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

The best part of this Hurghada day out is the mix of white sand, clear Red Sea water, and coral reefs in one trip. You get a beach stop, two chances to see fish underwater, a buffet lunch, and a short water-sports session without paying a high resort price.

I like the large amount included for $27, especially hotel pickup in Hurghada, equipment, drinks, lunch, and national park fees. I also like the friendly crew and the choice between simple snorkeling and an introductory scuba session if you select that option.

The main caution is comfort. Boats can feel full, Orange Bay can be crowded, and the music may be loud. Pickup quality can also vary, so confirm your collection time and pay attention to the exact transfer area when booking.

Key points before you book

• Orange Island comes first: You get about 1.5 hours on the sandy beach for swimming, sitting, and taking photos.
• Two reef stops add real value: The schedule gives you more than a quick swim, with time to see coral and fish from the boat.
• Lunch and drinks are included: A buffet meal, soft drinks, hot drinks, and onboard refreshments help keep the day simple.
• An introductory scuba session is optional: Choose the version that includes the session and equipment if you want to try scuba rather than only snorkel.
• The price is unusually low: At $27 per person, the package covers many extras, though transport from some resort areas costs more.
• Expect a busy shared boat: The friendly crew is a strong point, but a full boat, loud music, and a crowded beach may not suit everyone.

A full Red Sea day from Hurghada

This is a morning-to-late-afternoon cruise, not a short sightseeing ride. You are collected from your accommodation in Hurghada in air-conditioned transport, taken to the marina, and introduced to the boat crew before setting off.

Pickup times are confirmed after booking, so keep your morning open. The basic transfer is included from Hurghada, while collection from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Al-Ahya, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga may require an extra charge or a different booking option.

I would confirm two things before the day begins: the pickup time and the exact transfer area. One account describes a late pickup and an uncomfortable drive, including a driver using a phone. That may not represent every transfer, but it is a good reason to be ready early and to raise concerns if the driving does not feel safe.

At the marina, you collect your mask, fins, and life vest. A light breakfast or snacks are also provided, which helps because the first proper meal comes later on the boat.

Orange Island: pretty sand, limited solitude

The first boat stop is Orange Island, also called Orange Bay in some descriptions. You have roughly 1.5 hours here, enough for a swim, a rest on the sand, and photos from the beach.

This is the most relaxed part of the outing. If you prefer not to spend the whole day in the water, Orange Island gives you a chance to sit down and dry off. The white sand and clear shallows are easy to enjoy without special skills.

The tradeoff is the setting. Orange Bay is a popular stop, and it can feel crowded, particularly if several boats arrive around the same time. If you are hoping for a quiet island escape, this will probably feel more like a shared beach stop than a private one.

Some people may also want more than 1.5 hours here. The schedule is built around several activities, so the beach visit is only one part of the day. If beach time is your main goal, a dedicated beach trip may suit you better.

Bring your own towel, since towels are not included. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and cash are also sensible. The sun reflects strongly off the sand and water, and you will have limited shade depending on where you settle.

First reef stop: your main underwater introduction

After Orange Island, the boat returns to the open water and reaches the first snorkeling and scuba location. This is where the trip shifts from a beach outing to a Red Sea wildlife experience.

You can use the supplied mask, fins, and life vest to look over the coral and fish. The water is described as clear, which makes this stop useful even if you stay at the surface. You do not need to be an experienced swimmer to enjoy the basic snorkeling option, but you should be comfortable in open water and follow the crew’s instructions.

If you select the scuba option, one introductory scuba session and the necessary equipment are included. This is meant as a first underwater experience rather than a full certification course. Ask the crew to explain the plan clearly before entering the water, especially if you have never used scuba equipment.

The Red Sea is the reason to choose this trip over a standard boat ride. Coral reefs support a busy underwater community, and even a short stop can give you a better sense of that world than looking from a beach. Still, conditions can change with weather and sea movement, so the exact visibility and comfort of the water are not guaranteed.

The crew’s attitude is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Reports describe the staff as cheerful, attentive, and professional from start to finish. That matters on a boat day, since clear instructions and quick help make water activities feel much easier.

Lunch on the boat and a useful pause

After the first reef stop, you return to the boat for a buffet lunch. This is a practical part of the schedule, not just a meal break. You can eat, rest your legs, take in the Red Sea views, and prepare for another swim.

Soft drinks and hot drinks are available throughout the day, along with the food. That makes the $27 price more useful because you do not need to plan for a separate lunch or keep buying drinks onboard.

Food quality can never be judged perfectly from a short description, but the meal has received strong praise. I would still bring some cash for personal purchases. Towels are not supplied, and drinks or photos sold separately may cost extra.

Be careful with onboard coffee purchases. One account describes paying 10 euros for two small instant coffees in paper cups. That is not part of the included package, so ask the price before ordering anything outside the stated inclusions.

Second reef stop: more water time before the ride home

After lunch, the boat reaches a second reef area for more snorkeling and swimming. This second stop is important because it gives you another chance if the first session felt rushed, crowded, or less clear than expected.

I like this structure. A single reef stop can be disappointing if the water is choppy or you do not see much, but two stops spread the risk. You can also use the second session to practice with your mask and fins after getting comfortable earlier in the day.

The schedule may feel full if you want long stretches of quiet time. You have the island, two reef stops, lunch, and water sports all in one day. One person wanted more beach time, which is a fair criticism for anyone who values a slower pace.

Banana boat and sofa ride

The final activity is a water ride, usually a banana boat or sofa boat pulled by a speedboat. It adds a playful finish and gives the group something to do together after the reef stops.

The activity is included, which is a plus at this price. It is not presented as an extreme thrill ride, and one account found the banana boat less action-packed than expected. That makes it suitable for people who want a bit of fun rather than a serious adrenaline activity.

Children may take part with parental supervision, depending on age and the crew’s instructions. Pregnant people and those with back or heart problems should not book this experience. If you have a medical concern, choose a quieter boat outing or ask a medical professional before planning water activities.

After the ride, the boat returns to Hurghada in the afternoon. You will likely be ready for a shower, so keep your towel and a change of clothes easy to reach rather than buried in a bag.

What the $27 price really covers

At $27 per person, this is a strong package if you want a busy day on the water. The price includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada
• Air-conditioned transport
• Boat travel to Orange and Giftun islands
• National park entry fees
• Snorkeling mask, fins, and life vest
• One introductory scuba session if that option is selected
• Light breakfast or snacks
• Buffet lunch
• Unlimited onboard drinks
• Banana boat or sofa ride

That is a lot for the cost. A separate lunch, marina transfer, equipment rental, and paid water activity could quickly reduce the savings of arranging each part alone.

The price is less straightforward if you stay outside Hurghada. Additional transfer charges may apply from several resort areas, and those costs can change the value comparison. Check the pickup option before paying rather than assuming every Red Sea hotel is covered.

The tradeoff for the low price is a shared, activity-heavy format. You are not paying for a private yacht, quiet beach access, or a flexible schedule. You are paying for a full set of stops, transport, food, and equipment in one day.

Boat comfort, music, and group size

The boat itself has been described as fantastic, but it may already be quite full. That affects where you sit, how easy it is to move around, and how peaceful the return ride feels.

Music is another variable. Some people enjoy music on a boat, while others find it too loud. If you want a calm day with long quiet stretches, this may not be the right format. The atmosphere is more social and active than restful.

The crew helps balance that drawback. Friendly staff can make a crowded boat much easier to manage, and the positive impressions of the team are among the clearest reasons to consider booking. Still, you should set expectations correctly: this is a shared excursion, not a private charter.

Photos and videos may be offered during the day. If you buy them, follow up directly with the photographer or photo company about delivery, price, and what is included. Do not assume those costs are part of the $27 package.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want several Red Sea activities in one day and prefer a simple package. It works especially well for first-time visitors to Hurghada, families with older children, couples who enjoy a social boat setting, and anyone curious about snorkeling or a first scuba session.

It is also a good choice if you want to keep spending under control. Lunch, drinks, equipment, transfers from Hurghada, park entry, and a water ride are all bundled together.

I would be more cautious if you want an uncrowded beach or a quiet yacht day. Orange Bay may be busy, the boat may feel full, and the music may be loud. If you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, or do not feel comfortable with water activities, choose another type of excursion.

The trip is suitable for all ages in general, but children need supervision during the water activities. Parents should also ask the crew about the safest way for younger children to use the equipment.

Weather can change the plan

The schedule depends on sea and weather conditions. If conditions make the trip unsafe, it can be rescheduled or refunded.

That matters because the quality of the reef stops depends on the water. Clear, calm conditions make snorkeling easier, while wind or waves can affect comfort and visibility. Pack sun protection, but also accept that the exact order or timing of activities may change.

Cancellation is flexible if you act at least 24 hours ahead, with a full refund available under the stated policy. Keep that in mind if your Hurghada plans are not fixed yet.

Should you book the Orange and Giftun island cruise?

Book this trip if you want maximum activity for a low price. The strongest reasons are the two reef stops, included gear, lunch, drinks, hotel transfer from Hurghada, and the friendly crew. The optional introductory scuba session makes it more appealing if snorkeling alone is not enough.

Skip it if your ideal day means a quiet boat, a nearly empty beach, or a long, unhurried stay on one island. Check the transfer fee for your hotel, bring a towel and cash, and confirm the pickup time. With those expectations in place, this is a good-value introduction to Hurghada’s Red Sea waters.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada. Extra charges may apply for Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Al-Ahya, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga.

How long does the trip last?

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

Which islands does the boat visit?

The cruise visits Orange Island and Giftun Island.

How long do you spend on Orange Island?

You have about 1.5 hours on Orange Island for beach time, swimming, and relaxation.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask, fins, and life vest are included.

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 onboard, along with a light breakfast or snacks.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited onboard drinks are included, including soft drinks and hot drinks.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Can the trip be cancelled because of weather?

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