Hurghada: Orange Bay Snorkeling cruise and optional diving

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Hurghada: Orange Bay Snorkeling Cruise and Optional Diving – A Detailed Review

Travelers heading to Egypt’s Red Sea often look for ways to combine relaxation, adventure, and a taste of the vibrant marine world. The Orange Bay Snorkeling cruise offered by Egypt Sun Marine Fleet is a popular choice, promising a day packed with stunning coral reefs, scenic island views, and top-notch service. We’ve gathered insights from reviews and the tour details to help you decide if this experience fits your travel plans.

What makes this cruise worth considering? First, the quality of the boats stood out—cleanliness and maintenance are clearly priorities. Second, the expert guides and crew add a layer of safety and enjoyment, especially for those new to snorkeling. Lastly, the delicious buffet lunch and all-day waiter service make it feel more like a luxury outing rather than just a quick tour. However, the tour does depend on tides for the island visit, which could affect the timing of the stop at Giftun Island. This tour suits travelers looking for a well-organized, comfortable day on the water, with plenty of time to snorkel, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

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Key Points

High standards of boat cleanliness and crew professionalism ensure comfort and safety.
Expert snorkel guides accompany guests, enhancing safety and maximizing marine encounters.
Delicious buffet lunch and all-day drinks service elevate the experience.
Flexible booking options with pay-later plans and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Visit to Giftun Island offers scenic views and snorkeling opportunities, weather permitting.
Affordable price point at $26 per person, offering good value for a full-day adventure.

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An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Boat and Onboard Facilities

When choosing a boat cruise, comfort and hygiene are top priorities — and this tour delivers on both. Reviewers highlight that the boats are the cleanest and best maintained they’ve seen in Hurghada, with a modern, spacious sun deck perfect for lounging and sunbathing. Below deck, an air-conditioned, luxurious salon provides a cool refuge during breaks or if you need a rest from the sun.

The crew’s professionalism makes a noticeable difference. One reviewer appreciated the “great and friendly support on board,” noting the crew’s attentiveness. This focus on hygiene and comfort creates an environment where you feel safe and relaxed, even if you’re not a seasoned sailor or snorkeler.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day begins with a convenient hotel pickup (if you select the option), taking you directly to the bustling Hurghada Marina. There, you’ll meet the crew from Egypt Sun Marine Fleet, often wearing bright yellow T-shirts, a practical visual cue for easy identification.

The cruise sets sail along the Red Sea, giving you a chance to enjoy the views of the coastline and islands. The first major highlight is the snorkeling stops at some of the finest sites in the region, renowned for their vibrant coral and marine life. The guides are well-trained and always present, ensuring everyone feels safe and confident while exploring underwater.

One of the tour’s standout features is the visit to Giftun (Orange) Island, which lasts about 45 minutes. Here, you can take in stunning scenery, snap photos, and snorkel in clear waters teeming with marine life. Keep in mind that this stop is subject to tide conditions, so the timing might shift depending on the day’s circumstances.

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Snorkeling – A Window into the Marine World

The snorkeling stops are carefully chosen to showcase the best of the Red Sea’s coral reefs. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the marine environment—colorful fish, intricate coral formations, and sometimes larger marine creatures. The presence of expert instructors means you’re never alone, and they’re available to assist with equipment or give tips.

Guests have reported that the marine life below the surface is impressive, with some describing it as “teeming.” The guides’ knowledge enhances the experience, pointing out interesting species and reef features, making each snorkel session both fun and educational.

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Food and Drinks

One of the biggest perks is the buffet lunch served on board. It features fresh, market-quality ingredients, with options like rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, and Egyptian kofta—familiar dishes that suit most palates. The all-day waiter service means you can enjoy soft drinks, hot beverages, and water throughout the day without needing to leave your spot on deck.

As one reviewer commented, the food was “delicious,” adding a touch of luxury to the day. The menu’s focus on freshness and quality helps justify the reasonable price, transforming this into a value-packed outing.

Return and Additional Transfers

After a satisfying day on the water, the cruise gently sails back to Hurghada marina. From there, the transfer back to your hotel is organized, making the whole experience seamless. For those staying outside Hurghada, options include Soma Bay, Safaga, and El Gouna, which can be added for convenience.

Practical Details

Duration: The cruise lasts a full day, allowing plenty of time for snorkeling, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery.
Price: At $26 per person, it offers a very competitive value, especially considering the included buffet and drinks.
Group Size: While not specified, the reviews suggest a comfortable group size, with attentive guides and crew.
Equipment: Snorkeling gear is available as an add-on, so you can choose whether to rent or bring your own.
Booking Flexibility: With options to reserve and pay later, and a flexible cancellation policy, travelers can plan with peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet active day in Hurghada. It’s perfect if you want to explore the underwater world without diving, enjoy a good meal, and spend quality time on a well-maintained boat. Families, first-time snorkelers, and those pressed for time will appreciate the straightforward organization and friendly guides.

Those interested in marine life and beautiful scenery will find this offering particularly satisfying, especially with the guarantee of high standards of hygiene and attentive service. However, if you’re seeking an all-day diving adventure or a more remote, less crowded experience, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This cruise provides a fantastic value for the price. The combination of clean facilities, friendly staff, quality food, and beautiful snorkeling locations makes it a dependable choice for a memorable day in Hurghada. It balances comfort with adventure, making sure everyone—from novices to seasoned snorkelers—can enjoy the marvels of the Red Sea.

The only consideration is the dependence on tide conditions for the island stop, which could affect your plans slightly. Still, the cruise’s overall quality and the positive reviews suggest that most travelers leave with plenty of stunning memories.

If you’re after a well-organized, comfortable, and scenic day of snorkeling with excellent service, this tour is hard to beat at this price point.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
You can rent snorkeling gear as an add-on, or bring your own if preferred. The guides are happy to assist with equipment and tips.

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

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. These essentials will help you stay comfortable during the day.

Are meals provided?
Yes, there’s an open buffet lunch with fresh ingredients, plus all-day waiter service for drinks and hot beverages.

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

Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
While snorkeling generally requires some comfort in water, the guide’s assistance and calm waters at the reef make it possible for less experienced swimmers to enjoy the marine life safely.

This tour offers a delightful balance of comfort, adventure, and scenic beauty, making it a solid choice for a memorable day on the Red Sea. Whether you’re a snorkeler or a marine enthusiast, it promises plenty of opportunities to relax and explore in style.