Hurghada: Giftun Island with breakfast, lunch & Water Sports

The best part of this Hurghada day trip is the mix of two proper snorkeling stops and easy beach time at Orange Bay. You get coral, fish, a boat ride, lunch, and a banana boat or sofa ride without paying for each small extra. Guides such as Hisham keep the day moving and help nervous swimmers.

I like the friendly safety focus, especially the special guide assigned to non-swimmers. I also like the low $26 price, which covers transport, food, drinks, equipment, and island entry. The main thing to weigh is the Orange Bay stop: it is colorful and relaxing, but the beach can be crowded and there is no coral right beside it.

Key points at a glance

• Two separate snorkeling stops: One site can have stronger waves, while the other is usually calmer and better for relaxed swimming.
• Orange Bay beach time: Expect about an hour and a half to swim, sit on the sand, and take photos.
• Water sports included: The banana boat or sofa ride adds a quick burst of fun without an extra charge.
• Lunch and drinks covered: A buffet, fruit, snacks, mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta are included.
• Help for non-swimmers: Guides provide life jackets, snorkeling instruction, and extra support in the water.
• A very low headline price: At $26 per person, this is strong value if your pickup runs on time and you want a full day at sea.

Why this $26 boat trip is good value

For $26 per person, this is a generous package. Hotel pickup and return, air-conditioned transport, the ferry boat, Orange Bay entry, two snorkeling stops, equipment, lunch, snacks, fruit, drinks, and a water sport are all included.

You are not just paying for a short beach transfer. This is a full-day outing built around the Red Sea, with several different activities. That matters if you want one easy booking rather than arranging a boat, a beach visit, food, and equipment separately.

The price also works well for families and larger groups. Children and adults can split their time between swimming, sitting on the beach, snorkeling, and watching the water sports. Couples can enjoy the views without needing to commit to a serious all-day snorkeling program.

The trade-off is that a budget boat trip is a shared experience. The day has a set rhythm, and you will spend time waiting for other people to board, eat, or finish an activity. If you want a quiet private boat or long, unhurried snorkeling sessions, choose the private transfer option where available and check exactly what it changes before booking.

Starting at Public Beach Number 9

The advertised meeting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada, and the trip ends back there. For most people, hotel pickup is easier. Pickup times usually fall between 7:00 and 8:45 in the morning, depending on your hotel location.

Give your hotel details clearly when booking. Transport has been a weak point on some departures, with reports of late pickup and one incorrect hotel drop-off. Other departures have had smooth, punctual transport in both directions. I would confirm the pickup time the day before and keep your phone available in the morning.

Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga is not part of the standard arrangement. You need to select the relevant pickup service at checkout. That extra cost can affect the real value, especially if you are staying well outside central Hurghada.

Once at the beach or boat departure point, the staff normally explain the day, equipment, and safety rules. The boat carries between two and four professional guides, with a snorkeling instructor and extra help for people who are not confident swimmers.

The boat ride and light breakfast

The early boat ride is part of the appeal. You leave the busy shore behind and get open views of the Red Sea on the way to the first snorkeling area. A light breakfast, described as snacks, is included rather than a full morning meal.

Eat something at your hotel if you need a substantial breakfast. The snacks are useful for taking the edge off an early start, but lunch is the main meal of the day.

The crew’s role is important here. The guides explain when to enter the water, how to use the mask and fins, and how to keep clear of the coral. That last point is worth taking seriously. The reef is delicate, and touching or standing on it can cause damage.

You receive a mask, fins, and life jacket. The life jacket is especially helpful if you can swim but are not comfortable in open water. If you cannot swim, tell the crew early so the special guide can give you closer support.

Two snorkeling stops, two different moods

The two snorkeling stops are the heart of the outing. They are not identical, and that is useful to know before you book.

One stop may be in more open water, where the coral and fish can be excellent but waves can be stronger. This is the more exciting setting, though it can be tiring for weaker swimmers. Keep the life jacket on if the water feels rough, and do not feel pressured to stay in for the full session.

The second stop is near Giftun Island and can offer calmer water, coral, and fish. This tends to suit people who want an easier look beneath the surface. Conditions depend on the weather, so no boat trip can promise the same visibility or sea state every day.

The guides are one of the strongest parts of the outing. Hisham, also written as Hesham, receives special praise for clear briefings, helpful advice, and being available throughout the day. Other crew members are described as friendly and attentive, with safety treated as a real duty rather than a quick speech before everyone jumps in.

Bring your own underwater camera if you have one. Photography services are not included, and photographers may offer pictures during the trip. If you buy images, follow up directly with the photographer or photo company about delivery and payment.

Orange Bay, white sand, and a crowded shoreline

Orange Bay is the postcard stop. You get white sand, shallow-looking turquoise water, and time to sit, swim, sunbathe, or take photos. The colors are the reason this stop is popular, and it gives you a break after the snorkeling sessions.

Plan on roughly an hour and a half at the island. That is enough for a swim and a walk along the beach, but not enough for a slow half-day stay.

There is an important distinction here: Orange Bay is mainly a beach stop, not another reef stop. You should not expect coral beside the sand. The better snorkeling is at the two earlier sites, while Orange Bay is for scenery and relaxation.

The beach can also feel crowded, with many people sharing the same attractive patch of sand and water. If you dislike busy beaches, this may be the least rewarding part of the schedule. If you see it as a colorful pause between boat activities, it makes more sense.

I would use the time for a swim, a few photos, and a quiet rest rather than expecting a private island. Bring cash for personal expenses, but remember that towels are not supplied. Pack one from your hotel.

Banana boat or sofa ride

The included water sport is a banana boat or sofa ride. It is a short, lively activity that adds some laughter to what could otherwise be a standard snorkeling cruise.

Do not expect a long session. The ride is a fun extra, not the main reason to book. One account describes getting only a single ride, so treat it as one brief turn rather than unlimited use.

This activity suits groups particularly well. Friends and families can enjoy the shared excitement, while people who prefer not to ride can stay on the boat or beach. Ask the crew about the order and timing if you are keen to take part, since group schedules can be tight.

Parasailing is available only if you select that option. It is not part of the standard $26 package. Check the booking choice carefully so you know whether it is included in your price.

Lunch, fruit, and drinks on a long day out

Lunch is served as a buffet on the boat or island. The food has been a pleasant surprise for many people, with several descriptions comparing it favorably with restaurant food. It is a useful feature on a day that starts early and keeps you active.

Seasonal fruit is also included, along with soft drinks and other beverages. You can expect mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta. That saves you from buying drinks throughout the day, though carrying a small amount of cash is still sensible for personal expenses.

If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, tell the provider in advance. Suitable meals can be arranged, but this needs to be handled before departure rather than assumed on the boat.

Lunch is also one of the few natural pauses in the schedule. Use it to dry off, drink water, and rest before the final ride back. Sun and wind can make you feel less thirsty than you are.

What the crew does well, and where the day can slip

The crew’s best quality is their practical attention. They help people on and off the boat, explain the schedule, watch the snorkeling area, and remind you not to damage the coral. That makes a real difference for families and first-time snorkelers.

The guides also keep the atmosphere light. Names such as Hisham come up often in connection with friendly help and clear information. The language support includes English, German, Arabic, and French.

The weak spot is not usually the sea activities. It is the land transport. A late minibus can make an early start frustrating, and an incorrect hotel drop-off is especially unpleasant after a full day in the sun. Most transport reports are positive, but the mixed record means you should confirm the details and allow patience at both ends.

The other limitation is time. With two snorkeling stops, lunch, a water sport, and Orange Bay, every part has a schedule. You get variety, but not unlimited time at any one location.

What to pack for the Red Sea

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and a camera. Towels are not included, and you will spend much of the day exposed to sun and wind.

Wear sunscreen before boarding and reapply after swimming. A hat and sunglasses are useful on the boat, where there may be little shade. Keep your cash and phone protected from splashes.

The boat supplies snorkeling equipment, including a mask, fins, and life jacket. You do not need to rent those separately. Still, if you prefer your own mask or have a sensitive fit, bringing personal equipment can make the water time more comfortable.

Do not count on Orange Bay for a quiet place to store valuables. Take only what you need and keep small items close to you.

Who should book this Orange Bay trip?

This outing suits you if you want a low-cost Red Sea day with several activities rather than a single-purpose snorkeling trip. Families, couples, first-time snorkelers, and groups can all find something to enjoy.

It is especially useful for non-swimmers because equipment and guide support are included. You can stay near the boat, use a life jacket, and join the beach and water-sport sections even if snorkeling is not your main interest.

You should think twice if you want a quiet, uncrowded beach or long reef sessions. Orange Bay may feel too busy, and the schedule leaves limited time for lingering. Strong waves at one snorkeling point can also affect how much you enjoy the water.

At 4.9 from 268 ratings, the overall score is unusually high, and the strongest praise centers on the staff, safety, food, snorkeling, and smooth organization. The occasional transport problem and the crowded beach are the points I would keep in mind before paying.

Should you book it?

I would book this trip if you want maximum variety for a low price. The two snorkeling stops are more valuable than Orange Bay alone, and the included lunch, drinks, equipment, and water sport make the package unusually complete for $26.

Book it with realistic expectations. Orange Bay is scenic but shared, the banana boat ride is brief, and transport may require a follow-up confirmation. Bring your towel, protect yourself from the sun, tell the crew if you are not a strong swimmer, and treat the reef stops as the main event.

The flexible cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later. That makes this a sensible choice for a first Hurghada boat day, especially if your priority is an easy mix of sea, sand, food, and friendly help.

FAQ

Where does the trip start and finish?

The stated meeting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included. Pickup times usually fall between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM, depending on your location.

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

Pickup from those areas is not included in the standard arrangement. You need to select the relevant pickup service at checkout.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes light breakfast snacks, a buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The equipment includes a mask, fins, and life jacket. A snorkeling instructor and professional guides are also included.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

There are two snorkeling stops. Sea conditions can vary, and one location may have stronger waves than the other.

Is the banana boat ride included?

Yes. A banana boat or sofa boat ride is included in the standard package.

Is parasailing included?

No. Parasailing is available only when you select that option during booking.

What should I bring?

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