Hurghada: Giftun Island with breakfast, lunch & Water Sports

The best part of this Hurghada boat trip is the mix of two snorkeling stops and Orange Bay beach time. You get coral, fish, open water, sand, and a little harmless boat-based excitement in one day. I like that snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, fruit, and banana boat or sofa rides are included, so the $26 price covers far more than a simple ferry ride.

I also like the careful safety support, especially for non-swimmers, and the friendly staff led by guides such as Hisham. The main catch is that Orange Bay can feel crowded, and its shallow swimming area has no coral for snorkeling. If you want a quiet reef day, the two snorkeling stops matter more than the island visit.

Key points at a glance

• Two reef stops: The best marine life is found during the snorkeling sessions, not at Orange Bay itself.
• Orange Bay beach break: Expect white sand, turquoise water, and about 1.5 hours to swim, relax, or take photos.
• Banana boat or sofa ride: A simple, family-friendly burst of fun included in the fare.
• Good support in the water: Snorkeling instructors, life jackets, and a special guide for non-swimmers are provided.
• Food and drinks included: Light breakfast snacks, buffet lunch, fruit, mineral water, tea, coffee, cola, and Fanta are part of the day.
• Very low asking price: At $26 per person, the inclusions make this a strong-value group excursion, though transfer timing can vary.

A full Red Sea day for $26

At $26 per person, this is priced as an easy, all-in-one Hurghada outing rather than a luxury cruise. You are paying for hotel pickup, an air-conditioned ride, the boat, island entry, two snorkeling stops, water sports, food, drinks, and equipment.

That matters because small extras can quickly raise the cost of a beach day. Here, you do not need to rent a mask, fins, or life jacket, and you are not left arranging lunch on your own. You still need cash for personal spending, towels, and optional photography, but the main activities are covered.

I would judge the value by your priorities. If you want to see coral and fish, the snorkeling stops do most of the work. If you want a bright beach setting and easy photos, Orange Bay adds the visual appeal. If you want both without planning separate trips, this package is hard to fault at its price.

Morning pickup and boarding at Public Beach Number 9

Pickup normally takes place between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM, depending on where you stay in Hurghada. Give your hotel details when booking, then allow some flexibility in the morning. The stated meeting point is Public Beach Number 9, and the activity ends back there after the boat returns.

Transfers are one area where you should keep your expectations practical. Several departures have run smoothly and punctually, but one account describes a pickup more than an hour late and a drop-off at the wrong hotel. That does not make the whole trip a poor choice, but it is a useful reason to keep your morning free and confirm your hotel information carefully.

Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga costs extra and must be selected at checkout. Private transfer is also available as an option. For a $26 shared trip, the standard transfer is part of the bargain, but a private option may make sense if you are traveling with a larger group or want less uncertainty.

Once you reach the boat, the crew gives you the basic plan for the day. Two to four professional guides are assigned to each boat, with English, German, Arabic, and French available. Hisham is one guide who has received special praise for keeping people informed, explaining the schedule, and staying available when help is needed.

Breakfast snacks before the first reef stop

The early food service is light rather than a full breakfast. Expect snacks, with drinks available during the trip. This is useful because the first part of the day begins early, but I would still eat normally before pickup if you need a substantial morning meal.

The crew supplies mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta. Seasonal fruit is also included. These small touches matter on a sunny boat, especially when you are moving between swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.

Bring cash for anything personal, plus sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a camera, and a towel. Towels are not included. A waterproof phone pouch or a simple dry bag would also be sensible, though it is not listed as part of the equipment.

The first snorkeling stop: the day’s main attraction

The boat heads out from Hurghada toward the Red Sea snorkeling areas. The first stop may be in more open water, where conditions can be wavier. That can make the swim more exciting, but it may also be less comfortable for weak swimmers or anyone prone to seasickness.

This is where the trip earns its marine appeal. The coral and fish are the reason to bring your mask and camera, and the guides help organize people in the water. Snorkeling equipment includes a mask, fins, and life jacket. A special guide is available for non-swimmers, which makes this more approachable for families with mixed abilities.

Listen closely to the safety briefing and avoid touching coral. The crew actively reminds people to respect the reef, and that is good practice for both safety and conservation. Coral can be sharp, and standing on it damages a fragile habitat.

If the sea is rough, do not feel pressured to stay in the water. You can ask the staff for help, use the life jacket, or remain on the boat. The team’s safety focus is one of the strongest parts of this outing, but the Red Sea is still an outdoor setting, not a controlled swimming pool.

The calmer second snorkeling stop

The second stop is near Giftun Island and is described as calmer than the open-water location. That can be a better setting for taking your time, especially if you are new to snorkeling or want a more relaxed look at the coral and fish.

The two stops give the day useful variety. The first can offer a more open setting and the second can feel easier in calmer water. Conditions change with weather, so the exact experience will not be identical every day.

You should think of the snorkeling sessions as the most valuable part of the itinerary. The island itself is attractive, but the reef stops provide the underwater scenery. If you are booking mainly to snorkel, pay attention to the water conditions and make the most of both stops rather than saving all your energy for Orange Bay.

Orange Bay and its white-sand pause

Orange Bay is the postcard section of the day. The water is turquoise, the beach is pale and sandy, and you get free time to swim, sunbathe, take pictures, or simply sit on the shore. The setting gives you the classic Red Sea island experience without requiring a separate beach transfer.

You should expect roughly 1.5 hours on the island. That is enough for a swim and a look around, but not enough for a long, quiet beach afternoon. At popular times, many boats can bring many people to the same area. The beach may feel more social than secluded.

There is also an important difference between the island water and the reef stops. Orange Bay is mainly for swimming and relaxing. The water near the beach does not offer the coral snorkeling that you find at the dedicated reef locations. One practical suggestion is to treat Orange Bay as your sand and swimming break, not as the main underwater stop.

The ferry boat ride and Orange Bay entry fees are included. Lunch may be served on the island or aboard the boat, depending on the day’s arrangement. That flexibility is useful, though the exact lunch setting can vary.

Banana boat or sofa ride for a quick thrill

The included water sport is either a banana boat ride or a sofa boat ride. These are short, straightforward rides rather than a full afternoon of motorized activities, but they add a cheerful change of pace between snorkeling and beach time.

The ride suits groups and families who want some fun without paying for a separate activity. You should still follow the crew’s instructions and tell the staff if you are unsure about joining. The guides place strong emphasis on safe boarding and getting people on and off the boat carefully.

One useful point: the ride is included, but it may happen only once. Do not book this excursion expecting repeated water-sport sessions. Think of it as a bonus included in a wider Red Sea day.

Parasailing is available only if you choose that option when booking. It is not part of the standard $26 package, so check the selected option before assuming it is included.

Buffet lunch, fruit, and drinks on the water

Lunch is served as a buffet, either on the island or on the boat. The meal is more substantial than the morning snacks, and seasonal fruit is included as a fresh finish. Soft drinks and other listed beverages are available throughout the day.

Food quality can vary on group excursions, but the meal is intended to be a real part of the package, not a token snack. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, tell the operator in advance so a suitable meal can be arranged.

I would bring a small personal snack only if you have strict dietary needs or prefer to eat between scheduled services. Keep your expectations realistic: this is a boat excursion buffet, not a restaurant meal with a menu. Still, having lunch included saves both time and money, and you can return to the afternoon activities without searching for food on the island.

What the guides add to the day

The staff are not simply there to hand out equipment. They explain the schedule, help people board, watch the water, and assist non-swimmers. That support is especially useful when a group includes children, first-time snorkelers, or people who are not confident in open water.

Hisham has been singled out for clear briefings and friendly help. Other crew members are described as funny, approachable, and ready to assist. You should still take responsibility for your own safety, but a good guide makes the day feel more organized and less tiring.

The language range is practical for an international group: English, German, Arabic, and French are offered. Ask questions before entering the water, and tell the guide if you need a life jacket adjusted or want to stay near the boat.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, first-time visitors to Hurghada, and groups who want several activities in one booking. It is also a good fit if some people in your party want to swim while others prefer to sit on the boat or relax on the beach.

Non-swimmers are not ignored. The special guide, life jackets, and snorkeling instructors make participation easier, though nobody should feel obliged to enter the water. The boat ride, lunch, beach time, and drinks still give non-swimmers a full day out.

Strong swimmers and serious snorkelers may want a more focused reef trip. The Orange Bay stop takes time away from the water, and the beach can be crowded. If you want long, uninterrupted snorkeling sessions, look for a trip built around reefs rather than an island-and-water-sports schedule.

Small drawbacks to plan around

The biggest practical concern is transfer reliability. Pickup times vary by hotel, and a delayed vehicle can make an early start feel longer. Confirm the pickup details, keep your phone available, and avoid scheduling anything immediately after the return.

Weather can affect the route and water conditions. The operator says changes or cancellations may occur, so do not treat the exact sea conditions as guaranteed. Open water can be choppy, and the first snorkeling stop may feel less comfortable than the second.

Orange Bay is attractive but not a private beach. Its roughly 1.5-hour stay can feel short, and the water near the sand is not the place to look for coral. The trip works best when you see the island as one part of a larger day.

Photography is not included. Photo and video services may be offered on the spot, but any purchase or follow-up should be handled directly with the photographer or photo company. You can bring your own camera instead.

Should you book the FTS Travels Orange Bay trip?

Book it if you want a low-cost, well-filled Red Sea day with hotel pickup, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, reef stops, beach time, and a banana boat or sofa ride. The guides, especially Hisham, add useful support, and the non-swimmer assistance makes this a more flexible choice for mixed groups.

Think twice if your only goal is a quiet beach or serious coral snorkeling. Orange Bay can be crowded, and the strongest snorkeling is at the two separate reef stops. For most people, though, the $26 price offers a generous mix of experiences, with only the transfer timing and busy island stop needing extra patience.

FAQ

What is included in the $26 price?

The standard package includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, air-conditioned transportation, breakfast snacks, buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, drinks, two snorkeling stops, the ferry boat ride, Orange Bay entry, snorkeling equipment, and a banana boat or sofa boat ride.

Where does the activity start and end?

The stated meeting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada. The activity ends back at the meeting point after the boat returns.

What time is hotel pickup?

Pickup normally takes place between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM, depending on your hotel location. You need to provide your hotel details when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask, fins, and life jacket are included. Snorkeling instructors and a special guide for non-swimmers are also provided.

Are non-swimmers allowed to join?

Yes. The excursion includes a special guide for non-swimmers and life jackets. Tell the staff if you need assistance in the water.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included and may be served on the island or on the boat. Seasonal fruit and listed drinks are also included.

What drinks are available?

The included drinks are mineral water, tea, instant coffee, cola, and Fanta.

Are towels included?

No. Bring your own towel, along with swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-and-pay-later option is also available.