Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

Fast boats, clear water, and a beach stop make this a strong Red Sea day.

This Hurghada trip combines two snorkeling stops with time at Orange Bay, using a small speedboat instead of a large excursion boat. I especially like the short ride to the reefs and the helpful crew, with guides such as Ahmed, Mido, Yousif, Hassan, and Karim praised for helping nervous swimmers and keeping the mood light. The main catch is that Orange Bay can get busy, and the speedboat ride can be bumpy when the wind picks up.

You get a lively half-day on the Red Sea, not a quiet private-island escape. The package costs $174 per group of up to two, though longer hotel transfers cost extra. Bring a towel, hat, cash, and a spare layer. The sea is fun, but it does not always behave like a swimming pool.

The trip at a glance

• Two reef stops: You spend about 20 minutes at each snorkeling location, with equipment and life jackets supplied.
• Quick speedboat travel: The first snorkeling area is roughly 20 minutes from the marina, followed by a short ride to Orange Bay.
• About 1.5 hours at Orange Bay: You can swim, sit on the sand, take photos, or use the island facilities.
• Small-group feel: The experience is offered as a private group, and several outings carried only about eight people.
• Helpful water support: Guides can stay close to less confident swimmers and provide buoyancy aids when needed.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund and reserve now while paying later.

Leaving Hurghada for Giftun Island

The day begins with hotel pickup and a ride to the marina. Your exact pickup time can shift by one to one and a half hours, so do not plan another early appointment around it. The evening before, the company sends the pickup details by email or WhatsApp, usually around 10:00 PM.

You need to wait at the main entrance of the hotel, by the road. The driver does not collect people from the reception area or an inner gate. Look for the white or black bus with the GoShalabi logo, and be ready on time because the vehicle may wait only five minutes.

The pickup area includes Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Transfers from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, and Soma Bay are available for an additional charge. Safaga and the other extended areas may also have a wider pickup window, up to about 90 minutes. If you stay outside central Hurghada, check the extra cost before paying.

At the harbor, you meet the English-speaking guide and receive a short safety briefing. You provide a passport copy, nationality, hotel name, address, and room number as part of the arrangements. The express security process helps reduce waiting, although the overall morning can still feel dependent on hotel pickup timing.

Two snorkeling stops in Red Sea water

The speedboat reaches the first snorkeling area in roughly 20 minutes. That short run is one of the best reasons to choose this outing over a larger boat trip. You spend more time on the water and less time sitting in a crowded harbor queue.

At the first two stops, you have about 20 minutes in the water at each site. Masks, fins, and life jackets are included. The main appeal is the coral and the number of fish moving around the reef. Several outings also produced sightings of turtles, dolphins, flying fish, and moray eels, though wildlife is never guaranteed.

The water may look calm from the beach, but conditions can change offshore. One outing had a notably rough ride because of wind, and the guide offered the option to change dates. If you are prone to seasickness, take that possibility seriously and choose the calmest forecast you can.

The crew is a real strength here. Yousif was praised for patiently helping a first-time snorkeler, while Ahmed was singled out for guiding swimmers to less commercial reef areas. On another trip, a guide stayed with a less confident swimmer and used a buoyancy aid so she could enjoy the fish without feeling abandoned.

That kind of attention matters. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you should be comfortable entering open water. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, and the quick boat ride can be jarring when the sea is choppy.

Do not count on dolphins or turtles, even though several outings spotted them. The reliable part is the reef time, not the wildlife bonus. Also note that the snorkeling periods are fairly short. If you want long underwater sessions, a dedicated reef or scuba trip may suit you better.

Orange Bay and its soft white sand

After the reef stops, the boat makes the short run to Orange Bay. The island time lasts about 1.5 hours, which gives you enough room to swim, sit on the beach, take photographs, and enjoy the shallow clear water without feeling rushed.

Orange Bay has the look many people want from a Red Sea day: pale sand, bright water, simple beach seating, and an easy tropical mood. It is particularly good for people who want a break from snorkeling. You can dry off, stretch your legs, and enjoy the view from land.

The tradeoff is popularity. Orange Bay is not an untouched island. It can become crowded, and the hour or so passes quickly. Some visitors consider the stop a little overhyped, while others find it the prettiest part of the day. Your reaction will depend on what you want. If you expect solitude, adjust your expectations. If you want attractive water and an easy beach stop, it delivers.

Arriving early may help. One small group reached the island before the main rush and found it more relaxed. Timing is not fully in your control, but an early departure is worth asking about when you book.

You may also find extra food and drinks for sale on the island. Bring cash, and keep your expectations modest about included food. The activity information includes seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. The title and one detailed account refer to lunch, but the listed inclusions do not give a specific lunch menu. I would confirm exactly what food is included before departure, especially if you have allergies or dietary needs.

One useful food tip comes from the experience itself: bring a snack if you are selective about what you eat. Fruit and drinks are a welcome touch, but they may not replace a full meal for everyone.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The boat is the star for some people and the tiring part for others. It gets you between Hurghada, the reefs, and Orange Bay quickly, with a shaded area, stereo system, and life jackets onboard. Music adds a holiday feel, and several crews used it to keep the mood upbeat.

You should expect a bumpy ride at times. One family recommended packing a rain jacket or poncho, a change of clothes, and towels. That advice is sensible even on a sunny day because spray can reach the seats.

The crew usually serves mineral water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit. That makes the boat more comfortable during the gaps between swimming stops. Personal belongings remain your responsibility, so use a waterproof bag or keep valuables secured. The company does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Photography may also be offered at an extra fee. Some outings had a photographer who took pictures in the water and at Orange Bay, and the results were appreciated. You should treat this as an optional purchase, not a reason to book the trip.

Parasailing is another add-on. It is not part of the basic experience unless selected during checkout. One account found the parasailing session far too short for the extra cost, so ask about the exact duration and price before adding it.

How much value do you get for $174?

The listed price is $174 for a group of up to two people. That makes the value look strongest for a couple or two friends who want a more personal boat outing. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, a guide, the speedboat, snorkeling gear, two reef stops, island entry, water, soft drinks, fruit, shaded seating, and life jackets.

For two people, that works out to $87 per person before any extended pickup charge. It is not the cheapest way to reach Giftun Island, but the price reflects the faster boat and smaller group format. You are paying for time and flexibility as much as for the destination.

The trip lasts four to six hours, depending on pickup and operating times. That length suits a beach holiday because you still have much of the day free. A large shared boat may cost less, but it can involve longer loading times and more people. The speedboat gives you a quicker route and a more social but less anonymous outing.

The biggest value depends on your priorities. Choose this if you want snorkeling, a fast ride, and a scenic beach in one package. Think twice if you want a quiet beach, a long lunch, or several hours underwater.

Guides, captains, and the human touch

The crew can shape this outing more than the scenery. Captain Wissam received praise for his handling of the boat, while Karim, Ahmed, Mido, Yousif, Hassan, and other guides were noted for being friendly, patient, and attentive.

A good guide does more than point at fish. The best crew members explain what is happening, watch swimmers, help children, and adjust their approach to the group. Mido was especially valued for his energy and clear support. Ahmed was praised for helping nervous swimmers and making families feel safe.

Communication before the trip is another plus. Ivanna and the booking team were often quick to respond through WhatsApp, including pickup information and timing. That matters in Hurghada, where hotel entrances and transfer times can create confusion.

Service is not perfectly uniform. One account disliked the taxi driver, while most of the praise focused on the boat crew rather than the road transfer. Keep your hotel details accurate, wait at the correct entrance, and save the company contact number in case the pickup is unclear.

Who should book this Red Sea outing?

I think this trip suits couples, small groups of friends, and families with older children who want several activities in one morning or afternoon. It is also a good choice for first-time snorkelers because the crew can provide equipment, instructions, and close support.

Solo visitors can fit in well, too. The private-group format may mean a small shared boat, depending on the booking setup, but the experience has enough structure that you are not left to work out the reef stops alone.

You should be comfortable with open water, boat movement, and a quick pace. People with back problems should avoid it. Anyone who wants a calm, slow cruise may prefer a larger vessel, while anyone who dislikes crowds may find Orange Bay less appealing than expected.

Pack a hat, towel, cash, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a light waterproof layer. Keep passports and electronics protected. If you want underwater photographs, ask about the camera service and price before you swim.

Should you book the Giftun Island speedboat cruise?

Book it if you want a well-rounded Red Sea outing with two reef stops, a fast boat, and a pretty beach break. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, the short travel time, and the chance to receive hands-on help in the water. At $174 for two, it offers fair value when you use the boat and included equipment fully.

Skip it if your main goal is solitude, a long snorkeling session, or a clearly defined restaurant lunch. Orange Bay is attractive but can be crowded, and the ride can be rough on windy days. Confirm the food arrangements, check the pickup supplement for your hotel, and choose an early departure if available.

For most Hurghada visitors who want one active half-day on the Red Sea, I would book it. Just bring a towel, protect your belongings, and remember that the best part of the day may be the reef, not the postcard beach.

FAQ

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

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

What is included in the snorkeling portion?

The trip includes snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and two snorkeling stops. You spend about 20 minutes at each stop.

How long do you stay at Orange Bay?

You have approximately 1.5 hours at Orange Bay for swimming, beach time, and sightseeing.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from listed Hurghada areas. Long-range pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay requires an extra fee selected as an add-on.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, and cash. A change of clothes and a light rain jacket or poncho are also practical because the speedboat can produce spray.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.