Hurghada: Giftun Island with breakfast, lunch & Water Sports

The best part of this Hurghada boat trip is the mix of two snorkeling stops and a lazy stretch at Orange Bay. You get clear Red Sea water, coral, fish, a white beach, and a banana boat or sofa ride without paying separate fees for each activity. Guide Hisham is often on hand to explain the day and help you get settled.

I like the careful safety help, especially for non-swimmers, and the amount of food and drink included for $26. The main thing to weigh is the Orange Bay stop: it is photogenic and relaxing, but the beach can feel crowded, and there is no coral close to shore for snorkeling.

Key points at a glance

• Two different snorkeling stops: One may be in more open water with stronger waves, while another near Giftun Island is calmer.
• Orange Bay for about 1.5 hours: Good for swimming, photos, and beach time, but not the best place to look for coral.
• Water sports included: You get a banana boat or sofa ride, though the ride is generally a single turn.
• Strong onboard support: Two to four guides per boat, snorkeling equipment, and a special guide for non-swimmers are included.
• A generous food package: Light breakfast snacks, buffet lunch, fruit, mineral water, tea, coffee, cola, and Fanta are provided.
• Good value at $26: Hotel transport, boat travel, entry fees, snorkeling, lunch, and water sports are bundled together.

Leaving Hurghada for the Red Sea

Your day starts with hotel pickup in Hurghada, usually between 7:00 and 8:45 AM. The exact time depends on where you are staying, so give complete hotel details when booking. The ride to the meeting point at Public Beach Number 9 uses air-conditioned transport.

Here is where I would keep expectations sensible. Most transport runs smoothly, but one account describes a pickup more than an hour late and a wrong hotel drop-off at the end. Other outings had punctual collection and return service. I would confirm your pickup time the evening before and keep your hotel name written down, especially if several hotels in the area have similar names.

At the boat, the crew provides a light breakfast in the form of snacks. It is not a full morning meal, so I would eat something before leaving if you need a hearty start. The boat then heads out toward the Giftun Island area and Orange Bay, with sea views all around and plenty of time on the water.

The tour uses two to four professional guides on each boat. That matters when people are getting into the water, choosing equipment, or trying to stay together at a snorkeling site. The crew also provides masks, fins, and life jackets, and a special guide is available for non-swimmers.

The first snorkeling stop and Red Sea sea life

The two snorkeling stops are the real reason to book this outing. The quality of the water and coral can change with wind and sea conditions, but the Red Sea is known for bright fish and coral close to Hurghada. You should expect the crew to give instructions before you enter the water, then guide you toward the viewing area.

One stop may be in more open sea. It can offer very attractive coral, but stronger waves may make it tiring for anyone who is not a confident swimmer. If you are prone to seasickness or dislike choppy water, take the crew’s advice and use the life jacket. You can also ask for help before getting into the water rather than waiting until you feel uncomfortable.

The second stop is described as calmer and closer to Giftun Island. This is often the easier place to enjoy the fish and coral at your own pace. I would treat the two stops as different experiences rather than expecting identical conditions. One may offer better coral, while the other may be more comfortable for relaxed swimming.

The crew’s approach to safety is a real strength. You are reminded not to touch or damage coral, and guides help people on and off the boat. That is useful for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who can swim but lacks confidence in open water.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera, but secure anything loose on the boat. Towels are not included, so pack one. Cash is also sensible for personal expenses or optional photography, although photography services themselves are not part of the price.

Orange Bay and the Giftun Island setting

Orange Bay is the scenic centerpiece of the day. Its white sand and turquoise water make it a fine place to stretch your legs after the boat ride. You can swim, sunbathe, take photographs, or simply sit by the water while the crew handles lunch arrangements.

The stop lasts around an hour and a half. That gives you enough time to enjoy the beach, but not enough for a slow, empty-island fantasy. Orange Bay can draw many boats and people at once. If you want the quietest possible beach visit, this may not be your ideal Red Sea outing.

The water near the beach is also not the place to come for coral snorkeling. One account found the snorkeling stops much better than Orange Bay itself, and I agree with that as a planning point. Use the island for swimming, beach time, and photographs. Save your fish watching for the designated reef stops.

The name can cause some confusion. The experience is promoted around Orange Bay, while the wider excursion takes place around Giftun Island and the Red Sea islands. Think of Orange Bay as the beach stop within a larger boat day, not as a private visit to a remote island.

Banana boat, sofa ride, and time on the water

The water sports add a lively break between the quieter parts of the day. You can take a banana boat or sofa ride, and the cost is included. For children and groups of friends, this may be one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

The ride is not an all-day activity. Plan on one turn rather than unlimited repeat rides. One account found the banana boat enjoyable but noted that the group rode only once. That is normal for a shared boat excursion, where many people need their turn.

I would ask the crew when your water-sports turn is scheduled. If you want a calmer day, you can skip it and spend the time swimming or sitting on the boat. If you have young children, check the instructions and life-jacket fit before the ride begins.

Parasailing is available only if you select that option. It is not part of the standard $26 package. Check the option at checkout so you know exactly what you are buying.

Lunch, snacks, fruit, and drinks

The food arrangement is better than the low price might suggest. You receive a buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, and soft drinks. Mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta are listed, along with the morning snacks.

Lunch may be served on the island or on the boat, depending on the day’s setup. The food has been described as surprisingly good, with some accounts comparing it favorably with a restaurant meal. I would still keep expectations practical: this is a group buffet at sea, not a private dining experience.

Tell the provider about allergies or dietary restrictions in advance. That gives the crew a chance to arrange a suitable meal. Do not wait until you are sitting down to eat, since choices may be limited once lunch is served.

The mix of included food and drinks helps the value. Many low-cost boat trips add charges for water, lunch, or beach entry. Here, those basics are already covered, so your extra spending is mainly personal purchases and optional photographs.

The guides, safety, and onboard mood

The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly, active, and willing to help. Hisham is singled out for clear briefings, useful information, and staying available throughout the day. Another reference spells his name Hesham, so you may see either spelling.

The guides also keep the mood light. That can make a long boat day feel easier, particularly when you are waiting for a snorkeling group to return. At the same time, the safety side is not forgotten. Guides help with water entry, equipment, and the needs of non-swimmers.

This is a social excursion, not a private charter. You will share the boat, beach time, buffet, and activities with other people. That makes it a good match for families, couples, and groups that enjoy an active day with a friendly crew. If you want silence, personal space, or control over every stop, a private boat would suit you better.

Languages listed include English, German, Arabic, and French. The exact guide assigned to your boat can vary, so Hisham may not be present on every departure. Still, the setup provides several guides rather than leaving one person to manage the whole boat.

What the $26 price really covers

At $26 per person, this is a strong package if you want several Red Sea activities in one day. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, air-conditioned transport, the ferry boat ride, Orange Bay entry, two snorkeling stops, equipment, water sports, food, drinks, and guide support.

The price is particularly useful for families and groups. Paying separately for a boat ride, island entry, lunch, snorkeling gear, and a banana boat would usually make the day harder to budget. Here, the main cost is known before you leave.

The value depends on your priorities. If Orange Bay is your main goal, the crowds and short beach stay may make the deal feel less impressive. If snorkeling is your priority, the two reef stops carry most of the value, and the island becomes a pleasant extra.

Pickup from Hurghada is included. Transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga require choosing the relevant pickup service at checkout. Private transfer is also an optional selection, not part of the basic rate.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a broad taste of Hurghada’s sea activities without arranging several separate outings. It also works well for families because the day includes beach time, gentle swimming options, food, and a water ride.

Confident snorkelers should appreciate the two stops, especially the calmer site near Giftun Island. Beginners can take advantage of the guides and life jackets, but anyone uneasy in open water should say so early and stay close to the crew.

Couples and groups will find plenty to do, though the shared format means you will not have the beach to yourselves. Photographers should bring a camera, but remember that professional photos cost extra and are handled by a separate photo company. If you buy images, follow up directly with that photographer.

I would be more cautious if you dislike early starts, crowded beaches, or changing sea conditions. Weather can alter the trip, and the open-water stop may be rough on windy days. The operator says you will be notified about changes or cancellations, but the final shape of the day is not fully within anyone’s control.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera.
• Use the life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer, even if you normally swim in pools.
• Confirm the pickup time and hotel name before departure.
• Eat a little before pickup if snacks alone will not carry you through the morning.
• Tell the provider about food allergies before the trip.
• Keep cash for personal expenses, and do not assume photography is included.
• Treat Orange Bay as a beach and swimming stop, not a reef snorkeling site.
• Ask when your banana boat or sofa ride will take place.
• Respect the coral by keeping your hands and fins away from it.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Orange Bay excursion?

I would book this tour if you want a low-cost, full-day Red Sea outing with strong crew support, two snorkeling stops, lunch, and included water sports. The most praised elements are the helpful guides, clear safety care, good food, and the amount packed into the price.

I would not choose it solely for a quiet island beach or coral directly from Orange Bay. For that, you may prefer a trip built around a less crowded beach or a private boat. For most people comparing affordable Hurghada excursions, though, the snorkeling, food, transport, and friendly onboard service make this a sensible buy.

FAQ

Where does the activity start and end?

The meeting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included.

What time is hotel pickup?

Pickup usually takes place between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM, depending on your hotel location. You need to provide your hotel details when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The package includes a mask, fins, and life jacket, along with two snorkeling stops and snorkeling instruction.

Are the banana boat and sofa ride included?

Yes. A banana boat or sofa ride is included in the standard package. Parasailing is available only if you select that extra option.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You receive a buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, light breakfast snacks, and drinks including mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta.

What should you bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, and cash for personal expenses. Towels and photography services are not included.