Makadi Bay: Snorkelling and Diving Island Trip

The best part of this Red Sea boat trip is the mix of open-water sailing, island time, snorkeling, and a possible scuba session without the cost or planning burden of a full private charter. You cruise from Makadi Bay toward Giftun Island, stop in a private lagoon, and have time to swim, look for reef life, or simply stretch out on deck.

I like two things here: two chances to enjoy the water, including a snorkeling stop and a separate underwater session, and lunch served on board. The crew has also been praised for friendly service, quick replies, and knowing where to look for marine life such as moray eels.

The main caution is the destination name. The trip is sold as a Makadi Bay and Giftun Island outing, but some departures have gone to Orange Bay instead. That may not spoil your day, but you should confirm the route before setting out if the island matters to you.

Key points to know before booking

• About seven hours on the Red Sea: This is a full day on the water, not a short hotel-area snorkeling run.
• Giftun Island is the planned island stop: You get roughly two hours for swimming and snorkeling in a private lagoon.
• A separate scuba option is available: You can take part in the underwater activity or remain on the boat.
• Lunch is included on board: The package covers a meal, one soft drink, and one bottle of water.
• The route may change: Some departures have been operated as Orange Bay trips with two snorkeling sessions.
• The price covers the basics well: At $47 per person, pickup, boat transport, equipment, a guide, lunch, and return transfer are included.

Setting out from Makadi Bay by boat

Your day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Makadi Bay. From there, you go to the boat jetty, board the yacht, and head out toward the nearby Red Sea coast.

That hotel pickup matters. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the harbor, and the return transfer is included as well. The practical detail to confirm is the pickup time, since it is not provided here. Have your swimwear on under light clothing, and keep your sunglasses and hat easy to reach once the boat gets moving.

The cruise itself is part of the appeal. You are not being rushed from one short stop to another by road. Instead, the sea crossing gives you time to settle into the pace of the day, watch the coast recede, and enjoy the wind and open water.

The boat is described as a cruise yacht, but the information does not give a group size or a precise vessel layout. If you care about having lots of deck space or a quieter ride, ask the operator before booking. That is especially useful if you are traveling with children, prefer shade, or want to spend much of the day sitting rather than swimming.

The available languages are English, German, and Russian. That helps if you want safety instructions and snorkeling guidance in one of those languages. No guide names are provided, so you should not expect to select a particular crew member.

The private lagoon and two hours at Giftun Island

The captain first drops anchor at a private lagoon near the coast. The planned island visit is Giftun Island, with about two hours available for swimming and snorkeling.

Two hours is a useful amount of time. You can enter the water without feeling that you have only a few rushed minutes, then return to the boat, dry off, and rest. You also have the option to stay on board if you are not comfortable in open water or simply want a quiet break.

The water around Makadi Bay is known for clear conditions and coral reefs. That gives you a chance to see reef fish and other sea life without needing to be an experienced snorkeler. The equipment and a snorkeling guide are included, which is helpful if you do not want to pack fins, a mask, and related gear from home.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. Visibility, water conditions, and the amount of marine life can change from one day to the next. The package promises access to snorkeling areas and guidance, not a guaranteed list of animals or perfect conditions.

The island stop also needs a little clarification. One account described the trip as Giftun Island with two snorkeling sessions, while another said the boat went to Orange Bay instead. Since the route has apparently changed on some departures, confirm the exact destination shortly before the trip. If your priority is simply clear water and time to swim, Orange Bay may still suit you. If you have your heart set on Giftun Island, get that point in writing.

Snorkeling, coral reefs, and what you might see

The snorkeling is the heart of the day. You can expect the guide to help with equipment and direct you toward the reef areas, while you spend time looking below the surface at coral and fish.

One especially useful detail is the crew’s local awareness of marine life. A moray eel was spotted after the crew pointed out an area where one could be found. That does not mean you will always see one, but it shows why listening to the guide can make the water time more rewarding. Slow down, look carefully, and avoid swimming past a spot after only a quick glance.

You should bring your own sense of limits. If you are a weak swimmer, stay close to the guide and the boat, and ask what flotation support is available before entering the water. The provided information does not specify whether life jackets or other flotation aids are supplied, so this is worth checking.

The reef is not only for confident swimmers. You can enjoy a good look from the surface, and you can choose to sit on the boat instead. That flexibility makes the trip more suitable for mixed groups, where one person wants active water time and another prefers sun and scenery.

Protect the reef by keeping your hands and fins off coral. Even a gentle touch can damage it. The tour information does not set out a detailed conservation policy, but basic care makes the experience better for everyone who follows.

The optional scuba session

Alongside snorkeling, the trip offers the option to go scuba diving. Since the exact equipment, instructor arrangements, depth, and length of the session are not stated, ask the provider for those details before you pay if scuba is your main reason for booking.

This optional activity gives the day a useful split. A certified or prepared participant can take part in a deeper underwater session, while a companion can continue snorkeling or relax on the yacht. You do not have to choose the underwater activity simply because it is offered.

The wording suggests a guided session rather than an unguided swim, but you should confirm the requirements directly. The available information does not say whether prior certification is needed, whether an introductory lesson is included, or whether there is an extra fee. Personal expenses are not included, so ask about any possible supplement.

If you mainly want easy reef viewing, the snorkeling portion may be enough. If you already enjoy scuba and want to see more of the Red Sea below the surface, the option adds value, provided the terms are clear before departure.

Lunch on board and the rhythm of the day

Lunch is served on the boat, with one soft drink and one bottle of water included. That is a modest but useful inclusion for a day that may last around seven hours.

I like the practical rhythm here. You can swim, return to the yacht, eat without leaving the excursion, and continue the trip before sailing back to the jetty. There is no need to search for a restaurant on an island or carry a separate lunch.

The menu is not described, so do not book this expecting a particular dish. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, contact the provider in advance. Personal expenses are excluded, and the included drinks are limited to the stated soft drink and water, so bring extra money if you want additional purchases.

Bring more water if you know you drink often in the sun. A hat and sunglasses are important during the cruise, while swimwear is essential for the lagoon and snorkeling stops. A dry change of clothes and a towel would also be sensible, but the supplied details do not confirm whether towels are provided. Ask before leaving your accommodation.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, the package offers a strong amount of coverage for a full day. You get hotel pickup and return, the yacht cruise, snorkeling equipment and guidance, an island stop, lunch, one soft drink, and a bottle of water.

The real value depends on what you use. If you snorkel, enjoy the island stop, eat lunch on board, and take part in the optional scuba session, the price compares well with arranging each part separately. It is also convenient for anyone who does not want to organize transport to the marina.

The value is less clear if you want a very specific island, a small private group, or a premium menu. The group size, boat size, exact meal, and scuba terms are not stated. Those missing details matter more to a demanding swimmer than to someone looking for an easy, affordable day at sea.

The destination confusion is the one point that could affect your decision. A change from Giftun Island to Orange Bay does not necessarily make the excursion poor, but the two names create different expectations. Ask which route is planned, whether the island stop remains about two hours, and whether the snorkeling schedule changes.

Who will enjoy this Red Sea outing?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a convenient introduction to snorkeling near Makadi Bay, especially if you like having several activities in one day. It suits couples, friends, and families with a mix of swimmers and non-swimmers, since you can choose the water activities or remain on the boat.

It also works well if you want a full day without a high price. The included transport and meal remove much of the usual planning. The English, German, and Russian language options add practical comfort for many international visitors.

You may want another type of excursion if you require wheelchair access, since this trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also look elsewhere if a guaranteed Giftun Island itinerary is essential, or if you need detailed scuba instruction and equipment information before committing.

The day is active but not nonstop. You have time to swim and snorkel, then rest during the cruise and lunch. That balance makes it easier to enjoy than an outing built around constant transfers.

Booking advice and final verdict

Before booking, send one short message to confirm four things: the actual island, the number of snorkeling stops, the scuba arrangements, and the pickup time. This is the best way to avoid the main source of confusion.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, so that limitation should be part of your decision from the start.

I would book this for a reasonably priced Red Sea day with clear water, reef viewing, an island stop, and lunch included. I would not book it without clarification if the name Giftun Island is the central reason you are going. At $47, it offers good practical value, and the friendly crew and chance to spot creatures such as moray eels add character. Just confirm the route, pack for a long sunny day, and treat the advertised island name as something to verify rather than assume.

FAQ

How much does the Makadi Bay snorkeling and scuba trip cost?

The price is $47 per person.

What is included in the price?

The package includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Makadi Bay, a yacht cruise, a snorkeling guide and equipment, lunch with one soft drink, and one bottle of water.

How long does the excursion last?

The supplied information describes a day of about seven hours, including the cruise, island or lagoon time, water activities, lunch, and the return transfer.

Which island does the tour visit?

The planned stop is Giftun Island, where you have about two hours for swimming and snorkeling. Some departures have operated as Orange Bay trips instead, so confirm the destination before departure.

Is scuba diving included?

The trip offers the option to go scuba diving, but the provided information does not state the exact equipment, duration, requirements, or whether an extra charge applies. Ask the provider for those details.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear. The tour includes one bottle of water, but additional personal purchases are not included.