Snorkeling & Diving from Hurghada: Orange Bay Island Full Day

Pick your underwater moment: snorkel the shallows or dive deeper into the Red Sea.

A full-day snorkeling and diving cruise from Hurghada visits Orange Bay Island, Hula Hula Island or Magawesh Island with a professional guide, modern yacht, two coral reef stops, buffet lunch and water sports included. Hotel pickup is provided; you choose whether to snorkel, dive or do both depending on your experience level and comfort in the water.

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your Hurghada hotel and a ride to the pier, where you board a modern yacht with sun loungers and shaded decks. The boat heads out to two different coral reef sites in the Red Sea, and this is where the choice becomes yours: snorkel in the shallows with a guide watching over you, or descend deeper with a professional diving instructor and full SCUBA gear. The reefs here are thick with colorful fish and coral formations, and whether you stay near the surface or go down depends entirely on what you want to do that day. Beginners and experienced divers work with the same crew, so there's no pressure to go deeper than you're ready for.

After the reef stops, the yacht anchors at Orange Bay (or Hula Hula or Magawesh, depending on which option you book), where you get two hours on the beach. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and there are iconic swings set right in the shallows if you want to photograph them. A buffet lunch happens onboard before or after the island time, and you can try water sports like a banana boat or sofa ride if the energy is still there. Drinks—soft, hot and mineral water—flow throughout the day.

The whole outing runs about eight hours from pickup to drop-off. What makes it work is that the guide, the equipment, the timing and the transport are all arranged; you just show up at the hotel and decide how deep you want to go.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and air-conditioned vehicle transfer.
• modern yacht with sun loungers and shaded decks.
• two guided snorkeling or diving stops at coral reef sites.
• professional diving instructor and full SCUBA equipment (if you choose the diving option).
• snorkeling gear.
• two hours on Orange Bay Island, Hula Hula Island or Magawesh Island.
• buffet lunch.
• soft drinks, hot drinks and mineral water.
• water sports like banana boat or sofa rides.
• entrance fees.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hurghada Star

Is this one for you?Choose the snorkeling option if you want to see the reef without the learning curve or the gear of diving; pick the diving experience if you're certified or willing to learn underwater with an instructor, and want to explore deeper sections of the Red Sea. The VIP beach day options add extra time on the island if lounging and swimming matter more than the reef stops.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the snorkeling and diving options on this cruise?

Snorkeling keeps you at the surface with a guide nearby, using a mask and fins to watch the reef from above. Diving takes you down with full SCUBA equipment and an instructor, letting you explore deeper sections of the coral and see fish that stay lower in the water. Both happen at the same two reef sites; you pick which one suits your comfort level.

How much time do I actually spend in the water versus on the boat?

The reef stops include time at two different snorkeling or diving sites, and then you get two hours on Orange Bay Island to swim, relax or try water sports. The rest of the eight hours covers hotel pickup, the boat ride out and back, lunch, and the return transfer to your hotel.

Do I need diving certification to go on the diving option?

The tour works with both certified divers and beginners; professional instructors are onboard to guide you. If you've never dived before, the crew can take you through the basics in the water, so certification is not required to participate.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer or have never snorkeled before?

The guided snorkeling option is built for all levels, and the instructor stays with the group. You'll wear a mask, fins and snorkel in shallow reef areas where you can see the coral and fish clearly. If diving interests you but you're nervous, start with snorkeling first and see how you feel in the water.

Is the lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Buffet lunch is included onboard, with a mix of hot and cold dishes. Let the operator know about dietary needs when you book so they can note it for the crew.

What should I bring or wear for this trip?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light cover-up for the boat. Wear swimwear under your clothes so you're ready to get in the water. The yacht provides snorkeling and diving gear; you don't need to bring your own unless you prefer to.