Hurghada: Orange Bay Snorkeling & Water Sports with Lunch

Summary

Red Sea island swimming, coral reefs, banana boat rides and yacht lunch

You’ll swim above bright coral reefs off Hurghada’s coast, eat lunch on a yacht under open sky, and try water sports like banana boat rides at Orange Bay. Friendly guides keep things relaxed and fun throughout your day trip to Orange Bay from Hurghada — leaving you with sandy feet and memories that linger.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see a dolphin, make a wish,” our captain grinned as we left Hurghada’s marina. I didn’t actually expect to see one — but the Red Sea was this wild blue that morning, and anything felt possible. There was a salty breeze, kind of sticky but nice, and everyone shuffled around the deck trying to claim a good spot for the ride out to Orange Bay. Our guide, Youssef, handed out snorkels and cracked jokes about who’d get tangled in their fins first (it was me — not proud).

The boat slowed down near these shallow turquoise patches where you could already spot bits of coral through the water. When I jumped in for our first snorkeling stop, it hit me how warm the sea felt — almost like tea left out in the sun. Fish zipped past in colors I still can’t name. I remember tasting salt on my lips and hearing muffled laughter from somewhere behind my mask. We had two chances to snorkel; both times I lost track of time just floating above those reefs.

Lunch came after — grilled chicken, rice, something with cumin that made my hands smell spicy for hours. Eating outside on the boat felt different somehow; maybe it was just being hungry from swimming or maybe it’s that everything tastes better with sea air. After we docked at Orange Bay itself, there was this powdery sand that got everywhere (I’m probably still finding some in my bag). People took photos by these driftwood swings while others just lay back under umbrellas doing nothing at all.

I tried the banana boat ride even though I’m not really into “water sports” — ended up shrieking and laughing so hard my throat hurt. Youssef cheered us on from shore like he’d seen it all before but still found it funny every time someone wiped out. The whole thing felt easygoing and unhurried — no pressure to do everything if you didn’t want to. On the way back to Hurghada, sunburned and tired in that good way, I caught myself smiling at nothing much. There’s something about a day trip like this that sticks with you longer than you think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and island beach visit

• Snorkel in the Red Sea 45 minutes
• Snorkel in the Red Sea 45 minutes
• Visit natural island beach for swimming

Top questions

How long is the Orange Bay day trip from Hurghada?

The tour lasts a full day with around 1.5–2 hours on Orange Bay island plus two 45-minute snorkeling stops.

Is lunch included during the Orange Bay snorkeling tour?

Yes, lunch is served onboard the yacht along with soft drinks during sailing.

Are water sports part of this Red Sea day trip?

Yes, activities like banana boat and sofa rides are included during your visit.

Is transportation provided from hotels in Hurghada?

Pickup by air-conditioned vehicle is included for guests staying in Hurghada.

Can children or infants join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available.

Is this Orange Bay tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is fully wheelchair accessible including transport and surfaces onboard.

Do I need my own snorkeling equipment?

No need to bring your own gear; snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the package.

What discount is offered for city tours in Hurghada?

You receive a 50% discount on a city tour with this booking during your vacation dates.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel in Hurghada, use of snorkeling gear for both reef stops, water sports like banana boat rides at Orange Bay island, lunch with soft drinks served onboard the yacht during sailing time—and you’ll also get a 50% discount for a city tour in Hurghada whenever you choose during your stay.