Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the small speedboat format. You spend less time waiting around at a large marina and more time moving between reef sites, open water, and Orange Bay. Two snorkeling stops give you a proper look at coral and fish, while the boat’s shaded area, music, fruit, and cold drinks keep the day relaxed.

I especially like the personal help in the water, with guides such as Ahmed, Mido, and Youssef helping nervous swimmers and pointing out fish. I also like the balance between active snorkeling and 1.5 hours on Orange Bay’s white sand. The tradeoff is that Orange Bay can be crowded, the ride can get rough in wind, and the optional parasailing has drawn complaints about its short flight time.

Key points at a glance

• Two reef stops: About 20 minutes of snorkeling at each location, with masks, fins, and life jackets supplied.
• Fast island transfer: The speedboat reaches the first snorkeling area in about 20 minutes, then Orange Bay follows after a short ride.
• Personal service: Guides including Mido, Ahmed, Youssef, and Captain Wissam have been praised for helping children and less confident swimmers.
• Orange Bay time: Plan on roughly 1.5 hours for swimming, beach time, photos, and the island’s Caribbean-style setting.
• Useful warning: Pickup windows can shift by 60 to 90 minutes, and the boat may be bumpy on windy days.
• Good value for small groups: The advertised price is $174 for up to two people, with larger group arrangements handled as a private or shared trip.

Speeding out of Hurghada toward Giftun Island

This is a half-day Red Sea outing built around movement. After pickup, you head to the marina, meet your guide, receive a short safety briefing, and board the speedboat. The first snorkeling area is usually about 20 minutes away, a useful detail if you dislike the long, slow approach of a large excursion boat.

The speedboat is the main reason to choose this trip. It gets you across the water quickly and gives you a more open, lively ride. You can sit in the shaded section, listen to music, watch the coast recede, and enjoy seasonal fruit and soft drinks between stops.

That speed comes with a price. On windy days, the ride can be distinctly bumpy. One family was advised that the sea would be rough and chose to continue anyway, while another noted that the motion was part of the fun. If you have back problems, this activity is not recommended. A light rain jacket or poncho, spare clothes, and a towel are sensible additions, even in warm weather.

The boat carries life jackets and snorkeling gear. You should still bring a sun hat, towel, cash, and anything you need for personal comfort. Keep bags secure, since you are responsible for lost or damaged belongings.

Two snorkeling stops, each with enough time to see the reef

The snorkeling portion includes two separate stops, with about 20 minutes in the water at each site. That is not an all-day reef session, but it is enough time to get a clear taste of the Red Sea without turning the outing into a nonstop swimming exercise.

The appeal is the variety of fish and coral. People have reported seeing colorful fish, moray eels, turtles, flying fish, and dolphins during the wider trip. Dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, but several outings have had close encounters on the way back or between stops. Treat that as a lucky extra, not a promised feature.

The guides are an important part of the experience. Youssef has been praised for patiently introducing first-time snorkelers to the water, while Ahmed has helped less confident swimmers with buoyancy aids and personal guidance. This is useful if you can swim but feel uneasy in open water. You can also remain on the boat or choose island time if snorkeling is not for you.

The stops may feel more personal than a large group cruise. Some outings have had groups of around eight people, and guides have occasionally split the group so snorkelers could spend more time at the reef while others remained on the island. Exact group size can vary, so do not assume every departure will feel private.

Bring your own prescription mask if you use one, though standard snorkeling equipment is supplied. The activity is conducted in English, and the guide gives instructions before you enter the water.

Orange Bay gives you beach time, not an empty island

After snorkeling, the boat makes the short run to Orange Bay. The transfer is described as about five minutes, and you get approximately 1.5 hours on the island. That is enough time for a swim, a walk along the sand, photos, and a stretch in the sun without making you feel stranded there.

Orange Bay’s main attraction is its soft white beach and clear, shallow-looking water. The setting has a Caribbean feel, which explains the appeal of the wooden seating, beach views, and photo-friendly shoreline. It is a pleasant change from the boat and gives you a chance to dry off before the return trip.

You should set your expectations correctly. Orange Bay is popular, and it can be busy. The hour or two passes quickly, especially if you want to swim, eat, take pictures, and simply sit down. Early departures may give you a quieter start, and one early group reached the island before it became too crowded.

The island is also more commercial than the words pristine beach might suggest. Extra drinks, ice cream, and snacks may cost more than you expect. If you have dietary needs or are particular about food, pack a snack. The tour includes fruit, water, and soft drinks, and one account describes a satisfying included lunch, but the supplied inclusions do not spell out the menu. Confirm the meal details when booking rather than assuming a full restaurant lunch.

Lunch, fruit, drinks, and the practical food question

Food is part of the experience’s appeal, but the details need a little care. Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are listed as included. A past outing also included a well-presented lunch, while another person suggested bringing personal snacks if you are selective or have special requirements.

That means you should not arrive expecting a broad buffet or a meal tailored to allergies. Bring a small backup snack if you need one, and ask the operator what lunch includes before departure. This is especially useful for children and anyone with vegetarian, halal, allergy-related, or other dietary needs.

The simple refreshments work well on a hot boat day. Water matters more than fancy catering, and the fruit is a welcome touch after snorkeling. The boat also has a shaded area, which gives you somewhere to escape the strongest sun between swims.

The crew can make the day feel personal

The operator is Go Shalabi, and the crew names vary by departure. Mido, Ahmed, Youssef, Captain Wissam, Captain Karim, Captain Islam, Hassan, and others have been singled out for friendly service, careful driving, and practical help.

Several details are worth noting. Guides have assisted children, encouraged nervous swimmers, explained the stops, and helped recover forgotten belongings. A photographer may also be present, sometimes using a GoPro or taking pictures at Orange Bay. Photos and videos can cost extra, so ask about the price before agreeing.

Music is part of the boat atmosphere. Some crews keep things lively with music and dancing, while others focus more on the reef and scenery. This is not a silent nature cruise. If you want a calm ride, tell the guide early. If you enjoy a social mood, the onboard stereo adds to the outing.

A few people have praised the captains for finding dolphin sightings and taking the boat to less crowded snorkeling areas. Still, this depends on sea conditions, wildlife, and the captain’s judgment on the day. No captain can guarantee dolphins or a particular reef.

Price and value for a private or shared speedboat

The advertised price is $174 per group of up to two people. That can be strong value for a couple if the booking is handled as a private experience, since transport, guide service, boat travel, entry fees, snorkeling equipment, refreshments, and two snorkeling stops are included.

The wording around private and shared trips deserves attention. The experience is described as a private group, yet some departures include several people on one speedboat. Read the booking terms carefully and confirm the boat arrangement if privacy matters to you. A private boat can be worthwhile for couples, families, or small groups who want control over the pace.

The price does not cover long-range pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay. These areas require an extra fee selected during checkout, and people who do not arrange it in advance may need to pay at the harbor. There are no cancellations for that extra service after 6:00 PM the day before.

Parasailing is another optional add-on. The main cruise and snorkeling program receive strong praise, but one person found the parasailing flight far too short for the extra cost, at roughly two minutes. I would book the boat for the island and reef experience, not for parasailing.

Pickup takes patience and careful attention

Hotel pickup is included from Hurghada, with listed pickup areas also covering Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. The exact pickup time can vary by 1 to 1.5 hours from the scheduled time, especially for extended areas.

The final details are sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before. You need to provide your nationality, hotel name, address, and room number. On the morning of the trip, wait at the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance, and look for the white or black vehicle with the Go Shalabi logo.

The vehicle can wait only five minutes, so be ready early. This is one of those small details that can decide whether the day begins smoothly. Keep your phone available the night before, since the pickup message may be the clearest way to confirm the actual time.

The return transfer brings you back to the marina, where your driver meets you for the ride to your hotel. Allow four to six hours for the full activity, including transport and time at the marina.

Who will enjoy this Red Sea outing most

I would choose this trip if you want several Red Sea highlights in one outing without spending a full day on a large boat. It suits couples, families with older children, small groups of friends, and first-time snorkelers who appreciate help in the water.

It is also a good choice if you want a lively ride rather than a slow cruise. The speedboat cuts down transfer time, and the combination of reef stops and beach time keeps the schedule varied.

Think twice if you have back problems, dislike choppy water, or want a quiet, uncrowded beach. Orange Bay is attractive but popular, and the speedboat can bounce in rough conditions. If you are not comfortable snorkeling, you can still enjoy the boat and island, but the reef stops are a major part of the value.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Pickup details, long-range transfers, food, and optional activities are the areas I would confirm before paying.

Should you book the Orange Bay speedboat trip?

Yes, if your priority is a well-paced Red Sea day with two snorkeling stops, quick boat transfers, and a proper stretch of beach time. The strongest part is the combination of capable crews and a smaller boat feel. Guides such as Ahmed, Mido, and Youssef have made a real difference for children and nervous swimmers.

Book an early departure if you want the best chance of enjoying Orange Bay before it fills up. Bring a hat, towel, cash, spare clothes, and a snack. Confirm your pickup point and any extra transfer cost, then treat dolphins and perfect sea conditions as lucky bonuses.

I would skip the parasailing add-on unless the price and flight time are clearly explained. For the core outing, though, the price can be very fair for a couple or small group, particularly if you value personal attention over the facilities of a large day boat.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts about four to six hours, depending on the departure time, hotel transfer, marina arrangements, and conditions on the water.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is available from Hurghada and listed areas including Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Long-range pickup from Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay requires an extra add-on.

Where should I wait for the vehicle?

Wait at the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance. Look for a white or black vehicle with the Go Shalabi logo.

When will I receive the pickup details?

The pickup information is sent by email or WhatsApp at around 10:00 PM the night before the trip.

How long are the snorkeling stops?

There are two snorkeling stops, with about 20 minutes at each location.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, fins, and life jackets are included, along with a guide and speedboat transport.

How much time do I get at Orange Bay?

You can expect approximately 1.5 hours at Orange Bay for swimming, beach time, relaxation, and photos.

Is lunch included?

The experience is promoted with lunch, and a past outing included a well-presented meal. Fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are listed as included. Ask for the current lunch details if you have dietary requirements.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Long-range pickup has a separate restriction, with no cancellation after 6:00 PM the day before.