Hurghada: Luxury Cruise Trip to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is the headline, but the real prize is below the surface. This full-day cruise combines a sandy island stop with two reef sessions, a buffet lunch, a back massage, and plenty of time to enjoy the boat. Arriving early can make Orange Bay feel far calmer before other boats reach the beach.

I like the way the crew keeps the day moving without packing every minute too tightly, and I like the care shown to people who are nervous in the water. Guides such as Andrew and Mostafa have earned praise for clear instructions and friendly help. The included food, drinks, equipment, and massage also make the $53 price unusually strong.

The main catch is the sea. Wind can make Orange Bay chilly and the ride bumpy, and water sports may be canceled for safety. The island itself is touristy, the toilets aboard may be basic, and the 75-minute stop can feel short if you want a long beach afternoon.

At a glance: what makes this cruise worth considering

• Early arrival at Orange Bay: Reach the island before many other boats, giving you a better chance at quiet beach time.
• Two reef stops: Snorkel at Jazā’ir Jiftūn and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, with equipment and life jackets supplied.
• A proper day at sea: The schedule includes cruising, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, hot drinks, swimming time, and a massage.
• Attentive water support: Crew members can help cautious swimmers, and one guide stayed with a non-swimmer during an underwater experience.
• Good-value inclusions: Hotel transfers, marine fees, food, drinks, equipment, and one massage are included in the advertised price.
• A friendly multilingual team: Tours are offered in English, German, Arabic, and Russian.

Orange Bay before the crowds

Your day begins with hotel pickup from Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, or El Gouna. The van ride is listed at about 30 minutes, though Egyptian roads can be bumpy. Keep your towel, sunscreen, and swimwear easy to reach rather than buried in your luggage.

From the marina, the cruise toward Orange Bay takes about 45 minutes. That first stretch gives you time to settle in, find a place on deck, and listen to the crew explain the day. One practical point: the introduction may not happen immediately, so ask about the order of activities if you want to plan your morning.

Orange Bay is reached after this opening cruise, with about 75 minutes on the island. Its clear, shallow water and pale sand explain the Egyptian Caribbean nickname. The early timing is a real advantage. You might enjoy a quieter beach and easier photographs before the island fills with other boat groups.

Still, Orange Bay is not an untouched island escape. It is a developed excursion stop, and some people may find it more commercial than expected. Wind can also be strong on the beach, so bring a light cover-up even on a sunny day. If your priority is reef life, do not judge the whole experience by this first stop. The snorkeling is the stronger part of the schedule.

Two Red Sea reef sessions

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to Jazā’ir Jiftūn for about 45 minutes of snorkeling. Equipment is supplied, and life jackets are available. The crew gives safety guidance and can help you get comfortable before you move away from the boat.

The Red Sea is known for clear water, and visibility can reach up to 45 meters in favorable conditions. You may see clownfish, rays, dolphins, and coral in several colors, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Fish are living in their own home, not performing on a timetable.

The second water stop is at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, also scheduled for about 45 minutes. Having two reef sessions is useful because the first swim lets you get used to the equipment and the second gives you another chance if wind, nerves, or crowded water affects the opening stop.

The crew’s approach suits mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend more time looking around, while cautious swimmers can stay close to staff. One particularly useful detail is the support offered to people who cannot swim. A guide remained with one non-swimmer throughout an underwater experience, allowing that person to see a ray without being left to cope alone.

The supplied information refers to snorkeling and also mentions optional scuba experiences available as an extra. Scuba is not part of the standard package, so confirm the cost before agreeing to an upgrade. You should also feel free to enjoy only the included snorkeling. The crew has been praised for not pressuring people to purchase extra activities or photographs.

Lunch with a view of the Red Sea

Lunch is served aboard the boat for about 45 minutes. This is a buffet rather than a restaurant-style meal, so expect a practical spread designed to suit a mixed group. The menu includes fish, chicken, chicken panne, chicken nuggets, meat kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, and oven-roasted potatoes.

There are also four kinds of salad and three kinds of fruit. That gives you more choice than a basic boxed lunch, especially if you want something light after swimming. Food quality can vary slightly from day to day, but the overall setup is generous and the meal is included in the $53 cost.

Soft drinks and hot drinks are available without an extra charge, along with snacks during the day. Fresh fruit juice is also mentioned in the experience details, though drink choices may be limited. If you want a particular brand or a diet soft drink, bring cash and do not assume it will be available.

The lunch timing works well. You get a chance to dry off, eat, and rest before the second reef session or the later activities. If you tend to feel seasick, sit where the boat moves less, eat modestly at first, and tell the crew early. The team has been described as attentive and understanding when passengers felt unwell.

A massage and time to slow down

One massage per person is included, which is unusual at this price. The back massage takes place while the boat is cruising, giving you a quiet break between the more active parts of the day.

Do not think of it as a spa treatment in a private resort room. It is an onboard massage during a busy excursion, with the movement and sounds of the boat around you. Even so, it can be a pleasant reset after swimming and sun exposure. Several people have singled it out as one of the day’s best extras.

The boat also provides free time for sunbathing and relaxing. You can choose between joining an activity, sitting with a drink, or simply watching the Red Sea pass by. That flexibility matters because the schedule is long, and not everyone in a family or group will want to snorkel every time.

Banana boat and open-water fun

The itinerary includes about 45 minutes for a banana boat ride and other water sports, followed by another 45 minutes of free time. These activities add a playful edge for families and groups of friends, but they should not be treated as guaranteed.

Weather and safety conditions can change the plan. Water sports were canceled on one occasion because of local safety concerns after a fatal accident nearby. That may disappoint you, but a responsible operator should cancel an activity when conditions or wider safety issues call for it.

You will still have the boat, the reef stops, lunch, the massage, and free time if a water sport is removed. Ask the crew what is operating on your departure date, and do not count the banana boat as the main reason to book.

What the boat and crew are like

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and spacious enough to provide sunbathing areas. It is marketed as a luxury cruise, but you should set your expectations sensibly. This is a working day boat with repeated swimming stops, buffet service, and shared facilities, not a private yacht charter.

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Andrew is frequently named as the host or guide, with Mostafa also praised for helping lead the day. Crew numbers have been described as around 11 or 12, which means plenty of hands are available for equipment, safety, food, and general assistance.

Photographer Mohammed may be on board to take underwater or activity photographs. These images may be offered separately, so ask about the price before purchasing. The good news is that the crew has been described as relaxed about optional extras, allowing you to enjoy the trip without constant sales pressure.

English, German, Arabic, and Russian are available. Instructions are repeated in several languages when needed. That is useful at a snorkeling site, where a clear explanation of entry, safety, and regrouping matters more than polished commentary.

The boat’s toilets may be less comfortable than the rest of the vessel. If that is important to you, use marina facilities before departure and keep your personal items organized in a small waterproof bag.

Is $53 good value?

At $53 per person, this is a strong package if you want a full day on the water rather than a simple transfer to an island. The price includes hotel pickup and return, the cruise, Orange Bay, two snorkeling stops, equipment, life jackets, lunch, snacks, unlimited soft and hot drinks, one massage, taxes, and marine fees.

Many Red Sea excursions charge separately for transport, equipment, food, or marine access. Here, those costs are bundled together, making the final price easier to understand. The included massage is a particularly nice bonus, even if you would not normally seek one out.

The value is best for active couples, families with older children, and groups who want several activities in one booking. It also works for mixed-ability groups because you can snorkel, rest, or stay on deck while others enter the water.

It is less suitable if you want a private, quiet yacht day, a long stay on Orange Bay, or a trip designed around serious underwater exploration. The schedule covers a lot in 510 minutes, so the pace is organized rather than lazy.

Timing, pickup, and what to pack

The full day is listed as 510 minutes, with roughly 30 minutes in the van each way and several 45-minute cruise or activity periods. Pickup and drop-off are available in Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and El Gouna.

Wait outside your hotel reception five minutes before the agreed pickup time. Wear swimwear under your clothes, and pack sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and cash. Cash is useful for anything not included, especially drinks on the island and optional photographs or activities.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. You should also prepare for wind, sun, and possible sea motion. If you are prone to seasickness, consider bringing motion sickness tablets after checking they are suitable for you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time before booking, since pickup time depends on your chosen location and departure date.

Who should book this Orange Bay cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a packed Red Sea day with good support and a clear price. It gives you the classic Hurghada combination: an island beach, coral reefs, a buffet, open water, and a friendly crew.

It is especially appealing if you are a first-time snorkeler. The staff can explain the basics, provide equipment, and stay close to people who need help. Families should note that children must be comfortable around the water, and everyone should follow the crew’s instructions.

You may want another option if you dislike boats, have limited mobility, or want a very quiet beach visit. Orange Bay can feel touristy, and the island time is only 75 minutes. Bad weather can also change the water-sport portion of the day.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the best mix of activities for about $53 and do not mind sharing a boat. The two reef stops, early Orange Bay arrival, included meal, drinks, and massage give this excursion more substance than a basic island outing.

Book it with realistic expectations: the sea may be choppy, the island is not remote, and optional scuba or photos may cost extra. Pack for wind, use the crew for water support, and treat the snorkeling as the main event. For most visitors staying in Hurghada, Royal Cruise Hurghada offers a well-rounded day with particularly strong value.

FAQ

How long does the Orange Bay cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours. This includes hotel transfers, cruising, the island stop, two snorkeling sessions, lunch, water activities, and free time.

Where is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and El Gouna. Drop-off is available in the same five areas.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, along with a snorkeling stop at the Red Sea reefs.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The schedule includes two 45-minute snorkeling stops, at Jazā’ir Jiftūn and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī.

What food is served at lunch?

The buffet includes fish, chicken, chicken panne, chicken nuggets, meat kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, and oven-roasted potatoes. It also includes four kinds of salad and three kinds of fruit.

Is a massage included?

Yes. Each person receives one back massage while cruising.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited soft drinks and hot drinks are included, as are snacks. Drinks on Orange Bay Island are not included.