Giftun Islands and Orange Bay — Hurghada's Classic Snorkelling Day, Explained

If you only take one boat trip in Hurghada, it is usually this one. The Giftun Islands sit just off the coast inside a protected national park, and their beaches — Orange Bay is the most photographed — look like a postcard of the Red Sea: white sand, water so clear it looks shallower than it is, and coral gardens a few fin-kicks from the boat.

What the day looks like

Most trips follow the same rhythm:

• Morning pickup from your hotel and a short drive to the marina.
• The boat ride out — around half an hour to an hour, depending on the boat.
• One or two snorkelling stops at reefs around the islands. The crew provides masks, fins and life jackets, and usually a guide in the water.
• Beach time on the island: swimming, sunbathing, sometimes lunch on board or on shore.
• Back at the hotel in the late afternoon.

It is a full but unhurried day. Nobody needs to be a strong swimmer; the life jackets keep you floating and the best coral is often only a metre or two below the surface.

Big boat or speedboat?

A big boat is slower and steadier, with shade, a deck to lie on and lunch cooked on board. It is the better choice for families, for anyone prone to seasickness and for people who want a relaxed day.

A speedboat gets you there faster, usually carries fewer people and can reach quieter spots before the big boats arrive. It is bumpier, so it suits people who want more time in the water and less on the journey.

Private boats are also available for families and groups who want to set their own pace.

Orange Bay, Mahmya and Paradise Island

You will see these names on almost every tour:

• Orange Bay — a long white beach on Giftun Kebir, the larger island, with shallow lagoon water that is ideal for children.
• Mahmya — a quieter beach on the same island, known for its calm and its eco-friendly approach.
• Paradise Island — a different island, with its own soft sand and shallow water, often sold as an alternative.

All of them are beautiful. Check which beach your tour actually stops at, and how long you get there.

Snorkelling for beginners and children

• Practise with the mask in shallow water first, close to the beach.
• Breathe slowly through the snorkel — panic usually comes from breathing too fast.
• Children under about six are often happier on the beach or in the shallows than at an open-water reef stop.
• Never stand on or touch the coral. It is alive, it grows slowly, and it can cut.

What to bring

• Swimwear on under your clothes, and a towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses — the sun on the water is much stronger than it feels
• A rash guard or T-shirt to wear while snorkelling
• Water, and seasickness tablets if you need them
• A waterproof phone pouch, and a little cash for drinks or photos

National park fees and what is included vary between trips, so read the details before you book.

When to go

The trip runs all year. The sea is calmest in the morning, so earlier departures usually mean flatter water and better visibility. In winter the water stays pleasant but the wind on deck can be cool — bring a light jacket.

Book your island day

Compare the best-rated boat and snorkelling trips in Hurghada, all with real reviews. And after a day of sun and salt water, a hammam and massage is the best way to recover — we collect you from your hotel and you pay in cash on the day.