Orange Bay & Giftun Island Snorkeling Trip: trip overview
If you only take one boat trip in Hurghada, make it this one. The Giftun Islands sit about 45 minutes offshore inside a protected marine park, and Orange Bay on Giftun Kebir has the kind of pale sand and turquoise shallows that look edited in photos — but are not.
The day balances water and rest: two guided snorkel stops on coral reefs, then around two hours on the beach at Orange Bay. Lunch is cooked on board, and the boat returns to the marina in the late afternoon so you are back in time for dinner. It is the trip we recommend most often at Hurghada Day Trips, especially for a first Red Sea day.
Highlights
- Two snorkel stops on protected Giftun reefs with a guide in the water
- Around two hours on the white-sand beach at Orange Bay
- Fresh lunch cooked on board, plus water and soft drinks
- Snorkel gear and life jackets for every guest, including children
- Protectorate entry fee included — no surprise charges at the marina
Your day, as it feels
Picture the moment the boat slows down over the first reef. The engine goes quiet, the water below turns from deep blue to bright turquoise, and you can already see fish flickering around the coral before you've even put your mask on. Your guide slips into the water first, gives a thumbs-up, and waits for you at the ladder.
A few minutes later you're floating above a living garden — parrotfish crunching on coral, a clownfish guarding its anemone, maybe a turtle drifting past. Nervous swimmers hold a float ring next to the guide; confident swimmers explore a little further. Nobody is rushed and nobody is left alone.
Then comes Orange Bay: pale sand, a shallow lagoon the colour of a swimming pool, and around two hours to do exactly what you want. Lunch is cooked on board while you swim, the afternoon reef is often the clearest of the day, and by the time the boat turns back to the marina you'll understand why this is the trip people recommend to their friends.
Why guests choose this trip with Hurghada Day Trips
The best first Red Sea day
Two reefs plus a long beach stop give you a real taste of everything Hurghada's sea offers — without an extreme early start.
Beginner-friendly by design
Life jackets, float rings, a guide in the water and shallow snorkel spots mean you can enjoy it even if you've never snorkelled before.
No surprise charges
The protectorate fee, lunch, drinks, equipment and hotel transfers are included. You know the full price before you pay.
Flexible and risk-free
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup, and if the port closes because of wind, you choose a new date or a full refund.
Itinerary, hour by hour
- 08:00
Hotel pickup
Pickup times vary by area; Makadi Bay and El Gouna are collected earlier. You will get the exact time the evening before.
- 09:00
Board at the marina
Meet your crew, choose a spot on the sun deck and listen to the safety briefing.
- 10:00
First snorkel stop
A shallow reef with hard corals, parrotfish, clownfish and — with luck — a turtle. Beginners can hold a float ring beside the guide.
- 11:30
Orange Bay beach
Around two hours to swim in the lagoon, relax or walk along the shoreline.
- 13:30
Lunch on board
Rice, salads, pasta and grilled chicken or fish, with vegetarian options.
- 14:30
Second snorkel stop
A deeper reef wall where visibility is often 20 metres or more.
- Around 16:00
Return and transfer
Back at the marina and driven to your hotel.
Times are approximate and confirmed with your booking. Pickup times vary by hotel area — you receive yours the evening before.
Places you'll visit
What you will see on this trip, in a few words. The exact order can change on the day.
Giftun Kebir (Big Giftun Island)
Giftun Kebir is the larger of the two Giftun Islands, part of a protected national park about 40–50 minutes by boat from Hurghada. Its sheltered bays have white sand and shallow turquoise water, and its fringing reefs are home to corals, reef fish and sometimes turtles. Orange Bay and the Mahmya beach area are both on this island. A park fee applies, and no one is allowed to stay overnight. Full guide & map →
Orange Bay
Orange Bay is a beach on the south-west side of Giftun Kebir, known for its pale sand and a wide, shallow reef lagoon so clear it looks like a swimming pool. The lagoon is easy for beginners and children. Boats anchor offshore and guests reach the beach by small boat or by swimming. It has sunbeds and simple facilities, and an entrance fee is charged on top of the boat trip on many offers. We say clearly whether it is included. Arrive early in the day for the best light and the fewest people. Full guide & map →
Ben El Gebel
Ben El Gebel, 'between the mountains', is a reef stop in the Giftun area, sheltered by the islands. The coral gardens here are shallow and colourful, which makes it a relaxed snorkel for beginners and children, with plenty of reef fish close to the surface. Boat crews like it on windy days because the water stays calmer than in the open sea.
Small Giftun (Giftun Soghayar)
Small Giftun (Giftun Soghayar) lies south of Giftun Kebir and is ringed by reef walls on all sides that drop steeply into deep blue water. The outer edge is famous for drift dives, with soft corals, gorgonian fans and schools of fish carried by the current. Snorkelers stay along the top of the wall in calm conditions, where the light and colours are best. Full guide & map →
El Fanous East
El Fanous, 'the lantern', is a pair of shallow reef sites at the northern tip of the Giftun islands. The east site has coral ridges and sandy channels with plenty of reef fish, and dolphins and turtles are seen here from time to time. Its shallow depth makes it suitable for snorkelers, introductory dives and relaxed fun dives. Full guide & map →
Read more about every reef and island in our Hurghada reefs, islands & wrecks guide.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Shared boat trip with crew and snorkel guide
- Snorkel mask, fins and life jacket
- Lunch, drinking water and soft drinks
- Giftun protectorate fee
Not included
- Towels (bring your own from the hotel)
- Underwater photos and videos
- Tips for the crew (optional)
Optional extras — told to you before you book
| Optional extra | Cost |
|---|---|
| Underwater photos (optional) | price told before shooting |
| Tips for the crew | optional |
Your safety on this trip
- Licensed boats that carry life jackets in adult and child sizes for every guest.
- A briefing before every snorkel stop, in English and other languages where possible.
- A snorkel guide in the water with the group, plus a crew member watching from the deck.
- The captain chooses reefs according to wind and current on the day — safety always comes before the itinerary.
- Fresh drinking water on board all day and shade on the upper deck.
What other travellers complain about — and what we do instead
We read public reviews of Hurghada excursions so you don't have to learn the hard way. Here is what goes wrong on some trips of this kind, and the standard we hold ourselves to.
Is this trip right for you?
Perfect for
- First-time visitors to Hurghada
- Families with children who can wear a life jacket
- Couples wanting a relaxed beach and snorkel day
- Non-swimmers who want to see the reef with support
Maybe not for you if…
- Travellers wanting a quiet, uncrowded beach (choose Mahmya)
- Guests prone to strong seasickness on windy days
- Anyone looking for a private boat (see the private yacht)
Insider tips from our team
- Bring your own mask if you wear glasses — prescription masks make a huge difference.
- Wear a rash vest or T-shirt while snorkelling; the back of your legs burns fastest.
- Sit on the lower deck on the way out if you feel queasy; the motion is gentler there.
- Keep a little cash for underwater photos — the crew's photographer captures moments you can't.
- Book early in your holiday: if the wind closes the port, you still have days to reschedule.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- A rash vest or T-shirt for snorkeling
- Cash for optional extras
Good to know
- The boat carries a mix of nationalities; the briefing is given in English plus other languages depending on the group.
- Snorkel stops can change on the day according to wind and current — the captain always picks the safest reef.
- Please do not touch or stand on the coral, and do not feed the fish.
- The displayed fare is for the standard snorkelling / boat programme. Diving is a separate complete package for divers aged 10+, with its full price confirmed before payment.
Hotel pickup areas
Pickup and drop-off are arranged from hotels in central Hurghada and from El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, Safaga. Read our pickup areas guide for typical transfer times.
Guest reviews
Reviews on this page come only from guests who booked this trip with us; we publish positive and critical ones alike. After your trip we send you a short review link.
Orange Bay & Giftun Island Snorkeling Trip: questions & answers
Is Orange Bay suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes. The lagoon at Orange Bay is shallow, and on the reef stops you can stay beside the guide with a life jacket and float ring.
Is this the same as the Mahmya Island trip?
No. Both islands are in the Giftun marine park, but Mahmya is a quieter, limited-capacity beach with sun loungers and a restaurant, while Orange Bay is livelier and better value. See our Giftun island guide for a full comparison.
Can I take a private boat to Orange Bay?
Yes — choose the private yacht charter and ask for Orange Bay in your route.
How are children's tickets priced?
Children aged 0–4 travel free on standard per-person trips; ages 5–10 pay 50% of the adult trip fare; ages 11 and over pay the full fare. Enter every child’s age on the trip date when booking. Pickup supplements and minimum booking prices are shown separately. Private boats, jeeps and quads are priced per vehicle. Activity age restrictions still apply.
Can I book Intro diving on this trip?
Yes, subject to availability. Orange Bay Intro includes one dive of about 10–15 minutes alongside the island visit. Equipment and instructor are included. The diving fare replaces the standard snorkelling ticket for each diver; it is not added to it. Choose the matching Intro programme to request a quote. Minimum age 10, subject to medical screening and instructor approval.
How much is the Orange Bay trip from Hurghada?
Our Orange Bay trip costs €35 per adult with hotel pickup, two snorkel stops, about two hours on the beach, lunch, soft drinks and the protectorate fee included. Children 0–4 travel free and 5–10 pay half.
Is Orange Bay worth it?
Yes, for most first-time visitors: the lagoon is one of the most beautiful beaches near Hurghada and the day combines reef snorkelling with real beach time. If you prefer a quieter beach, look at Mahmya or Paradise Island.
How long is the boat ride to the Giftun Islands?
Around 40–50 minutes depending on the marina and the sea. The captain slows down in choppy water to keep the ride comfortable.
Do I pay anything at the marina?
No. Everything listed as included is covered in the price we confirm with you. Only optional extras such as photos or tips are paid on the day.
Is lunch suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Lunch always includes rice, pasta, salads and vegetables. Tell us about allergies when booking and we'll inform the crew.
Can I pay on the day?
For this trip you can usually pay in cash on the day. We confirm the payment option with your booking.
