Tour Overview
Spend a relaxing day on the turquoise water of the Red Sea with a boat trip to Orange Bay Island, the picture-perfect sandbank of the Giftun islands near Hurghada. Swim and snorkel over shallow reefs, unwind on the island's white sand, and enjoy lunch and soft drinks on board — an easy, family-friendly escape that is one of the most popular day trips from Hurghada.
Tour Highlights
- Relax on the white sandbank of Orange Bay Island
- Snorkel over shallow, colorful Red Sea reefs
- Comfortable boat cruise from Hurghada Marina
- Fresh lunch and soft drinks served on board
- Perfect family day trip with hotel pickup and drop-off
Tour Route
Why Orange Bay Is Hurghada's Favorite Island Trip
Orange Bay sits on Giftun Island, a short boat ride from Hurghada Marina, inside the protected Giftun Islands area of the Red Sea. It is known for its soft white sand, shallow turquoise lagoon and clear water, which is why it appears in so many photos of Hurghada. Because the sea around the island is calm and shallow, it is one of the easiest places on the coast to try snorkeling for the first time.
The day combines a relaxing cruise, a snorkeling stop over coral reefs and free time on the beach, with lunch and soft drinks served on board. There is no rush and nothing to organize: hotel pickup, the boat, the equipment and your meal are all arranged for you.
What You Might See Underwater
The Red Sea is one of the world's great snorkeling destinations, home to more than 1,000 species of fish and warm water all year.
- Colorful parrotfish, butterflyfish and angelfish around the coral heads
- Clownfish living among sea anemones
- Hard and soft corals in shallow water, easy to see from the surface
- With luck, a sea turtle or a pod of dolphins along the way
Sightings are never guaranteed, but even beginners floating near the boat see plenty of marine life.
Who the Trip Suits
Orange Bay is a good choice for families, couples and groups of friends with mixed experience in the water. No snorkeling experience is needed: the crew provides snorkeling equipment and life jackets, and non-swimmers can stay in the shallows or relax on the beach. Children aged 5 to 11 pay the child price, and infants usually join free of charge.
How the Day Unfolds
After hotel pickup, a short cruise from Hurghada Marina brings you to the reefs around Giftun Island. The crew chooses the snorkeling spot on the day, depending on the wind and the sea, and gives everyone a quick briefing before you get in the water. Afterwards you head to Orange Bay for a few relaxed hours of swimming and sunbathing, with lunch served on board before the cruise back to the marina in the afternoon.
Tips for a Great Day at Sea
- Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunglasses, a hat and a change of clothes.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and put it on before boarding. The sun is strong on the water even when the breeze feels cool.
- Never touch or stand on the coral, and do not feed the fish; the reefs are protected and very fragile.
- If you get seasick, take a tablet before the boat leaves and stay on the open deck.
- Bring an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case for the reef.
- Leave valuables at your hotel and bring a small waterproof bag for your phone and cash.
- Pickup is usually around 8:00 am, and we confirm the exact time the day before.
Best Time to Go
The trip runs all year. From about May to October the sea is at its warmest, while winter days are milder and sometimes windier, with the water typically in the low 20s °C — still pleasant for most swimmers.
More to Do on the Red Sea
Staying longer in Hurghada? Take a Luxor day trip from Hurghada to see Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, or build your beach time into the 7-day Cairo and Hurghada holiday. Heading to Sharm El Sheikh instead? The Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip visits one of the Red Sea's most famous marine parks. Compare the two resorts in our Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh guide, and check our Egypt packing list before you go.
Tour Itinerary
Seven to nine hours, most of it on the water. Exact pickup times are confirmed the day before.
Pickup from your hotel, usually around eight, and a short drive to the marina where the boat is waiting.
The boat leaves the marina and heads out across the Red Sea towards the Giftun island group. The top deck is the place to be for the crossing; there is shade below when you want it.
The boat anchors over a reef and the crew get in the water with you. Masks, snorkels, fins and life jackets are on board, and the stops are in calm shallow water, so no previous experience is needed - beginners do this every day.
The island itself: white sand, shallow turquoise water and a long beach to walk. This is the longest stop of the day and the reason most people book the trip.
Lunch is served on the boat with soft drinks through the day. If you have any dietary requirements, put them in the special requests when you book and the crew will work around them.
The boat returns to the marina and you are back at your hotel in the late afternoon. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes - and an underwater camera if you have one, because the reef is the part people want back.
Your Travel Pass
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about this tour. For anything else, message us on WhatsApp — we reply fast.
No previous experience is required. The snorkeling stops are in calm, shallow areas with guidance from the crew, and life jackets and snorkeling equipment are provided on board. Complete beginners and confident swimmers both enjoy the trip.
Yes, a freshly prepared lunch is served on board along with soft drinks during the day. If you have any dietary requirements, mention them in the special requests field when booking and the crew will do their best to accommodate you.
Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. Underwater cameras are highly recommended — the reefs and fish life are the highlight of the trip.
Yes, families with children are welcome. The boat has shaded areas, and the snorkeling stops are supervised by the crew. Children prices are available and infants usually join free of charge.
Pickup from your hotel is in the morning, usually around 8:00 am, and the trip returns to your hotel in the late afternoon. Exact pickup times are confirmed one day before the trip.
