The Giftun Islands sit a short boat ride off Hurghada and form a protected marine area, which is why the reefs around them are in better shape than the busy shoreline. Orange Bay is the best-known stop, a pale sandy beach on Giftun with water so clear and shallow it looks edited. A typical cruise leaves from the marina in the morning, makes a snorkeling stop on a reef, then anchors off the island for swimming, sunbathing and lunch. Snorkeling gear and an instructor are usually included, so you do not need experience, and life jackets are available for weaker swimmers. Many boats add banana boat or sofa rides for children and teenagers. Expect a big, social day with music on deck, plenty of other boats, and a beach that fills up around midday; the early part of the stop is the quietest. Entry to the Orange Bay beach itself is often charged separately from the cruise, so check what your ticket covers. Hotel pickup is normally part of the package, which makes this the easiest sea day to organise from any resort on the coast.
What the day looks like: pickup comes early, often before nine in the morning, followed by a transfer to the pier and a boat ride of well under an hour. You snorkel first, while the reef is calm, then move to the island for beach time and a buffet lunch with drinks. Back at the marina in the late afternoon, then the drive to your hotel. The whole outing takes around eight hours, and larger boats can feel crowded, so smaller groups are worth choosing when you can. The cruise listed here is run for groups of up to about fifteen, a more relaxed size than the big party boats.
What to bring: reef-safe sunscreen, a rash vest or T-shirt for the sun, a towel, a hat, cash for tips and any separate beach or park fee, and a dry bag for your phone. Reef shoes help on rocky entry points. Motion-sickness tablets are sensible if you are prone to it, because a breeze can kick up chop in the afternoon. Do not stand on or touch the coral; the Giftun reefs are protected and operators fine careless behaviour.
Choosing the right trip: Hurghada has dozens of near-identical Giftun and Orange Bay cruises, and the differences are group size, how long you spend in the water, the quality of lunch and whether water sports are included. Read what the ticket covers, avoid the very cheapest offers if you want a calm day, and pick a trip that includes hotel transfer from your area. Families with young children should look for boats with shade and life jackets in small sizes.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day boat trip with hotel pickup, a reef snorkeling stop, beach time at Orange Bay on Giftun and a buffet lunch with drinks on board.
Best time
Any clear day from spring to autumn; the water stays swimmable most of the year, but winter mornings can be cool on deck.
How long
About eight to eight and a half hours door to door, including transfers.
Tips
Check whether the island beach fee is included, bring reef-safe sunscreen and cash for tips, and choose a smaller boat if you want a calmer day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want clear water, an easy beach and a ready-made day with no planning.
- Families
- Very good for children who can swim with a life jacket, with shallow sandy water and optional banana boat rides.
- Couples
- Quieter at the start of the beach stop, and sunset is not part of the trip, so pair it with a dinner back in town.
- Pair with
- A semi-submarine ride or a desert safari on another day, so you see both reef and dunes.
- Time needed
- One full day.
Good questions
Do I need to be able to swim for the Giftun and Orange Bay trip?+
Not strongly, because snorkeling vests are provided and an instructor goes with the group. Non-swimmers can stay in the shallows at the beach and enjoy the boat, lunch and sunbathing.
Is the Orange Bay beach fee included?+
Not always. The cruise listed here states that the Orange Bay entry fee is not included, so keep some cash for it and check your ticket.
How long is the boat ride from Hurghada to Giftun Island?+
The crossing is well under an hour, depending on your boat and the sea conditions. Most of the eight-hour day is spent snorkeling, on the beach and having lunch.
Is it suitable for young children?+
Yes, many families take children, as the beach water is shallow and warm. Bring child-size life jackets if you can, a sun hat and plenty of shade-friendly clothing.
Is Orange Bay crowded?+
It can be busy from late morning when many boats arrive together. Choose a smaller boat and make the most of the first hour at the beach.