Hurghada: Orange Bay Island Boat Trip & Snorkeling with Lunch

Summary

Red Sea colors, island time & laughter on Orange Bay day trip

You’ll float past Hurghada’s coastline to Orange Bay Island for swimming and lazy shade time before lunch is served on board. Snorkel two lively Red Sea spots with your local guide (gear included), then try banana boat rides or just soak up the sun. Expect laughter, salt air, and those wild flashes of color underwater — plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to plan a thing.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that weirdly clear turquoise around Orange Bay Island, almost fake-looking under the sun. We’d barely left Hurghada Marina when our guide, Amr, handed out masks and cracked a joke about “Egyptian sunscreen” (I think he meant just staying under the umbrella). The boat was busy but not crowded; families, a couple from Poland, two kids who kept pointing at flying fish. There’s this salty breeze that hits you as soon as you’re away from land — not cold, just sharp enough to wake you up if you’re sleepy.

I didn’t expect the sand on Orange Bay to feel so soft — almost powdery between my toes. We flopped onto these big orange sofas under umbrellas and just watched people drift in and out of the water. Someone nearby was peeling an orange (fitting), and suddenly everything smelled citrusy for a minute. Amr showed us how to spot tiny blue fish near the rocks; I tried to say their name in Arabic and he laughed, said I sounded like his little nephew. The sun was high but there was always shade if you wanted it.

Lunch happened back on the boat — grilled chicken, rice, some salad with mint that tasted way fresher than I expected on a boat. There were two snorkeling stops after that; one had these coral towers where schools of yellow fish zipped around like they owned the place. Water gets cool fast once you’re in, but it’s easy to forget because everyone’s laughing or shouting when they see something new. My mask fogged up at one point and I missed a big parrotfish — still annoyed about that.

The water sports bit came last: banana boat and this inflatable sofa thing that spun us around until we were all shrieking (the Polish couple wiped out first). Heading back toward Hurghada Marina with wet hair and salt-dried skin felt oddly peaceful — everyone quiet for once, just watching sunlight flicker over the water. I keep thinking about that moment right before we docked: silent except for waves slapping against the hull, everyone smiling without saying much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Orange Bay Island sailing and snorkeling

• Pick up from hotel 07:45-08:15
• Meet at Hurghada Marina
• Sail to Orange Bay Island
• Swim and relax with sofa and umbrella
• Sail to lunch on boat
• Snorkel at first location
• Snorkel at second location
• Enjoy water sports: sofa and banana
• Return to Marina around 16:00

Top questions

What time does the Orange Bay Island tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00am from Hurghada Marina after hotel pickup between 7:45am and 8:15am depending on your location.

Is lunch included on the Orange Bay day trip?

Yes, lunch is included and served on board during the tour.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks provided?

Yes, masks, swimming fins, and both hot and cold soft drinks are provided throughout the day.

How long do we spend at Orange Bay Island?

You’ll have about two hours to relax or swim at Orange Bay Island before returning to the boat.

Does this trip include hotel transfers?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transfers from your hotel to Hurghada Marina are included in your booking.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This trip isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What kind of water sports are available?

The tour includes stops for banana boat rides and an inflatable sofa ride during your time on the water.

Do I need to bring my own towel?

Yes, please remember to bring your own towel for swimming and relaxing on Orange Bay Island.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Hurghada hotels straight to the marina; all snorkeling equipment like masks and fins; hot and cold soft drinks available throughout; lunch served onboard after your island stop; plus fun water sports including banana boat rides before heading back in the afternoon.