Safaga: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch

Giftun National Park gives this Red Sea outing its main appeal: you get fast speedboat travel, two snorkeling stops, and time on the sandy shore of Orange Bay in one day. The ride reaches the first reef in about 20 minutes, so you spend less time getting there and more time in the water.

I like the easy package, with hotel pickup, equipment, lunch, drinks, entry fees, and a guide included. I also like the chance to see dolphins in open water, though sightings are never guaranteed. The main drawback is that the plan can change, including the food, and the five-minute pickup wait makes punctuality essential.

Key points to know before booking

• Two 20-minute snorkeling stops: You get two short chances to see coral, colorful fish, and possibly sea turtles.
• Orange Bay is the main beach break: Expect white sand, clear water, lunch, swimming, and time to sit in the sun.
• The speedboat saves time: The first snorkeling area is about 20 minutes from the marina.
• Dolphin sightings are possible, not promised: The cruise includes watching for dolphins from the boat.
• $60 covers many basics: Hotel transfers, guide, boat, equipment, lunch, drinks, fees, and seasonal fruit are included.
• Pickup rules are strict: Wait at the main hotel entrance by the road and be ready on time.

Speeding out from Hurghada toward Giftun National Park

This experience is sold as a trip from Hurghada, although the title also refers to Safaga. That distinction matters when you book. Give the operator your correct hotel name, address, room number, and nationality so the transfer can be arranged correctly.

Your driver takes you to the marina, where you meet the guide and receive a short introduction. The boat may be private or shared, depending on the option selected. An onboard shaded area, stereo system, and life jackets are included, which makes the ride more comfortable than sitting in full sun for the whole crossing.

The speedboat is the practical feature here. The first snorkeling site is reached in around 20 minutes, rather than requiring a long slow boat ride. You still get the pleasure of being on the Red Sea, but the day is built around the stops instead of the transfer.

Pickup requires care. Details are sent by email at 10 p.m. the night before. You must wait at the hotel entrance beside the road, not at the reception gate or another internal meeting point. The driver can wait no more than five minutes, so this is not a morning for a slow breakfast.

Two 20-minute snorkeling stops on the Red Sea

The trip includes two snorkeling locations around Giftun Islands National Park. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough for a close look at the reef and fish, but it is not a full day of water time.

You can expect coral reefs, colorful marine life, and clear water. Sea turtles are also possible. The strongest praise for the experience centers on the snorkeling and dolphin sightings, so the time in the water is the heart of the trip.

Two separate stops give you a useful second chance. If the first area is crowded, choppy, or less interesting than expected, the next location may offer a better look. Still, 20 minutes passes quickly once you adjust your mask and enter the water.

Snorkeling equipment is included, as are life jackets. Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Cash is also listed as something to carry, useful for any personal spending not covered by the tour.

The sea conditions will affect what you see. Clear water does not guarantee perfect visibility at every moment, and wildlife follows its own schedule. Treat the coral and fish as the main promise, with turtles and dolphins as welcome possibilities.

Looking for dolphins from a moving speedboat

Dolphin watching is part of the appeal, and one of the strongest positive points associated with this trip is seeing dolphins alongside the snorkeling. The boat gives you a good platform for scanning the water, but the animals are wild and no sighting can be guaranteed.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire ride staring at a screen. If dolphins appear, the moment may be brief. The speedboat crew can watch the water while you enjoy the ride and the open views.

This part is best understood as an added possibility rather than a separate guaranteed wildlife excursion. If you book mainly to see dolphins, you may be disappointed. If you book for the combination of reefs, Orange Bay, and a chance of dolphins, the day makes more sense.

Orange Bay’s white sand and clear water

After snorkeling, the boat continues to Orange Bay. The island stop changes the pace of the day. Instead of adjusting a mask or holding onto a boat rail, you can sit on white sand, swim, or simply stay under the sun.

Orange Bay is presented as a Caribbean-style setting, with clear water and a bright beach. The appeal is visual and simple: sand, sea, and a break from the boat. You have time to explore at your own pace, though the exact amount of free time is not specified.

I would treat this as a beach stop rather than a cultural visit. The experience is about natural scenery and swimming, not museums, monuments, or local neighborhoods. That makes it a good match for a relaxed Red Sea day, but less useful if you want contact with everyday Egyptian life.

The sun can be intense. The boat has shade, but you should still use sunscreen and bring a towel. If you plan to swim after lunch, keep your belongings organized and follow the guide’s instructions about when to return to the boat.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the $60 price

The $60 price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat, guide, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, island entry, nature reserve fees, lunch, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. That is a solid bundle for a full marine excursion.

The lunch is described as a box or an island meal with local dishes and drinks. Food plans can change. One previous outing had a last-minute switch from a seafood dinner to fish and chips, so you should not book this expecting a particular seafood menu or a restaurant-style meal.

That food issue is worth keeping in mind, but it does not erase the value of the package. Transfers alone can add hassle, and renting equipment separately would make a self-planned day less simple. You are paying for transport, access, gear, and coordination as much as for lunch.

The inclusion of soft drinks, water, and seasonal fruit is useful in the heat. Still, bring cash in case you want something beyond the included food and drinks. The provider lists parasailing as an optional add-on, not as part of the standard price unless you select it.

Private or shared speedboat: choosing the right feel

The trip can be arranged as private or shared. The supplied details do not specify the maximum group size, so ask at booking if personal space on the boat matters to you.

A private option should appeal to people who want a more personal outing or more control over the pace, but its price may differ from the advertised $60. A shared boat is likely the more economical choice, though the day will follow the group’s schedule.

The included shaded area helps on either option. A stereo system adds a holiday mood, while life jackets provide basic safety equipment. The speedboat format feels more active than a large sightseeing vessel, especially during the ride between the marina, reef sites, and Orange Bay.

This is not the best choice for anyone with back problems. A fast boat can produce a rough ride when conditions are less smooth, and the activity is built around boarding, sitting on a boat, and entering the water.

What the day feels like from start to finish

The day begins with hotel pickup and a transfer to the marina. Since the pickup information arrives the night before, check your email and confirm the meeting place before going to bed.

At the marina, you meet the guide, receive an introduction, and board the speedboat. The first crossing takes about 20 minutes. After that, you stop at the first snorkeling site, spend around 20 minutes in the water, and return to the boat.

The second reef stop follows the same basic pattern. Between stops, you can sit in the shaded area, listen to music, watch for dolphins, or rest before the next swim.

The boat then reaches Orange Bay. Lunch, drinks, and fruit are provided, followed by free time on the beach. You can swim, sunbathe, or explore the island before returning to the marina.

At the end, your driver takes you back to your hotel. The schedule is active but straightforward. It gives you several distinct parts in one outing without requiring you to arrange transport, park fees, equipment, or island entry yourself.

Who will enjoy this Giftun Islands trip most

This outing suits you if you want several Red Sea highlights in one day. It works especially well for couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone staying in Hurghada who wants a quick route to reef and beach settings.

It is also a good choice if you prefer a packaged day over arranging a boat, guide, equipment, and transfers separately. The included gear and entry fees remove several small decisions.

You should think twice if your top priority is a long, quiet beach stay. The snorkeling stops are only 20 minutes each, and the schedule includes a boat ride, two water stops, lunch, and the island visit.

It may also disappoint you if you need a fixed menu or a tightly guaranteed program. Food can change, and wildlife sightings cannot be controlled. Anyone with back problems should avoid it, as should anyone who does not want a speedboat-based outing.

The activity is available in English and Arabic. Pets are not allowed. Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, which gives you some protection if your plans change.

Small details that make the day easier

Pack a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Wear clothing that dries reasonably quickly, though no special dress requirement is provided.

Keep your pickup details close at hand. The correct hotel entrance is the one by the road. Being at reception or another gate may cause you to miss the vehicle, and the provider allows only five minutes of waiting.

Expect a practical lunch rather than a carefully planned food experience. If you have strict dietary needs, the supplied information does not confirm special meals, so ask before paying.

If you select parasailing, confirm that the add-on is included in your booking. It is not part of the standard package unless chosen.

Should you book this Orange Bay speedboat cruise?

Book it if you want a well-packed Red Sea day with fast boat travel, two reef stops, possible dolphins, and a sandy island break. At $60, the combination of transfers, equipment, food, drinks, and fees offers good value for an easy, active outing.

Skip it if you want a slow beach day, a guaranteed dolphin encounter, or a fixed seafood meal. The short snorkeling sessions and possible changes to the food plan are the main limits.

For most people who want to see several sides of Giftun National Park without arranging the details themselves, this is a sensible choice. Just arrive early for pickup, bring sun protection, and keep your expectations focused on the sea, reefs, and Orange Bay rather than on a perfect schedule.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat trip begin?

The experience is described as departing from Hurghada. Hotel pickup takes you to the marina, although the title also refers to Safaga, so confirm the transfer area before booking.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $60 per person.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, speedboat transport, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, island entry, nature reserve fees, lunch, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, life jackets, and access to a shaded area on the boat.

How long is each snorkeling stop?

Each of the two snorkeling stops lasts about 20 minutes.

What might I see while snorkeling?

You may see coral reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles, and other Red Sea marine life. Dolphin sightings are also possible during the boat trip, but they are not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with drinks and seasonal fruit. The meal may include local dishes, but the menu can change.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only if you select the add-on option. It is not part of the standard package.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Where will hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is at the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not at the reception gate or another internal hotel area.

How late can the driver wait?

The provider can wait no more than five minutes at the stated pickup point, so you need to be ready on time.