Orange Bay Hurghada Tours: Compare Options & Book
Orange Bay sits on the western shore of Big Giftun Island, inside the Giftun Island National Park, and is the most popular boat-trip destination in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Two main trip formats run daily: a full-day shared yacht cruise and a shorter private or shared speedboat excursion. Both depart from Hurghada Marina (New Marina) and include at least one snorkeling stop plus beach time on the island.
Red Sea Quest lists verified local suppliers for each format so you can compare inclusions, read recent reviews, and lock in a price before you arrive. Browse the full selection on the Orange Bay snorkeling cruise page. Free cancellation is available on most listed trips.
| Feature | Shared Yacht Cruise | Shared Speedboat Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price per adult | $20–$35 | $25–$45 |
| Total duration (incl. pickup) | 7–9 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Boat ride to Orange Bay | ~45–60 minutes | ~20–25 minutes |
| Snorkeling stops | 1–2 reef stops | 1 reef stop |
| Island beach time | 2–3 hours | 1.5–2 hours |
| Lunch on board | Yes (buffet) | Usually yes |
| Best for | Budget travelers, couples, solo | Families, time-limited visitors |
What to Expect on an Orange Bay Day Trip from Hurghada
Your day starts with a hotel pickup, typically between 08:00 and 09:00. A minibus transfers you to Hurghada Marina, where you board either a shared yacht or a speedboat. The yacht sails roughly 45–60 minutes to reach the first snorkeling site near Giftun Island; speedboats cover the same distance in about 20–25 minutes.
Most itineraries include one or two snorkeling stops at coral reefs surrounding Big Giftun Island. After snorkeling, the boat docks at Orange Bay's jetty. You get two to three hours of free time on the island — enough to swim in the shallow turquoise lagoon, lounge on beanbags, use the floating hammocks, or grab photos on the iconic wooden swings.
Lunch is served on board (yacht trips) or at the island's open-air restaurant (some speedboat packages). The return journey follows the same route, and you're back at your hotel by late afternoon.
Orange Bay Hurghada Price: What's Included vs Extra
Group yacht trips from Hurghada start around $20–$35 per adult. Speedboat excursions on a shared basis typically run $25–$45 per person. Private speedboat charters range from $150–$400+ for the entire boat, which becomes cost-effective for groups of four or more.
Typically included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (central Hurghada)
- Boat transportation and crew
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Buffet lunch and soft drinks
- Orange Bay island entry fee (on most Red Sea Quest-listed trips)
Often costs extra
- Transfers from El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay (usually $5–$10 supplement)
- Parasailing or banana-boat rides on the island
- Underwater photography packages
- Wetsuit rental (winter months)
- Intro diving add-on
Departure Points in Hurghada + Hotel Pickup Areas
All Orange Bay boats leave from Hurghada Marina (also called the New Marina), located in the Sekalla district. Standard hotel pickup covers properties in central Hurghada, including the El Dahar and Sekalla hotel zones.
Guests staying in El Gouna (north), Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay (south) can still join — most verified suppliers on Red Sea Quest offer extended pickup for a small surcharge. Pickup windows are typically 07:30–09:30 depending on hotel location. Suppliers in Safaga occasionally run the trip but availability is limited; check the listing details before booking.
Snorkeling Stops, Reefs & Time on Orange Bay Island
The Red Sea reefs around Giftun Island are protected by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, which limits daily visitor numbers. Snorkeling sites vary by operator and conditions, but common stops include reef areas near Small Giftun and the house reef off Big Giftun's western coast. Some yacht itineraries also pass near Abu Ramada or Magawish reef on the return leg.
Expect colourful hard and soft corals, parrotfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, and — with luck — sea turtles. Equipment provided is basic; if you own a quality mask, bring it. The Orange Bay snorkeling cruise page notes which listed trips include two snorkeling stops versus one, so you can prioritise reef time if that matters most.
On the island itself, plan for two to three hours. The beach is shallow and sandy for roughly 50 metres out, making it comfortable for wading and swimming without fins.
Orange Bay vs Giftun Island: Which Trip Should You Book?
Orange Bay is technically part of Giftun Island — it's a developed beach zone on Big Giftun's western shore. A "Giftun Island snorkeling trip" usually spends more time at reef sites and less time on the beach, while an "Orange Bay trip" prioritises island leisure with one or two snorkeling stops en route.
| Orange Bay Trip | Giftun Island Snorkeling Trip | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Beach + snorkeling | Snorkeling + reef exploration |
| Island time | 2–3 hours | 0.5–1 hour (or none) |
| Snorkeling stops | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Vibe | Relaxed, photo-friendly | Active, underwater-focused |
| Best for | Families, couples, non-swimmers | Confident snorkelers, divers |
If your priority is lounging on white sand with clear water and Instagram-ready scenery, book Orange Bay. If you'd rather maximise underwater time at multiple reef sites, a dedicated Giftun Island snorkeling trip is the better fit.
Book the Orange Bay Cruise
Ready to lock in your spot? Red Sea Quest connects you directly with verified local suppliers who run this route daily. Compare yacht and speedboat options, check real traveler reviews, and book with free cancellation on most listings. Prices start from around $20 per adult for a full-day shared yacht cruise including lunch, snorkeling gear, and hotel pickup from Hurghada.
