White sand and reefs in one half day. I love the fast ride to Giftun National Park and the relaxed beach time at Orange Bay, plus you get two chances to snorkel coral with colorful fish (and sometimes turtles). The one drawback to keep in mind is that the day can start early and may include a smaller transfer ride that’s not ideal if you get motion sick.

The crew I’d look for is the kind that helps you stay comfortable in the water, and one guide named Sabry has been praised for hands-on snorkeling help. Expect an easy, structured trip with snorkel gear, life jackets, and a lunch box, but plan ahead with water shoes and sunscreen because the island footing can hurt and the sun gets serious.

Key Things That Make This Giftun and Orange Bay Cruise Work

• Two snorkeling stops, each about 20 minutes, timed so you get time in the reef without feeling rushed.
• Giftun National Park reef sites, where you can see lots of colorful fish and sometimes sea turtles.
• Orange Bay’s white sand and clear water, with a real beach break after snorkeling.
• Lunch and drinks are built in, including a lunch box, seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and mineral water.
• Speedboat setup includes shade and a stereo system, so the ride doesn’t feel like a bare-bones cattle boat.
• Motion and comfort caveat: some transfers can involve smaller inflatable boats, which can mean more splash and wobble.

From Hurghada Marina to Giftun in a Hurry

This is a half-day style speedboat outing from Hurghada, built around one simple idea: get you to the Red Sea reefs fast, then give you proper beach time afterward. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the marina where you meet your guide and get the day’s quick run-through.

Then it’s off on a speedy, comfortable speedboat to the first snorkeling stop, typically reached within about 20 minutes. The whole schedule is geared toward keeping the best parts of the day in motion: time on the reef, short breaks to enjoy the boat, then Orange Bay for the sand-and-swim portion.

One practical note I appreciate: the tour isn’t just a long ride with one short swim. It’s structured with two snorkeling periods, and the rest of the day is there to help you recover without doing anything complicated.

Snorkeling at Giftun National Park: Coral, Fish, and Sea Turtles

Your snorkeling takes place at two different reef spots around Giftun Islands National Park. Each stop is about 20 minutes, which is long enough to get your bearings and enjoy what’s in front of you, but short enough that you don’t feel exhausted halfway through.

You’ll snorkel with provided equipment, and the guide is there to help you get comfortable with timing and safety. The water here is known for colorful marine life, and the tour specifically includes the chance to see sea turtles in addition to the typical reef fish.

What I like about the structure is the pacing:

• First stop is your warm-up, when you learn how the water feels and where the best views are.
• Second stop gives you another shot at the best sections of the reef before you head for Orange Bay.

If you’re new to snorkeling, don’t expect the reef to look like a flat photo. Some spots are clearer than others, and it helps to keep your mask on, move slowly, and let the guide point you toward the livelier areas. And if you’re more experienced, you’ll probably still enjoy having the guide handle the logistics so you can focus on what’s under your goggles.

Motion and gear comfort tips

A small detail can make or break snorkeling comfort. The speedboat ride can get cold as you cut across open water. An extra layer helps, especially for the ride between stops. Also, keep your snorkel gear organized so you’re not fumbling while the boat is moving around.

The Orange Bay Beach Break: White Sand, Swim Time, and Simple Island Living

After snorkeling, you reach Orange Bay. This is the part of the day that feels like a reward: white sand, clear water, and time to do whatever you want at your pace. Some people stay in the shallows to float and cool down; others just sit and enjoy the view and the quiet.

The tour’s setup gives you a real island window, not just a quick stop to take a photo and run. You can swim, relax on the beach, or explore around the island area at leisure.

One very practical tip: plan for beach footing. You might be able to go barefoot on the island, but stones and shells can make that painful. Water shoes are a smart move, and they’re easy to pack in your day bag.

Also, Orange Bay is a bright, sun-forward environment. Bring sunscreen and reapply. You’ll be on the sand after time in the water, which means you’re getting sun both ways.

What You’ll Eat: Lunch Box, Seasonal Fruits, and Optional Upgrades

Food is included in the basics, which is one reason this trip feels easy. You get a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and roast beef, plus seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and mineral water. On top of that, the tour mentions an island lunch option you can add, with an upgrade path that includes a seafood lunch.

That means you have options depending on how you like to travel:

• If you want a no-thinking day, stick with the lunch box and snack on fruits during the beach time.
• If you want a more traditional island meal, you can add lunch on the island and even upgrade to seafood.

Either way, it’s nice to have food handled. On a reef day, your body burns energy, and you don’t want to be hunting for something to eat right after snorkeling.

Speedboat Comfort: Shade, Stereo, and the Real Weather Check

The speedboat isn’t just there to move you around. It’s set up with an onboard shaded area and a stereo system, plus life jackets for safety. Those little comforts matter because you’ll spend time both waiting to get to snorkel points and cooling down between swims.

The ride itself is fast. That’s the point. But speed also means you’ll feel wind across the water, so you might end up cooler than you expect. If you get chilly easily, bring something lightweight to throw on between stops.

And if you’re the type who likes control, you’ll probably appreciate the guide structure: quick intro at the marina, clear snorkeling stops, then Orange Bay. The goal is a smooth, guided day rather than a free-for-all.

Dolphins on the Route: Enjoy the Chance, Don’t Count on It

The tour highlights dolphin spotting from the speedboat route. I’d treat that as a nice possibility rather than a guarantee. When the sea and the route line up, you might spot them from the moving boat, and when they aren’t around, the reef and beach time are still the main payoff.

Either way, keep your eyes up when you’re cruising. It’s often when you’re thinking about nothing but the view that a dolphin pops into sight.

Timing, Pickup, and the Early-Morning Reality

This trip runs on hotel pickup and drops you back at your hotel at the end of the day. Your pickup details are sent by email the night before (around 10 pm), and pickup happens at the main entrance of your hotel (the one by the road), not at a reception gate.

One thing to know from real-world timing: your start time may feel earlier than you expected if the tour includes multiple hotel stops. The plan still works, but it helps to pack your patience if the van or bus is picking up other people along the way.

Also, the operator can wait for about 5 minutes at the pickup point. If you’re aiming for comfort, set an alarm and be there early. This one can’t afford delays when everyone’s on a schedule.

If you’re sensitive to long transfers, plan to keep your stomach and hydration in mind. One practical detail from experience is that transfers can involve smaller boats or dinghies on the way to the speedboat. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s worth taking that seriously.

Price and Value: Is $53 Per Person a Good Deal?

At about $53 per person, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. You’re getting:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• a guide
• speedboat cruise
• snorkeling equipment
• two snorkeling stops (about 20 minutes each)
• island entry fee
• lunch box (cheese sandwich and roast beef)
• seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and mineral water
• onboard shade, stereo, and life jackets

That package adds up fast if you try to piece it together yourself. The snorkeling equipment and reef stops are usually the hard part to organize independently, and the island entry and basic meal support mean you’re not stuck figuring out local logistics while everyone else is already relaxing on the beach.

Is it premium? Not really. It’s a value-focused half-day experience. The price feels most fair if you want the structure: two reef swims plus Orange Bay beach time, with meals handled and transportation included.

Who Should Book This Cruise—and Who Might Skip It

This is a great fit if:

• you want a half-day plan with two snorkeling chances
• you like clear structure and having gear provided
• you’re happy with beach time afterward, not just a quick in-and-out swim

It’s also a good fit for families and people who want a guided day without complicated planning. A guide named Sabry has been specifically praised for helping with snorkeling, which hints at the level of attention you can expect in the water.

Skip or think twice if:

• you have back problems, since the tour is noted as not suitable for people with back problems
• you get seasick easily, especially if you’re expecting a totally steady, big-boat experience from the start

Should You Book the Makadi Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch?

Book it if you want a straightforward Red Sea day: speedboat to Giftun reefs, two snorkeling sessions with gear and island support, then Orange Bay’s white-sand downtime. For around $53, the combination of transport, reef time, snorkeling equipment, and included food is what makes this feel like good value.

Pass if you’re motion-sensitive or you need a very calm ride from start to finish. Also consider bringing water shoes and a light layer, because the island footing and boat wind can both surprise you.

If you’re realistic about the schedule and pack smart, this is the kind of trip that leaves you tired in the best way: saltwater on your skin, coral in your memory, and sand time you didn’t have to plan.

FAQ

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You get two snorkeling stops, both around 20 minutes each.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What lunch is included?

A lunch box is included, with a cheese sandwich and roast beef, plus seasonal fruits.

Are soft drinks and water included?

Yes. Soft drinks and mineral water are included.

Do I need to send a passport copy?

Yes. You’ll be asked to share your passport copy for daily permissions.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Can I add parasailing or upgrade lunch?

Yes. Parasailing is available as an add-on if selected, and there’s also an option to add island lunch and upgrade to a seafood lunch.

Is this tour suitable for people with back problems?

No. It’s noted as not suitable for people with back problems.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.