Safaga: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch

The best part of this trip is the fast ride across the Red Sea to Giftun National Park, where two short snorkeling stops lead to a sandy break at Orange Bay. You can look for colorful fish, coral, turtles, and dolphins, then eat lunch with your feet close to the beach.

I like the speedboat format, which gives you more time on the water and less time tied to a large boat. I also like the simple all-in-one setup: hotel pickup, guide, equipment, drinks, fruit, lunch, and park fees are covered. The main catch is that the snorkeling stops are only about 20 minutes each, and the food plan may change. One booking received fish and chips instead of the expected seafood dinner, so keep your meal expectations modest.

Key points to know before booking

• Two 20-minute snorkeling stops: You get two chances to see coral and fish, but neither stop is especially long.
• Orange Bay is the main beach break: Expect white sand, clear water, lunch, swimming, and time to sit in the sun.
• Fast, smaller-boat travel: A speedboat feels quicker and more direct than a large group cruise, though the ride may feel lively on open water.
• Dolphins are possible: The route offers a chance to watch dolphins, but sightings depend on nature.
• $60 includes a lot: Transfers, guide, speedboat, equipment, drinks, fruit, lunch, life jackets, and reserve fees are included.
• Strict pickup timing: Be at the hotel entrance by the road, not the reception gate, and arrive early because the boat operator waits no more than five minutes.

Speeding out from Hurghada toward Giftun National Park

This is a water-first day, not a slow sightseeing cruise. After pickup, you go to the marina, meet your guide, receive a short introduction, and board the speedboat. The first snorkeling area is expected within about 20 minutes, so you spend less of the morning simply getting to the activity.

That matters in the Red Sea. A large boat can turn the ride into the main event, while a speedboat gets you between the marina, snorkeling sites, and Orange Bay with less fuss. The boat also has a shaded area, stereo system, and life jackets. You can sit in the shade between swims instead of spending the whole day in direct sun.

The trade-off is comfort. A fast boat can feel bumpy, especially when the water is rough. This trip is not suitable for people with back problems, and you should take that warning seriously. If you want a smooth, quiet ride, a slower cruise may suit you better. If you want to cover several points around the islands in one day, the speedboat has a clear advantage.

The trip can be booked as a private or shared experience. The supplied details do not give a fixed maximum group size, so ask at booking if the size of your boat matters. A private departure should give you more control over the pace, while a shared boat may be the better value if you are comfortable following a set plan.

Two short snorkeling stops with coral and sea life

The snorkeling portion is split between two different spots around Giftun National Park. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes. That gives you a total of roughly 40 minutes in the water, not counting the time needed to enter, adjust equipment, and return to the boat.

You can expect clear Red Sea water, coral reefs, and colorful fish. Sea turtles are also possible. The area is known for underwater life, but no guide can promise a particular animal or a specific coral scene on a given day. Dolphins are another possibility, and the route is designed to give you a chance to watch them from the speedboat.

I like the two-stop plan because it gives you a second chance if the first site is crowded, less clear, or simply not your favorite. It also breaks up the swimming with a boat ride. Still, serious snorkelers may find the water time brief. This is best understood as a mixed island outing with snorkeling, not a dedicated reef expedition.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life jackets, which makes the arrangement easy if you are packing light. Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Cash is also recommended, even though the listed essentials are included. You should be comfortable in open water and able to manage a short swim. The supplied details do not mention flotation support beyond life jackets, so ask the guide if you need extra help in the water.

Watching for dolphins from a moving boat

Dolphin watching is part of the appeal, but it is not a guaranteed appointment. You may see dolphins while the speedboat is moving between sites, or you may spend the ride enjoying the open water without a sighting. That uncertainty is normal for any wildlife activity.

The best way to approach this part is to treat dolphins as a bonus rather than the reason to pay the full price. The trip still includes two snorkeling stops and Orange Bay even if no dolphins appear. Keep your camera ready, but do not let the search take all your attention away from the reef and the scenery.

The speedboat gives you a better sense of movement than a large vessel. You can see more of the Red Sea and feel the distance between the mainland and the islands. It is also a good setting for a small celebration or a lively day with friends, provided everyone is comfortable with speed and sun.

Orange Bay, white sand, and a long pause ashore

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Orange Bay. This is the relaxed section of the day, with white sand, clear water, and time to swim, sit in the sun, or walk around the island area. The setting is designed to feel like a small tropical escape, though you should not expect an untouched beach with no other activity.

Orange Bay works well as a counterpoint to the snorkeling. The reef stops ask you to watch the water closely. The island gives you room to dry off, eat, and slow down. If you prefer a day with a mix of action and rest, this balance is one of the tour’s strongest features.

The beach stop is also where the schedule may feel less tightly controlled. You have time at leisure, but the overall outing still follows the boat’s departure plan. Listen carefully when the guide gives the return time. Missing the boat is not a charming island adventure.

Bring sunscreen and use it regularly. White sand and open water reflect a lot of light, and the speedboat ride adds more sun exposure than you may notice. A towel is not included in the listed equipment, so pack one from your hotel.

Lunch on the island, with realistic expectations

Lunch is included, along with soft drinks, mineral water, and seasonal fruit. The food is described as a selection of local dishes, served during the Orange Bay stop. That is convenient because you do not need to leave the beach area to find a meal.

Still, the meal deserves a practical note. The food plan has changed on at least one booking, with fish and chips served instead of a seafood dinner. That does not mean your lunch will be the same, but it does tell you not to book this trip for a carefully planned menu. Think of lunch as useful fuel during a full day outside.

If you have dietary restrictions, ask before booking. The supplied details do not specify vegetarian, vegan, halal, allergy-friendly, or children’s meal options. Do not assume the lunch box or island meal can be changed without notice.

The included drinks are a real help in the heat. Even so, bring cash and ask your guide what is covered before buying anything extra. The price includes mineral water and soft drinks, but the details do not say that every purchase on Orange Bay is included.

What the $60 price covers

At $60 per person, this trip offers solid value if you want several services bundled into one day. You are paying for hotel pickup and return, marina transport by speedboat, a guide, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, island entry, reserve fees, lunch, fruit, drinks, and life jackets.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange each part separately. Transfers alone can be useful in Hurghada, especially when you are staying away from the marina. You also avoid the hassle of finding a boat, arranging equipment, and paying park fees at the dock.

The value is less clear if you want long, uninterrupted snorkeling. Two 20-minute sessions are enough for a taste of the reefs, but not for hours of underwater exploration. You are also paying for the Orange Bay beach stop and the speedboat experience. If those elements sound appealing, the price is sensible. If you only want reef time, a specialist snorkeling trip may give you more water time for your money.

Parasailing is available only if you select the add-on. It is not part of the standard package. Check the final price before booking if you want it, and do not assume it is included because it appears among the optional features.

Pickup details that can make or break the morning

The provider sends pickup details by email at about 10 p.m. the night before. Check your inbox and make sure the provider has your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number.

Pickup takes place at the hotel’s main entrance by the road. It is not the reception entrance or an interior hotel gate. This is an easy point to miss, especially at a large resort. Find the correct entrance the evening before so you are not searching for the driver in the morning.

Be ready before the stated time. The activity provider can wait no more than five minutes because other passengers are scheduled around the same departure. This is not the sort of outing where a relaxed breakfast and a last-minute lobby search work well.

The listed language options are English and Arabic. If you need another language, the supplied details do not confirm it. The guide is part of the included package, and you should use the introduction at the marina to ask about the boat, snorkeling safety, lunch timing, and the return departure.

Who will enjoy this Red Sea day most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a compact, active day with several different parts. It suits couples, friends, and families with confident swimmers who like speed, salt water, and a beach stop in the same package.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Hurghada and want a straightforward way to reach Giftun National Park. The included transfer, equipment, food, and reserve fees remove much of the planning work. The English and Arabic guide options make the basic arrangements easier for many visitors.

You may want a different trip if you have back problems, dislike fast boat rides, or need a fully reliable food plan. You should also think twice if you want long snorkeling sessions, total schedule freedom, or a quiet boat with no music. The shaded area helps with the sun, but it does not turn the speedboat into a silent lounge.

The cancellation policy is forgiving: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your hotel plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Orange Bay speedboat cruise?

Book it if you want variety rather than one long activity. The strongest combination is the quick ride, two reef stops, a possible dolphin sighting, and an easy beach lunch at Orange Bay. The 4.4 rating from five bookings suggests a generally positive experience, but the small number of ratings means you should keep your expectations practical.

I would choose this trip for a first taste of the Red Sea, especially at $60 when transfers and equipment are included. I would not choose it for serious snorkeling, a guaranteed dolphin encounter, or a carefully controlled seafood meal.

Arrive early at the road-facing hotel entrance, bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash, and treat dolphins and the exact lunch menu as uncertain extras. If you are happy with that balance, this is a lively and useful way to spend a day around Giftun National Park.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat cruise depart from?

The tour includes pickup from your hotel and transport to the marina. The listed departure area is Hurghada.

What places does the trip visit?

The trip visits two snorkeling sites around Giftun National Park and Orange Bay Island.

How long is each snorkeling stop?

Each of the two snorkeling stops lasts about 20 minutes.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included in the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. The meal plan can change, so do not assume a specific seafood menu.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The speedboat route gives you an opportunity to watch dolphins, but sightings depend on nature and are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Pets are not allowed.

Who should avoid this activity?

The trip is not suitable for people with back problems. Be ready for a fast speedboat ride and short snorkeling sessions.