Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the small speedboat. Instead of spending much of the day on a large excursion boat, you reach the first snorkeling site in about 20 minutes and move between the reef stops quickly. I like the two separate snorkeling sessions, and I like that the crew often stays close to nervous swimmers, including children and first-time snorkelers. The main drawback is that the speedboat can be rough in windy weather, while Orange Bay can feel crowded.

I also like the flexible feel of the day. You get reef time, open water, music, fruit and drinks, then a long break on a white beach. Guides such as Mido, Ahmed, Youssef, Hassan, and Captain Wissam have been singled out for patient help and good humor. Just be clear about food: the included details list seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and water, so confirm what lunch means before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Two reef stops: About 20 minutes of snorkeling at each location, with masks, fins, and life jackets supplied.
• A genuinely fast boat ride: The speedboat reaches the first site in roughly 20 minutes, but expect a bumpy trip if the wind picks up.
• Long Orange Bay visit: You get about 1.5 hours for swimming, photos, and beach time.
• Small-group feel: The private group setup can feel more personal than a large day boat, with guides helping swimmers in the water.
• Pickup needs attention: Hotel pickup can shift by 60 minutes in Hurghada and up to 90 minutes in outlying resort areas.
• Good value for two: The listed price is $174 per group of up to two, before any long-range pickup add-on.

Why this Hurghada boat trip works

Hurghada has no shortage of Red Sea excursions, but the format here is easy to understand. You leave your hotel, reach the marina, board a speedboat, stop twice to snorkel, spend time at Orange Bay, and return to shore the same way.

That simple plan suits you if you want several highlights in half a day without committing to a full-day sailing trip. The advertised duration is four to six hours, depending on pickup location and the day’s timing.

The speedboat is the main reason to choose this outing. It gives you a faster ride than a standard excursion boat and lets the crew reach reef sites away from the marina. The onboard shaded area matters too. You can sit out of the sun between water stops, with music playing and bottled water or soft drinks available.

The experience is not silent or slow. The engine is loud, the ride can bounce, and the boat may spray water. That is part of the fun for many people, but it is worth knowing before you book, especially if you have back problems or dislike rough water.

Hotel pickup, marina timing, and the small details

Pickup is included from Hurghada, with listed pickup and drop-off areas including Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Hotels in Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and some Safaga locations may require an extra long-range pickup fee. If you did not add that service, you may need to pay at the harbor, and cancellations for that issue are not accepted after 6:00 PM the night before.

The provider sends pickup details by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before. Give your nationality, hotel name, address, and room number correctly. The meeting point is the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not the reception entrance.

Look for the white or black bus with the Go Shalabi logo. Be ready on time. The vehicle can wait no more than five minutes because it has other pickups. The time window is not exact: allow about 60 minutes of variation for Hurghada hotels and up to 90 minutes for the extended resort areas.

This is a small but important part of the day. Keep your phone charged, check messages the evening before, and do not wait inside the lobby expecting the driver to find you.

The speedboat ride to Giftun Island

After the transfer, you meet the guide at the marina for a short briefing. Life jackets are supplied, and the boat has a shaded section. The ride to the first snorkeling point takes about 20 minutes.

This opening run gives you wide Red Sea views and a quick sense of the boat’s speed. It also tells you how rough the water will be. On calm days, the ride feels exciting and easy. In wind, it can become a hard bounce, so keep a firm grip and protect anything loose in your bag.

The boat setup is best for people who prefer movement and open water to a slow cruise. It is less suitable for anyone with back trouble, motion sensitivity, or a strong dislike of spray and engine noise.

The crew names vary by departure, but several guides have received particular praise for staying active rather than simply pointing out the water. Ahmed, Youssef, Mido, and Hassan have helped swimmers with equipment, guided people toward fish, and offered reassurance to those unsure about snorkeling.

Two snorkeling stops, each with a different feel

The trip includes two snorkeling locations, with around 20 minutes in the water at each. Masks, fins, and life jackets are provided, so you do not need to bring your own kit unless you prefer a personal mask.

The reefs are the heart of the excursion. Expect colorful fish, coral formations, and clear water when conditions cooperate. Sightings can include sea turtles, moray eels, flying fish, and dolphins, but these are lucky extras, not guaranteed parts of the schedule.

Twenty minutes goes quickly. If you are new to snorkeling, use the first few minutes to settle your breathing and adjust your mask. If you already swim confidently, stay close to the guide and use the second stop to look more carefully instead of rushing from one sight to the next.

The support in the water is one of the stronger points of this trip. Guides have accompanied less confident swimmers with buoyancy aids and helped children enjoy the reef. That personal help can make a large difference if you are nervous about open water.

Still, conditions matter. Wind can make the surface choppy, and the sea may not look as calm as the promotional photographs suggest. If the water feels uncomfortable, you can remain on the boat, but the snorkeling is the main reason to book this particular trip.

The crew may take photographs or videos during the day, sometimes for an additional fee. Keep your own phone and valuables secure. You are responsible for personal belongings, and the operator does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Orange Bay: pretty, easy, and sometimes busy

After the snorkeling stops, the boat takes about five minutes to reach Orange Bay. You get around 1.5 hours on the island, which is enough time for a swim, beach rest, and photographs without making the stop feel rushed.

Orange Bay has soft white sand and clear, shallow-looking water in the right conditions. Its relaxed tropical appearance is the reason many people enjoy the stop. There are places to sit, open views, and plenty of photo opportunities.

The tradeoff is popularity. Orange Bay is not a quiet, untouched beach. At busy times, several groups may be there, and the hour or two can pass faster than you expect. Early departures help if you want a calmer visit, and one morning outing reached the island before it became especially crowded.

The island is also the least adventurous part of the day. You are not coming for a long walk or a cultural visit. You are coming to swim, sit, take pictures, and enjoy the color of the water. That works well after snorkeling, but anyone expecting solitude may find the setting overdeveloped or busy.

Bring cash if you want to buy anything on the island. Some extra food and drinks can be expensive compared with local prices. A sun hat and towel are essential, and a change of clothes is sensible after two swims.

Food, drinks, shade, and what is actually included

The included details list mineral water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit. Several departures have also provided fresh fruit on the boat, which is useful after time in the sun.

The title refers to lunch, and one account describes an included lunch, but the detailed inclusion list does not clearly spell out a full meal. I would confirm the food arrangement before paying, especially if you have allergies, follow a special diet, or need more than fruit and drinks.

One useful tip is to bring your own snacks if you are selective about food. Do not count on Orange Bay being a cheap place to buy lunch or dessert.

The boat includes a shaded area and stereo system. Music gives the return ride a lively mood, but this is not a quiet nature trip. You can usually get some shade, though sun protection remains important because much of the day takes place on open water.

Is $174 for two good value?

The listed price is $174 for a private group of up to two people. That works out to $87 each if two people share the booking, before any extra charge for long-range pickup.

For that price, you receive hotel transport from eligible Hurghada locations, a guide, speedboat travel, equipment, two snorkeling stops, island entry, life jackets, drinks, fruit, and Orange Bay time. The private-group format is the important value point. You are not simply paying for a seat on a large boat with dozens of other people.

The price makes the most sense for a couple or two friends who want speed, a smaller setting, and direct help in the water. For a solo visitor, the group pricing is less attractive unless the booking arrangement places you with others or a different rate is offered.

Parasailing is an optional add-on, not a standard part of the basic outing. Treat it separately when considering cost. One account found the parasailing portion too short for its price, so ask exactly how long the ride lasts before adding it.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want a compact Red Sea day with three clear parts: fast boating, reef snorkeling, and beach time. It suits couples, families with children who are comfortable around water, and first-time snorkelers who want a guide nearby.

The crew’s friendly support is especially useful for nervous swimmers. You can also enjoy the trip without snorkeling, but you will lose one of its main features.

This is not the best choice if you have back problems, need a very quiet boat, or want a completely empty beach. It is also a poor fit if your schedule cannot handle a pickup window that shifts by an hour or more.

For the smoothest day, choose an early departure if available. Early timing may mean a quieter Orange Bay and better access to the reef before other boats arrive. Bring a towel, sun hat, cash, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a light waterproof layer for spray or wind.

A note about guides and service

The exact crew changes, but names associated with strong service include Mido, Ahmed, Youssef, Hassan, Karim, Islam, and Captain Wissam. Their roles can vary between guide, captain, photographer, and water assistant.

The best guides do more than explain the route. They help you fit the mask, point out fish, keep less confident swimmers close, and explain what happens next. That makes the day feel more personal, especially when the boat carries a small number of people.

Communication before the outing has also been a strong feature. WhatsApp messages, clear pickup instructions, and quick responses can remove much of the uncertainty that often comes with hotel transfers in Hurghada. Still, you need to meet your side of the bargain by supplying correct hotel details and waiting at the right entrance.

Should you book the Giftun Island speedboat cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, efficient trip with good snorkeling support and a long Orange Bay stop. The strongest reasons are the small speedboat, two reef visits, helpful water guides, and the chance to see sea life such as turtles or dolphins if luck is on your side.

Go in with realistic expectations. Orange Bay can be crowded, the ride can be rough, the food details deserve confirmation, and optional parasailing may not offer much time in the air. For two people sharing the $174 rate, it is a strong value when you want more freedom and less waiting than a large boat tour.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts about four to six hours. The exact length depends on your hotel location, pickup timing, and the day’s schedule.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $174 per group of up to two people. Long-range pickup from selected resort areas may cost extra.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from eligible Hurghada locations. Extended pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay must be selected as an add-on.

How long is the snorkeling time?

The trip includes two snorkeling stops, with about 20 minutes at each location.

Is snorkeling equipment supplied?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

How long do you stay at Orange Bay?

You spend around 1.5 hours at Orange Bay for swimming, beach time, and photographs.

Is lunch included?

The detailed inclusions list seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. Because the title refers to lunch but the inclusion details do not clearly describe a full meal, confirm the food arrangement before booking.

What should you bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, and cash. A change of clothes and a light rain jacket or poncho can also be useful on a windy or splashy ride.

Can people with back problems join?

The activity is not considered suitable for people with back problems because the speedboat ride can be bumpy.