Hurghada: Orange Bay Island Snorkeling & Water Sports Day Trip

Summary

Red Sea boat ride to Orange Bay island white sand and coral reefs

You’ll float across the Red Sea from Hurghada to Orange Bay Island for guided snorkeling over vibrant reefs, time to relax on soft sand beaches, plus lunch served right on your boat. Expect easy laughs with your guide and small surprises underwater — this day trip leaves you sun-warmed and salt-haired by sunset.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped barefoot onto the deck just after pickup in Hurghada — still a bit sleepy, honestly, but the salty air woke me up fast. The boat crew handed out fins and masks, joking with us in a mix of Arabic and English (my attempts at “shukran” got a few laughs). The Red Sea looked almost fake, that clear. I kept squinting at the horizon like it might blur if I stared too long. We drifted past other boats, some blasting music, others quiet except for gulls trailing behind. Our guide, Mahmoud, pointed out where Orange Bay was — he called it “the Maldives of Egypt.” Not sure about that comparison but it did look unreal as we got closer.

The first snorkeling stop was over a patchwork of coral I’d only seen in documentaries. I hesitated before jumping in — water’s always colder than you think — but once under, it was just fish everywhere: blue stripes darting around my ankles, flashes of yellow and black. Mahmoud dove down to point out something (looked like a sea cucumber?), then popped up grinning. Salt stung my lips and I could hear muffled laughter through someone’s snorkel. Afterward we rinsed off on deck — those freshwater showers are underrated when you’re sticky with salt.

Orange Island itself is kind of surreal. There’s this pale sand that squeaks under your feet and shallow turquoise water that feels warm even in the shade. We wandered off for a bit; some people just lay back on loungers or took photos pretending to be castaways. Lunch was served back on the boat: grilled chicken, rice, salads — nothing fancy but somehow perfect after swimming all morning. Someone spilled juice and everyone laughed about how hard it is to balance plates at sea (it really is). On the way back to Hurghada, sunburnt and tired in that good way, I watched the light shift over the water and thought: yeah, this is one of those days you remember later for no big reason except how you felt there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day snorkeling and water sports

• Hotel pickup in Hurghada
• Boat ride to Orange Bay Island
• Guided snorkeling sessions
• Relax on white sandy beaches
• Enjoy open buffet lunch on board
• Use onboard freshwater showers
• Cruise back to Hurghada at sunset

Top questions

How long is the Orange Bay snorkeling trip from Hurghada?

The tour lasts about 8 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is lunch included during the Orange Bay day trip?

Yes, an open buffet lunch is served onboard along with drinks and snacks.

Are snorkeling guides provided?

Yes, certified snorkeling guides lead two sessions at coral reefs.

How much time do you spend on Orange Island?

You get about two hours to enjoy Orange Island during the trip.

Is hotel pickup included in Hurghada?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are life jackets and equipment provided?

All snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided for guests.

Can families with young children join?

The tour welcomes couples and families; infant seats are available if needed.

Are there showers available after swimming?

Yes, freshwater shower facilities are available onboard the boat.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle from Hurghada, all snorkeling equipment plus life jackets for comfort and safety, two guided reef sessions led by local experts, two hours relaxing on Orange Island’s sandy beaches with plenty of time for swimming or lounging around, as well as an open buffet lunch served onboard alongside coffee, tea, soda or water throughout the cruise before heading back in the evening sun.