Hurghada: Orange Bay Yacht Cruise, Snorkeling & Buffet Lunch

Summary

Orange Bay cruise with snorkeling, beach time and lunch from Hurghada

You’ll sail from Hurghada on a yacht toward Orange Bay, pausing to snorkel at Coral Gardens where colorful fish dart past your mask. Enjoy a buffet lunch with drinks on board before relaxing on Orange Bay’s powdery sand. With hotel pickup included and guides who know every current by heart, you’ll get both adventure and quiet moments—plus that odd feeling when you realize you don’t want to leave just yet.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what the Red Sea actually smells like at sunrise? I didn’t — until we left Hurghada and the air hit me, kind of sharp and salty but with something sweet too. Our driver was already joking about “Egyptian time” as we climbed in (I think we were late), but nobody seemed to mind. By the time we reached the yacht, I’d already had my first coffee and a quick chat with our guide, Mahmoud. He said he’s been doing this route for years — you could tell by how he moved around the boat like it was his living room.

The cruise out to Orange Bay felt slower than I expected, in a good way. There was music playing softly somewhere below deck and people just sort of drifting between sun and shade. When we stopped at Coral Gardens for snorkeling, I hesitated — not sure why, maybe nerves — but Mahmoud handed me a mask and just said “Go slow.” The water was colder than I thought; fish everywhere, flashing blue and yellow. At one point I heard someone laughing through their snorkel (pretty sure it was Ahmed from Alexandria) when a tiny fish tried to nibble his finger.

Lunch on board surprised me — not just because there were so many dishes (the grilled chicken smelled amazing), but because everyone started sharing stories about their hometowns over plates of fruit. Drinks kept coming; someone insisted I try hibiscus juice. After that it was off to Orange Bay itself. The sand really is that white — almost blinding under the sun — and there’s this hush when you first step onto the beach except for distant voices and waves slapping at the shore. I lay back for a while, toes buried deep in cool sand, thinking about nothing much except maybe how far home felt right then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Orange Bay cruise with snorkeling and lunch

• Board luxurious yacht in Hurghada
• Sail to Orange Bay island
• Snorkel at Coral Gardens
• Snorkel at Orange Bay
• Enjoy buffet lunch on board
• Drink cocktails and refreshments
• Relax on Orange Bay beach
• Participate in watersports activities
• Return to Hurghada

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Hurghada to Orange Bay?

The trip lasts most of the day, including sailing time, snorkeling stops, lunch on board, water sports activities, and relaxation on Orange Bay beach.

Is hotel pickup included in the Orange Bay cruise?

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

What kind of food is served for lunch during the tour?

A buffet lunch featuring a variety of dishes is served on board along with drinks like mineral water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and cocktails.

Are snorkeling equipment and guidance provided?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling equipment is provided along with expert guidance during stops at Coral Gardens and Orange Bay.

Can children join the tour? Is it suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all ages who can swim; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What activities are available besides snorkeling?

You can enjoy various water sports activities on board as well as plenty of time to relax on Orange Bay’s sandy beaches.

Is Wi-Fi available during the cruise?

Wi-Fi is available upon request during your time onboard the yacht.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle in Hurghada, all transportation aboard a comfortable yacht to Orange Bay island with guided snorkeling at Coral Gardens and Orange Bay (all equipment provided), access to water sports activities onboard for extra fun if you want them, two hours relaxing on soft white sand at Orange Bay itself, plus an onboard buffet lunch with hot dishes, snacks and seasonal fruits alongside mineral water, hot drinks or cocktails whenever you feel like it—and if plans change or you’re running late they’ll help reschedule without hassle before heading back in the afternoon.