Orange Bay sea trip VIP

Exploring Egypt’s Giftun Islands with the Orange Bay VIP Sea Trip

If you’re dreaming of a day spent basking in the sun, snorkeling among colorful coral reefs, and relaxing on stunning beaches, the Orange Bay VIP sea trip from Hurghada might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally joined this tour, reviews highlight its mix of beautiful scenery, smooth logistics, and good value that many travelers appreciate.

What we love about this experience are the convenient hotel pickup, allowing you to skip the hassle of organizing transport; the use of snorkel gear, making underwater exploration accessible even for beginners; and the included buffet lunch, which saves time and adds to the relaxing vibe. The only potential downside? Some guests found the snorkeling spots less vibrant than expected, with remarks about dead coral and scarce fish. Still, for most, the promise of beaches and underwater fun outweighs this.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a straightforward, enjoyable day in the Red Sea’s famed waters—ideal for families, singles, or friends wanting a hassle-free trip with plenty of water activities. If you value comfort, good organization, and authentic beach vibes, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Hassle-Free Pickup: The tour includes a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle directly from your hotel, saving you time and effort.
• Snorkeling Fun: Snorkel gear is included, providing a chance to see underwater life, although reviews note coral and fish quality varies.
• Delicious Buffet Lunch: A substantial on-deck buffet with snacks, fruits, and drinks makes refueling easy without extra planning.
• Ideal for Relaxation: Plenty of time on Orange Bay or Paradise Island lets you unwind on pristine beaches and swim in clear waters.
• Affordable Pricing: At just $25 per person, this trip offers significant value for a full day of fun, especially considering the included transport and meals.
• Limited Small Group: Max 25 travelers ensures a more personalized, less crowded experience, although some reviews mention crowded conditions onboard.

The Experience: What to Expect

Easy Pickup and Transport

One of the biggest perks here is the hotel pickup, which many travelers, including reviewers, find highly convenient. The air-conditioned vehicle whisks you from Hurghada hotels directly to the main harbor, allowing you to start your day hassle-free. This aspect is especially valuable if you’re tired after a night of exploring or simply want a seamless start to your day.

The Boat Journey

Once at the harbor, you’ll board a boat that, according to reviews, is beautiful and well-maintained. The trip to Giftun Islands takes around 30-40 minutes, giving you ample time to enjoy the breezy sea views. Be prepared for a group size that can reach up to 25 travelers, though reviews suggest sometimes there are more onboard—up to 40 in some cases. The boat crew is often praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, making sure everyone feels comfortable.

Snorkeling at Giftun Islands

The highlight for many is the opportunity to snorkel in the Red Sea. You’ll get snorkel gear provided to explore the underwater world—an underwater playground of coral and fish. However, some reviews mention that the coral might be dead and the fish less abundant than in other reefs, which could disappoint seasoned snorkelers. Yet, for beginners or those just wanting a taste of the underwater world, it’s still fun and visually engaging. The stops usually last around 30-45 minutes, with some guests noting that they would have appreciated longer snorkeling times.

The Beaches and Water Activities

Once you arrive at Orange Bay or Paradise Island, the real relaxation begins. The beaches here are often described as stunning with soft sand and clear turquoise waters—perfect for lounging or taking a dip. Reviewers mention that the beaches are so beautiful they could spend hours just soaking in the scenery. Some guests have criticized the snorkeling stop-offs as underwhelming, but most agree that the beaches and water are the true stars of the trip.

The Buffet Lunch

After snorkeling, you’ll be treated to a buffet meal onboard. The menu includes lunch, snacks, fruits, and soft drinks, offering good value and convenience. Many reviewers find the food satisfying, especially considering it’s included in the price. One described the day as “very nice,” noting that the lunch and overall organization were “very correct.” Having a substantial meal on deck removes the stress of finding restaurants or packing your own, which is a big plus.

Additional Costs and Considerations

While the main tour cost is just $25, there are a few extra charges to keep in mind:

• Transfers from locations like Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and Ain Sokhna attract a $5 fee per person, and from Safaga or El Gouna, $10.
• Entrance fees to the National Park or island are an additional $5 per person.
• If you’re planning to visit from some remote hotels, budget accordingly for these extras.

The tour operates with a very straightforward cancellation policy—full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for spontaneous plans or sudden weather changes.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for a relaxed, all-in-one day trip with minimal fuss. It’s ideal for those who want to enjoy sun, sand, and snorkeling without worrying about organizing transport or meals. Families, first-time visitors, or groups wanting a straightforward beach day at a reasonable price will find it particularly appealing.

However, if you’re an avid snorkeler or diver seeking vibrant coral reefs, you might find the snorkeling stops somewhat disappointing. Still, the beaches and onboard amenities provide enough entertainment and comfort to make this a worthwhile outing.

The Sum Up

The Orange Bay VIP sea trip from Hurghada offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience the Red Sea’s famous beaches and underwater wonders. Its inclusive transport, buffet lunch, and ample beach time make it a fantastic value for travelers who want a hassle-free day of sun and water activities. The trip balances scenic beauty with comfort, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate straightforward tours.

While some reviews mention that snorkeling might not be as spectacular as hoped, most guests rave about the friendly guides, stunning beaches, and good organization. For those seeking a relaxed outing with plenty of time to unwind by the sea, this tour delivers in spades.

In short, it’s best suited for casual ocean lovers, beach loungers, and anyone wanting an easy day trip without breaking the bank. Just remember to bring your camera, your hat, and a good attitude—adventure awaits on Egypt’s Giftun Islands.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, snorkeling equipment, a buffet lunch, snacks, fruits, and soft drinks.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am with pickup and returning in the late afternoon.

Are the beaches and snorkeling spots suitable?
Yes, the beaches are described as beautiful with soft sand and clear waters. Snorkeling spots vary in reef vibrancy, with some reviews noting less colorful coral and fewer fish.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, a maximum of 25 travelers is standard, but some reviews mention larger groups onboard, which might affect the experience slightly.

What are the extra costs I should be aware of?
Transfer fees from certain locations ($5-$10) and the $5 entrance fee for the national park or island are extra.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable for families and children, especially since snorkeling gear is provided and the pace is relaxed.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a towel, a waterproof camera if desired, and perhaps some extra cash for optional expenses.

This trip offers a straightforward, value-packed way to enjoy Egypt’s iconic Red Sea beaches and underwater scenery. If you’re after a relaxing, well-organized, and accessible adventure, the Orange Bay VIP sea trip could be your ideal escape to the Egyptian Caribbean.