Egypt Discovery
From per personOn Request
Excursion Hurghada

Orange Bay Snorkelling & Beach Escape – Giftun Island, Hurghada

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Orange Bay Island Snorkeling & Beach Escape – Giftun Island is a 1-day snorkeling excursion covering Orange Bay, Giftun Island reef sites, and Hurghada, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are usually March to May and October to November, when air temperatures are often milder and sea conditions are pleasant. June to August can be very hot with strong sun exposure, while winter months are cooler and may bring windier conditions that affect snorkeling comfort. During Ramadan and major holidays, pickup times and on-island service can be adjusted, so travelers should confirm timings in advance.

02 Overview

A first look

Morning departures leave Hurghada Marina and reach Giftun Island in 30–40 minutes by speedboat. Orange Bay offers shallow fringing reefs for snorkelling and a sandy beach with limited shade.

Background

The facts

Orange Bay is a beach area on Giftun Island in the Red Sea, reached by motorboat from Hurghada. The excursion typically combines two guided snorkeling sessions at reef sites offshore with several hours on a shallow sandy beach. Water conditions are usually calmer inside the bay than at exposed reef edges, which makes it a common stop for mixed snorkeling-and-beach itineraries.

Giftun Island lies offshore from Hurghada and is part of the protected Red Sea island area. Travel time by boat depends on sea conditions and departure point, but the crossing is generally short enough for a same-day outing with hotel pickup and return. Snorkeling stops are selected for coral and fish visibility, while beach time at Orange Bay is used for swimming, resting, and lunch.

Standard day-excursion logistics usually include hotel pickup from central Hurghada and nearby resort zones, a return motorboat transfer, snorkeling equipment, and a life jacket. Lunch and bottled water are commonly provided on the island, and sunbeds are often included as part of beach access. As with most Red Sea snorkeling trips, guests should expect sun exposure, wind on the water, and variable sea conditions that can affect the order or duration of snorkeling stops.

This type of excursion is generally suited to travelers who want a combination of reef viewing and beach relaxation rather than a long-distance sightseeing schedule. It is not a historical tour; the main focus is marine scenery, easy shoreline access, and time-efficient use of a single day from a Hurghada base.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion is best for travelers in roughly the 8-65 age range who are comfortable on boats and want a relaxed Red Sea day with swimming and snorkeling. It suits first-time visitors, couples, and families who prefer a balanced schedule rather than a physically demanding activity day.

What lingers

  • 01 Depart Hurghada marina; 30–45 minute speedboat transfer to Giftun Island's Orange Bay.
  • 02 Snorkel the fringing reefs at Orange Bay, Giftun Island – shallow, sheltered water for beginners and improvers.
  • 03 Beach time on Giftun Island's white sand; limited shade at midday, so bring sun protection and water.
  • 04 Unlike many shared day cruises, we anchor off the reef to permit longer snorkel sessions from the boat.
  • 05 Optional add-ons: glass-bottom boat or private transfer from Sahl Hasheesh; please request at booking.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Return motorboat crossing Hurghada to Orange Bay, Giftun Island
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off for hotels within Hurghada and nearby resort zones
  • Two guided snorkeling sessions with snorkel equipment and life jackets
  • Sunbed use on Orange Bay beach and beach facility access
  • Hot lunch and bottled water

Not included

  • National park conservation fee if applicable at the time of visit
  • Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks other than bottled water
  • Gratuities for guides and boat crew
  • Transfers from locations outside Hurghada resort zones
  • Personal travel insurance

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 How do we get to Giftun Island from Hurghada?
    Boat transfer from Hurghada takes you to Giftun Island; the exact departure point depends on the operator and booking. We arrange hotel pick-up and transfers to the harbour when requested. Crossing time and the departure pier vary with the chosen vessel and sea conditions; we confirm the meeting point and boarding time when you reserve. Compared with large harbour cruises, we aim to maximise time at coral sites rather than prolonged transit.
  2. 02 Is snorkelling equipment included on the Giftun Island trip?
    Basic snorkelling equipment and a life jacket are included unless the listing states otherwise. We provide masks, snorkels and a range of fin sizes and fit gear before departure. If you prefer your own kit or need a prescription mask, tell us at booking so we can reserve space and advise on carriage.
  3. 03 Can children join the Orange Bay Giftun Island excursion?
    Children may join, but minimum ages and child fares vary by supplier and sea conditions. Life jackets are provided and guides supervise snorkel groups, but children should be comfortable in the water. Tell us exact ages at enquiry so we can confirm availability, seating, and any age-related restrictions or discounts.
  4. 04 What level of snorkelling experience do I need?
    Basic swimming ability is generally sufficient; guides provide a safety briefing and stay close to groups. Reef snorkelling occurs in shallow to moderate depths; currents can be stronger on some days. Non-swimmers can usually use life jackets and join shorter, shallow swims or stay on the beach – notify us of your ability so we can advise.
  5. 05 What should I bring for the beach and snorkelling day?
    Bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and any personal medication. Also pack a hat, water shoes for coral, a dry bag for valuables and cash for extras. If you are prone to seasickness, bring tablets; if you need a specific mask size or prescription lens, bring your own or tell us in advance.
  6. 06 Are food and drinks included on the Giftun Island day trip?
    Many operators include a light lunch and soft drinks; premium drinks and extras are usually charged separately. We confirm catering details when you book and can note dietary requests such as vegetarian or allergies. If you have strict dietary needs or prefer particular snacks, bring them – beachfront options can be limited.
  7. 07 Who operates this Orange Bay/Giftun Island excursion and how do we book?
    We operate and book this excursion as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle local arrangements and confirmations. When you book with us we confirm the vessel type, exact boarding point, inclusions and any age or medical restrictions. We usually prioritise smaller-boat departures to keep snorkel groups manageable; tell us hotel details and passenger ages so we can reserve equipment and places.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days
Full refund less a £50 admin fee
15–30 days
50% refund
Within 14 days
No refund – date changes considered case by case

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: EXC-HRG-687111

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