Hurghada: Orange Island Yacht Trip with Lunch & Water Sports

Orange Bay is the headline act here: a white-sand beach, shallow turquoise water, and a boat ride through the Red Sea that includes two snorkeling stops before you reach the island. You get a mix of easy beach time and organized water activities, rather than a day spent only on a crowded boat.

I like the friendly, attentive crew and the useful setup for mixed groups, including life jackets and a special guide for non-swimmers. I also like the value at $26 per person, since hotel pickup in Hurghada, lunch, drinks, equipment, island fees, and a banana boat or sofa ride are included.

The main caution is pace. This is sold as a full-day outing, but one account put the time on Orange Bay at only about 90 minutes, while the towable water ride lasted just two or three minutes. Food is filling rather than memorable, and bottled mineral water may be limited.

Key points to know before you book

• Two snorkeling stops give you more time with Red Sea coral and fish than a simple beach transfer.
• Orange Bay is a short beach stop within a long day, so do not expect to spend the whole afternoon on the island.
• Banana boat or sofa rides are included, but the activity may be very brief.
• Non-swimmers get extra support, with life jackets, instructors, and a special guide available.
• Lunch, soft drinks, tea, and instant coffee are included, though you should bring a refillable or extra water bottle.
• Pickup details matter, especially if you stay outside central Hurghada or need a French-speaking guide.

Why this Red Sea day works so well

This trip is built around variety. You leave Hurghada by air-conditioned vehicle, board the boat, stop twice to snorkel, ride on to Orange Bay, spend time on the sand, eat lunch, and return in the late afternoon.

That mix makes the $26 price attractive. A simple beach transfer could cost much of that on its own, while this outing also includes equipment, guides, drinks, food, and water sports. You are not paying for a quiet private cruise, though. The value comes from fitting several popular Red Sea activities into one organized day.

I would choose this trip if you want a straightforward introduction to Hurghada’s offshore sights. It suits couples, families, and groups with different energy levels because you can swim, snorkel, sit on the beach, or join the towable rides. It is less suited to anyone seeking a small, slow, highly personal sailing trip.

The experience is operated by FTS Travels. Each boat has two to four professional guides, along with a snorkeling instructor. Languages listed are English, German, Arabic, and French, but confirm your preferred language when booking. One booking did not receive the expected French guide, so do not assume that a language request is automatically guaranteed.

Starting at Public Beach Number 9

The activity begins at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada and returns there at the end. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most Hurghada locations, with the exact arrangement confirmed after you provide your hotel details.

The morning usually starts early, and the full outing normally returns by late afternoon. Allow extra patience for pickup coordination. One account reported a late driver, and a drop-off on the opposite side of the road, so keep your phone available and pay attention when the return vehicle arrives.

Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga is not included in the standard arrangement. You can select a pickup service for these areas at checkout. Private transfer is also available if you choose that option.

The air-conditioned transport is practical rather than part of the attraction. Its job is to get you from your hotel to the coast without adding heat and hassle. Wear light clothes for the transfer, but keep your swimwear, hat, sunscreen, and towel easy to reach.

The boat ride and two snorkeling stops

Once you reach the coast, you board the boat and head toward the Giftun Islands and Orange Bay. The ride gives you open Red Sea views and turns a simple island visit into a full water day.

The two snorkeling stops are one of the strongest parts of the program. You can see coral reefs and underwater life, with masks, fins, and life jackets supplied. The guides explain the basic routine, and snorkeling is presented as suitable for all levels.

You do not need to be a strong swimmer to take part. Listen closely to the guide, use the life jacket, and stay within the area shown by the crew. A special guide is available for non-swimmers, which makes this a more workable choice for families or groups with mixed confidence in the water.

The quality of a snorkeling stop depends on weather, visibility, and sea conditions. You may see colorful coral and fish, but conditions are never fully guaranteed. If your priority is underwater scenery, the two stops give you a better chance than a one-stop beach cruise.

Bring your own camera only if it is suitable for water. Photography services are available for purchase, but they are not included. Take care with any photo package: one account described the service as expensive and reported that not every promised image was received, along with uneven photo quality.

Orange Bay and the Giftun Islands

Orange Bay is the relaxing section of the day. After the boat ride, you reach a sandy beach with clear, shallow-looking water and time to swim, sunbathe, or sit back.

The setting is easy to enjoy because there is no complicated sightseeing program on shore. You get a simple beach break, which is welcome after snorkeling and transport. If you prefer activity, you can use the water for a swim. If you are with children or less confident swimmers, stay aware of conditions and follow the crew’s instructions.

The trip also includes a visit within the Giftun Islands National Park area. That gives the outing some natural setting beyond the beach itself, although this is not a guided wildlife or conservation tour. The main attractions are the island water, sand, coral, and views from the boat.

Do not build your plans around spending most of the day at Orange Bay. One account described an eight-hour excursion with about 90 minutes on the island. Another found the island stay a little too long, so opinions on the timing differ. In practical terms, expect Orange Bay to be one part of a longer boat program, not a full-day beach stay.

Banana boat or sofa ride

The included banana boat or sofa ride adds a burst of fun for those who want more than swimming and snorkeling. You are towed behind the boat, holding on as the inflatable moves across the water.

This is a good extra for families, couples, and groups who like a little shared excitement. It is not the reason to book the trip on its own. One account found the ride lasted only two or three minutes, and described it as far too short.

That short duration is worth knowing before you book. The activity is included at no extra charge, so it still adds value, but think of it as a quick bonus rather than a substantial water-sports session. If you want a longer thrill, parasailing is available only if you select that option.

The crew’s manner matters here. The overall service has been described as friendly and professional, with no pressure to tip or buy photos. That helps keep the day pleasant, especially when the boat also offers optional photography.

Lunch, drinks, and what to bring

Food is served as a buffet, either on the boat or on the island depending on the day’s operation. Snacks or breakfast items are included, along with seasonal fruit and lunch.

The meal should keep you going, but set your expectations at practical buffet food rather than a special Egyptian feast. One account found the food sufficient but not very good, while another found it good. The safest view is that you will have enough to eat, but the meal is not the tour’s main selling point.

Drinks include mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta. Soft drinks are unlimited according to the trip details, but bottled mineral water may be limited. Bring an extra water bottle if you can, particularly in the hot months.

Pack these items:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Camera or waterproof phone case
• A water bottle
• Any personal snacks you may need
• A small amount of money for personal expenses

Towels are not included. Photography, personal purchases, and optional extras cost more. Keep valuables to a minimum because a boat and beach day are not the easiest setting for managing wallets, phones, and bags.

How the timing affects the value

At $26 per person, the outing is priced as a budget-friendly group excursion. The package covers a surprising amount: transport in Hurghada, boat travel, Orange Bay entry, two snorkeling stops, equipment, lunch, snacks, fruit, drinks, guides, and a towable ride.

The price is especially good if you intend to do several of these activities anyway. Booking a separate snorkeling trip, island transfer, and water-sports session would likely take more planning and could cost more, though no comparison price is provided here.

The tradeoff is control. You follow the boat’s schedule, share the day with other people, and may get less time at each stop than you would on a private charter. The banana boat ride can be very short, and the island portion may not match your preferred balance of beach time and boat time.

I would call it good value for an active, first-time Red Sea day. I would not choose it if your top priority is gourmet food, long hours on Orange Bay, or a private itinerary that moves at your pace.

Who should book this trip

This outing fits you best if you want a little of everything:

• Families needing a simple, organized day
• Couples who want snorkeling and beach time without arranging separate trips
• Groups with both swimmers and non-swimmers
• First-time visitors to Hurghada
• Budget-minded people who value an all-in-one package
• Anyone who enjoys a short water-sports activity

It may be less suitable if you dislike group excursions, want extended time on the island, or expect a long banana boat ride. Strong swimmers should still follow the guide’s instructions, and non-swimmers should make use of the life jacket and dedicated support.

The language point is worth repeating for French speakers. English, German, Arabic, and French are listed, but one person who booked a French guide did not receive one. Confirm this in advance rather than relying only on the general language listing.

Weather, cancellations, and practical planning

The cruise depends on sea and weather conditions. If the weather is unsuitable, the trip can be rescheduled or canceled, with notice provided as early as possible.

You can reserve and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada schedule is still changing. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Exact departure and return times are confirmed after booking. Since the day normally runs from morning to late afternoon, avoid scheduling another fixed activity too close to the expected return. Pickup delays and road traffic can change the timing.

The crew uses life jackets and provides snorkeling instruction. Still, you remain responsible for following safety directions, especially around coral, boat ladders, and towable equipment. Listen before entering the water and ask for help if you are unsure.

Should you book the Orange Bay yacht trip?

I would book this trip if you want an affordable Red Sea sampler with two snorkeling stops, beach time, lunch, and a quick water-sports ride in one day. The excellent service, support for non-swimmers, and broad range of inclusions make it a sensible choice for families and first-time visitors.

I would look elsewhere if you want a private boat, a long stay on Orange Bay, or a serious water-sports session. Bring extra drinking water, do not count on the meal being special, and confirm pickup and guide language before paying.

For most people, the package offers a lot for $26. Just treat Orange Bay as one attractive stop in a full boat day, not the entire experience.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most locations in Hurghada. Provide your hotel details when booking so the pickup can be confirmed.

Is pickup available from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga?

Pickup from those areas is not included as standard. You can select the relevant pickup service at checkout.

How long does the trip last?

The cruise normally leaves in the morning and returns by late afternoon. Exact times are confirmed after booking.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The trip includes two snorkeling stops.

Is snorkeling suitable for non-swimmers?

Snorkeling is described as suitable for all levels. Life jackets, a snorkeling instructor, and a special guide for non-swimmers are provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The package includes a mask, fins, and life jacket.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An open buffet lunch is provided on the boat or island, depending on the day’s operation. Snacks or breakfast items and seasonal fruit are also included.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta. Soft drinks are listed as unlimited, while bottled mineral water may be limited.

Is the banana boat ride included?

Yes. You can take a banana boat or sofa boat ride. Parasailing is available only if you select that option.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera. An extra water bottle is also a sensible choice. Towels are not provided.

Can the trip be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The cruise is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are unsuitable.