From Hurghada: Orange bay Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch

Planning a day on the water in Egypt’s Red Sea? This Orange Bay Snorkeling Cruise offers a fantastic combination of snorkeling, stunning island scenery, and tasty food—all at an affordable price. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just looking to relax on deck, this trip promises memorable moments without breaking the bank.

What sets this experience apart? First, you’ll appreciate the well-maintained, clean boats that prioritize comfort and hygiene. Second, the expert guides ensure safety while helping you explore the colorful reefs. Third, the buffet lunch and all-day service keep you fueled for a full day of adventure. That said, if you’re looking for a more exclusive or private experience, this might feel a bit busy, especially during peak season.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a value-packed day with reliable service, stunning natural sights, and great food. It’s perfect for families, groups, or solo travelers eager to see the coral reefs and enjoy a relaxed day on the water.

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Key Points

Affordable Price: At just $26 per person, this cruise offers excellent value for a full day of snorkeling and sightseeing.
High Standards: The boats are praised for their cleanliness, maintenance, and attentive crew.
Guided Snorkeling: Expert instructors accompany you, ensuring safety and helping you get the most from the coral reefs.
Delicious Food: A freshly prepared buffet lunch with market-fresh ingredients keeps you energized.
Scenic Island Stop: Giftun Island provides a beautiful setting for a scenic break and more snorkeling.
Flexible Booking: Options to reserve and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

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The Departure and Meet Point

Your adventure begins at Egypt Sunmarine Fleet, located in Hurghada Marina. The meeting process is straightforward: upon arrival, look for the friendly team members in yellow T-shirts, who will guide you through check-in. If you opt for transfers, simply contact customer service for arrangements, especially if you’re staying outside Hurghada. The activity wraps up back at the marina, making it easy to plan other activities afterward.

The Boat and Onboard Comfort

The boats themselves are a highlight. Travelers consistently point out that they are the cleanest and most well-maintained vessels in the region, which is important for peace of mind and comfort. The modern, spacious sun deck offers plenty of room to relax, soak up the sun, or snap photos of the shimmering sea. Below deck, a luxurious, well-air-conditioned lounge keeps you cool during breaks, providing a cozy spot to enjoy the scenery or have a drink.

The Snorkeling Excursion

The core of this tour is the snorkeling. You’ll visit some of the finest sites in the Red Sea, famously vibrant for their coral reefs and marine life. The guides are described as attentive and professional, always present to ensure safety and enhance the experience. Multiple reviews mention how excellent the snorkeling guides were—helping beginners and making sure everyone was comfortable in the water.

The stop at Giftun Island lasts about 45 minutes. It’s not just a scenic break but also an opportunity to snorkel around the island’s reefs. Reviewers mention the stunning views and the well-organized snorkeling stops, which always seem to include the best spots for marine life spotting.

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The Cuisine and Service

After snorkeling, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch featuring fresh salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, and Egyptian kofta. The quality of the meal is a highlight, with reviewers praising the market-fresh ingredients and generous portions. The all-day waiter service adds to the relaxed vibe—hot and soft drinks are available throughout the day, keeping everyone refreshed.

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Additional Highlights

Giftun Island Visit: Offers a scenic break with a chance to walk around or snorkel around the island.
Multiple snorkeling sites: The itinerary includes stops at two different popular locations, giving you varied underwater scenery.
Expert guidance: Guides are praised for their discreet, caring attitude and attentiveness—making snorkeling accessible even for novices.

What to Keep in Mind

While most reviews are glowing, a potential consideration is the group size and busy nature of the tour. During peak season, the boat can feel crowded, which might limit privacy or quiet time. Also, the tide conditions can affect the exact timing of the Giftun Island stop, so it’s worth keeping flexible.

The Price and Overall Value

At $26 per person, this trip offers exceptional value—including boat transfer, snorkeling gear (if added), lunch, and park entry fees. For budget travelers, it’s a straightforward way to experience the best of the Red Sea’s coral reefs without splurging on exclusive trips.

Why This Tour Works Well

This cruise is ideal for those wanting an all-in-one day trip that combines snorkeling, scenic views, and good food at a reasonable price. You’ll love the professional crew, the well-maintained vessels, and the delicious buffet. It’s a particularly good fit for first-time visitors or families needing a reliable, enjoyable outing.

Who Might Not Love It?

If you prefer small, intimate groups or a more private experience, this tour might feel a bit crowded. Those seeking luxury or personalized service might want to explore other options. Also, if you’re a very experienced snorkeler looking for advanced underwater exploration, some of the stops might feel more suited to beginners.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the option, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from inside Hurghada. Transfers from Soma Bay, Safaga, or El Gouna are available as add-ons.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Snorkeling gear is available if added as an extra.

How long is the whole trip?
The tour begins in the morning and returns to the marina after a full day of snorkeling, lunch, and sightseeing.

Are there additional costs?
Entry to the national park costs 5, and snorkeling gear is available at an extra charge if not included in your booking.

Is the food suitable for all tastes?
The buffet features fresh salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, and Egyptian kofta, catering to a variety of preferences.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility for your travel plans.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Bay Snorkeling Cruise offers a solid, value-for-money experience that combines scenic island views, vibrant marine life, and excellent onboard service. The focus on clean vessels and professional guides makes it a trustworthy option for those new to snorkeling or seeking a relaxed day on the water.

The included buffet lunch and the opportunity to explore multiple snorkeling sites make this trip a well-rounded choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the best of the Red Sea without fuss. Although it can get busy, the overall quality, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery ensure you’ll leave with plenty of memorable moments.

If you’re after a cost-effective, enjoyable day trip that highlights Egypt’s underwater world and offers beautiful island scenery, this cruise hits the mark—especially for first-timers or families looking for a dependable adventure.

In summary, the Hurghada Orange Bay Snorkeling Cruise is an excellent choice for travelers seeking value, comfort, and vibrant underwater scenery. It balances quality and affordability beautifully—making it one of the more popular tours in the area for good reason.