Hurghada: Orange Bay & Hula Hula Island Cruise with Lunch

Summary

Red Sea island hopping cruise with snorkeling and lunch

You’ll start your day sailing from Hurghada across bright Red Sea waters to both Hula Hula Island and Orange Bay. Expect soft sand between your toes, time for snorkeling among colorful coral reefs, plus an open buffet lunch served on deck. With hotel pickup included and a local guide leading the way, you’ll get real downtime—and maybe a new favorite memory.

What’s the experience like?

I was already barefoot before we even left Hurghada’s marina—sand still stuck between my toes from the hotel. The boat felt bigger than I’d pictured, all white decks and the smell of sunscreen mixing with coffee. Our guide, Ahmed, handed out masks and fins while joking about who’d spot a dolphin first (spoiler: not me). The water was this wild turquoise, almost too bright, and the wind kept tangling my hair as we drifted toward Hula Hula Island. I didn’t expect how quiet it would be when we finally stepped onto the beach—just soft sand underfoot and that salty air. Some folks rushed for the water but I just stood there for a minute, letting it sink in.

Snorkeling off Hula Hula was like dropping into another world—coral everywhere, little flashes of orange and blue darting past. Ahmed pointed out a parrotfish munching away at the reef; he tried to teach me its name in Arabic but honestly, I forgot right after. We had time to just float or wander along the shore—someone found a tiny starfish and everyone crowded around like kids. Then back on board for more sun (and maybe too many sodas), heading over to Orange Bay. It’s funny—people call it “the Maldives of Hurghada” but it’s got its own thing going on: those wooden swings in the shallows, music drifting from somewhere behind the palms, everyone’s voices echoing across the sand.

I lost track of time on Orange Bay. There was this moment where I just lay back in the shallow water, eyes closed, listening to laughter and waves mixing together—felt like everything slowed down for a bit. Lunch came out as an open buffet on deck—grilled fish, rice, salads—and it tasted better than anything I’ve eaten after swimming all morning. Someone spilled juice and nobody cared; we were all sunburned and happy by then anyway. On the way back to Hurghada marina I sat up top watching sunlight flicker off the sea—I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury yacht cruise to two islands

• Depart Hurghada by luxury yacht
• Sail to Hula Hula Island
• Snorkel at vibrant coral reefs
• Relax on Hula Hula sandy beach
• Sail to Orange Bay Island
• Relax on Orange Bay white-sand beach
• Swim in turquoise waters
• Snorkel at top Red Sea site
• Enjoy open buffet lunch on board
• Relax and take photos on deck
• Sail back to Hurghada marina
• Return to hotel in Hurghada

Top questions

How long is the cruise from Hurghada to Orange Bay & Hula Hula Island?

The full day trip lasts several hours including time at both islands plus snorkeling stops before returning to Hurghada marina.

Is lunch included on this Red Sea island cruise?

Yes, an open buffet lunch is served onboard during the tour.

Are snorkeling equipment and guides provided?

Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, life jacket) and a professional guide are included for all guests.

Which days does this two-island cruise operate?

The tour runs every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday from Hurghada.

Does this trip include hotel pickup in Hurghada?

Yes, air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can infants join this day trip to Orange Bay & Hula Hula Island?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

How much time do you spend on each island?

You’ll have around 1.5 hours at Orange Bay; time at Hula Hula varies with swimming and snorkeling stops included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from anywhere in Hurghada, entrance fees for both Orange Bay and Hula Hula Island, use of snorkeling equipment with guidance from a local expert throughout each stop, unlimited soft or hot drinks onboard plus an open buffet lunch before returning comfortably to your hotel by late afternoon.