Hurghada: Orange & Giftun Island Cruise with Massage & Lunch

Orange Bay is the star of this full-day Red Sea cruise. You get a sandy island stop, two snorkeling sessions, lunch, a massage, and a banana boat ride for $53. The mix gives you more than a quick boat outing, especially if you want one easy day that covers both beach time and reef time.

I like the spacious yacht and the calm, helpful crew. I also like that the snorkeling is guided, which matters if you are unsure in open water. The main thing to consider is the long day, 510 minutes in all, with lunch not served until around 2 p.m. Bring a breakfast box or a solid snack.

Key points at a glance

• Orange Bay for 75 minutes: Spend time on the beach or swim in clear, shallow-looking water.
• Two separate snorkeling stops: Explore reefs at Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī.
• Lunch at sea: Expect salads, fish, vegetables, and BBQ dishes, with plenty of food according to the supplied experience details.
• Massage on the yacht: A welcome break after swimming and before the later water activity.
• Banana boat ride included: The day is not only about quiet reef viewing.
• Pickup from five resort areas: Transport is available from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna, but not from Viva Blue Hotel.

Why this Hurghada cruise offers good value

At $53 per person, this is priced as a full package rather than a simple boat transfer. Hotel pickup and return, the yacht, natural reserve fee, equipment, food, drinks, two snorkeling stops, massage, and banana boat ride are included.

That matters in Hurghada, where separate costs can quickly pile up. A beach stop alone gives you a pleasant day in the sun, but this trip adds two reef visits and a full meal. The value is strongest for couples or families who want variety without arranging several separate activities.

The trip lasts 8 hours and 30 minutes. That is long enough for the boat ride to feel like the main event, not just transport to an island. It also means you should treat the day as a major part of your holiday schedule, not a short morning activity.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 69 supplied ratings, with repeated praise for the staff, food, boat space, and relaxed pace. That does not remove the usual sea-trip variables, such as wind, waves, and changing water conditions, but it does point to a consistently well-received operation.

Pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada, or El Gouna

The day starts with a van transfer. The listed road time is about 45 minutes, followed by another 45 minutes on the Red Sea before the first island stop.

Pickup is offered from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna. The provider contacts you one day before the trip with the exact pickup time. You should wait outside the hotel reception five minutes before that time.

Viva Blue Hotel is specifically excluded from pickup. If you are staying there, check the meeting arrangement before paying.

The van transfer is not the most exciting part of the day, but included transport removes a common hassle. You do not need to find the marina yourself or arrange a taxi back after a long day in the sun.

The yacht ride sets the pace

Once aboard, the boat cruise to Orange Bay takes about 45 minutes. The yacht is described as clean and spacious, with enough room for the number of people aboard. That point is important because a crowded deck can spoil even beautiful water.

The crew provides soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks during the day. You should still carry water and a snack of your own, since lunch may come around 2 p.m. One useful detail from the supplied experience is that bringing a breakfast box is sensible.

The cruise itself gives you time to settle in before the swimming begins. You can enjoy the sea air, take photographs, and get comfortable with the boat. The crew includes staff such as Bassem and Andrew, and the available guide languages are English, German, Russian, and Arabic.

Orange Bay gives you beach time before the reefs

The first major stop is Orange Bay, where you have about 75 minutes. You can sit on the beach, take photographs, or swim in the clear water.

This stop works well because it breaks up the day. You are not asked to spend the entire excursion in fins and a mask. If you prefer a slower start, Orange Bay lets you enjoy the setting from shore before the snorkeling sessions begin.

The timing can also matter. One supplied account describes arriving early, when the bay felt especially quiet. Conditions and crowd levels can vary, but an early arrival may give you a more peaceful stretch of beach.

Do not expect an unlimited island stay. Seventy-five minutes is enough for a swim and a little time on the sand, but not for a long, unhurried beach afternoon. If photography is your priority, take pictures early, then put the camera away before you head back to the boat.

Small Giftun is the first reef stop

After Orange Bay, the boat travels for about 20 minutes to the Small Giftun snorkeling site. You have roughly 45 minutes in the water.

The Red Sea is the reason to book this outing, and this is where the day shifts from beach relaxation to reef viewing. You can expect coral formations and fish in clear water, with staff available to guide you toward notable areas.

The crew’s role is useful here. Snorkeling in open water can feel uncertain if you are not a strong swimmer or have little experience. The available details describe crew members accompanying people and helping them find important spots. That support can make the activity more comfortable, particularly for first-time snorkelers.

You must not touch marine life or plants. This is good practice for protecting the reef and for keeping your hands safe. Bring sunscreen, but apply it thoughtfully and follow the crew’s instructions around the water.

The description refers to more than 500 kinds of fish and 125 kinds of coral in the Red Sea. You should not treat those numbers as a promise that you will see a particular species. Visibility, weather, and your own position in the water all affect what you notice.

Lunch arrives after the first snorkeling session

Lunch is served aboard the yacht and takes about 45 minutes in the schedule. The buffet includes salads, vegetables, fish, and BBQ dishes, with options for different tastes.

This is more useful than a quick sandwich after swimming. You have time to sit down, dry off, and eat properly before the second reef stop. Several supplied accounts specifically praise the quantity and quality of the food, including one comparison to a five-star hotel meal. That is a strong claim, but the consistent point is that lunch is generous and varied.

The timing is the one practical drawback. If you eat an early breakfast, you may feel hungry before lunch. Carry a snack, and use the included drinks to stay hydrated. You should also bring cash, since it is listed among the recommended items.

Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī adds a second reef view

The second snorkeling stop is at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, with about 45 minutes in the water. Two separate stops are better than one long session because they give you another chance to see different coral areas and fish.

You may notice that the second session feels different from the first. Even when the water looks similar, changing light, position, and sea conditions can alter what you see. If your first swim was busy with other activity, the later stop gives you another chance to slow down and look carefully.

This is also the point where fatigue can appear. Swimming, sun, and boat motion add up. You do not have to treat the session as a test of endurance. Take breaks, listen to the crew, and use the yacht’s space between activities.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You still need to bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera if you want photographs. Towels are not listed as included, so bring your own.

Massage and banana boat time keep the afternoon varied

The massage is one of the more unusual parts of this cruise. Rather than offering only swimming and food, the trip includes a soothing massage while the boat is on the Red Sea.

That makes practical sense after the first half of the day. A massage gives you a quiet pause if you are tired from snorkeling or simply prefer not to spend every minute in the water. The supplied details describe it as relaxing, and the timing makes it a useful contrast to the active parts of the excursion.

The schedule also includes a 45-minute banana boat ride. This adds a playful, faster activity after the reef stops. It may be the highlight for anyone who wants more than a gentle island cruise, while people seeking a very quiet day may prefer to sit it out if the crew allows.

The available information confirms that water sports are included, but it does not specify how long each person rides or the exact seating arrangement. Ask the crew on the day if you need those details.

The return ride is part of the experience

After the banana boat activity, the cruise back takes about 25 minutes, followed by a van ride of roughly 45 minutes to the drop-off point.

By then, you will probably be ready for a shower and a quiet evening. The return transfer is still valuable because you do not need to negotiate a taxi after a full day on the sea.

Drop-offs are listed for Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna. Exact times can vary, so avoid booking a dinner reservation or evening activity too tightly after the stated return.

What the crew does well

The strongest part of the experience is the crew’s attention during the active sections. The supplied details repeatedly point to staff helping with snorkeling, offering drinks, keeping people comfortable, and responding when someone needed assistance.

Bassem and Andrew are names associated with especially warm service in the available information. One account describes crew members finding a way to help a person with an injured foot take part in snorkeling. That does not mean every problem can be solved at sea, but it shows the kind of hands-on support you can expect from the team.

The guide speaks English, German, Russian, or Arabic. If you need clear instructions in the water, confirm your preferred language when you book or when the provider contacts you.

Who should book this day on the Red Sea

I would choose this cruise if you want a broad sample of Hurghada’s sea activities in one booking. It suits couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who likes a day with a clear schedule and plenty to do.

It is also a good fit if you value comfort. The yacht is described as spacious, and you can switch between beach time, swimming, food, massage, and water sports rather than staying active all day.

I would think twice if you dislike long outings, boat motion, or group schedules. The trip lasts most of the day, and you will spend significant time on the water. Orange Bay is not a private beach, and the reef conditions may not be the same every day.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, towel, swimwear, sunscreen, water, camera, and snacks. Keep marine life and plants untouched, and bring cash as requested.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility if your Hurghada plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Orange Bay and Giftun cruise?

Book it if you want good variety for $53 and prefer a guided day over arranging each activity yourself. The strongest reasons are the two snorkeling stops, included lunch, spacious yacht, massage, and supportive crew.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a short trip, or a long uninterrupted stay on the island. For most people seeking a full Red Sea day with both rest and activity, this is a well-priced and practical choice.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about 8 hours and 30 minutes.

What is included in the $53 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, the yacht trip, Orange Bay visit, lunch, soft and hot drinks, snacks, two snorkeling stops, equipment, massage, banana boat ride, natural reserve entry fee, and taxes.

Which languages are available?

Guides are available in German, English, Russian, and Arabic.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna. Pickup is not available from Viva Blue Hotel.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not listed among the included items, so bring your own towel along with swimwear.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The boat serves a buffet lunch with salads, vegetables, fish, and BBQ dishes.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.