Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the small speedboat setup. You reach Giftun Island National Park quickly, stop at two snorkeling sites, then spend about 1.5 hours at Orange Bay instead of losing most of the day on a large boat.

I like the personal help in the water, especially for nervous swimmers, and the chance to see coral, colorful fish, turtles, dolphins, and even flying fish. I also like the mix of action and rest: two short snorkeling stops, followed by beach time with soft sand and clear water.

The main catch is the ride. Speedboats can bounce hard in wind, and Orange Bay can feel crowded when several boats arrive. Pickup times also have a wide window, so this is not the right choice if you need a tightly timed half-day.

Quick points to know

• Small private speedboat: Your group travels with a guide and captain rather than on a large sightseeing boat.
• Two snorkeling stops: Each lasts about 20 minutes, with equipment and life jackets supplied.
• Orange Bay time: You get roughly 1.5 hours for swimming, sun, photos, and beach relaxation.
• Helpful crew: Guides including Mido, Ahmed, Youssef, Hassan, and Wissam have been praised for patient water support and good communication.
• Fast but bumpy: The boat reaches the first snorkeling site in about 20 minutes, but rough water can make the ride uncomfortable.
• Check the food details: Water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit are included. One account also describes lunch, but the standard inclusions do not clearly spell out a full meal.

Why this Red Sea trip works so well

Hurghada has plenty of boat excursions, but the speedboat format changes the feel of the day. You spend less time waiting at the marina and more time moving between the reef sites and island. The listed duration is four to six hours, which makes this easier to fit around a resort stay than a full-day cruise.

The price is $174 per group of up to two people. For a couple, that can be good value because the price is not listed per passenger. For one person, it is less attractive unless you strongly prefer a private outing. Larger groups should confirm the final booking arrangement, since the advertised price covers up to two.

The crew has received especially strong praise for its attitude and practical help. Mido, Ahmed, Youssef, Hassan, Wissam, Karim, and others are named in individual accounts, so the exact guide depends on the day. The common thread is hands-on support, clear instructions, and a cheerful atmosphere with music on board.

Hotel pickup requires patience

Pickup is included from Hurghada, but do not treat the listed start time as an exact appointment. Your hotel pickup may shift by one to 1.5 hours. Hurghada hotels have a window of about plus or minus 60 minutes, while Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga can have a window of about plus or minus 90 minutes.

The company sends the confirmed pickup details by email or WhatsApp at about 10 p.m. the night before. You need to provide your nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy. On the morning of the trip, wait at the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance.

Look for the white or black vehicle with the GoShalabi logo. The driver can wait only five minutes, so be ready before the stated time. This rule matters in resort areas where a walk from your room or lobby can take longer than expected.

Pickup from the extended areas costs extra and must be selected as an add-on. If you did not book it, payment may be due at the harbor, and cancellation is not available after 6 p.m. the day before. That is worth checking before you confirm the booking.

The 20-minute run to the first reef

After reaching the marina, you meet the guide, receive a short briefing, and board the speedboat. The first snorkeling area is about 20 minutes away. That ride gives you an early taste of the main attraction: open Red Sea views, a low boat, and a much quicker pace than a standard cruise.

The onboard shaded area is useful, especially in the strong Egyptian sun. There is also a stereo system, so the mood may be lively rather than quiet. If you want a calm morning at sea, tell the guide early. If music and a fast ride sound like part of the fun, the setup should suit you.

Life jackets are provided. The boat can be bumpy, particularly on windy days. One account specifically describes a rough ride, while another advises bringing a rain jacket or poncho, a change of clothes, and a towel. Even in hot weather, spray can leave you wet before the snorkeling begins.

People with back problems should avoid this activity. The speed, repeated boarding, and movement across the water can be uncomfortable even when conditions are reasonable.

Two 20-minute snorkeling stops

The outing includes two snorkeling locations, with about 20 minutes in the water at each. That is enough time to see coral and fish without turning the trip into a long endurance session, but it is not an extended reef expedition.

Masks, fins, and other snorkeling equipment are supplied. The guides generally show you where to go and may lead the group through the water. Youssef is specifically praised for patience with a first-time snorkeler, while Ahmed is described as helping a less confident swimmer with a buoyancy aid.

That support is important. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, but you should be comfortable entering the sea with a life jacket or flotation aid. If you feel nervous, say so at the start. The crew has shown a willingness to stay close and help people enjoy the water at their own pace.

The marine life can include colorful fish, coral, turtles, moray eels, and, with luck, dolphins near the boat. Dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, and they are not the main reason to book. The reef itself is the more dependable attraction, though visibility and water conditions can change.

The 20-minute limit also makes this workable for families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can look around, while less confident people can return to the boat without missing a large portion of the outing. Between stops, you can sit in the shade, drink water, and enjoy seasonal fruit.

Orange Bay is the relaxing half

After snorkeling, the boat makes a short ride of about five minutes to Orange Bay. The island stop lasts around 1.5 hours, giving you time to swim, sit on the white sand, take photographs, or simply dry off after the reef stops.

Orange Bay has a tropical, Caribbean-style look, with shallow clear water and bright sand. It is the photo-friendly part of the day. The water and beach are attractive, but you should not expect complete solitude. Orange Bay is a popular stop, and several accounts warn that it can get busy.

Timing makes a difference. An early trip may reach the island before the largest crowds, and one account recommends starting early for that reason. Still, the hour and a half can pass quickly, especially if you want to swim, take pictures, and buy something on the island.

Some visitors find Orange Bay more touristy than the snorkeling sites. That is a fair trade-off: the island is easy to enjoy and visually striking, but the reef stops usually feel more connected to the Red Sea itself. I would treat Orange Bay as a pleasant beach break, not as a remote island escape.

Food, drinks, and what to carry

The standard inclusions list mineral water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit. Several accounts praise the fresh fruit, and it is a welcome touch after time in the sun. One account describes an included lunch as well, but the formal activity details do not clearly describe the lunch menu or portion.

For that reason, bring a small snack if you have dietary needs or are particular about food. One person specifically advises packing your own snacks. You should not assume that a full, special-diet meal is available unless the operator confirms it.

Bring a towel, sun hat, cash, and sun protection. A waterproof bag is sensible because you are responsible for your belongings and the boat will get wet. Cash may help with optional extras, island purchases, photos, or tips.

A photographer may be present and can take pictures or videos for an additional fee. The photography has been appreciated by some people, but it is not listed as a standard inclusion. Ask about the price before agreeing to anything.

Parasailing is a separate decision

Parasailing is available only if you select it as an add-on. It is not part of the basic speedboat and snorkeling package.

This is one area where expectations matter. One account describes the parasailing as lasting only about two minutes and not feeling worth the extra cost. If you want a longer activity, ask exactly how long you will be in the air and what the add-on price includes before paying.

The core trip already has a full rhythm: speedboat travel, two reef stops, and Orange Bay. I would book parasailing only if you particularly want it, not because you assume it is essential to the package.

Group size and the private feel

The activity is described as a private group experience, although the exact boat arrangement can vary. Accounts describe small groups, including one group of eight people with two guides. That is a major advantage over large boats, where you may spend more time waiting for people to board or enter the water.

A small group also lets the crew respond to different needs. On one outing, people who did not want to snorkel stayed on the island while the captain and guide took the snorkelers to good spots. That kind of flexibility is useful when a family or couple has mixed interests.

Do not mistake private group for complete silence or personal control of every minute. The boat has music, the island is shared with other visitors, and the schedule still has fixed stops. You are buying a smaller, more personal setup, not an isolated charter with no other people around.

The value of $174 for two

At $174 for up to two people, the strongest value is for a couple who wants transport, a private-style boat, snorkeling equipment, two water stops, island entry, drinks, fruit, and hotel transfers in one booking.

It is also a practical option if you value time. The speedboat reaches the first reef in about 20 minutes, and the short boat ride to Orange Bay avoids a long open-water crossing. You get a good mix of activity without committing to a full-day cruise.

The price becomes less simple when you are staying outside Hurghada. Long-range pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay costs extra. Add that fee before comparing this trip with other options.

You should also allow for optional costs such as parasailing, photos, extra drinks, island food, and tips. The base price is clear enough, but the final day can cost more if you add several extras.

Who should book this outing

I would choose this trip if you want a lively half-day on the Red Sea and prefer a small boat to a large organized cruise. It suits couples, families with older children, first-time snorkelers, and people who want both reef time and a beach stop.

It is also a good match for anyone who appreciates active guides. The crew may help you with flotation, point out reef life, keep the group together, and create a friendly mood with music and conversation.

I would think twice if you have back problems, dislike bumpy rides, need a precise pickup time, or want a quiet, empty beach. You should also consider another option if your main goal is a long snorkeling session, since each reef stop is around 20 minutes.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your weather plans are uncertain, but they do not remove the need to check the pickup area and add-on costs.

Should you book it?

Book it if the appeal is the combination of speed, reef time, and Orange Bay in a compact outing. The most reliable strengths are the small-boat format, the helpful water support, and the good balance between swimming and sitting on the beach.

Go in with sensible expectations. The boat may bounce, Orange Bay may be crowded, the meal details need confirming, and dolphins are a lucky extra rather than a promise. For a couple staying in Hurghada, the $174 group price can be strong value. For anyone needing comfort, quiet, or a carefully fixed timetable, it may not be the best fit.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat and island trip last?

The activity lasts about four to six hours, depending on the schedule and pickup arrangements.

Where does the activity depart from?

The listed pickup areas are Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, and Soma Bay is available for an extra fee.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included. Extended areas require an add-on fee.

When will I receive pickup details?

Pickup confirmation is sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10 p.m. the night before the trip.

Where should I wait for the vehicle?

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

How long are the snorkeling stops?

There are 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 I spend at Orange Bay?

The island visit lasts about 1.5 hours.

What food and drinks are included?

Mineral water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit are included. The activity details do not clearly specify a full lunch menu, so confirm meal arrangements if lunch is important to you.

Is parasailing included?

No. Parasailing is available only if you select it as an add-on.