Makadi: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise to Orange Bay & Lunch

The best part of this Red Sea trip is the mix of fast speedboat travel, two snorkeling stops, and easy beach time at Orange Bay. You are not spending the whole day on a large excursion boat. The speedboat gets you toward the Giftun Islands quickly, with the first snorkeling site about 20 minutes from the marina.

I like the chance to see coral, colorful fish, and possibly sea turtles without giving up a proper island stop. I also like the practical extras: hotel pickup, snorkeling equipment, drinks, fruit, life jackets, and lunch. The main caution is the transfer and sea conditions. A small rubber dinghy may be used to reach the speedboat, and one passenger found it wet and wobbly. If you get seasick or dislike rough water, a larger boat may suit you better.

Key points at a glance

• Two snorkeling stops: You get about 20 minutes in the water at each site around Giftun National Park.
• Orange Bay beach time: White sand, clear water, swimming, lunch, and time to relax away from the boat.
• A quick ride from the marina: The first snorkeling area is roughly 20 minutes away by speedboat.
• Helpful crew support: Guide Sabry has assisted snorkelers, including a child who needed extra help.
• Lunch choices: A cheese and roast beef lunch box is included, while island lunch and seafood upgrades can be added.
• Small-boat trade-off: The ride feels fast and personal, but it can be chilly, wet, or uncomfortable for people prone to seasickness.

Why this Red Sea cruise works well

At $53 per person, this is a fair price for a full package rather than just a boat ride. You get hotel transport, the speedboat, two snorkeling sessions, island access, equipment, drinks, fruit, and food. The value is strongest if you want several parts of a Red Sea day without arranging each one yourself.

The trip also suits you if you prefer movement and variety. You spend some time cruising, some time in the water, and some time on land. A slower island boat may give you more room and a steadier ride, but this speedboat gets you between stops with less time spent simply traveling.

The word private needs a little care here. The trip can be booked as private or shared, so check the option and price before paying. A shared ride may be the better bargain, while a private boat gives you more control over the pace and atmosphere.

Hotel pickup from Makadi and the Hurghada marina

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel, followed by a ride to the marina. The pickup point is the main entrance by the road, not the reception entrance or an inner hotel gate. This small detail matters at large resort properties, where a driver may not be allowed to search every driveway.

The exact pickup information arrives by email at about 10 p.m. the night before. Check your inbox and confirm the time before going to bed. You also need to provide your nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy for the daily permissions.

Be ready on time. The vehicle can wait no more than five minutes, since other people may be collected too. A long transfer from Safaga or Soma Bay is available as an added booking option, so check that extra carefully if you are staying outside the main Makadi and Hurghada area.

One practical complaint about the transport is worth taking seriously. A pickup listed for 9 a.m. can sometimes begin much earlier, with a bus collecting several people before reaching the marina. One passenger found the vehicle full and uncomfortable after an hour of extra pickups. That may not happen on every departure, but you should expect shared transport to take longer than a direct hotel transfer.

Boarding the speedboat and reaching Giftun National Park

At the marina, you meet the guide and receive a short introduction before boarding. Depending on the setup, a rubber dinghy may carry you from the marina to the main speedboat. This transfer can be wet and unstable, especially if the water is choppy, so keep phones, cameras, and other valuables protected.

Once underway, the speedboat is the main attraction. You move across clear Red Sea water rather than spending the day on a slow, crowded deck. The boat has a shaded area, stereo system, mineral water, soft drinks, fruit, and life jackets. You can sit in the sun between stops, but the shade is useful when the heat builds.

The fast ride has a downside. Wind can make the boat feel cold, even in warm weather. Pack a light sweater or jacket, especially for the return ride. This is an easy item to forget when you are thinking only about sunshine and swimming.

The experience is not ideal for someone with serious back problems, and it may be hard on anyone who becomes seasick. A speedboat can bounce more than a large vessel. If you need a very steady ride, consider a bigger boat trip instead.

First snorkeling stop: clear water and coral life

The first snorkeling site comes about 20 minutes after leaving the marina. The guide provides masks, snorkels, and life jackets, then explains what you need to know before entering the water.

The main reward here is access to coral reefs and Red Sea marine life without a long wait. You may see schools of colorful fish and, depending on conditions and luck, sea turtles. Dolphins are also part of the trip’s stated appeal, but sightings are never guaranteed. Treat them as a fortunate extra, not the central promise of the day.

You get about 20 minutes at this stop. That is enough for a close look at the reef, but it is not a long snorkeling expedition. I see this as a good format for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can look around, while less confident swimmers are not left in the water for too long.

If you are new to snorkeling, tell the guide before entering. Sabry has helped a child with snorkeling, and that kind of hands-on support can make the difference between enjoying the water and spending the stop clinging to the boat. Still, you should be comfortable in open water and follow the crew’s instructions.

Sun protection matters here. Apply sunscreen before boarding, and bring a towel for the wet ride between stops. The Red Sea reflects a lot of sunlight, even when the air feels pleasant.

Second snorkeling stop: a short second look below the surface

The second snorkeling stop gives you another 20-minute chance to see the reef and marine life. Two separate sites are valuable because water conditions and sea life can vary from one area to another. If the first spot feels busy or visibility is less clear, the second gives you another chance.

This is also where you should manage expectations. The snorkeling time is focused and fairly brief, not an all-day reef session. You will have to return to the boat when the guide calls time, even if you are still enjoying the water.

Between stops, you can dry off, take in the sea views, and use the shaded area. The speedboat’s smaller size gives you a closer feel for the water, but it also means less room to spread out than you would find on a large day boat.

I would keep your belongings simple. Bring your phone in a waterproof pouch, avoid loose valuables, and leave anything you do not need at the hotel. Cash is useful for optional purchases and add-ons, but you do not need to carry much.

Orange Bay: white sand, shallow-looking water, and a busy feel

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Orange Bay. The setting is the classic Red Sea island picture: pale sand, clear water, and a place to swim or sit in the sun. The island gives the day a welcome change of pace after the active water stops.

You can relax on the beach, swim, or walk around at your own speed. Look for a quieter patch if you want peace, since Orange Bay can feel busy. The island is beautiful, but it is not a deserted beach. That distinction helps you decide if the stop matches your idea of an island escape.

Footwear takes some planning. Water shoes are useful because shells and stones can hurt bare feet. At the same time, access on the island may require you to go barefoot, so keep the shoes in your backpack rather than leaving them behind.

Orange Bay is a good place to slow down. If you have spent the morning watching the water and holding onto the boat, the beach lets you stretch out and enjoy the sun. Bring sunscreen, but do not forget shade and water. The included soft drinks and mineral water help, though you should still pay attention to the heat.

Lunch choices: included box or an island meal

The standard package includes a lunch box with a cheese sandwich and a roast beef sandwich. Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are also included. This arrangement is useful if you want a quick meal and more time on the beach.

You can add lunch on the island during checkout. A seafood lunch upgrade is also available. Check the exact option you are selecting, since the included lunch box and the island meal are not the same thing.

I would choose the lunch box if you prefer simplicity or want to keep the price close to $53. The island meal makes more sense if sitting down for local food is part of the day you want. Neither option changes the snorkeling or beach access, so the choice comes down to food preference and budget.

Do not expect the meal to turn the trip into a food tour. The real value is the combination of water time and a convenient meal in the middle of the outing.

Guides, safety, and the feel of the day

The tour operates in English and Arabic. The guide handles the basic flow of the day, snorkeling equipment, safety instructions, and timing at the stops. Life jackets are included, and you should use one if instructed or if you are not a confident swimmer.

The crew’s attitude can shape the whole experience. Friendly, attentive staff have been a major part of the trip’s appeal, with particular praise for the help given during snorkeling. That is important because a short water activity can feel stressful if nobody explains where to go or helps you adjust the equipment.

The day is active but not extreme. You do not need advanced snorkeling skills, though you should be able to enter the water and follow safety guidance. The trip is not suitable for people with back problems, and anyone with strong seasickness should think twice about the speedboat and possible dinghy transfer.

Parasailing is available only if you select the add-on. It is not part of the basic $53 price. If you want it, add it during checkout rather than assuming it will be available on the boat.

What to bring for a more comfortable day

Pack light, but bring the things that solve the common annoyances:

• Towel
• High-factor sunscreen
• Cash
• A light sweater or jacket
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• Water shoes for rough sand, stones, and shells
• A passport copy if requested for the daily permission process

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and choose something easy to move in. The boat, dinghy, beach, and snorkeling stops involve getting wet, so avoid heavy clothing and fragile footwear.

A jacket may sound odd for an Egyptian island trip, but the wind on a fast boat can be surprisingly cold. This is one of the more useful tips for the ride back.

How the $53 price compares with the experience

The $53 base price makes sense if you want a compact Red Sea package with transport and equipment already arranged. Paying separately for a hotel ride, boat, reef access, snorkeling gear, island entry, drinks, and food would take more planning and may cost more.

The value is less clear if you want luxury, a quiet island, or a spacious vessel. Shared pickup can be long, the boat may feel exposed, and Orange Bay can be busy. You are paying for access to several highlights in one outing, not for a private beach or a high-end yacht.

The reserve-and-pay-later option helps if your schedule is not fixed. You can hold a place without paying immediately, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Read the final booking terms for any add-ons, since long-distance pickup, seafood lunch, and parasailing carry separate choices.

Who should book this speedboat trip

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A half-day-style sea outing with several activities
• Two short snorkeling sessions rather than one long session
• A fast ride to the Giftun Islands
• White sand and beach time at Orange Bay
• A practical package with transport, food, drinks, and gear included
• A guide who can offer extra help in the water
• The choice of shared or private travel

I would look elsewhere if you want a large, stable boat, a long snorkeling session, or a quiet island with very few people. I would also be cautious if you have back problems or strong seasickness. The small boat is part of the appeal, but it is also the main comfort trade-off.

Should you book the Makadi to Orange Bay cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, efficient Red Sea day with coral reefs, two snorkeling stops, and a memorable beach break. The friendly crew, useful inclusions, and quick speedboat ride make the $53 price reasonable for many visitors staying in Makadi or Hurghada.

Before booking, confirm your pickup point, select the right lunch option, and pack a jacket and water shoes. If the thought of a wet dinghy transfer, wind, or a busy island bothers you, choose a larger boat instead. For everyone else, this is a good way to see several Giftun highlights without giving up a full day to a slow cruise.

FAQ

How much does the Giftun Island speedboat cruise cost?

The listed price is $53 per person. Long-range pickup, island lunch, seafood lunch, and parasailing may be available as added options.

What is included in the basic price?

The basic package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, speedboat transportation, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, island entry, a lunch box, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, shaded onboard seating, a stereo system, and life jackets.

How long are the snorkeling stops?

There are two snorkeling stops, with about 20 minutes at each location.

Is lunch on Orange Bay included?

The standard package includes a lunch box with cheese and roast beef sandwiches. Lunch on the island can be added during checkout, with a seafood upgrade also available.

Can I book a private speedboat?

The experience is offered with a private or shared speedboat option. Check the booking choice and price before completing your reservation.

Is parasailing included?

No. Parasailing is included only if you select the add-on.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light jacket is useful because the speedboat ride can feel cold, and water shoes can help with stones and shells on the island.

Where is hotel pickup?

Pickup is at the hotel’s main entrance by the road, not at the reception gate or an inner hotel area. You need to provide the correct hotel name, address, room number, and nationality.

Is the trip suitable for people with seasickness or back problems?

The trip is not suitable for people with back problems. The speedboat and possible rubber dinghy transfer may also be uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness. A larger boat may be a better choice.