Hurghada: Giftun Island Speedboat Cruise & Orange Bay Beach

Summary

Giftun Island speedboat cruise with snorkeling & Orange Bay

You’ll race across bright Red Sea waters by speedboat from Hurghada, snorkel at two vivid spots around Giftun Island with all gear provided, then relax on Orange Bay’s soft sand or grab lunch by the water. With hotel pickup included and locals guiding each step, this trip leaves you sun-kissed and quietly content.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color of the water — not just blue, but almost electric, like someone turned up the brightness on the Red Sea. We’d barely left Hurghada’s marina when our guide, Mahmoud, grinned and handed out masks. The engine noise faded into wind and I caught a whiff of salt mixed with sunscreen (my own, probably too much). It was early enough that the sun felt gentle, not yet burning. I kept thinking: this is actually happening — we’re speeding out to Giftun Island in a boat that feels way too fast for how calm everything looks.

Our first snorkeling stop was over before my brain caught up. Twenty minutes goes fast when you’re chasing little flashes of fish under clear water. Mahmoud tossed some fruit into the sea and laughed when a striped parrotfish tried to nibble his finger — he told us they always come for snacks here. I tried to say “thank you” in Arabic but he just smiled bigger and said it back in English. The second spot was quieter; you could hear your own breath echoing through the snorkel, which felt weirdly peaceful after all the splashing.

The ride to Orange Bay only took about 15 minutes but my hair was already wild from the wind by then. Stepping onto that sand — soft, almost white — made me want to just sit down and do nothing. Some families were building lopsided sandcastles while others drifted toward the restaurants (the smell of grilled fish floated everywhere). We had about an hour and a half on the island, so I ordered something simple and watched kids play near this wooden swing set they have right on the beach. Everything moved slow for a while, except time itself.

I still think about how it felt heading back — salt drying on my skin, a bit tired but happy in that way you only get after swimming all day. There’s something about seeing Hurghada’s skyline reappear as you glide in that makes it feel like you’ve been gone longer than just a few hours. If you ever do this speedboat cruise to Giftun Island, try to look back at least once before you leave Orange Bay — it’s worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Giftun Island speedboat and snorkeling

• Pickup from hotel to marina
• Board speedboat to Giftun Island
• Snorkel at first spot for 20 minutes
• Snorkel at second spot for 20 minutes
• Cruise 15 minutes to Orange Bay
• Relax on beach for 1.5 hours
• Enjoy seafood or international lunch
• Return to marina by speedboat
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long does the speedboat trip from Hurghada to Giftun Island take?

It takes about 15 minutes by speedboat from Hurghada marina to reach Giftun Island.

Are snorkeling equipment and entrance fees included?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment and island entrance fees are included in the tour price.

How many snorkeling stops are there on this tour?

The tour includes two snorkeling stops around Giftun Islands, each lasting about 20 minutes.

Is hotel pickup provided for this cruise?

Yes, roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Hurghada.

Can children join the Giftun Island speedboat cruise?

Yes, there’s a play area for children on Orange Bay beach and families often join this tour.

What food options are available on Orange Bay?

You can find fresh seafood as well as traditional Egyptian and international dishes at island restaurants.

How much free time do you get on Orange Bay?

You have about 1.5 hours to relax or explore on Orange Bay beach during the tour.

Is this cruise suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, fruit snacks and soft drinks onboard, full use of snorkeling gear at both stops around Giftun Islands, entrance fees for the island itself plus free time at Orange Bay beach before your return transfer back to Hurghada marina.