Hurghada: Giftun Island Orange Bay Speedboat Cruise & Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the combination of small-boat speed and easy island time. You get two snorkeling stops, then about 1.5 hours at Orange Bay, where white sand, shallow clear water, music, and beach seating create a relaxed Caribbean-style break.

I like the personal crew service, especially the guides who swim alongside less-confident snorkelers. I also like the short transfers between stops, since you spend more time in the Red Sea and less time waiting at a marina. The main drawback is that Orange Bay can become crowded, and the speedboat ride may be sharply bumpy on windy days.

Key points to know before booking

• Two snorkeling stops: Each lasts about 20 minutes, with equipment supplied and guides helping you find fish and coral.
• Orange Bay time: You get roughly 1.5 hours for swimming, photos, sun, and beach relaxation.
• Fast, small-group boat: The speedboat cuts down transfer time, though the ride can be rough in wind.
• Strong crew support: Mido, Ahmed, Karim, Wissam, Youssef, and other named crew members are praised for friendly help in the water.
• Pickup needs attention: Wait at the hotel’s main road entrance, not reception, and allow a pickup window of up to 60 or 90 minutes.
• Food is not fully clear: Fruit, soft drinks, and water are listed. Some departures include lunch, but you should confirm what your booking covers and pack extra snacks if needed.

Why this speedboat trip works so well from Hurghada

Hurghada has no shortage of Red Sea boat trips. Many use large boats and spend much of the day getting to and from the islands. This option takes a different approach: a speedboat, a limited number of stops, and a straightforward mix of snorkeling and beach time.

The first snorkeling area is about 20 minutes from the marina. After that, you make a second stop, with about 20 minutes in the water at each location. The schedule is compact, but it gives you a useful taste of the Red Sea without turning the day into a long, tiring cruise.

The speedboat matters most if you dislike sitting on a boat for hours. It also gives the crew more flexibility to reach snorkeling areas away from the thickest clusters of boats. Several departures have been handled by a captain and one or two guides, creating a more personal feel than a large group excursion.

The listed price is $174 per group of up to two people. That makes the value strongest for a couple or two friends who want a private booking rather than a standard shared cruise. The exact group setup should be confirmed when you book, since the experience is described as a private group, while some boats have carried larger groups of around eight people.

Hotel pickup requires more planning than the boat ride

Pickup is included from Hurghada, with Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga shown among the pickup and return areas. Hotels farther away in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga may require a paid long-distance transfer selected as an add-on.

The pickup time is not exact. Hurghada hotels can have a window of roughly 60 minutes, while extended areas may involve a wait of up to 90 minutes. The provider sends final details by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before, so check your messages before going to bed.

You need to wait at the main entrance of the hotel, beside the road. Do not wait at the reception entrance or inside the lobby. Look for a white or black vehicle with the GoShalabi logo, and be ready on time because the driver can wait only about five minutes.

Give the provider your nationality, hotel name, full address, room number, and a passport copy as requested. This sounds fussy, but it prevents the common problem of a driver looking for the wrong hotel entrance or the wrong guest.

The road transfer has generally been handled well, though one booking included a complaint about the taxi driver. I would treat transport as functional rather than part of the sightseeing experience. The real value begins when you reach the marina.

The speedboat ride is fun, fast, and sometimes bumpy

At the marina, you meet the guide, receive a short briefing, collect life jackets, and board the speedboat. The boat has a shaded area and stereo system, and the crew supplies mineral water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit.

The ride itself is one of the main attractions. You skim across open water instead of slowly motoring behind a large fleet. The captain may play music, explain where you are going, and look for dolphins or flying fish along the route. Dolphins have been seen on some trips, but you should treat that as luck, not part of the promised program.

This is not a smooth luxury transfer. Wind can make the boat bounce hard, and one departure was described as particularly rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a calm-weather date if possible, sit where the crew advises, and bring a light rain jacket or poncho. A change of clothes is also sensible, since spray can reach the seats.

The boat has life jackets, but people with back problems are advised not to book. Children have enjoyed the ride on some departures, yet parents should consider the speed, spray, and jolts before bringing very young children.

Two snorkeling stops bring the Red Sea close

The snorkeling portion includes two sites, with about 20 minutes at each. Masks, fins, and other basic equipment are supplied. The guide can point out the better areas and accompany you in the water.

This is where the crew makes the largest difference. Guides named Mido, Ahmed, Youssef, Hamdy, Hassan, and others have been especially helpful with first-time snorkelers and people who are nervous in open water. One crew member stayed with a hesitant swimmer and used a buoyancy aid so she could enjoy the reef without feeling abandoned.

You can expect colorful fish and coral, with the possibility of seeing turtles, moray eels, dolphins, or flying fish. Those sightings are never guaranteed, but the Red Sea snorkeling itself is the dependable part of the day. Several departures found clear water, many fish, and reef areas away from busy commercial spots.

The 20-minute stops are enough to see plenty if you are comfortable in the water, but they may feel short if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. You will spend time receiving instructions, entering the water, and returning to the boat. If you want long reef sessions, a dedicated snorkeling or scuba outing would suit you better.

If you have never snorkeled, listen closely to the guide and stay near the group. The crew has earned praise for patience, but you still need to tell them if you feel uneasy. You do not have to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the stop, yet you should be comfortable following water-safety instructions.

Some trips include photos or video made by a crew photographer, often at an extra charge. That can be useful if you want underwater memories, but it is not part of the core listed inclusions.

Orange Bay gives you the easy beach hour

After the snorkeling stops, the boat makes a short ride of about five minutes to Orange Bay. You get approximately 1.5 hours there, which is enough time to swim, sit on the sand, take photos, or simply dry off after snorkeling.

Orange Bay is attractive because it makes the day accessible to people who do not want to spend the whole outing in the water. The pale sand and clear shallows create a strong contrast with the open sea, and the island has a relaxed tropical feel. If you want a photo-friendly part of the trip, this is it.

The catch is popularity. Orange Bay is not a deserted beach, and it can fill quickly. One useful tip is to choose an early departure if your schedule allows. Arriving earlier may give you more breathing room before the busiest period, although the exact crowd level depends on the day.

The 1.5-hour stop can pass quickly. You may spend part of it finding a place to sit, taking photos, swimming, and buying something from the island facilities. Some food and drinks can be expensive, so carry cash and do not assume every snack is included.

Orange Bay is best understood as a scenic beach stop, not a remote-island expedition. If you expect solitude, you may find it overrated. If you want bright water, sand, and a simple break after snorkeling, it does the job very well.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

The listed inclusions cover seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. Some experiences have also included lunch, and one departure described the meal as well presented and enjoyable. Because the published details are not fully consistent, confirm the food arrangement for your exact booking.

If you have dietary restrictions or are selective about snacks, bring your own food. One useful practical tip is to pack more than a sun hat and towel. Add a waterproof bag for valuables, sunscreen, a dry change of clothes, and a light waterproof layer for the boat.

Bring cash for possible extras, island purchases, photos, tips, or added services. Keep your belongings close. The operator states that it is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items, and one booking involved sunglasses and bags being left behind.

Parasailing may be available as a selected add-on. It is not part of the basic experience unless you choose it. Check the price and expected duration carefully. One booking found the parasailing session very short for the extra cost, around two minutes, so it may not offer the same value as the main cruise.

How the crew affects the experience

The strongest feature here is not only the boat or the beach. It is the human service in the water and on board.

Captain Wissam, Captain Karim, Captain Islam, Captain Ahmed, and Captain Bakri have all been singled out for safe, entertaining boat handling. Guides such as Mido, Ahmed, Mahmoud, Hassan, Youssef, and Hamdy have helped with instructions, children, nervous swimmers, and general organization.

Names can change from one departure to another, so you cannot request a specific person with certainty unless the provider confirms it. Still, the pattern is clear: the crew is expected to stay engaged rather than simply drop you at a reef and wait.

Music, fruit, drinks, and friendly conversation add to the mood. The experience is active but not formal. You might hear jokes, enjoy music on the return ride, or spot the crew scanning the water for dolphins.

The guide speaks English. If you need support in another language, ask before booking.

Who should book this Red Sea outing?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families who want a half-day or short full-day water trip without committing to a large boat. It is especially suitable if you want a mix of snorkeling and beach time rather than several hours focused on only one activity.

It also suits first-time snorkelers, provided you tell the guide about your confidence level. The crew’s hands-on support is a real advantage. Solo visitors can also book, and the small-boat setting can feel more welcoming than a large excursion.

I would hesitate if you have back problems, dislike fast boats, or need a precise pickup time. I would also choose another type of excursion if your priority is a quiet, empty beach or extended snorkeling sessions.

The full outing lasts about four to six hours, depending on pickup and return timing. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking can help if your Hurghada plans may change.

Should you book the Giftun Island speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a lively Red Sea day with two short reef stops, a fast ride, and a generous stretch at Orange Bay. The guides are the main reason this trip feels more personal than a basic boat transfer, especially for families and nervous swimmers.

Think twice if crowds at popular beaches bother you, if rough water makes you uncomfortable, or if the uncertain lunch arrangement matters to you. For the listed $174 price per group of up to two, the package offers good value when you want private-style service, transfers, gear, drinks, fruit, and island access in one outing.

My practical choice would be an early departure, a calm-weather day, and a small waterproof bag packed with snacks, cash, sunscreen, towel, and dry clothes. That gives you the best chance of enjoying the reef before Orange Bay becomes busy and of finishing the day with memories rather than logistics to solve.

FAQ

How long does the Giftun Island and Orange Bay trip last?

The stated duration is four to six hours. Pickup timing can affect the total length, especially for hotels outside central Hurghada.

What activities are included?

The experience includes a speedboat cruise, two snorkeling stops, swimming, sightseeing, and about 1.5 hours at Orange Bay. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada areas listed by the provider. Long-range pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay requires an extra-fee add-on.

Where should I wait for pickup?

Wait at the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance or inside the hotel. Look for a white or black vehicle with the GoShalabi logo.

When will I receive the pickup details?

The provider sends the pickup information by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before the trip.

Is lunch included?

Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are listed as included. Some departures have included lunch, but the food arrangement is not fully consistent, so confirm it when booking and bring extra snacks if needed.

Is the trip suitable for people with back problems?

No. The experience is listed as unsuitable for people with back problems, and the speedboat can be bumpy in windy conditions.