transfer to the reef and the 1.5-hour island stop make it easy to fit around a resort stay.

It also suits solo participants who want a structured day on the water. The private-group format and attentive guides can help you feel more at ease, though you should confirm how your booking will be arranged if you are traveling alone.

You may want a different activity if you have back problems, dislike speed, suffer badly from seasickness, or need a quiet beach with few other people. You should also reconsider if 20-minute snorkeling sessions feel too short for your plans.

Value at $174 per group

At $174 for up to two people, the price needs to be judged against the included transport, guide, speedboat, equipment, two snorkeling stops, island entry, water, soft drinks, fruit, and about 1.5 hours on Orange Bay. For a couple who chooses a private boat, that is a reasonable package for a half-day on the Red Sea.

The value is strongest when you use every part of the outing. Snorkel at both stops, enjoy the boat ride, and make the most of your island time. It is less compelling if you plan to skip the water and spend the day only on the beach.

Long-distance pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay costs extra. If you did not select it during checkout, you may need to pay at the harbor, and cancellation is not available after 6 p.m. the day before for that situation. Check the pickup supplement before booking so the final price does not surprise you.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make planning easier. Still, read the pickup conditions carefully. Flexibility with payment does not remove the need to be at the correct hotel entrance on time.

Should you book the Giftun Island speedboat cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, compact Red Sea day with two snorkeling stops, a fast ride, and a photogenic beach break. The strongest reasons are the small-boat feel, helpful water support, and the balance between active snorkeling and relaxed island time.

Choose an early departure if possible, pack for spray and sun, and confirm the lunch details, pickup supplement, and any optional photography or parasailing charges. With those points clear, this is a good-value choice for a couple or small group that wants more action than a standard resort excursion.

FAQ

How long does the Giftun Island speedboat cruise last?

The activity lasts about four to six hours, depending on the departure time, pickup arrangements, and the day’s schedule.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

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

How much can hotel pickup times vary?

For Hurghada hotels, pickup may vary by about 60 minutes. For extended areas, the window may reach 90 minutes. Confirmation is sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10 p.m. the night before.

Where should I wait for the vehicle?

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

How long is the snorkeling portion?

The trip includes two snorkeling stops, with about 20 minutes at each location. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, a guide, the speedboat cruise, and life jackets are included.

How long do I stay at Orange Bay?

You spend about 1.5 hours at Orange Bay for swimming, beach time, photos, and relaxation.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only if you select it as an add-on. It is not part of the standard package.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Long-distance pickup has separate conditions, including no cancellation after 6 p.m. the day before if that service was not booked correctly.