Hurghada: Elegance Yacht Cruise To Orange bay Island W lunch

The best part of this Hurghada yacht trip is the mix of Orange Bay beach time and Red Sea snorkeling in one easy day. You get an hour on the island, about 40 minutes at a coral reef, lunch on the boat, and a chance to spot dolphins in open water.

I like the small group size of 10 to 15 people, which should feel more relaxed than a packed excursion boat. I also like the value: at $33, you get transfers from Hurghada, equipment, food, soft drinks, hot drinks, fruit, and entry to Orange Bay.

The main thing to consider is that Orange Bay can be crowded, and extra costs may appear for long-range hotel transfers, marina or tourist fees, parasailing, tips, and optional photo packages. The sea can also turn windy, so the schedule and snorkeling comfort may vary.

Key points to know before you book

• One hour at Orange Bay: Relax on the sand, swim, use the seating areas, or take photos in the island setting.
• Two or three snorkeling stops: Equipment, life vests, and a snorkeling guide are included, with roughly 40 minutes at a main reef stop.
• Seafood lunch onboard: Expect fish, shrimp, calamari, rice, pasta, green salad, tuna salad, fruit, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and milk.
• Dolphin sightings are possible: You may see dolphins in their natural setting, but no wildlife sighting can be guaranteed.
• Optional parasailing: You can add a flight over the Red Sea, with a speedboat ride connected to the activity.
• Pickup details matter: Hurghada transfers are included, while long-range areas such as Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay may require an added fee.

Setting out from Hurghada on the Red Sea

Your day begins with pickup from your Hurghada hotel and a drive to the marina. After a safety briefing, you board the yacht and head toward the Giftun Island National Park area, where Orange Bay is located.

The boat is intended for a more intimate outing than a large party cruise, with groups generally described as 10 to 15 people. That number matters. You can move around, find a place to sit, and get help from the crew without feeling lost in a crowd.

The yacht has a stereo system, so music is part of the atmosphere. The tone is social rather than quiet and formal. You might spend time on deck, take photos, chat with other people, or simply watch the Red Sea pass by.

I would bring cash from the start. Tips are not required, but they are appreciated, and you may also want money for optional activities, photographs, drinks beyond those provided, or small charges connected with the marina.

Orange Bay gives you one hour of island time

Orange Bay is the main postcard stop. You get about one hour to enjoy the sandy shore, swim in clear water, sit on the beach, or take photographs. The island is arranged for relaxation, with seating and beach areas that create a tropical holiday feel.

This is not a long, remote-island stay. One hour passes quickly once you walk from the boat, find a spot, take pictures, and get into the water. I would treat it as a pleasant break between boat rides and snorkeling, not as a full beach day.

The island can also be busy. If you want photographs without many people in the background, use your time quickly and take pictures as soon as you arrive. Some people prefer the quieter feel of Magawish Island, which may be included or substituted on certain outings, but Orange Bay has more facilities and activities.

The water is clear, though sea temperature and wind can change during the day. A towel and sunscreen are essential. I would also bring a cover-up or light shirt because the sun can feel strong after swimming.

Snorkeling among coral and Red Sea fish

The snorkeling portion usually includes two or three stops, with equipment and life vests provided. A guide accompanies the activity and gives basic instructions before you enter the water.

The main snorkeling session is described as lasting about 40 minutes. That is enough time to see coral, fish, and other marine life without making the entire day about snorkeling. If you are new to it, the life vest gives you support while you get used to breathing through the mask.

Conditions are important here. Wind can make the water choppy, and one reported outing had rough enough conditions that some people chose to swim from the island instead of snorkeling in open water. You should be comfortable with the possibility that the crew may adjust the stop or that you may prefer to stay aboard.

The reef is an enjoyable part of the trip, but I would not book this as a specialist snorkeling expedition. The appeal is the full package: a boat ride, island visit, reef stop, meal, and optional activities. If your priority is seeing the best possible coral in the Red Sea, you may want a dedicated snorkeling or diving tour instead.

Keep your expectations sensible about wildlife. Dolphins have been seen near the boat, including close encounters that allowed people to watch them swimming and playing. That can become the highlight of the day, but dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled performance. You may see them, or you may not.

Lunch on the yacht, with a practical Egyptian menu

After the water activities, lunch is served onboard. The meal includes seafood such as fish, shrimp, and calamari, along with rice, pasta, green salad, tuna salad, and fruit.

I like this arrangement because you do not lose time looking for a restaurant after leaving the island. You can eat on the boat, rest on deck, and continue enjoying the sea views. The food is simple rather than gourmet, but it suits a day outdoors and provides a useful meal after swimming.

Soft drinks, including Coke or Sprite, are included. Hot drinks include tea, coffee, and milk. These are small touches, but they matter after time in the water, especially if the wind picks up.

If you have particular dietary needs, the supplied information does not explain how special meals are handled. I would ask the operator before booking rather than assume the menu can be changed.

Parasailing adds a short burst of adventure

Parasailing is an optional extra, not part of the $33 base price. If you choose it, you are lifted above the Red Sea for a broad view of the water and coastline.

The activity also includes a speedboat ride. One account described the boat ride as a fun part of the experience in its own right, with the driver allowing passengers to take the wheel briefly on the return. That is not something I would treat as guaranteed, but it shows that parasailing can be more than a few minutes in the air.

This option suits you if you want a little more action after a relaxed morning. It may not suit anyone who dislikes heights, feels uneasy on a fast boat, or wants to keep the day strictly within the advertised price.

Ask about the cost before agreeing to it. The base fare is attractive, but the final total rises when you add parasailing, transportation from a distant resort, tips, or photo services.

What the crew and service add to the day

The crew is a major part of this experience. Ahmed and Mahmood are among the crew members specifically named in the supplied feedback, along with the chef. The staff are described as friendly, funny, helpful, and attentive to families.

That matters on a boat trip. You rely on the crew for transfers, boarding, safety equipment, snorkeling guidance, meal service, and timing at each stop. A warm crew can make the day feel easy, while poor organization would quickly become frustrating.

The outing is conducted in English. You should expect a social atmosphere, music from the stereo system, and plenty of interaction with the staff and other people on board. This is a good fit if you like a friendly group setting. It is less suitable if you want a silent, private cruise with no set schedule.

The service also appears well suited to families. A three-year-old was included in one successful family outing, and the crew made the child and adults feel welcome. Still, parents should remember that this is an open-water boat day with swimming and optional speedboat activities, so close supervision remains essential.

The real value of a $33 day trip

At $33 per person, this is a strong-value package if you are staying in Hurghada and want several activities in one day. The fare includes pickup and return in Hurghada, Orange Bay entry, snorkeling gear, a guide, life vests, lunch, fruit, soft drinks, hot drinks, and the boat trip itself.

The value comes from combining experiences. You are not paying separately for a beach visit, a reef stop, and a seafood lunch. You also get the chance to see dolphins, though that part depends on nature and timing.

The price is not the final figure for everyone. Pickup from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, or Safaga may require an additional charge, and long-range pickup should be added during checkout. There may also be a small marina or tourist fee. One reported outing allowed for about $5 per person in extra charges, so I would confirm this before departure.

Photo and video packages are another possible expense. The supplied details describe a package with 10 photos and one 30-second video, as well as a larger trip package. If you want the footage, ask about the price and delivery method before purchasing. The material is sent by Google Drive, with delivery described as taking about 48 hours.

For the best value, I would book the base trip, bring your own phone and waterproof protection, and add parasailing only if you genuinely want it. The included food and activities already make the main package worthwhile.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most

I would recommend this for you if you want a broad Red Sea experience without arranging separate activities. It works especially well for couples, families, and small groups who want some beach time, snorkeling, lunch, music, and optional adventure in one outing.

It is also a good choice if you are watching your holiday budget. The price is lower than many hotel excursion rates, while still including the main costs of the day.

You may want a different trip if you dislike group outings, want a very quiet yacht, or care most about a long snorkeling session. Orange Bay may feel commercial and crowded, and the reef stop is one part of a mixed itinerary rather than the entire focus.

The trip also suits flexible people. Wind, sea conditions, dolphin activity, and crowd levels can affect the feel of the day. The crew may adjust how much time you spend in the water, and some people may prefer swimming from the island when the open sea is rough.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and a passport copy for the daily permissions. Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep valuables to a minimum, since you will move between the yacht, the island, and the water.

Check your pickup location carefully. Hurghada hotel transfers are included, but distant resort areas may involve an added fee. Share your hotel details early so the operator can confirm the arrangement.

I would also ask about the expected meeting time, extra marina charges, and the current prices for parasailing and photo packages. The tour allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Orange Bay yacht cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced day that combines island time, snorkeling, seafood, and a chance to see dolphins. The $33 fare offers a lot, especially when your hotel is in Hurghada and you plan to use the included transfers.

Go in expecting a social boat outing, not a private luxury charter or a remote beach escape. Orange Bay may be busy, wind can affect the snorkeling, and optional extras can push up the cost. If those limits work for you, this is an easy and enjoyable way to experience several sides of the Red Sea in one day.

FAQ

How much does the Orange Bay yacht cruise cost?

The advertised price is $33 per person. Extra charges may apply for long-range hotel pickup, marina or tourist fees, parasailing, tips, and photo or video packages.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included. Transfers from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, or Safaga may require an additional fee selected during checkout.

How much time do I get at Orange Bay?

You get about one hour at Orange Bay. You can use that time to relax on the beach, swim, sit in the beach areas, or take photographs.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life vests, and a snorkeling guide are included. The trip offers two or three snorkeling stops, with the main snorkeling session described as lasting about 40 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The seafood lunch includes shrimp, calamari, fish, rice, pasta, green salad, tuna salad, and fruit.

What drinks are included?

Soft drinks such as Coke or Sprite are included. Tea, coffee, and milk are also provided.

Is parasailing included in the price?

No. Parasailing is an optional activity and costs extra. It includes a view of the Red Sea from above and a speedboat ride.

Can I see dolphins during the trip?

Dolphins may be seen swimming near the boat in their natural habitat. Sightings are possible but cannot be guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and a passport copy for the daily permissions. You should also confirm any extra charges and optional activity prices before the trip.