Hurghada: Luxury Cruise to Orange Bay & Hula Hula Island.

Taking a day trip from Hurghada to explore the Red Sea’s stunning islands sounds like a perfect way to escape the city’s hustle. This luxury cruise to Orange Bay & Hula Hula Island promises a blend of snorkeling, dolphin encounters, and relaxing beach time—all for a very reasonable price of $25 per person. Based on countless reviews and detailed descriptions, this trip is a hit among travelers looking for fun, nature, and value.

While the tour boasts a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 and nearly a 92% recommendation rate, it’s worth exploring what makes this experience stand out—and what potential travelers should keep in mind. We love the focus on wild dolphin swimming, the delicious onboard buffet, and the small group vibe with personalized guides. The only con? Some might find the extra charges for park entry and transfers a little unexpected if not prepared. But overall, this trip suits anyone seeking an authentic and enjoyable day on the Red Sea with plenty of snorkeling and wildlife surprises.

Key Points

• Wild dolphin encounters in their natural habitat, not captive attractions
• Affordable price with great value considering food, transfers, and island visits
• Small group size (max 24) enhances the personal experience
• Excellent guides like Tito and Saad are praised for their attention and care
• Delicious open buffet lunch and unlimited drinks make the trip more enjoyable
• Extra charges for park fees and transfers should be anticipated and prepared for

Overview of the Experience

This tour offers a solid mix of adventure, relaxation, and wildlife spotting that appeals to a variety of travelers. For just $25, you get a seven-hour journey aboard a high-standard luxury boat, starting bright and early at 8:00 am with hotel pickup.

With a max group size of 24, the intimate atmosphere helps guides like Tito and Saad provide personalized attention. Many reviews highlight their knowledge and kindness, making the day both fun and safe. You’ll be picked up from your Hurghada hotel and transferred comfortably to the boat, where you’ll find a delicious open buffet lunch and unlimited soft and hot drinks—a nice touch that keeps you refreshed while out on the water.

Itinerary Breakdown

• Early morning pickup and transfer: Expect a prompt start, with most trips leaving around 8:00 am. Some reviews mention a long wait or early pick-ups (like 5:30 am), especially for those booking through Thomas Cook, but the overall consensus is positive thanks to the smooth logistics.
• Sailing on a luxury vessel: The boat is described as high-standard, spacious, and comfortable, offering shaded and sunlit spots for relaxing or taking photos.
• Snorkeling stops: The tour includes one main snorkeling stop with a professional guide, where fins, masks, and life jackets are provided. You’ll see vibrant coral reefs and multitudes of fish, with some reviews mentioning that guides like Saad and Mustafa are attentive and caring, making sure everyone feels confident in the water.
• Wild dolphin encounter at Dolphin House: This is the trip’s highlight for many. You’ll hear but not touch the dolphins, observing their playful interactions in open water. Reviewers rave about the guides’ efforts to ensure respectful wildlife viewing—no nets, no captivity—just authentic nature. One traveler noted, “Saad gave us so much confidence and help, making the experience magical.”
• Island visits to Orange Bay & Hula Hula Islands: These stops offer time to relax, swim, or explore. Entrance fees for these islands are included in the tour price, but there is an additional $5 fee for the National Park entry, payable cash beforehand. Reviewers mention that the islands are beautiful, with clear waters perfect for more snorkeling or simply lounging on the beach.
• Return and drop-off: The trip wraps up with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel, usually around 3-4 pm, depending on the group.

What Makes This Tour Special

Wildlife Encounters in the Wild

Many travelers praise the experience of swimming with dolphins in their natural environment. Unlike dolphin shows or captive interactions, being in the water with these intelligent creatures, listening to their sounds and watching their grace, creates a sense of genuine connection. Multiple reviews mention guides’ patience—”Tito was the fantastic guide ever”—and the importance of respecting the animals’ space, which makes the experience ethical and memorable.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

The snorkeling stop is often highlighted as the best part of the trip. The reefs teeming with fish and corals are described as vivid and lively, offering great photo opportunities. Guides like Saad and Mustafa are noted for their attentiveness, helping less experienced swimmers feel comfortable, and pointing out interesting marine creatures.

Delicious Food and Drinks

The open buffet lunch onboard is a crowd favorite, with reviewers mentioning the “delicious traditional food” and the unlimited drinks, which include soft drinks and hot beverages. This aspect keeps everyone energized for the day’s activities without extra costs—worth noting since many tours don’t include food or drinks.

Professional and Caring Guides

Most reviews praise guides like Tito, Saad, and Mustafa for their knowledge, patience, and friendly demeanor. They go the extra mile—helping with snorkeling gear, giving confidence to nervous swimmers, and sharing interesting tidbits about the marine environment. One review mentioned, “Saad gave us so much confidence and help, making the experience magical,” highlighting the value of attentive guides.

Island Paradise

The entrance fees to Orange Bay and Hula Hula Islands are included, giving you access to pristine beaches and good spots for relaxing or more snorkeling. Reviewers note that these islands are quiet, scenic, and perfect for unwinding after the water adventures.

Practical Aspects and Value

The cost of $25 offers excellent value considering the inclusive lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and island visits. However, be aware of the additional $5 national park fee and possible extra charges for transfers from certain hotels, which can add a few dollars more. These are paid in cash, so having some prepared can streamline your day.

The small group size enhances the experience, avoiding the overcrowding seen on larger tours. Many travelers mention that feeling of intimacy makes guides more attentive and the day more relaxed.

The timing is generally straightforward, starting at 8:00 am with hotel pickup, giving ample time for snorkeling, dolphin watching, and beach time. The seven-hour duration makes it a full but not exhausting day, perfect for families or travelers wanting a packed yet manageable trip.

Review Highlights and Real Experiences

From heartfelt comments like “You felt like you truly connected with the dolphins,” to practical notes such as “Arrive early on the upper deck to avoid the heat,” reviews paint a picture of a well-organized and genuine experience. The guides receive frequent praise—Yousef, Tito, Saad—a reminder that attentive, knowledgeable staff really do make a difference.

Some reviewers mention slight delays or long waits, often due to early hotel pickups, but these seem to be minor compared to the overall satisfaction. The delicious onboard lunch, the peace of mind with safety gear, and the ethical wildlife viewing add up to a tour that balances fun with responsibility.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits families, solo travelers, and couples alike, especially those seeking a value-packed day full of wildlife and marine fun. It’s perfect if you love snorkeling, wildlife, or just relaxing on a boat with good food. The small group size and attentive guides make it suitable for children and nervous swimmers, as long as they’re comfortable in the water.

If your priority is authentic dolphin encounters and quality snorkeling, this trip delivers in spades. However, if you are sensitive to extra fees or prefer private transport, you might want to prepare for the additional costs.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour, making logistics hassle-free.

What should I bring? Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided, but you might want to bring a waterproof camera.

Are there any additional costs? Yes, a $5 national park fee is paid in cash before the trip. Transfers from some hotels (Makadi, Sahel Hashish, Safaga, El Gouna, Soma Bay) incur extra charges ($5-$10).

What is the tour duration? The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 8:00 am, with return around 3-4 pm.

Can I swim with the dolphins? You can swim in the dolphins’ natural habitat, listen to their sounds, and observe their interactions—touching is not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for kids? Yes, especially with attentive guides like Tito and Saad, who make nervous swimmers feel more at ease.

What is the food like? The onboard open buffet includes traditional cuisine, and drinks are unlimited—soft drinks and hot beverages.

What is the group size? A maximum of 24 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly, personal atmosphere.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, most travelers book about 8 days ahead to secure their spot, especially during peak season.

What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For anyone craving a relaxing yet adventurous day on the Red Sea, this cruise to Orange Bay & Hula Hula Island offers excellent value, genuine wildlife encounters, and healthy doses of sunshine. The knowledgeable guides, delicious onboard food, and beautiful island stops make it a trip worth considering.

It’s perfect for those who want to see dolphins in the wild, snorkel among vibrant reefs, and unwind on scenic beaches—all in a comfortable, small-group setting. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, this trip promises a memorable experience that balances fun, nature, and good value.

Enjoy your journey and make sure to wear that sunhat—you’ll want to soak up every moment of this Red Sea adventure!