Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

Fast water. Big sea life.

This Hurghada speedboat trip is a smart way to see the Red Sea fast: you get two snorkeling stops in Giftun Islands National Park, then unwind on Orange Bay’s white sand. I especially like that the day mixes action with an actual beach break, not just a quick photo stop. I also like the crew energy, with guides like Ahmed and captains such as Wissam, Islam, and Bakri showing up again and again in people’s stories. One thing to consider: the ride can be bumpy, especially on windier days, so it’s not a zero-effort outing.

You’re typically picked up from Hurghada hotels (pickup times can shift), taken to the marina, and then you’re off—quickly. You’ll spend about 20 minutes at each snorkel site, then around 1.5 hours on Orange Bay to swim and relax. It’s a great value package for what you get, but Orange Bay can feel busy; if you hate crowds, you’ll want a calm plan for photos and beach time.

Key points at a glance

• Two snorkel stops: short, focused sessions that still leave time to enjoy the scenery.
• Orange Bay for 1.5 hours: enough time to swim, sunbathe, and get photos without feeling rushed.
• Speedboat ride with shade: life jackets, onboard comfort, and music on the move.
• Crew support matters: many guests praise guides like Mido, Hassan, and Mahmoud for help in the water.
• Dolphins are possible: you might spot them on the way back when conditions allow.
• Parasailing is an add-on: fun for some, but it’s easy to see why people question the price.

Hurghada to Giftun Islands: the speedboat start that sets the tone

The day starts with pickup from your Hurghada area—there are multiple pickup zones, including Hurghada and parts like Hurghada 1 and Hurghada 2, plus Safaga. Your confirmation is sent late the night before, and pickup can shift by about an hour depending on where you stay. You’ll wait at your hotel’s main entrance by the road (not reception), and the vehicle can only wait a short time for you—so be ready when the bus appears.

Once you reach the marina, the process moves quickly. You’ll get a short briefing, then hop aboard a fast and comfortable speedboat. The first snorkel spot is reached in about 20 minutes. That speed is the whole point here: you don’t spend half the day traveling around. You get on the water, you get in the sea, and you still have time left to relax.

Small practical note: the tour is listed as English-guided and a private group format. In real life, that often feels like a small group experience rather than a cattle call, and multiple people mention small numbers on their boat.

Snorkeling in Giftun Islands National Park: what you’ll really be doing

Giftun Islands National Park is the core of the marine part of this tour. You get snorkeling gear (mask and flippers are typically used; the tour provides equipment), a guide who helps you find good spots, and two separate snorkel stops. Each stop is around 20 minutes, which is a smart rhythm: long enough to see coral and fish, short enough that you don’t feel exhausted in the water.

What you’re likely to see:

• Colorful reef fish and lots of coral structure
• Sometimes sea turtles (people mention turtle sightings)
• Other surprises show up in stories too: dolphins, flying fish, and even a murena

Guides can make or break snorkeling—especially if you’re a first-timer. One reason this tour gets praise is how many crews handle beginners with patience. In one set of comments, guests described captains and assistants taking extra time, using buoyancy aids, and staying close so nobody felt panicked. If you’re nervous in open water, that kind of support is huge.

Also, pay attention to how the guide positions you. Several notes mention snorkel areas that feel away from the most crowded commercial spots. You might still be sharing the sea with other boats, but the key is whether your crew helps you find reef sections worth your time.

One drawback to watch for: snorkeling conditions can be choppy on some days. Even guests who loved the trip still mention that the water can get rough. If you get seasick easily, bring a plan (see the comfort section below).

Orange Bay island time: the hour and a half that feels short

After the second snorkel stop, the boat heads to Orange Bay, known for clear water and soft white sand. The ride there is short—around five minutes by speedboat—and then you get roughly 1.5 hours on the island.

This is the part of the trip that shifts gears from reef to beach. You’ll have time to:

• Swim near shore
• Hang out on the sand
• Take photos (Orange Bay has a classic postcard look)
• Just do the easy holiday thing: no schedule, no hurry

Now the honest trade-off. Orange Bay can be busy. A couple of guests warn that the hour passes fast and that it’s touristy when it’s crowded. That doesn’t ruin it, but it does change the feel. If you want maximum quiet, show up ready to move with the crowd and then find your spot.

One clever tip from people’s experiences: going earlier can help you enjoy Orange Bay before it gets fully packed. Even if you can’t choose the exact time, asking about early departures is worth it when available.

Captains and guides: the names that keep showing up

This tour’s reputation isn’t just about the scenery. It’s about the crew. Over and over, specific people are credited for making the day smoother—especially in the water and during the ride.

A few names that appear in guests’ feedback:

• Wissam as captain (often paired with an assistant like Ahmed)
• Mido as guide, described as helpful and entertaining
• Islam as captain, with guests praising safety and organization
• Mahmoud as guide, including stories of quick problem-solving
• Hassan, Kareem, Bakri, Abdul, Karim, Sharif, and Rashid also come up as crew members who stay engaged throughout the day

Two small moments I’d pay attention to are: how your guide treats you when you’re in the water, and how they help you understand where you’re going. People repeatedly mention explanations, patience in snorkeling, and extra support for less-confident swimmers.

There’s also a nice “we’re handling this” vibe during the day. Several guests highlight organized pickup timing and minimal waiting at the marina. In Egypt, logistics can be the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one. This one seems to focus on keeping things moving.

The speedboat ride: fun, fast, and occasionally bumpy

Let’s talk about the ride, because it’s part of the experience. A speedboat is exciting. It also means motion, wind, spray, and sometimes impacty waves when conditions are rough. Reviews include mentions of bumpy rides and choppy snorkeling days.

What to do with that information:

• Bring a light towel and anything that helps you feel less miserable in spray.
• Wear sun protection. Speed and sun together are a fast way to feel cooked.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. The itinerary doesn’t promise calm seas.

For comfort, the boat includes life jackets and there’s onboard shaded area plus stereo music. People also describe the vibe as lively, with music and an enthusiastic tone from the crew. That helps. It turns discomfort into something you can ride out.

One more thing: the boat is fast, so you’ll want to keep personal items secure. The tour notes that you’re responsible for your belongings, and lost items aren’t on them. Small practical move: keep your phone and valuables in a secure bag or pocket that won’t get knocked loose.

Price and value: why it’s about the package, not just the number

The price listed is about $174 per group up to 2 for a 4–6 hour outing. That’s usually the kind of price that makes you ask: is this worth it versus doing things separately?

Here’s the value logic:

• You get transport from Hurghada (pickup and drop-off).
• You get a guided day plus snorkeling equipment.
• You get two snorkel stops, not just one quick swim.
• You get island entry included.
• You get seasonal fruits and soft drinks and mineral water.

That combination is what you’re paying for. Snorkeling equipment rentals, marina fees, boat transport, and guide time add up quickly if you piece it together on your own. Also, a speedboat day is time-efficient—so you’re not burning your whole vacation day on travel.

One caution about extras: parasailing may be offered as an add-on. People who chose it had mixed feelings, including one note calling it not worth the short time for the cost. If parasailing is your priority, ask yourself whether you want a quick thrill or if you’d rather keep your budget for food and drinks on the island.

What’s included (and what you’ll likely want to add)

Included on this trip:

• Pickup and drop-off from Hurghada areas (with clearly defined meeting points)
• Guide and speedboat cruise
• Snorkeling equipment
• Two snorkeling stops and island entry fee
• Seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and mineral water
• Onboard shaded area and stereo system
• Life jackets
• Parasailing only if you select the add-on
• Express security check

What to bring:

• Sun hat
• Towel
• Cash

What not to bring:

• Pets

A smart move for your comfort: have cash ready for things like extra drinks, photos, or harbor-related costs that may come up depending on your exact pickup zone and setup. Some people specifically suggest using euros because some extras can cost less that way, but the tour data only tells you cash is needed—so think of that as a local strategy, not a rule.

Also, if you’re picky about snacks or have dietary needs, pack your own backup. Even with fruits and drinks included, it can help to have something you trust.

Quick logistics that actually affect your day

This tour runs on real-world timing. Pickup windows vary:

• Hurghada hotels: around ±60 minutes
• Extended areas: around ±90 minutes

If you did not book long-distance pickup, you may be asked to pay at the harbor instead. The tour also says the provider can’t wait much longer than about five minutes at the pickup point, so don’t treat pickup like a suggestion.

A detail that saves stress: pickup details arrive the night before (via email/WhatsApp). If you don’t see it, check your message requests and spam folders. Then, on the day, go to the main entrance by the road, not the hotel lobby gate.

Finally, you’ll be going through an express security check. That typically means fewer delays, which matters when you’re paying for a short, action-filled day.

Who should book this speedboat cruise (and who should skip it)

This is ideal if you want:

• A fast, well-rounded outing: snorkeling plus beach time
• Access to two snorkel stops without planning anything
• A guided experience that helps you find the best water spots
• The chance to see dolphins on the way back (not guaranteed, but reported often enough to be worth hoping)

It may not be ideal if:

• You have back problems. The tour says it’s not suitable.
• You hate motion. The speedboat can be bouncy.
• You’re extremely crowd-sensitive at Orange Bay.

If you’re traveling with kids, many guests mention families had a great day, but always consider whether your child can comfortably handle boat motion and time in saltwater. For nervous first-time snorkelers, this seems to be one of the better options because guides often stay close and offer support.

Should you book the Giftun Island Orange Bay speedboat cruise?

Yes, if you want a high-impact Red Sea day with real snorkeling time and a proper beach landing. The combo of two snorkel stops, included reef gear, and 1.5 hours at Orange Bay is a solid value structure, especially when pickup and island fees are already handled.

I’d book it when:

• You’re here for a short window and want to see Giftun efficiently
• You want guided snorkeling help
• You like beach time but don’t want to spend the whole day only on a resort chair

I’d think twice if:

• You’re sensitive to bumpy boat rides
• You strongly dislike crowds and you know Orange Bay’s popularity will bother you

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada Giftun Island and Orange Bay speedboat cruise?

It runs about 4 to 6 hours, depending on the departure time and conditions.

Are there snorkeling stops during the trip?

Yes. You’ll have two snorkeling stops, with about 20 minutes at each spot.

How much time do I get on Orange Bay?

You’ll spend about 1.5 hours on Orange Bay Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What’s included in the food and drinks?

You get seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Is lunch included?

One guest specifically mentions that lunch was included, but the general included list highlights fruits and drinks. Plan on fruits and beverages, and treat lunch as something that may be part of certain departures.

Can I add parasailing?

Yes. Parasailing is listed as an add-on option if you select it.

What areas are pickup available from?

Pickup is included from Hurghada (with multiple pickup points) and Safaga is also listed as an available option. Long-range pickup from Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay may be available as an add-on.

When will I receive pickup details?

You’ll receive pickup confirmation by email/WhatsApp the night before (around 10:00 PM).

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for people with back problems, and pets are not allowed.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a sun hat, towel, and cash. You should also have the requested info for confirmation (including passport copy, nationality, hotel details, and room number).