Hurghada: Orange Island Yacht Trip with Lunch & Water Sports

Orange Bay is the star here: a white-sand stop in the Giftun Islands reached by boat from Hurghada, with turquoise water, reef snorkeling, and a short burst of banana boat or sofa fun. I like the two snorkeling stops and the fact that a guide is assigned to help non-swimmers. I also like the low $26 price, which covers lunch, equipment, drinks, transport, and island entry. The main caution is time: one 8-hour outing allowed only about 90 minutes on the island, and the towed ride may last just two or three minutes.

The crew is described as friendly, capable, and free of heavy pressure to tip or buy photos. That matters on a long boat day. Still, expect a basic buffet rather than a memorable meal, and carry a refillable bottle because bottled mineral water can be limited even when soft drinks are available all day.

Key points to know before you book

• Two reef stops give you more than a quick look at the Red Sea, with masks, fins, and life jackets included.
• Orange Bay time may be shorter than expected, so this is a boat-and-snorkeling day with an island stop, not a full beach day.
• Banana boat or sofa rides are included, but the tow can be very brief.
• Guides help non-swimmers, and each boat has two to four professional guides plus a snorkeling instructor.
• The $26 price covers a lot, including Hurghada pickup, lunch, drinks, equipment, and Orange Bay entry.
• Photo sales are separate, and you should check that you receive everything promised before leaving.

Orange Bay is the prize, but the boat ride sets the pace

This is a full-day Red Sea outing from Hurghada, usually leaving in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. You begin at Public Beach Number 9 unless you arrange pickup from your hotel. Most Hurghada hotel pickups and drop-offs are included, with air-conditioned transport used for the road portion.

The day is built around three simple pleasures: time on the water, snorkeling, and a stop at Orange Bay. You are not buying a quiet private cruise. You are joining a shared excursion where the schedule, boat capacity, weather, and loading times shape the day.

That shared format helps keep the price down. At $26 per person, the outing is aimed at people who want a lot packed into one day without paying for a private charter. The tradeoff is less control over how long you stay at each place.

The boat ride gives you open views of the Red Sea and the Giftun Islands. Exact departure times are confirmed after booking, so you should not plan a tight evening appointment. Allow for a full morning-to-late-afternoon commitment, with possible changes if wind or sea conditions turn poor.

Two snorkeling stops give the day its real value

The first major part of the outing is snorkeling at two Red Sea sites. You receive a mask, fins, and life jacket, and a snorkeling instructor is on hand. Each boat has between two and four professional guides, along with special help for people who do not swim.

That support makes the activity accessible to beginners. You can use the life jacket, stay near the guide, and follow instructions rather than trying to manage the water alone. You still need to be comfortable entering the sea, and you should tell the crew clearly if you are nervous or cannot swim.

The appeal is the coral and fish beneath the surface. The reef areas are described as colorful and well preserved, giving you a better look at Red Sea marine life than you get from the beach at Orange Bay. For many people, these stops will be the strongest part of the day.

Bring your own underwater expectations down to earth. Snorkeling visibility depends on weather, water conditions, and how busy the site is. The trip promises access to reef areas, not a private reef or a guaranteed list of fish.

The two-stop plan is useful because it breaks up the activity. If the first site is crowded or conditions are not ideal, the second gives you another chance. You should listen closely to the guide, keep your life jacket on if instructed, and avoid touching coral.

Orange Bay offers sand, swimming, and a short beach break

After the snorkeling stops, you continue toward Orange Bay in the Giftun Islands, part of the protected national park area. The island stop is designed for easy relaxation: walk on the white sand, sit by the water, sunbathe, or swim in the clear shallows.

The setting is the kind of beach scene that makes a boat trip feel worthwhile. Orange Bay is not being presented as an ancient site or a cultural visit. Its value is simple: bright sand, clear water, and a pause from the boat.

Do pay attention to the schedule. One account describes an eight-hour trip with only about an hour and a half on the island. That is an important distinction. If your main goal is to spend half the day stretched out on a beach, this may disappoint you. If you want snorkeling first and a scenic island stop afterward, the balance makes more sense.

The listing says the ferry boat ride and Orange Bay entry fees are included. Lunch may be served on the island or on the boat, depending on how the day is arranged. You get seasonal fruit and drinks during the outing, so you do not need to buy a separate island meal.

A towel is not included. Bring one from your hotel if possible, along with a hat and strong sunscreen. Shade and seating arrangements are not specified, so pack as if you will spend at least part of the stop in full sun.

Banana boat and sofa rides add fun, not much ride time

The included water activity is either a banana boat or a sofa boat. You hold on while the inflatable is towed behind the boat, making this the loud, splashy part of the day.

It is a nice extra at no added cost, especially for families and groups of friends. The ride gives children and adults something active to do between snorkeling and lunch, although the operator decides the exact format and timing.

Keep your expectations modest. The towed buoy activity was described as lasting only two or three minutes, and another assessment called the banana boat ride far too short. Think of it as a quick thrill rather than a major water-sports session.

Parasailing is available only if you choose that option during booking. It is not part of the standard $26 package. Check the selected option carefully before paying so you know which activities are included.

Lunch is practical fuel, not the reason to book

An open buffet lunch is included, along with seasonal fruit. The meal is served on the island or onboard, depending on the day, and soft drinks and hot drinks such as tea and instant coffee are available.

The food feedback is mixed but fair. It is generally described as sufficient and acceptable, while one assessment found the onboard meal weak. I would treat lunch as convenient fuel after swimming rather than a destination meal.

Soft drinks are reported to be unlimited, but bottled mineral water may be limited. That is a useful distinction. Bring a water bottle with you, especially after several hours in the sun, even though drinks are included.

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, tell the provider in advance. The meal includes a variety of fresh options, but the available information does not promise a specific vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-safe menu.

Breakfast snacks are also listed as included. These are best viewed as a light start to the morning, not a full hotel-style breakfast. Eat something before pickup if you tend to get hungry early.

The crew and group setup can make or break the day

The strongest praise goes to the crew. The team is described as friendly, caring, and professional, with clear advice during the snorkeling parts. There is also a notable lack of pressure around tips and photo purchases, which makes a difference on a shared excursion.

The two-to-four-guide setup on each boat is useful when people have different swimming abilities. A guide can help organize the group while another assists a nervous swimmer or explains the next stop.

The language options are English, German, Arabic, and French. A French guide is not guaranteed simply because French is listed as an available language, so confirm this when booking if detailed French instruction matters to you. One booking expected French guidance and did not receive it, making the day harder to follow.

The meeting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada, and the activity ends there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most Hurghada locations, but extra pickup charges or arrangements apply for Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga. Select the correct area at checkout rather than assuming every Red Sea hotel is covered.

A late pickup can affect the mood before the trip even starts. One account records a driver delay and an inconvenient drop-off across the road on return. Confirm your pickup details and watch for the vehicle, especially if you have another plan that evening.

Photos are optional, and you should check the package

Photography is not included. A photographer or onboard photo company may offer pictures and videos during the day, but you pay separately.

You can decline if you prefer to use your own camera. If you do buy a package, check the contents before the boat or vehicle leaves. One account describes missing promised images, high prices, and uneven photo quality.

A waterproof phone case or camera can be more useful than an automatic purchase, but the tour information only requires you to bring a camera if you want your own pictures. Keep any device secure around the water and do not let photography distract you from the guide’s safety instructions.

What the $26 price really includes

At $26, this is a strong value if you want several activities in one day. You get air-conditioned transport in Hurghada, hotel pickup and drop-off in most covered areas, boat and ferry transport, two snorkeling stops, gear, a life jacket, a guide, Orange Bay admission, a buffet lunch, fruit, snacks, and drinks.

You would pay more if you arranged transport, equipment, a boat trip, island entry, lunch, and water sports separately. The low price also explains why the experience is likely to feel organized around a shared schedule rather than personal choice.

The value weakens if you want a long, quiet stay on Orange Bay, a substantial water-sports session, or a high-quality lunch. It also changes if you stay outside the standard Hurghada pickup zone, add private transport, or choose parasailing.

I see this as a good one-day sampler of the Red Sea. You get a taste of reef snorkeling, an island beach, and a few minutes of towed fun without committing to a costly private trip.

Who should book this Red Sea outing?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and groups who want an active day with plenty included. Beginners should appreciate the equipment, life jackets, and special guide for non-swimmers. People who prefer not to snorkel can still enjoy the boat, island, lunch, and beach time, though snorkeling is a major part of the schedule.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Hurghada for a short time and want one organized Red Sea day. The trip bundles the main highlights without requiring you to compare separate operators.

I would be more cautious if you dislike group tours, need precise timing, or want a long beach stay. It is not ideal for anyone expecting a luxury yacht service, gourmet food, or extended banana boat rides.

The cruise is weather-dependent. Poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled or canceled trip, with notice provided as early as possible. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, which gives you some flexibility when planning around the weather.

Should you book Orange Bay with FTS Travels?

Book it if your priority is good coverage for a low price: two snorkeling stops, a popular island, lunch, drinks, transport, equipment, and a water ride all in one day. The crew support and help for non-swimmers add real practical value.

Skip it if Orange Bay itself is your only goal and you want hours on the sand. Also reconsider if a short banana boat ride, basic lunch, limited bottled water, or possible photo selling would irritate you.

For most people, this is a lively and fairly priced Red Sea day, provided you see Orange Bay as one part of the outing rather than the entire event. Bring water, a towel, sunscreen, and realistic expectations about timing, and the package makes good sense.

FAQ

Where does the Orange Bay yacht trip start and finish?

The activity starts at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most locations in Hurghada. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga requires selecting the relevant service at checkout.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The trip includes two snorkeling stops, with masks, fins, and life jackets provided.

Can non-swimmers join the snorkeling activity?

Yes. A special guide is provided for non-swimmers, and life jackets are available. You must still follow the guide’s safety instructions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An open buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, breakfast snacks, and drinks are included. Lunch may be served on the island or on the boat.

Are banana boat and sofa rides included?

One banana boat or sofa boat activity is included in the standard trip. The exact ride can be brief, so it should not be treated as a long water-sports session.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera if desired, and sunscreen. A personal water bottle is also useful because bottled mineral water may be limited.