Hurghada: Yacht Trip 2 islands, Diving & Snorkeling W Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada boat trip is the mix of white sand and reef time. You get Orange Island for swimming and lounging, then return to the open water for two stops where you can snorkel or take an introductory scuba session if you choose that option.

I like that the $27 price covers a lot, including hotel transport in Hurghada, equipment, lunch, drinks, park fees, and a banana boat or sofa ride. I also like the friendly crew and the chance to spend a full day on the Red Sea rather than only making a short beach visit.

The main caution is crowding. Orange Island can feel busy, the boat may be full, and music has been too loud for some people. Pickup can also be late or poorly handled, so keep your morning flexible and pay attention to the vehicle and driver.

Key points to know before you book

• Orange Island gives you about 1.5 hours for white sand, swimming, and beach time, but it may be crowded.
• Two reef stops give you more time in the water than a simple island cruise.
• An introductory scuba session is optional, and scuba equipment is included only when that option is selected.
• Lunch, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment are included on board.
• Banana boat or sofa rides add a light, playful finish to the day.
• Remote resort pickups may cost extra, especially from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga.

A full Red Sea day for $27

At $27 per person, this is priced as an accessible, activity-filled day rather than a private yacht outing. You are paying for a shared boat trip, not an exclusive cruise with a quiet deck and personal service.

Still, the included items make the price attractive. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, air-conditioned transport, national park fees, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and a water ride are all covered. If you want to see the Red Sea without arranging separate transport, equipment hire, meals, and entry fees, the package is good value.

The low price also tells you what kind of day to expect. The boat may be busy, the schedule is shared with a group, and the atmosphere can be lively. One person found the music too loud, while another felt the boat was already quite full. I would not book this expecting a private, slow-paced sailing trip.

I would book it if you want several activities in one day and do not mind sharing the boat. For a family, a group of friends, or a first Red Sea outing, the combination is convenient. If quiet surroundings and personal space matter most, look for a smaller boat with fewer passengers.

Morning pickup and the trip to the marina

The day begins with pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Hurghada. The transfer is in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the crew meets you at the marina before you board.

Exact pickup times are confirmed after booking, but the trip generally runs from morning until late afternoon. Give yourself plenty of time before the stated departure. One pickup arrived about 30 minutes late, and the drive was criticized for unsafe attention to a mobile phone. That is not a reason to reject the whole excursion, but it is a useful warning to stay alert during the transfer.

Pickup from Hurghada is included. Extra fees may apply from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Al-Ahya, El Gouna, and Safaga, so check the pickup option carefully before paying. Towels are not included, which is easy to overlook when packing for a water day.

At the marina, you collect your mask, fins, and life vest before boarding. The day is offered in English, German, Arabic, French, and Russian, which helps if you are traveling with a mixed-language group.

Orange Island: beautiful sand, limited solitude

The first major stop is Orange Island. You have about 1.5 hours to walk on the white sand, sit by the water, or swim in the clear shallows.

This is the easiest part of the day. You do not need to be a confident swimmer to enjoy the beach, and it gives you a chance to dry off and enjoy the sea without wearing a mask and fins. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, since shade and seating arrangements can vary.

The island is attractive, but keep your expectations realistic. It is a popular stop, not a secluded beach. One person felt it was too crowded and would have preferred more time elsewhere. Another wanted more time on the beach and for the activities. The 1.5-hour visit passes quickly if you want to swim, take photos, and relax.

I would treat Orange Island as a pleasant change of pace, not the main reason to book. The sand is the appeal. The reef stops are where the day becomes more rewarding for anyone interested in marine life.

The first reef stop and introductory scuba session

After the island visit, the boat heads to the first snorkeling and scuba location. This is where you can see coral formations and fish in clear Red Sea water.

Snorkeling equipment includes a mask, fins, and life vest. The arrangement suits beginners because you can stay near the surface, take your time, and return to the boat when you have had enough. You do not need an advanced certification for the snorkeling portion.

If you select the scuba option, one introductory scuba session is included, along with scuba equipment. This is an introduction rather than a full certification course. You should follow the crew’s instructions closely, especially if you have never used breathing equipment underwater.

The underwater setting is the strongest reason to choose this trip. The coral and fish give the day more substance than a simple island transfer. Conditions can change with weather and water movement, so the exact quality of visibility is not guaranteed, but clear water is part of the appeal of this coast.

You should also know who should skip the scuba and water activities. The excursion is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back or heart problems. Children may take part in some activities with parental supervision, but the information provided does not give a specific minimum age.

Lunch on board and the value of a shared boat

After the first water stop, you return to the boat for a buffet lunch. Soft drinks and hot drinks are available, and unlimited drinks are included on board. Light breakfast snacks are also part of the package.

A buffet is practical here. You can eat without leaving the boat, then rest while the crew prepares for the next stop. The food received strong praise, though you should think of it as a convenient boat meal rather than a restaurant lunch.

The shared setting affects the meal. Seating may be busy, and the boat can feel full at popular times. Music is part of the atmosphere, and it may be louder than you prefer. If you want a quiet lunch, move away from the speakers when possible or bring patience rather than expecting a silent cruise.

One small cost warning is worth noting. Extra coffee may not be included in the same way as the regular drinks. A pair of small instant coffees cost 10 euros for one person, so ask about any paid extras before ordering. You can avoid surprises by sticking to the included drinks unless the price is clear.

The second reef stop gives the day better balance

After lunch, the boat reaches a second reef area for more snorkeling and swimming. This second water stop is useful because it gives you another chance after lunch, especially if the first stop was short or the water felt busy.

You may see different fish and coral depending on the exact location, but the main value is time. A single reef stop can feel rushed when everyone is collecting equipment and entering the water. Two stops allow you to settle into the rhythm of snorkeling.

I would use the first stop to learn the conditions and the second to focus on what you enjoy. If you are new to snorkeling, stay with the group and keep your life vest on. If you are a confident swimmer, you may appreciate the freedom to spend more time looking below the surface, but follow the crew’s boundaries.

Do not expect a scientific marine tour. The supplied information does not promise a marine biologist or a detailed coral lecture. This is a recreational day, with the emphasis on seeing the water, enjoying the reefs, and trying several activities.

Banana boat or sofa ride to finish the afternoon

The final activity is a banana boat or sofa ride, pulled by a speedboat. It adds a bit of amusement after the quieter reef time.

This part is best for people who want a playful group activity. It is not the main reason to book, and one person found the banana boat less action-packed than expected. That is a fair expectation to set: think of it as a short extra ride, not a major thrill attraction.

You can choose between the banana boat and sofa boat where the operation allows. Ask the crew about the available option and timing when you board, since the activity may be organized around the group schedule.

If you are traveling with children, supervise them closely and follow the crew’s safety instructions. Anyone with back or heart problems should not take part, and the experience is not suitable during pregnancy.

Boat atmosphere, group size, and service

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. You can expect a friendly team that helps with equipment, organizes the water stops, and keeps the day moving. The guides are described as professional and cheerful, but no individual guide names are provided, so I would not book expecting a particular person.

The boat itself is described as fantastic, but it can be full. Those two facts can both be true. A well-maintained boat with helpful staff can still feel crowded when several groups share the deck.

Music is another matter of personal taste. Some people wanted more music to create a better atmosphere, while another found it too loud. If you are sensitive to noise, sit farther from the speakers and bring sunglasses and sunscreen rather than relying on the boat for shade.

Photos and videos may be offered for purchase during the day. If you buy them, follow up directly with the photographer or photo company about delivery and any questions. Do not assume the boat crew handles those arrangements.

What to pack for this particular day

Pack lightly, but bring the items the boat does not provide.

• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• High-factor sunscreen
• Cash for optional purchases
• Swimwear and a dry change of clothes

The boat provides snorkeling equipment, but bring your own mask if you prefer a particular fit. The supplied package includes a mask, fins, and life vest, so you do not need to rent those separately.

Cash is useful for optional coffee, photos, videos, or other purchases. The included drinks cover the standard onboard offering, but not every extra item.

Who will enjoy this Hurghada excursion most?

I would recommend this day to first-time visitors who want a simple introduction to the Red Sea. You get beach time, snorkeling, an optional scuba session, lunch, drinks, and a towable water ride without arranging each part yourself.

It also suits families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend time at the reefs, less confident swimmers can use a life vest, and people who prefer dry time have Orange Island and the boat deck. Children need supervision during water activities.

It is less suitable for anyone seeking peace and quiet. The boat may be full, the island may be crowded, and the music may be loud. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with back or heart problems.

Weather matters. The trip may be rescheduled or refunded if conditions force cancellation. That is sensible for a sea excursion, so avoid placing this on the final day of a tightly timed holiday if possible.

Should you book the Orange and Giftun Island trip?

Book it if you want a low-cost, full-day Red Sea outing with plenty included. The strongest parts are the two reef stops, friendly crew, onboard lunch, and the ease of having transport and equipment arranged. At $27, the package offers solid value for an active day.

Do not book it if your priority is a quiet boat, an empty beach, or a private experience. Orange Island can be crowded, the boat may be full, and the transfer service needs closer attention than the water program.

My practical choice would be the snorkeling option for most people, with the introductory scuba session added if you have always wanted to try it and meet the health requirements. Arrive prepared for a lively shared trip, bring cash and a towel, and you will be set up for a good Red Sea day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels and accommodation in Hurghada. Additional charges may apply for Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Al-Ahya, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga.

How long does the trip last?

The excursion usually runs from the morning until late afternoon. Your exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.

How much time do I get on Orange Island?

You have about 1.5 hours on Orange Island for relaxing on the beach, swimming, and enjoying the clear water.

Are snorkeling masks and fins included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment includes a mask, fins, and life vest.

Is scuba included?

One introductory scuba session and scuba equipment are included only if you select the scuba option when booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is served on board, and light breakfast snacks are also included.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited drinks on board are included, including soft drinks and hot drinks. Optional items may cost extra.

Are water sports included?

Yes. The package includes a banana boat or sofa boat ride.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The trip may also be rescheduled or refunded if weather conditions cause cancellation.