Hurghada Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise To Orange bay

Hurghada’s speedboat ride to Orange Bay is the main attraction here. You get across the Red Sea quickly, then stop twice for 20-minute snorkeling sessions before spending about 90 minutes on Giftun Island. It is a compact way to combine open-water scenery, swimming, and beach time in one half-day.

I like the small maximum group of 22 and the choice of departure times. I also like that snorkeling equipment is supplied and that guides such as Ahmed and Captain Wassim have encouraged nervous swimmers to join in. The main caution is basic but important: pickup communication and safety equipment have not been consistent, so confirm the details before setting out.

Key points to know before booking

• Fast access to Orange Bay: The speedboat cuts down the transfer time compared with a slower boat excursion.
• Two short snorkeling stops: Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, giving you a taste of the Giftun Islands’ clear water.
• Around 90 minutes at Orange Bay: You have time for swimming, relaxing, food, and the children’s play area.
• Helpful crew for non-swimmers: Ahmed and Captain Wassim have been praised for friendly support and encouragement in the water.
• Check pickup and safety details: Some bookings have had delayed or missing pickup communication, and one report raised concerns about life jackets.
• Good half-day value at $41.23: The price includes the boat outing, snorkeling equipment, island access, and hotel pickup, though lunch details should be confirmed.

What the $41.23 price really gets you

At $41.23 per person, this is priced as an accessible half-day sea outing rather than a full luxury cruise. You are paying for roughly five hours of activity, hotel pickup, the speedboat, two snorkeling stops, equipment, and entry to Orange Bay.

That is fair value if you want several activities without giving up an entire day. The speedboat matters because it gets you to the island and snorkeling areas more directly than a slower group vessel. You spend less of the day simply sitting on the water.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. You can snorkel, swim, sit on the island, eat, and enjoy the ride, all in one booking. It is less compelling if you want a long, quiet beach day, since the island visit is only about 90 minutes and each snorkeling stop is brief.

Lunch needs a little clarification. Orange Bay has restaurants serving seafood, traditional Egyptian food, and international dishes. One outing also included a lunch box, which was useful after swimming. Since the supplied information does not make the lunch arrangement fully clear, ask Go Shalabi what is included before you pay or board.

Hotel pickup and the start of the morning

Pickup is offered from your hotel, followed by a transfer to the marina. This is convenient, especially if you do not want to arrange a separate taxi in Hurghada. The experience also sits near public transportation, although the exact pickup area is not specified.

This is the part of the trip where you should be most careful. One booking had no pickup and no communication, leaving the customer waiting outside in the heat for an hour. Another account described a vehicle without air conditioning, despite air conditioning being expected.

I would confirm your hotel name, pickup time, and the operator’s contact details before the day of the trip. Keep the confirmation on your phone, and arrive ready at the agreed meeting point. The experience allows several departure times, including 8 a.m., 9 a.m., and 1 p.m., but one booking scheduled for 9 a.m. began at 8 a.m. without a clear explanation.

That timing issue matters. Orange Bay is not a place you want to rush through because a pickup arrives earlier than expected. If you select a particular departure time, repeat it when confirming your pickup.

The speedboat ride across the Red Sea

Once you reach the marina, you board the speedboat and head toward the Giftun Islands. This is the trip’s most distinctive feature. The boat gives you a quick, open-air ride and makes the island accessible within a relatively short outing.

The ride can be fun for anyone who enjoys movement and sea views. It also helps families and short-stay visitors fit an island visit into a morning or afternoon. A boat holding up to 22 people is small enough to feel more personal than a large party vessel, though the actual number aboard can vary.

There is one serious point to settle before departure: life jackets. One account specifically advised preparing for the possibility that no life jackets would be available on the fast boat. That is not a small detail. If you are uncomfortable with this, ask the crew directly before boarding and decide whether the trip feels right for you.

The speedboat is also not the best choice for everyone. If you are prone to motion sickness, a fast ride over open water may be less comfortable than a larger, slower boat. The supplied information does not give a precise boat design or seating arrangement, so you should expect a practical excursion rather than a polished yacht cruise.

Two 20-minute snorkeling stops around Giftun

The cruise includes two snorkeling stops, each lasting about 20 minutes. The water around the Giftun Islands is described as clear, and the stops give you a chance to see the underwater setting before or after your island visit.

The short duration keeps the day moving, but it also sets the right expectation. You are not getting a long marine-life session at each site. Twenty minutes is enough to enter the water, look around, and enjoy a quick swim, but you will need to be ready when the crew calls you back.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. That is useful if you did not pack your own mask and fins, and it keeps the trip simple for families. Equipment fit can vary, so check your mask before moving away from the boat. If it leaks, ask for help early rather than spending half the stop adjusting it.

You do not need to be a confident swimmer to take part, according to the information available. Ahmed and Captain Wassim have encouraged a non-swimmer to participate, which suggests that the crew may offer reassurance and practical support. Still, encouragement is not a substitute for proper safety equipment or personal comfort in open water.

If you are nervous, tell the crew before entering the sea. Stay close to the boat and use the provided equipment as instructed. Children should be watched closely, even though the trip is described as kid-friendly.

Orange Bay, with about 90 minutes on the island

Orange Bay is the main land stop, with about an hour and a half available. The island offers services designed to make a short beach visit easy, including food outlets and a special play area for children.

This stop works well as a break from the boat. You can swim, sit, eat, and let children spend time in the play area rather than expecting them to remain still during the entire cruise. The restaurants serve fresh seafood, Egyptian dishes, and international food, so the menu should suit mixed groups better than a single fixed meal.

Ninety minutes is enough for a taste of the island, not a full day. You will need to divide your time between swimming, lunch, photos, and relaxing. If you want to do everything, keep an eye on the departure time. The speedboat will not wait indefinitely for someone still at the restaurant.

One account described the island stop as well managed, with friendly staff and enough time for snorkeling and the beach. That matches the basic shape of the outing: quick transport, short water sessions, then a focused period on land. It is efficient, but not leisurely.

The child-friendly facilities are a real plus for families. A play area gives younger children something to do when they are tired of the water. The activity is still built around swimming and snorkeling, so families should not treat the play area as a full childcare service.

Guides Ahmed and Captain Wassim

The strongest praise for this experience centers on the crew. Ahmed and Captain Wassim are specifically identified as friendly and supportive, and they have helped a person who could not swim feel comfortable enough to participate.

That personal support can make a large difference on a water trip. A guide who explains what to do, checks that you are ready, and treats beginners with patience can turn a worrying snorkeling stop into an enjoyable one.

The crew quality may not be the same on every departure, so the names are useful mainly as a reference for the operator rather than a guarantee. The provider is Go Shalabi, and you should confirm who will lead your particular trip.

A briefing before the activity is also worth expecting. One account described a briefing before the boat outing began. Listen closely, especially for instructions about boarding, snorkeling areas, meeting times, and what to do if you need help.

Timing, group size, and comfort

The full experience lasts about five hours. That makes it easy to place between other Hurghada plans, but hotel pickup and marina transfers can affect the actual length of your day.

The maximum group size is 22 people. That is a useful limit for a speedboat, though it does not mean every trip will reach that number. One outing had only four people aboard and felt almost private. If you are lucky enough to have a small group, the crew can usually give more attention to individual needs.

Departure-time choice is another practical advantage. Morning departures give you an early start, while the 1 p.m. option may suit people who prefer a slower morning. Do not assume the chosen time will be handled perfectly, though. Confirm it again, particularly if you booked the 9 a.m. departure.

Comfort depends on the vehicle and boat provided that day. Pickup is intended to be convenient, but at least one account reported a car without air conditioning. Bring water, sun protection, and a light cover for the ride. These are sensible precautions for Hurghada’s heat, especially when waiting outside or sitting on an open boat.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a short, active island trip with several elements packed together. It suits couples, families with older children, and people who want snorkeling without committing to a full-day cruise.

It is also a reasonable choice for beginners. The crew has shown patience with non-swimmers, and the supplied equipment removes one item from your packing list. You still need to be comfortable following instructions and entering the sea from a boat.

Families may appreciate the play area and broad food choices at Orange Bay. The maximum group size is also more appealing than a very large boat party. Keep in mind that children must be supervised during the water activities.

I would be more cautious if you need exact timing, dependable communication, or clearly confirmed safety equipment. The missed pickup report is too serious to ignore, and the concern about life jackets deserves a direct question before departure.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That policy is helpful for a sea outing, where wind and water conditions can affect both comfort and safety.

Should you book the Orange Bay speedboat trip?

Book it if the idea of a fast boat, two short snorkeling sessions, and a 90-minute island visit sounds better than spending a full day at sea. At $41.23, the mix of transport, equipment, island access, and hotel pickup offers solid value, especially for a family or first-time snorkeler.

Before booking, confirm three things: your exact pickup time, whether lunch is included or purchased separately, and what life-jacket provision is available on the speedboat. If Go Shalabi gives clear answers, this can be a lively and efficient Hurghada outing.

If you want a slow, carefully managed cruise with long snorkeling sessions and no uncertainty around transfers, choose a different style of excursion. For everyone else, this trip makes sense as long as you treat it as a practical half-day adventure, not a luxury boat day.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada speedboat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, including hotel pickup, the marina transfer, the speedboat ride, snorkeling stops, and time at Orange Bay.

What is the price per person?

The listed price is $41.23 per person.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup is offered, followed by a transfer to the marina.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You get two snorkeling stops around the Giftun Islands. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

How long do you spend at Orange Bay?

The planned time at Orange Bay is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is Orange Bay suitable for children?

Yes. The island has a special play area for children, and the excursion is described as kid-friendly.

Is lunch included?

The island has restaurants offering seafood, traditional dishes, and international food. A lunch box has also been provided on at least one outing, so confirm the exact lunch arrangement with Go Shalabi before departure.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 22 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.