Egypt Discovery
ExcursionHurghada

Orange Bay Snorkeling & Beach Escape – Giftun Island, Hurghada

Half-day boat excursion from Hurghada with crew, snorkel kit, life vests and hotel pickup, visiting Orange Bay on Giftun Island

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Orange Bay Island Snorkeling Tour from Hurghada is a 1-day excursion covering Giftun Island reef snorkelling and Orange Bay beach time in Hurghada, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Diving & snorkelling
  • Family

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Full day
Travel style
Guided Boat Excursion
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Hurghada · Orange Bay, Giftun Island
Includes
Return motorboat crossing · Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada resort zones · Two guided snorkelling sessions · Snorkelling equipment and life jackets · Orange Bay beach facilities and sunbeds · Hot lunch · Bottled water
Best for
Snorkelling enthusiasts · Beach lovers · Families · Couples
Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are usually March to May and September to November, when air temperatures are generally warm rather than extreme and sea conditions are often favourable. June to August can be very hot, while winter months are milder but can bring more wind, which may affect boat comfort and snorkelling visibility. During Ramadan and public holidays, timings and beach service availability may vary slightly, so guests should confirm departure details in advance.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The listed excursion includes two guided snorkelling sessions.
  • Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are included.
  • The listed inclusions specify a hot lunch and bottled water.
  • The national park conservation fee is identified as potentially payable separately.

02Overview

A first look

Morning departures leave Hurghada Marina and reach Giftun Island in 30–40 minutes by speedboat. Orange Bay offers shallow fringing reefs for snorkelling and a sandy beach with limited shade.

Background

The facts

Orange Bay is a beach area on Giftun Island in the Red Sea, reached by motorboat from Hurghada. The excursion typically combines two guided snorkelling stops on reef sites around Giftun Island with time ashore on a shallow sandy beach. The boat transfer across the Red Sea is usually arranged as part of the day trip, with pickup and drop-off for many Hurghada hotels and resort zones.

Giftun Island lies offshore from Hurghada, one of Egypt’s main Red Sea resort centres. The surrounding reefs are known for clear water, coral formations, and tropical fish species, and snorkelling conditions are generally best when sea visibility is good and winds are light. Standard snorkelling equipment and life jackets are commonly provided, and a certified snorkel guide usually accompanies guests in the water.

On Orange Bay, visitors typically spend several hours using beach facilities such as sunbeds and shaded rest areas, with access to shallow water suitable for relaxed swimming. A hot lunch and bottled water are usually included, making this a practical full-day coastal excursion rather than a sightseeing tour of historical monuments. The day is organised around boat transfer, snorkelling, lunch, and beach time before the return to Hurghada in the afternoon.

This excursion is distinct from inland Egypt tours because it focuses on Red Sea marine activities rather than archaeology. It is commonly chosen by visitors staying in Hurghada who want a day on the water with structured snorkelling stops and a beach interval on Giftun Island.

Named in this entry

Orange Bay·Giftun Island·Giftun Islands·Red Sea·Hurghada·Egypt·Giftun Island Protected Area

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits travellers who want a full-day Red Sea activity with a mix of snorkelling and beach time, especially adults and teenagers who can swim comfortably or are happy using a life jacket. It also appeals to first-time visitors to Hurghada who prefer an organised boat trip with pickup, lunch, and guided in-water support rather than planning transport independently.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a different excursion if you need step-free access, dislike boat crossings or cannot swim or snorkel comfortably, even with a life jacket. Summer heat and limited shade may also make the beach time difficult for travellers sensitive to strong sun.

What lingers

  • 01Depart Hurghada marina; 30–45 minute speedboat transfer to Giftun Island's Orange Bay.
  • 02Snorkel the fringing reefs at Orange Bay, Giftun Island – shallow, sheltered water for beginners and improvers.
  • 03Beach time on Giftun Island's white sand; limited shade at midday, so bring sun protection and water.
  • 04Unlike many shared day cruises, we anchor off the reef to permit longer snorkel sessions from the boat.
  • 05Optional add-ons: glass-bottom boat or private transfer from Sahl Hasheesh; please request at booking.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • Two guided snorkelling sessions offer time at different reef habitats.
  • Life jackets and snorkelling equipment are provided for the reef stops.
  • Several hours on Orange Bay beach balance the time on the water.
  • A hot lunch and bottled water are included.
  • Hotel pickup covers central Hurghada and nearby resort zones.

Things to Consider

  • Boat crossings can feel uncomfortable for travellers prone to seasickness.
  • Strong summer sun means limited shade and sustained heat exposure.
  • Windier winter conditions can reduce comfort during snorkelling.
  • The conservation fee may be payable separately when applicable.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most beach-only excursions focus on time ashore. We combine Orange Bay beach time with two guided snorkelling sessions at offshore reef sites. Unlike a snorkelling-only outing, this excursion also includes sunbed use and lunch on the island.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Return motorboat crossing between Hurghada and Orange Bay on Giftun Island
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off for hotels in Hurghada and nearby resort zones
  • Two guided snorkelling sessions, with snorkelling equipment and life jackets
  • Use of a sunbed and access to beach facilities at Orange Bay
  • Bottled water and a hot lunch

Not included

  • National park conservation fee, if applicable on the day
  • Beverages other than bottled water, including alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
  • Gratuities for the guides and boat crew
  • Transfers from places beyond Hurghada’s resort areas
  • Personal travel insurance cover

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Ask about the planned reef stops before departure, as sites can be selected according to visibility and sea conditions.

  2. 02

    Bring sun protection for the open boat crossing and exposed beach areas.

  3. 03

    Pack any preferred soft drinks, as only bottled water is included.

  4. 04

    Confirm your pickup location in advance if staying beyond the stated Hurghada resort zones.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Pickup from outside Hurghada resort zones is excluded. Ramadan and holiday scheduling may also be adjusted.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Orange Bay fits as a full-day excursion during a Hurghada beach holiday, with time on Giftun Island rather than a visit to mainland sights. It can sit between resort days or alongside a separate Hurghada city visit.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Minimum participation age is 4 years. Children aged 4 to 11 qualify for the child rate when sharing the same boat as adults; infants under 4 travel free but must remain with a parent or guardian on the boat and use their own life jacket. We provide child-sized life jackets and run guided snorkel groups in turns so parents can supervise. Strollers are not practical for the sandy beach or boat boarding; bring a carrier if needed. Parents are responsible for non-swimmers at all times and must accompany them in the water.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Hotel pickup — Hurghada hotels and nearby resortsMap

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Giftun IslandRight here
  • Giftun Islands National ParkRight here
  • Hurghada MarinaRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Two guided reef sessions, not just a beach stop

  2. 02

    Time on Orange Bay’s shallow sandy shore

  3. 03

    Lunch and sunbeds arranged on the island

·In summary

The excursion includes two guided snorkelling sessions at reef sites off Giftun Island, with equipment and life jackets provided. Boat crossing time from Hurghada varies with sea conditions and departure point.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How do we get to Giftun Island from Hurghada?
    Boat transfer from Hurghada takes you to Giftun Island; the exact departure point depends on the operator and booking. We arrange hotel pick-up and transfers to the harbour when requested. Crossing time and the departure pier vary with the chosen vessel and sea conditions; we confirm the meeting point and boarding time when you reserve. Compared with large harbour cruises, we aim to maximise time at coral sites rather than prolonged transit.
  2. 02Is snorkelling equipment included on the Giftun Island trip?
    Basic snorkelling equipment and a life jacket are included unless the listing states otherwise. We provide masks, snorkels and a range of fin sizes and fit gear before departure. If you prefer your own kit or need a prescription mask, tell us at booking so we can reserve space and advise on carriage.
  3. 03Can children join the Orange Bay Giftun Island excursion?
    Children may join, but minimum ages and child fares vary by supplier and sea conditions. Life jackets are provided and guides supervise snorkel groups, but children should be comfortable in the water. Tell us exact ages at enquiry so we can confirm availability, seating, and any age-related restrictions or discounts.
  4. 04What level of snorkelling experience do I need?
    Basic swimming ability is generally sufficient; guides provide a safety briefing and stay close to groups. Reef snorkelling occurs in shallow to moderate depths; currents can be stronger on some days. Non-swimmers can usually use life jackets and join shorter, shallow swims or stay on the beach – notify us of your ability so we can advise.
  5. 05What should I bring for the beach and snorkelling day?
    Bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and any personal medication. Also pack a hat, water shoes for coral, a dry bag for valuables and cash for extras. If you are prone to seasickness, bring tablets; if you need a specific mask size or prescription lens, bring your own or tell us in advance.
  6. 06Are food and drinks included on the Giftun Island day trip?
    Many operators include a light lunch and soft drinks; premium drinks and extras are usually charged separately. We confirm catering details when you book and can note dietary requests such as vegetarian or allergies. If you have strict dietary needs or prefer particular snacks, bring them – beachfront options can be limited.
  7. 07Who operates this Orange Bay/Giftun Island excursion and how do we book?
    We operate and book this excursion as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle local arrangements and confirmations. When you book with us we confirm the vessel type, exact boarding point, inclusions and any age or medical restrictions. We usually prioritise smaller-boat departures to keep snorkel groups manageable; tell us hotel details and passenger ages so we can reserve equipment and places.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: EXC-HRG-687111

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