Hurghada: Yacht Trip 2 islands, Diving & Snorkeling W Lunch

Hurghada’s Red Sea is at its best from the water, and this trip packs a lot into one day: Orange Island’s white beach, two reef stops, an optional introductory scuba session, lunch, and a banana boat or sofa ride. It is an easy way to see more than you could from the shore.

I like the wide mix of activities, since you can swim, snorkel, sit on the sand, or try a water ride without arranging separate bookings. I also like the practical value: hotel pickup, equipment, lunch, and unlimited drinks are included for $27 per person.

The main tradeoff is the group setting. Orange Island can feel crowded, the yacht may already be fairly full, and music has sometimes been loud. Pickup also deserves attention, as one report described a late arrival and unsafe driving.

Key points

• Orange Island beach time: You get about 1.5 hours on white sand and clear, shallow water.
• Two reef stops: Snorkel among coral and fish at separate locations during the return cruise.
• Optional scuba session: Choose the option that includes one introductory scuba experience and equipment.
• Lunch and drinks included: A buffet meal, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks help keep the day simple.
• Water sports finish: Banana boat or sofa rides add a playful burst before returning to Hurghada.
• Good value with limits: The price is low for a full day, but crowds and transfer quality can vary.

A full Red Sea day for $27

At $27 per person, this is priced as an affordable full-day sea outing rather than a private yacht charter. That distinction matters. You are paying for a broad program with transport, island time, reef stops, food, equipment, and water sports, not for quiet sailing or a small personal group.

I see strong value here if your priority is variety. A separate beach visit, reef cruise, lunch, and water ride would usually require more planning and more payments. Here, most of the main costs are bundled into one booking.

The compromises are typical of a popular shared boat. The yacht may be quite full, and the mood can range from lively music to a less peaceful atmosphere. If you want solitude, long stretches of silence, or complete control over the schedule, this is not the right format.

The overall rating is 4.9 from 13 reviews, with especially warm comments about the crew, food, boat, and snorkeling. That is a small sample, so I would treat it as an encouraging sign rather than a guarantee of the exact same experience on every departure.

Getting from your hotel to Hurghada marina

Pickup is included from hotels and accommodation in Hurghada, with air-conditioned transport to the marina. Exact pickup time is confirmed after booking, and the day normally runs from morning until late afternoon.

This transfer is useful because you do not have to arrange a taxi before an early start. Still, I would be ready for some variation. One report described a pickup that arrived 30 minutes late and criticized the driver’s attention on the road. That is not a reason to reject the whole trip, but it is a fair reason to keep your morning flexible and check the pickup details carefully.

Extra charges may apply if you stay in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Al-Ahya, El Gouna, or Safaga. Pickup from those areas is not included in the standard Hurghada arrangement, so check the correct option before paying.

At the marina, you meet the crew, collect your snorkeling mask, fins, and life vest, then board the yacht. Guides and crew can communicate in English, German, Arabic, French, and Russian. No individual guide names are supplied, so you should not book this expecting a particular named guide.

Orange Island gives you sand, sun, and a short break

The first sea stop is Orange Island, also known as Orange Bay in the holiday trade. The boat takes you to the island, where you have about 1.5 hours to sit on the beach, swim, or walk along the white sand.

This is the most relaxed part of the day. After the hotel transfer and boat ride, you can put away your mask and fins for a while and simply enjoy the water. The clear sea and pale sand make this a good stop for families and for anyone who prefers easy swimming to constant activity.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is not a secluded island escape. One account found Orange Bay too crowded and suggested skipping it, while another wished for more time at the beach and activities. Those comments can both be true: the beach is attractive, but the experience depends heavily on how many boats arrive at the same time.

Use your 1.5 hours wisely. If the beach is busy, go for a swim early, take your photos, then find a quieter patch of sand. Bring your own towel, since towels are not included. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also useful, as there is limited reason to spend the whole stop under the sun.

Reef stop one brings the Red Sea underwater

After Orange Island, you return to the yacht and sail to the first reef location. Here, the focus shifts from beach time to the Red Sea’s underwater life.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, including a mask, fins, and life vest. You can see coral formations and fish in clear water, with the crew directing you toward the place to enter. The exact reef name is not specified, so do not expect a named site with a fixed underwater route.

For someone new to snorkeling, this is a practical arrangement. You do not need to pack specialist equipment, and a life vest makes the activity less demanding if you are not a strong swimmer. You can stay at the surface, watch fish around the coral, and return to the yacht when you have had enough.

The optional scuba element is an introductory session, not an advanced course. It is available only if you select the appropriate booking option, and scuba equipment is included with that option. If you have never tried it, this can be a quick way to experience breathing underwater under the crew’s direction.

You should not choose the scuba option casually if you have a medical concern. The trip is not suitable for people with heart problems, back problems, or those who are pregnant. Children may also need parental supervision during water activities.

Lunch on board keeps the day moving

After the first reef stop, lunch is served on the yacht. The included meal is a buffet, with soft drinks and hot drinks available throughout the day. A light breakfast or snacks are also included.

This is an important part of the value. You are out on the water for several hours, and buying food and drinks separately can quickly make a cheap excursion less cheap. The buffet also lets you refuel without giving up another shore stop.

The food received strong praise, but you should think of it as practical boat catering rather than a special restaurant meal. You get a filling break with Red Sea views, not a carefully paced dining experience. Since the boat continues with another reef stop afterward, eat enough to keep your energy up, but do not overdo it before swimming.

One small warning concerns paid extras. If someone offers photos or video during the day, any purchase is separate. Follow up directly with the photographer or photo company about delivery and payment. Also check prices before buying anything on board. One person paid 10 euros for two small instant coffees, which is a useful reminder that included drinks and paid extras are not the same thing.

Reef stop two adds more time in the water

Once lunch is over, the yacht reaches a second reef stop. You can snorkel and swim again, giving you another chance to see coral and fish in a different setting.

The second stop is valuable because the first water session may pass quickly. Some people spend time getting comfortable with the equipment, while others return early if the sea feels tiring. A second location gives you a fresh chance to swim without forcing you to stay in the water for one long session.

I like this structure for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling, while beginners can stay close to the yacht or use the life vest. If you are mainly interested in coral, ask the crew where the best viewing area is before entering the water.

Keep your belongings secure on the boat and use the supplied equipment carefully. You will spend the day moving between beach, boat, and water, so a simple packing list works best. Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some cash, but avoid carrying anything you would worry about getting wet.

Banana boats and sofa rides add a noisy finale

The final activity is a water ride, either a banana boat or sofa boat pulled by a speedboat. This gives the afternoon a more playful finish after the quieter reef sessions.

I would think of this as a short amusement ride rather than serious watersport. One person found the banana boat less action-packed than expected, so do not book the trip mainly for thrills. It is better suited to families, friends, and mixed-age groups who want a bit of fun after swimming.

Music may be part of the boat atmosphere, and one account found it too loud while another felt the trip could have used more music. That tells you the sound level may not suit everyone. If you want a peaceful ride back, this may not be the quietest part of the day.

Safety and health limits matter here. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart or back problems. Children may need close parental supervision, and you should tell the crew if you are uncomfortable before joining.

What the crew and boat experience are like

The crew is the strongest part of the trip in the available feedback. Several people praised the staff for being friendly, cheerful, professional, and attentive from start to finish. That matters on a water outing, where clear directions and a calm crew make snorkeling much easier.

The yacht itself was described positively, although it can already be fairly full. A full boat can create a lively social atmosphere, but it also means less personal space, more noise, and more waiting when people move on and off the boat.

The experience provider is FTS Travels. Since the tour is offered in several languages, it can work well for an international group. Still, the actual feel of the day depends on the crew assigned, the weather, and how many people are booked.

Weather controls the schedule. If sea conditions make the trip unsafe, it may be rescheduled or canceled with a refund. That is standard for a boat trip, but it means you should avoid placing this outing on the one and only day when you need perfect conditions.

Who will get the most from this trip?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a busy, good-value day on the Red Sea and enjoy changing activities. It suits families, couples, groups of friends, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants beach time without giving up reef stops.

It is especially useful for people staying in Hurghada who do not want to arrange transport, equipment, food, and water sports separately. You can simply bring your swim gear and spend the day moving from one included activity to the next.

You may want another type of trip if you dislike crowds, loud music, or fixed schedules. Orange Island can be crowded, the boat may be full, and the day does not offer much control over how long you spend at each location. Strong swimmers seeking a serious scuba program should also look for a more specialized option, since the included underwater session is introductory.

The trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart or back problems. If you have a health concern that is not listed, ask before booking rather than deciding at the marina.

What to pack and what to check

Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and cash. Your snorkeling mask, fins, and life vest are supplied, but your personal towel is not.

Wear swim clothing that you are comfortable using for a full day. Keep your packing light, since you will move between the hotel, yacht, island beach, and water several times.

Before confirming, check three things: the pickup area, the selected option for the introductory scuba session, and any extra-cost add-ons. If you stay outside central Hurghada, confirm the transfer fee. If you want scuba, make sure you have chosen the package that includes it.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Payment can also be made later through the reserve-now option, which is useful if your Hurghada plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Orange and Giftun Island yacht trip?

Book it if you want the most activity for a low price: island beach time, two reef stops, food, drinks, equipment, transport, and a water ride in one day. The friendly crew, good buffet, and clear snorkeling water are the main reasons this trip earns strong marks.

Think twice if your ideal Red Sea day means a quiet, lightly booked yacht and a deserted beach. Orange Island may be crowded, the music may be loud, and transfer quality needs a little checking.

My practical verdict is simple: this is a strong budget choice for variety, especially for a first Hurghada sea outing. Choose the scuba option only if you want a brief introduction, bring your own towel, confirm pickup details, and treat Orange Island as a scenic shared stop rather than a private island retreat.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included from Hurghada?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included, along with air-conditioned transportation. Extra fees may apply for Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Al-Ahya, El Gouna, and Safaga.

How long does the trip last?

The outing usually runs from morning until late afternoon. Your exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask, fins, and life vest are included. You should bring your own towel.

Is scuba included?

One introductory scuba session and scuba equipment are included only if you choose the option that specifically includes them.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive light breakfast snacks, a buffet lunch, unlimited drinks on board, soft drinks, and hot drinks.

What water sports are available?

The activity includes a banana boat or sofa boat ride. Children may require parental supervision during water activities.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The trip may also be rescheduled or refunded if weather conditions cause cancellation.