Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

The best part of this trip is the combination of fast speedboat travel and two reef stops. You reach the snorkeling areas in about 20 minutes, then swap the boat’s speed for calm time in clear Red Sea water. After that, you get roughly 1.5 hours at Orange Bay, a sandy beach with a distinctly tropical feel.

I like the small-boat atmosphere, which feels more personal than a large day cruiser, and I like that guides such as Mido, Ahmed, Yousif, and Captain Wissam have been praised for helping nervous swimmers. The main catch is that Orange Bay can get crowded, and the ride can be quite bumpy when the wind picks up.

• Two separate snorkeling stops: About 20 minutes at each site, with equipment and life jackets provided.
• A quick route to the reefs: The first snorkeling area is around 20 minutes from the marina by speedboat.
• Orange Bay beach time: Plan on about 1.5 hours for swimming, photos, and sun.
• Helpful crew: Guides including Mido, Ahmed, Yousif, and Wissam have been singled out for patient, friendly help.
• Hotel pickup needs attention: Pickup details arrive by email or WhatsApp around 10:00 PM the night before.
• Price is for up to two people: The listed rate is $174 per group, but check the selected private or shared option carefully.

Speeding Out From Hurghada to Giftun Island

This is a half-day Red Sea outing built around movement. You leave your hotel, head to the marina, receive a short briefing, and board a speedboat rather than a large excursion vessel. The first reef stop comes after about 20 minutes on the water.

That short ride matters. You spend less time queuing at a marina and more time looking out over the Red Sea. A speedboat also gives the outing a lighter, more lively feel, though the trade-off is a rougher ride in wind or choppy water.

The boat has a shaded area, stereo system, mineral water, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, and life jackets. Several people have especially liked the fruit and the drinks offered during the ride. Music is part of the mood, and some crews keep the trip playful without turning it into a full party boat.

I would not treat this as a quiet sailing trip. Hold onto your belongings, keep valuables secure, and expect spray or jolts when the boat picks up speed. One useful packing tip comes from a family who suggested bringing a rain jacket or poncho, a change of clothes, and towels. That is sensible advice even on a sunny day.

Two Reef Stops, Each With Time to Look Around

The snorkeling portion includes two stops, with about 20 minutes at each location. Masks, fins, and other snorkeling equipment are provided, and guides can show you toward the reef rather than leaving you to work it out alone.

The Red Sea is the star here. You might see schools of colorful fish, coral, moray eels, sea turtles, flying fish, and, on a lucky day, dolphins from the boat. Sightings are never guaranteed, so book this for the reef and the open-water setting, not for a promise of wildlife.

The timing is short but useful. Twenty minutes is enough to get a taste of each site, see fish and coral, and return to the boat before you get cold or tired. It is not enough for a slow, all-morning snorkeling session. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, you will want to stay focused once you enter the water.

Several guides have made a real difference for less confident swimmers. Yousif has been praised for patiently helping a first-time snorkeler, while Ahmed has accompanied nervous swimmers with a buoyancy aid. That kind of support is valuable, especially for families and anyone who feels uneasy in open water.

The reef conditions can change with wind. Some outings have had calm, clear stops, while others have found the snorkeling a little choppy. You should be comfortable with basic swimming or at least with using a life jacket in open water. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems, and a fast boat over waves is not a good match if jolting causes pain.

Orange Bay and Its Caribbean-Style Setting

After the snorkeling stops, the boat makes a short ride of about five minutes to Orange Bay. You get around 1.5 hours on the island, which is enough for a swim, some time on the soft white sand, and photographs from the beach.

Orange Bay is designed for easy holiday pleasure. The water is clear, the sand is pale, and the setting has the tropical look many people hope to find on a Red Sea island. You can swim, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy being off the mainland for a while.

The honest warning is that Orange Bay is popular. It can feel busy, and the hour or so on shore passes quickly. Early departures are worth considering if you want a calmer first look at the beach. One early outing reached the island before it became as crowded, leaving more room to enjoy the setting.

I would treat Orange Bay as a pleasant beach stop rather than an untouched island escape. Its appeal is the contrast with Hurghada: white sand, shallow-looking clear water, and a relaxed island break after the active snorkeling. If you want a remote beach with no facilities or other boats, this is not that experience.

You may also find extra costs on the island. One account described high prices for ice cream and other treats, so bring cash if you want to buy something beyond what is supplied on the boat. A towel, sun hat, and cash belong in your day bag.

The Crew Can Shape the Whole Day

The boats and stops are important, but the guide and captain often determine how comfortable the trip feels. The crew names vary by departure. Mido, Ahmed, Yousif, Wissam, Kareem, Islam, Hassan, Mahmoud, and others have been associated with friendly service, clear explanations, music, and help in the water.

Mido has been praised for keeping people informed and making the trip fun. Ahmed appears in several accounts as a helpful captain or assistant, depending on the departure, while Captain Wissam has been appreciated for a safe, entertaining ride. Captain Islam has also been noted for explaining the route, keeping people comfortable, and adding music to the journey.

Do not read too much into any single crew name, since staff assignments can change. The practical point is that this operator puts a guide and captain on the boat, rather than leaving you to manage the snorkeling stops alone. If you are a first-time snorkeler, tell the guide before entering the water.

Some trips include a photographer or a crew member using a GoPro. Photos and videos may be available for an extra fee. You should not feel obliged to buy them, and you should keep your own phone and camera protected from spray. The company states that personal belongings are your responsibility and is not liable for lost or damaged items.

Tips may also be requested at the end. One account described a tip bag being passed around with no pressure to show the amount. Carry small cash if you want to tip, but it is not listed as an included cost.

Pickup From Hurghada Requires Patience

Hotel pickup is included from Hurghada, with pickup and drop-off options also listed for Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. The pickup point is the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not the reception entrance or lobby area.

Your exact pickup information should arrive by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before. Give the operator your nationality, hotel name, address, and room number. Look for a white or black vehicle with the GoShalabi logo.

Allow a wide time window. Hurghada hotel pickup can vary by about 60 minutes, while Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga can vary by about 90 minutes. The driver can wait no more than five minutes, since other pickups follow, so be ready at the stated entrance.

This is one area where you should plan carefully. Do not wait at the wrong hotel gate, and do not assume the scheduled activity time is your exact collection time. The operator may adjust pickup by one to 1.5 hours.

Long-distance pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay costs extra and must be selected as an add-on at checkout. If you did not book it, payment may be due at the harbor, and cancellations for that service are not accepted after 6:00 PM the night before.

What the $174 Price Really Gets You

The listed price is $174 per group of up to two people. That can be good value for a couple if the private or small-group arrangement is confirmed. You are paying for hotel transfers from the covered areas, a guide, the speedboat, two snorkeling stops, equipment, life jackets, island entry, water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit.

The price also covers the main experience rather than just transport. You get reef time, beach time, and the speedboat ride in one outing, which makes it more useful than a basic transfer to Orange Bay. The stated duration is four to six hours, depending on departure and transport timing.

Check the booking screen closely because the information describes both private and shared options. The activity is presented as a private group, while some departures have included groups of up to eight people. A group of eight can still feel small compared with a large boat, but it is not the same as having a boat for only two.

The word lunch deserves a careful look too. The experience title includes lunch, but the listed inclusions specifically mention seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water, and they do not give a detailed lunch menu. If a full meal is important to you, confirm exactly what is supplied before booking rather than assuming the title tells the whole story.

Parasailing is available only if you select it as an add-on. Be cautious about paying extra for it if you expect a long flight. One account described the parasailing portion as lasting only about two minutes and felt it was poor value. The speedboat, snorkeling, and island time are the stronger reasons to book this outing.

Who Will Enjoy This Speedboat Trip Most

I would choose this tour if you want a compact Red Sea day with several different activities. It suits couples, families with older children, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who prefers a small boat to a full-size cruise.

Families should consider the wind and the ride. Children have enjoyed the trip with supportive crew members, but the boat can bounce hard, and everyone needs to follow the safety briefing. Parents should bring towels, dry clothing, sun protection, and a light waterproof layer.

Solo visitors can also fit comfortably into the shared option. A solo female participant described feeling safe and well supported by Mido and Ahmed, but the usual open-water precautions still apply. Keep your belongings close and make sure you know where your phone and passport copy are stored.

This is less suitable if you dislike speed, rough water, or short snorkeling sessions. It is also not a good match for back problems. Those seeking a silent, uncrowded island should know that Orange Bay is a popular stop with a developed visitor atmosphere.

Practical Packing Advice for the Red Sea

Bring a sun hat, towel, cash, and clothing that can get wet. I would add sunscreen, a dry change of clothes, and a waterproof pouch for a phone or room key, since spray and wet hands are part of the day.

Take only what you need. The operator says personal belongings are your responsibility, and a forgotten bag can be difficult to recover once the boat leaves. Keep passports and expensive electronics at the hotel unless the operator specifically requires a copy.

If you have special dietary needs, pack a snack. One account specifically warned that the food offering may not suit picky eaters or special requirements. Since the listed inclusions focus on fruit and drinks rather than a detailed meal, your own snack is a sensible backup.

The cancellation policy is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Should You Book It?

Book this trip if you want a fast, social half-day on the Red Sea with two reef stops and a beach break in one package. The strongest parts are the small speedboat, patient water support from guides such as Ahmed and Yousif, and the chance to see excellent marine life without spending a full day on a large boat.

Think twice if you need a quiet boat, a guaranteed full lunch, long snorkeling sessions, or a completely empty beach. Confirm the private versus shared setup, long-range pickup fee, and food details before paying.

For most people staying in Hurghada, this is a good-value choice when the main goal is to get on the water quickly, see coral and fish, and enjoy Orange Bay without giving up an entire vacation day.

FAQ

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

The listed duration is four to six hours. The exact length depends on the departure time and hotel transfer arrangements.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada, with listed pickup areas including Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Pickup from Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay requires an extra add-on.

Where should I wait for pickup?

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

When will I receive pickup details?

Pickup confirmation is sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before the trip. You should provide your nationality, hotel name, address, and room number.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, and life jackets are included.

How much time do I spend snorkeling and at Orange Bay?

You spend about 20 minutes at each of two snorkeling locations. The Orange Bay stop lasts about 1.5 hours.

Is parasailing included?

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