Full-day Orange Bay trip from Hurghada takes you by boat to Giftun Island, about 45 minutes offshore, for a day split between snorkeling and the beach. You stop at two coral reef sites with snorkeling equipment provided, have lunch on board and spend free time at Orange Bay’s shallow turquoise lagoon and white sand. Air-conditioned hotel transfers from Hurghada and an English-speaking guide are included.
Important information
- Pickup: Pickup is between about 7:30 and 8:00, depending on your hotel, and the exact time is confirmed after booking. Free pickup covers Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay; El Gouna and Soma Bay are available for a supplement.
- Swimming: You do not have to snorkel to join the trip. Snorkeling takes place in open water, so non-swimmers and beginners should wear a life jacket and tell the guide before entering the water.
- Sea conditions: Boat trips depend on wind and sea conditions. The captain may change the order of stops or the reef locations for safety.
- Protected area rules: The Giftun Islands are a protected marine area. Do not stand on or touch coral, feed fish or remove shells, sand or coral.
- Entry fee: Bring cash for the protected-area fee, which is collected on the day.
- Sun exposure: Shade on the boat and the beach is limited. Plan for several hours in strong sun, even outside summer.
- Busy periods: Orange Bay is one of the most popular excursions from Hurghada and can be busy around midday in high season.
- Shared trip: This is a shared boat trip with other travelers. For a private boat, see our private speedboat and snorkeling trip.
- Children: Children aged 0–3 travel free and children aged 4–11 pay half the adult price. Child-size life jackets are available.
What to bring?
- Swimwear and a towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- A light cover-up or change of clothes for the return trip
- Cash for the protected-area fee and any extras
- Waterproof phone pouch or underwater camera
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness
Who is this tour for?
This trip suits travelers staying in Hurghada who want a relaxed day at sea with time on a beach. It works well for couples, friends and first-time snorkelers, since the reefs are visited with a guide and the lagoon at Orange Bay is shallow and calm.
It is less suited to experienced snorkelers who want maximum reef time, or to travelers looking for a quiet, uncrowded island. For those, a private boat trip is the better choice.
Facts
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Free pickup in Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay; El Gouna and Soma Bay on request with a supplement
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Air-conditioned minibus to Hurghada Marina, then a shared excursion boat
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25
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Lunch
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English-speaking guide; other languages only if the supplier confirms
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1
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80
Overview
Orange Bay is a beach on Giftun Kebir, the larger of the two Giftun Islands off the coast of Hurghada. The islands lie within a protected marine area, and the bay is known for its shallow, clear water and soft white sand. Those conditions make it popular with first-time snorkelers and families as well as confident swimmers.
This trip is designed as a balanced sea day rather than a dedicated snorkeling tour. After morning hotel pickup, an air-conditioned minibus takes you to Hurghada Marina, where you board a shared excursion boat for the crossing. The day includes two snorkeling stops at reefs near the islands, where you can see hard and soft corals and common Red Sea reef fish such as parrotfish and butterflyfish. A snorkeling guide accompanies the stops, and life jackets are available for less confident swimmers.
The main stop is Orange Bay itself, with about two hours ashore. You have free time to swim in the lagoon, relax on the beach or take photos. Lunch is served on the boat before the return sail to Hurghada and the transfer back to your hotel.
The trip suits travelers who want an easy day on the water with real beach time, rather than a long day of reef hopping. If reef time matters more to you than the beach, compare it with our Giftun Island snorkeling trip. For a smaller group and a more flexible schedule, look at the private speedboat and snorkeling trip.
Trip Highlights
- Sail from Hurghada to Orange Bay on Giftun Island, inside a protected Red Sea marine area
- Snorkel at two coral reef sites with equipment and a snorkeling guide
- Swim in Orange Bay's shallow turquoise lagoon and relax on its white-sand beach
- Enjoy lunch served on board the boat
- Join an English-speaking guide, with life jackets available if you are new to snorkeling
- Travel by air-conditioned minibus between your hotel and Hurghada Marina, with free pickup in Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay
