Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is the headline, but the best part of this trip is the mix of two guided snorkeling stops, a proper lunch, water sports, and plenty of time to relax on a clean yacht. You get a full Red Sea day rather than a quick beach transfer.

I especially like the small-group feel and the crew’s hands-on help in the water. The included drinks, snacks, massage, equipment, and hotel transfers also make the $53 price unusually strong. The main drawback is time: this is a long 510-minute outing, and Orange Bay itself gets only about 75 minutes.

Key points at a glance

• Orange Bay early in the day: Enjoy pale sand and clear water before the island becomes busier.
• Two snorkeling sites: Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī offer guided time above Red Sea coral and fish.
• Lunch with drinks included: Expect fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, vegetables, salads, fruit, juices, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and snacks.
• A little extra pampering: Each person receives a massage during the cruise.
• Water sports finish: The banana boat ride at Magawish Island adds a lively finale.
• Strong value at $53: Pickup, drop-off, marine fees, equipment, lunch, drinks, and activities are included.

Orange Bay before the crowds arrive

The day begins with pickup in an air-conditioned van from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna. The ride to the marina takes about 30 minutes, followed by roughly 45 minutes on the Red Sea before reaching Orange Bay.

The timing matters. If the boat arrives early, you can enjoy a quieter stretch of the island, take photos without a wall of people behind you, and settle into the Caribbean-style setting of soft sand and clear shallows. Some people use the stop for swimming and pictures, while others simply sit back and enjoy the beach.

You get about 75 minutes here. That is enough for a pleasant visit, but not enough for a slow island day with long swims, a leisurely meal, and extended sunbathing. If Orange Bay is your only reason for booking, this may feel short. If you want a whole day that combines the island with reefs and boat activities, the schedule makes better sense.

Bring cash if you want to buy anything on the island. Drinks and snacks there cost extra, and the tour price does not cover personal purchases.

Two Red Sea snorkeling stops

After Orange Bay, the boat heads toward Small Giftun for about 45 minutes of snorkeling. Equipment and life vests are supplied, and guides help organize the activity. You can expect to see coral formations and colorful fish in clear water, with the exact marine life changing according to conditions.

The crew has also helped first-time swimmers and people who felt nervous about entering the sea. That is useful because the Red Sea can look inviting from the deck and still feel intimidating once you are in it. Tell the crew if you cannot swim or need extra help. A life vest is included, and the guides pay close attention during the water activities.

The second stop is Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, also scheduled for about 45 minutes. Two separate sites give you a better chance to see different reef areas instead of making one rushed stop. You might spot rays, turtles, dolphins, sea angels, and many smaller fish, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Treat those sightings as a bonus, not as a promise.

The snorkeling is guided rather than a simple jump into the water. Guides may point out fish and coral as you move along, which adds interest if you are new to the Red Sea. People who already snorkel often appreciate having time to explore independently after the initial instructions.

The water can be cooler in the morning and the breeze can stay noticeable on the boat. A light jacket or hoodie is useful during the early ride, especially outside the hottest months. Pack your own towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Lunch on the yacht

Lunch takes place on board for about 45 minutes. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four types of salad, and bread. Local fruit, fresh juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are also included through the day.

This is practical food for a long day at sea. You can return for more, and the range gives you choices if you do not want fish or prefer a lighter plate. Some meals are prepared in advance rather than cooked to order, so do not expect restaurant service or crisp food straight from a kitchen.

The all-day drinks are one of the stronger parts of the deal. Tea, coffee, juice, soft drinks, and water help you avoid paying for every small refreshment. If you have an allergy, tell the crew before serving yourself. The staff has made efforts to accommodate dietary needs, but the supplied information does not list a formal allergy menu.

Lunch also gives you a break from the sun and salt water. You can dry off, eat, and regain energy before the second snorkeling stop and water sports. Keep your towel and dry clothes easy to reach, since one past issue involved a passenger needing to cross the dining area while still wet to retrieve a towel.

A massage and time on deck

The included massage is a pleasant touch, especially after swimming and sitting in the sun. Each person receives a massage on board while the yacht is moving through calm water. It is best viewed as a short relaxation treatment, not a spa appointment with a choice of therapists or treatments.

You can also spend parts of the cruise simply watching the Red Sea from the deck. This is important because the schedule includes several active stops, and not everyone wants to snorkel, ride a banana boat, or add a scuba session. One person in a group can enjoy the water while another stays on board and sunbathes.

The yacht is described as clean and spacious, though one account suggested it could use some minor upkeep. That sounds like a fair expectation: you are booking an activity boat with comfort features, not a private superyacht. The small-group format helps the day feel less crowded than a large party boat.

Banana boat fun at Magawish Island

The final activity stop is Magawish Island, where you get about 45 minutes for a banana boat ride. This gives the day a change of pace after the quieter reef stops and beach time.

The ride is a short, supervised water activity, so it suits people looking for a bit of fun rather than a serious sports session. You may be offered other water-based options, and scuba sessions can be available for an additional charge. The base price includes snorkeling, not scuba equipment or a scuba program, so check the cost before agreeing to an add-on.

Families and mixed-age groups should appreciate the choice. Confident swimmers can spend more time in the water, while anyone who prefers not to take part can remain on the boat. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and anyone with back, joint, or balance concerns should think carefully before joining a bouncing water ride.

After Magawish, the boat cruises for about 30 minutes back toward port. The van ride to your hotel takes another 30 minutes, making the total outing roughly 8.5 hours. Pickup can be early and the return may reach the evening, so do not schedule another major activity afterward.

What the $53 price really covers

At $53 per person, this package offers more than a basic boat ride. You are paying for hotel transfers, a guide, marine fees, two snorkeling stops, Orange Bay, snorkeling equipment, a life vest, lunch, all-day drinks and snacks, a massage, and the banana boat activity.

That matters because separate extras can quickly change the cost of a day at sea. Here, the core expenses are bundled into one price. The value is strongest if you plan to use the equipment, eat on board, take the massage, and join the water sports.

The price does not cover anything not listed. Personal purchases on Orange Bay, optional scuba, and paid photographs are the main costs to watch. A photographer may be on board, but photo packages are extra and can cost more than you expect. Your phone may be enough if you are comfortable protecting it around water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time when booking, since the exact pickup hour is not stated in advance here. You are asked to wait five minutes before the agreed pickup time outside your hotel reception, using the pickup details sent the day before.

The crew and the feel of the day

The crew is a major part of this experience. Names associated with the boat include Andrew, Fox, Ibrahim, Jaser, Salam, and Bilal, though the exact team can vary by departure. Ibrahim has been praised for taking time to show fish and help people during snorkeling, while Andrew and Fox have been singled out for keeping the program moving and looking after passengers.

You can expect instruction in Arabic, English, German, or Russian. That language range helps when the crew is explaining safety rules, showing you how to use equipment, or organizing swimmers around the boat.

The crew’s approach seems especially useful for solo visitors and first-time snorkelers. You will not be left to figure out every activity alone. At the same time, service on any boat can vary from person to person. One account described an overly sharp exchange about entering the dining area while wet, so keep your towel and dry layer nearby and follow the boat’s instructions.

Safety is taken seriously during the snorkeling and water sports. Still, you need to pay attention to the briefing, use the provided life vest when asked, and tell the crew about any swimming concerns before getting in.

Who should book this Red Sea cruise?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several activities in one day and prefer a package with most costs settled in advance. It works particularly well for couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and first-time snorkelers who want support in the water.

You should also consider it if you want a soft introduction to the Red Sea. You can try snorkeling, rest on the yacht, visit an island, eat lunch, and decide how active you want to be. The included massage gives the day a relaxed side that many similar outings skip.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet, private sailing trip or several hours alone on Orange Bay. The schedule is full, and the return can be tiring after an early pickup. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What to pack for an easier day

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, and cash. I would add a light jacket or hoodie for the early cruise, dry clothes for the ride home, and a waterproof pouch for your phone.

Keep your towel where you can reach it without walking through the dining area wet. Wear swimwear under easy-to-remove clothing, and do not forget that the sun reflects strongly off the water even when a breeze makes the air feel mild.

If you want photographs, ask about the price before posing for the photographer. You can also take your own pictures, but protect your phone carefully around the snorkeling platforms.

Should you book Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay?

Book it if you want a well-filled Red Sea day with Orange Bay, two reef stops, buffet lunch, drinks, massage, and water sports for $53. The strongest reasons are the helpful crew, support for nervous swimmers, small-group atmosphere, and broad list of inclusions.

Skip it if your priority is a long, peaceful stay on Orange Bay or a private yacht experience. The island visit is limited to about 75 minutes, and the overall day runs long. For most visitors who want variety and good value, though, this is an easy package to recommend.

FAQ

How long does the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about 8.5 hours. This includes hotel transfers, the boat journey, Orange Bay, two snorkeling stops, lunch, water sports, and the return transfer.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is available from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. The exact pickup details are sent one day before the activity.

How long is the transfer to the marina?

The van ride to the marina takes about 30 minutes. The return van ride is also scheduled for about 30 minutes.

How much time do I get at Orange Bay?

The Orange Bay stop lasts about 75 minutes. This allows time for swimming, photos, and relaxing, but it is not a full-day island visit.

Are snorkeling stops included?

Yes. The cruise includes two snorkeling stops, at Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four salads, and bread. Local fruit, fresh juices, hot drinks, soft drinks, and snacks are also included.

Is the massage included?

Yes. A massage for each person on board is included in the activity price.

Are scuba sessions included?

The listed package includes snorkeling, not scuba. An optional scuba session may be offered for an additional fee, so confirm the price before taking part.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides are available in Arabic, English, German, and Russian.