Hurghada: Orange & Giftun Island Cruise with Massage & Lunch

Orange Bay is the star of this day at sea: pale sand, clear water, and a welcome break from Hurghada’s busy shore. You’ll also snorkel at two Red Sea sites, eat a generous buffet, and get a short massage while the yacht cruises between stops.

I like the spacious boat, which leaves room to sit, eat, and dry off without feeling packed in. I also like the helpful crew, with Bassem specifically praised for keeping the snorkeling organized and friendly. The main drawback is timing: lunch can arrive around 2 p.m., so bring a small breakfast or snack for the morning.

• Orange Bay for 75 minutes: Beach time and shallow, clear water on Giftun Island.
• Two snorkeling stops: Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī offer different chances to see coral and fish.
• A full buffet lunch: Salads, vegetables, fish, and BBQ dishes are served on board.
• Massage at sea: A relaxing extra that helps break up the active parts of the day.
• Water activities included: A banana boat ride adds a playful finish to the cruise.
• Pickup from five resort areas: Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and El Gouna are covered.

Orange Bay Gives the Day Its Easy Start

This is an eight-and-a-half-hour Red Sea outing built around comfort rather than a single intense activity. After hotel pickup, you ride by van for about 45 minutes, then board the yacht for another 45-minute cruise toward Orange Bay.

The exact pickup time is sent to you one day before the trip. Wait outside your hotel reception five minutes before that time. Pickup is not available from Viva Blue Hotel, so confirm your lodging before paying.

Orange Bay is a good first stop because it lets you settle into the day. You get about 75 minutes to walk on the beach, swim, or simply sit near the water. The bay is designed for a relaxed beach visit, not a long wilderness experience, but the setting gives you the bright water and open views most people want from a Giftun Island trip.

Some excursions reach Orange Bay later, when the beach feels crowded. This boat may arrive early in the morning, which can make the stop calmer. That timing also means you should not count on lunch soon after departure.

The Yacht Makes the Long Day Easier

The boat matters on a trip this long. You are on board for several cruises, lunch, drinks, a massage, and transfers between water activities. The yacht is described as clean and spacious, with enough room for passengers to sit comfortably rather than spend the whole day pressed shoulder to shoulder.

That does not mean you have a private boat. This is a shared excursion, and the number of people can change. Still, the available feedback points to generous space for the group and a comfortable layout compared with other boat trips.

Soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are included. Bring water and extra food anyway, especially if you are traveling with children or get hungry early. A small breakfast box is useful because lunch may not be served until roughly 2 p.m.

The boat cruise itself is part of the appeal. You get a break between swimming sessions, and the wind and salt air make the trip feel different from a standard beach day. The drawback is simple: anyone prone to seasickness should prepare for a full day on moving water.

Two Snorkeling Stops, Two Chances to See the Reef

After Orange Bay, the yacht cruises for about 20 minutes to the Small Giftun snorkeling site. You have around 45 minutes in the water. Snorkeling equipment is included, and crew members help guide you toward the useful areas instead of leaving you to guess where to swim.

The Red Sea is known for clear water, coral formations, and many fish species. The tour information cites more than 500 kinds of fish and 125 types of coral in the wider marine setting. You may see colorful coral and reef fish, but marine life is never guaranteed at one exact spot, and visibility can change with conditions.

You are asked not to touch fish, coral, or other plants. That protects the reef and keeps you from damaging coral with your hands or fins. Follow the crew’s instructions, especially around current, boat traffic, and the limits of the swimming area.

The second snorkeling stop is at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī. It lasts about 45 minutes and gives you another chance to see the underwater scenery after lunch. Two stops are useful because the first site may not suit every swimmer, and the second provides a fresh setting rather than repeating the same short swim.

If you are nervous in the water, tell the crew early. The staff are used to helping people during snorkeling, and one crew member may accompany the group to point out good places to look. You still need to be comfortable entering the water, but you are not expected to find everything alone.

Lunch Comes Late, but It Is More Than a Snack

The buffet lunch is served during a 45-minute Red Sea cruise. Expect salads, vegetables, fish, and BBQ dishes, with enough variety for different tastes. The meal is a real part of the excursion rather than a basic sandwich between activities.

The timing is the one thing to plan around. If the pickup and boat schedule run as described, you may be waiting until early afternoon to eat. Bring a breakfast box, fruit, or another small snack, even though snacks are included. This is especially sensible if you are traveling with young children or prefer an early meal.

The lunch also gives you a chance to sit down properly. After an Orange Bay visit and a snorkeling session, you will likely appreciate food, shade, and a quieter stretch on the boat. Do not expect a restaurant setting or a made-to-order menu. It is a buffet served to a group on a yacht, but the selection sounds generous for this type of day trip.

Soft drinks and hot drinks are included as well. Bring cash for any personal spending and for tipping if you choose to do so. The activity instructions specifically advise carrying cash.

A Massage Break Adds Real Rest

The massage is one of the more unusual features here. It gives you a short, soothing pause while the yacht moves across the Red Sea, rather than adding another active water session to an already full schedule.

I like this because the itinerary has a lot packed into it: transfers, beach time, snorkeling, lunch, and water sports. A massage changes the pace and may be particularly welcome after swimming or sitting in the sun.

It is best to view the massage as a pleasant extra, not a full spa treatment. The provided information does not specify its length, style, or private-room arrangements, so ask the crew if those details matter to you. Bring realistic expectations, and you should enjoy the change of pace.

The Banana Boat Ride Keeps the Afternoon Lively

After the second snorkeling stop, the program includes a banana boat ride lasting about 45 minutes. This is the playful part of the day, suited to people who want more than quiet swimming and beach time.

It can be fun for couples, families, and groups of friends, but it is not the reason to book this trip if you prefer a calm boat day. Water conditions and individual comfort matter. Listen to the crew, use the provided safety guidance, and skip the ride if you feel tired or uncomfortable.

The final cruise lasts about 25 minutes before the van takes you back. The return road transfer is listed at about 45 minutes, though actual timing can depend on your resort and traffic.

What the $53 Price Really Covers

At $53 per person, this is strong value if you want several activities in one day. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the yacht, Orange Bay, two snorkeling stops, equipment, natural reserve entry, lunch, drinks, snacks, massage, guide services, taxes, and the banana boat activity.

Buying these pieces separately would usually take more planning and could cost more, especially once you add transport and reserve fees. The main value comes from the bundled format: one booking gives you a full day on the water with food and equipment already arranged.

The tradeoff is that you give up flexibility. You cannot linger at Orange Bay for half a day, choose your own snorkeling sites, or leave after lunch. The schedule keeps moving, and you spend nearly 510 minutes with the same excursion group.

The high 4.9 rating from 69 bookings fits the strongest features: staff service, boat comfort, food, and the range of activities. Bassem is singled out as a helpful crew member, while Andrew and his team are also praised for making people feel safe during snorkeling. Staff members are listed as speaking English, German, Russian, and Arabic.

Practical Packing for Sun, Salt, and a Late Lunch

Bring your own towel. Swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera are also listed as useful items. Reef-friendly sun protection is a sensible choice, and reapply sunscreen after swimming.

Pack water and a small breakfast snack even though drinks and snacks are provided. The boat’s lunch may come late, and you will use energy during snorkeling and the banana boat ride.

A waterproof phone pouch can be useful, but it is not listed as included. Keep valuables limited, and bring cash for personal needs. Do not touch marine life or plants, even when a fish or coral formation looks close enough to reach.

The Red Sea sun can feel strong when you are surrounded by water. Use the shaded areas when you need a break, drink regularly, and do not treat a cool breeze as protection from sunburn.

Who Will Enjoy This Red Sea Day Most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want an all-purpose sea day with a little of everything. It suits couples looking for a relaxed outing, families who want several activities, and first-time visitors who prefer a guided introduction to Orange Bay and Red Sea snorkeling.

It is also a good fit if you want comfort between activities. The boat provides food, drinks, equipment, and a massage, so you do not need to organize each part yourself.

You may want a different option if your main goal is serious snorkeling. Two 45-minute stops give you a good taste of the reef, but this is not a specialist marine excursion with long hours in the water. You may also find the day too long if you dislike boats, group schedules, or late lunches.

The activity is not available for pickup from Viva Blue Hotel. For other listed areas, pickup and drop-off are included, with options covering Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Makadi Bay, Safaga, and El Gouna.

Should You Book This Orange Bay Cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, busy day that combines beach time, two snorkeling sessions, lunch, massage, and water sports for one price. The spacious yacht, attentive crew, and strong food service make the package feel more useful than a simple boat transfer to Orange Bay.

Think twice if you want a quiet private cruise, an early lunch, or several hours dedicated only to snorkeling. For most visitors staying in the listed resort areas, though, this is a well-balanced way to see Giftun Island without arranging transport, equipment, meals, and reserve access separately.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Confirm your pickup details, pack a breakfast snack and towel, then enjoy the day at a sensible pace.

FAQ

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

The full activity lasts 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours. This includes hotel transfers, boat travel, Orange Bay, two snorkeling stops, lunch, massage, and water activities.

Where is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna. Drop-off is available in the same general set of locations.

Is pickup available from Viva Blue Hotel?

No. Pickup is not available from Viva Blue Hotel.

What languages are available for the guide?

Guide services are available in German, English, Russian, and Arabic.

Are snorkeling equipment and reserve fees included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and the natural reserve entry fee are included in the price.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You visit two snorkeling sites. The listed locations are Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, with about 45 minutes of snorkeling at each.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with salads, fish, vegetables, and BBQ dishes is included. Lunch is scheduled during a 45-minute cruise and may be served around 2 p.m.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. You need to bring your own towel, along with swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera if desired.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve now and pay later option lets you book without paying immediately.