Makadi: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch

The best part of this trip is the speedboat ride across the Red Sea, followed by two snorkeling stops near Giftun Islands National Park. You get clear water, coral, colorful fish, and a chance to watch for dolphins without spending the whole day on a large tour boat.

I like the mix of active and easygoing time: two 20-minute snorkeling stops give you real time in the water, while Orange Bay supplies white sand, shallow water, and a place to stretch out. I also like the personal feel of a smaller boat, though the ride from your hotel can be less smooth. One traveler was picked up early, spent an hour collecting other passengers, and found the transfer bus crowded. The rubber dinghy transfer to the speedboat was also wobbly and wet.

Key points at a glance

• Two snorkeling stops: Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, with coral, colorful fish, and the possibility of sea turtles.
• Fast access to Giftun Island: The first snorkeling site is reached in about 20 minutes by speedboat.
• Orange Bay beach time: Swim, sunbathe, or find a quieter corner on the white sand.
• Lunch details matter: A cheese and roast beef lunch box is included. An island lunch or seafood upgrade can be added at checkout.
• Useful comfort kit: Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, water shoes, and a light jacket for the cool speedboat ride.
• Pickup requires precision: Be ready at the hotel entrance by the road, not the reception gate, and do not expect the driver to wait more than five minutes.

A quick ride from Makadi to the Red Sea reefs

This outing is designed for people who want to see Giftun Island without committing to a large, slow boat. After hotel pickup, you go to the marina, meet the guide, and board a speedboat. The first snorkeling area is about 20 minutes away, which keeps the day moving and gives you more time near the islands.

The boat has a shaded area, stereo system, mineral water, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, and life jackets. Those simple details make a difference in the Red Sea sun. You can sit in the shade between stops, or let the open water and fast ride provide the main entertainment.

The speed is also the main comfort issue. The boat can feel cold when it moves quickly, especially if you are wet from snorkeling. I would pack a thin sweater or light jacket, even on a hot day. The ride may also feel bumpy for anyone prone to seasickness.

The booking allows a private or shared speedboat, but the practical feel depends on the option you select and the number of people booked that day. If privacy matters, confirm the boat arrangement before paying. If you mainly want a lower price and do not mind sharing, the shared choice gives you the same general route for $53 per person.

Two 20-minute snorkeling stops around Giftun Islands

The snorkeling is the heart of the excursion. You visit two different spots, with about 20 minutes in the water at each one. That is enough time to look around, but it is not a long reef session. If you are an experienced snorkeler who wants hours in the water, this trip may feel brief. If you want a manageable introduction, the timing works well.

The Red Sea is known for clear water and coral reefs, and the planned stops are meant to show off that underwater setting. You may see colorful fish and, according to the activity details, sea turtles. The crew provides snorkeling equipment and life jackets, so you do not need to bring your own gear.

I especially like that the crew can offer help in the water. Sabry is specifically praised for assisting a daughter with snorkeling, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer or are traveling with a child. Still, you should be comfortable entering the water and should tell the guide if you need help.

These are short stops, so use your time well. Put on your mask before entering the water, check the fit, and keep your towel and dry layer in an easy-to-reach place. You will probably want to spend the first few minutes getting comfortable, but waiting too long cuts into a 20-minute stop.

The boat gives you a place to relax between swims. I would treat that pause as part of the experience, not wasted time. The sun, salt water, and speedboat ride can be tiring, and a short rest helps you enjoy Orange Bay later.

Orange Bay, with postcard scenery and plenty of people

Orange Bay is the most polished stop on the route. Expect white sand, clear shallow water, and the kind of tropical setting that looks good in photographs. You can swim, sit on the beach, take in the view, or walk around at your own pace.

The island is beautiful, but it is not presented as a private beach. One account describes it as very busy, while also noting that quieter spots can be found. That is useful advice: do not expect solitude, but do take a few minutes to move away from the main arrival area if you want a calmer place to sit.

Water shoes are a smart addition. Parts of the island have stones and shells that can hurt bare feet. The practical compromise is to keep the shoes in your backpack and use them when walking near the water or over rough ground. One unusual point in the instructions is that you can only go barefoot on the island, so check the exact guidance from your crew on the day and follow local rules.

The island stop gives the day a good change of pace. After two snorkeling sessions, you can stop concentrating on masks and fins and simply enjoy the beach. I like this balance more than a trip that keeps you in the water from morning to afternoon.

Lunch: included, but check what you want

The basic package includes a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and roast beef, along with fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. That is enough to keep you going, but it is a simple meal rather than a full island dining experience.

If you want to eat on Orange Bay, you can add an island lunch during checkout. A seafood lunch upgrade is also available. This distinction is worth checking before booking because the phrase island lunch can suggest something different from the included packed meal.

I would choose the standard lunch box if you prefer a quick meal and more beach time. The island option makes more sense if eating at the destination is part of the appeal. If you have dietary needs, ask before departure, since no special meal details are provided.

Bring some cash. The instructions specifically recommend it, and cash is useful for optional additions or small purchases. Do not assume that every extra is covered by the $53 price.

Hotel pickup can shape your whole morning

Pickup is included from the hotel, but the transfer deserves careful attention. The operator sends the pickup details by email at 10 p.m. the night before. You need to provide your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number.

Wait at the main entrance by the road. Do not wait at the reception gate or another internal entrance. The driver can wait no more than five minutes, so you need to be ready before the stated time.

The advertised service covers the Hurghada and Makadi area, while longer pickup from Safaga and Soma Bay is available as a paid add-on during checkout. Confirm that extra cost before booking if you are staying farther south.

The main risk is a long collection route. One person booked a 9 a.m. outing but was collected at 6:50 a.m. and then spent about an hour picking up other passengers. The bus was described as full and uncomfortable. That does not mean every pickup will be like this, but it shows why hotel location and group size matter.

The marina transfer to the speedboat may also involve boarding a large rubber dinghy. It can be wobbly, and people may get wet. If you have back problems, this experience is not recommended. It is also a poor match for anyone who gets seasick easily.

Speedboat comfort, weather, and what to pack

The speedboat is appealing because it is quicker and more direct than a large boat. You get a better sense of the open Red Sea, and the smaller setup can feel more personal. The tradeoff is less stability and more exposure to wind and spray.

Pack these items:

• Towel
• High-protection sunscreen
• Light sweater or jacket
• Water shoes
• Cash
• A dry bag or sealed pouch for valuables

A towel is not listed as included, so bring your own. Sunscreen is essential, especially during the beach stop and the open-water ride. Water and soft drinks are supplied, but you should still bring any personal medication you need.

The shaded onboard area is welcome during the hottest part of the day. Use it between snorkeling stops, even if you prefer sitting in the sun. The stereo system adds atmosphere, though the music level may not suit everyone.

The speedboat is also not the best setting for fragile hats, loose belongings, or expensive cameras without protection. Keep important items secure, especially during the rubber dinghy boarding and transfers.

Is $53 good value?

At $53 per person, the price is reasonable for a trip that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, speedboat transport, two snorkeling stops, equipment, a guide, island entry, drinks, fruit, a lunch box, and life jackets. Paying separately for all those pieces would add up quickly.

The value is strongest if you want a half-day-style outing with several activities in one package. You get reef time, beach time, food, and transport without having to arrange the marina yourself. The speedboat also gives you a faster route to the islands than a slow group boat.

The price is less compelling if you expect a private boat, a long snorkeling session, or a quiet beach. The standard lunch is basic, the pickup can take time, and island dining or seafood costs extra. Parasailing is also an optional add-on, not part of the standard package.

Before booking, compare the shared and private choices. If you are traveling with friends and care about controlling the pace, a private boat may justify a higher total cost. If you are mainly looking for coral, fish, and Orange Bay at a manageable price, the shared option should meet the need.

Who should book this Red Sea outing?

I would recommend it to active couples, friends, families with older children, and first-time snorkelers who want help from a guide. The combination of short water sessions and beach time makes it less demanding than a full-day snorkeling program.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Makadi or Hurghada and want a straightforward water day with transport included. Sabry’s reported help with snorkeling is encouraging for anyone who feels uncertain in the water, though you still need to follow the crew’s safety instructions.

I would hesitate if you have back problems, strong seasickness, or very little patience for shared transfers. The fast boat and wobbly dinghy boarding can be uncomfortable, and an early collection time may make the morning feel longer than expected.

The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, good snorkeling spots, and the beauty of Orange Bay. Those are the parts I would use to make the booking decision. Go for the sea and the islands, not for a quiet private beach or a gourmet lunch.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a reasonably priced introduction to Giftun Island with two reef stops and Orange Bay in the same outing. Bring a jacket, water shoes, towel, sunscreen, and patience for the pickup process. I would also confirm the lunch choice and private or shared boat setup before paying.

Skip it in favor of a larger boat if stability matters more than speed. But for a compact Red Sea adventure with friendly assistance, clear snorkeling water, and a memorable beach stop, this is a solid choice at $53.

FAQ

What is included in the $53 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, speedboat transport, snorkeling equipment, two 20-minute snorkeling stops, the island entry fee, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, a lunch box, shaded seating, a stereo system, and life jackets.

Is lunch served on Orange Bay?

The included meal is a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and roast beef. You can add lunch on the island during checkout, including an optional seafood upgrade.

How long is each snorkeling stop?

You get two snorkeling stops, each lasting about 20 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light jacket is useful because the fast boat ride can feel cold, and water shoes help protect your feet from stones and shells on the island.

Where will hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is at the hotel’s main entrance by the road. It is not at the reception gate or another internal entrance. You should be ready on time because the provider can wait no more than five minutes.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.