Hurghada: Orange island Snorkeling Trip with Lunch

Exploring Hurghada’s Orange Island Snorkeling Trip with Lunch: A Fun-Filled Day on the Red Sea

If you’re visiting Hurghada and craving a day that combines vibrant marine life, scenic island views, and great food, the Orange Island Snorkeling Trip with Lunch might just be your perfect escape. Though we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions reveal it’s a well-rounded experience that appeals to both adventure seekers and those simply wanting to relax in paradise.

What stands out most about this tour are the spectacular snorkeling spots, the delicious buffet lunch, and the opportunity to enjoy water sports like banana boat riding. It’s also praised for its professional crew and organized itinerary that keeps guests engaged without feeling rushed. A potential downside is the group activity aspect, such as staying close during snorkeling, which might not suit travelers seeking complete independence or private experiences. However, overall, this trip seems best suited for travelers wanting a day of underwater discovery combined with leisure and good food.

Key Points

• Affordable price point at just $30 per person offers good value for a day packed with activities.
• Includes snorkeling gear, lunch, and water sports, so little extra expenses are needed.
• Travelers praise the friendly crew and well-organized schedule that maximizes fun and relaxation.
• Ideal for all ages and experience levels, with a variety of activities suitable for beginners and seasoned snorkelers.
• Booking in advance is recommended, as this trip is popular and often booked 34 days ahead.
• Weather dependency means it might be canceled or rescheduled if conditions aren’t suitable, so flexible planning is advised.

An In-Depth Look at the Orange Island Snorkeling Adventure

Starting Off: Pickup and Transfer

The day begins early around 8:00 am, with pickup offered from your hotel or designated location, which simplifies the logistics and allows you to relax knowing transportation is taken care of. After a short drive, you’ll hop aboard a boat in Hurghada’s marina, setting the tone for a day of water-based fun. The vessel itself is described as a comfortable, well-maintained boat — a key factor in making the day enjoyable from start to finish.

First Stop: Snorkeling at Giftun Island

The first highlight is a snorkeling session at Giftun Island, one of the Red Sea’s top spots. With about an hour allocated, you’ll get to see vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, corals, and possibly some larger sea creatures. One reviewer mentioned, “The sea life that we saw while snorkeling was amazing!” which underscores the quality of the underwater experience.

Why it matters: This initial snorkeling allows you to see the diverse aquatic ecosystem that makes the Red Sea famous. The fact that the tour is organized with a guide or group ensures safety, especially if you’re not an experienced snorkeler. Some travelers expressed a preference for staying together during this activity, emphasizing the importance of a good crew to enhance the experience.

The Highlight: Orange Bay Island

Next, you’ll arrive at Orange Bay, a scenic, unspoiled island known for its laid-back vibe and photo opportunities. Reviewers have praised the beautiful views and vibrant scenery—perfect for snapping creative pictures or simply soaking in the sun. This part of the trip offers free time for sunbathing, relaxing, or exploring the island’s natural surroundings.

What makes it special: The island’s wildlife and natural beauty make for a memorable visit. Guests often comment on the peaceful environment and the chance to relax after snorkeling. It’s worth noting that the island’s wildness adds an authentic touch, making it less touristy and more like a hidden gem.

Lunch Onboard: Tasty and Generous

One of the trip’s standout features is the buffet lunch, included in the price. The menu features a variety of seafood (shrimp, calamari, fish, seafood soup) and BBQ options (chicken, rice, pasta, oven vegetables), along with fresh salads and drinks. Reviewers consistently mention the delicious quality of the food and the ample servings, which turn the meal into a highlight of the day.

Why it works: The lunch being served onboard offers a convenient way to refuel after water activities, with the open buffet style allowing guests to choose what they like. Several reviews describe the food as “traditional,” and with seafood and BBQ, it caters to a variety of tastes. The inclusion of fresh juices and hot drinks adds extra comfort, making it feel more like a luxury experience rather than just a day trip.

Water Sports and Free Time

Post-lunch, the fun continues with water sports, notably banana boat rides, which are perfect for adding a splash of excitement. Afterward, there’s more time to snorkel or swim, giving guests a chance to revisit the underwater world or explore the surroundings.

Why it matters: Water sports are a fantastic way to keep the energy high and satisfy those looking for more than just relaxing on the beach. The banana boat ride is highlighted as a fun, adrenaline-pumping activity that even first-timers can enjoy.

Returning and Reflections

The tour ends with the boat heading back to Hurghada, usually in the late afternoon, leaving guests with memories of stunning views, lively marine encounters, and a satisfying meal. The reviews suggest a well-paced day with good organization, which is essential when dealing with a full schedule of activities.

What Is Included and What You Might Need to Consider

Included in the tour:

• Snorkeling equipment, allowing you to explore underwater life without extra cost
• Seafood and BBQ buffet lunches, with salads, drinks, and hot beverages
• Use of snorkeling gear, ensuring you’re ready for the water
• Pickup and drop-off, making the logistics straightforward

Not included:

• Entrance fee to the National Park, so if you want to go into the park itself, you’ll need to pay separately
• Private transportation from Makadi, Safaga, or El Gouna — travelers in these areas might need to organize their own transfer

Practical Considerations for Travelers

• Booking ahead is recommended, as the trip is often booked 34 days in advance.
• The 8-hour duration makes it suitable for a full-day adventure but can feel a bit packed if you prefer more relaxed days.
• The group size is capped at 30 travelers, which strikes a good balance between social atmosphere and intimacy.
• The tour is largely weather-dependent, meaning poor sea conditions could lead to cancellations or rescheduling. Flexibility is your friend here.

Authentic Experiences and Reviewer Insights

Reviewers share a common appreciation for the marine life and the friendly crew. One mentioned “having to stay as a group during snorkeling was not ideal,” but also acknowledged that safety and organization are priorities. The quality of food is consistently praised, with many noting the delicious seafood and BBQ options that make the lunch break a highlight.

Another reviewer described the boat as “super nice”, emphasizing the comfort and smooth ride. Many also appreciated the mixed activities, including snorkeling, water sports, and relaxing on the island, making it a well-rounded day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a day of vibrant underwater scenery, scenic island vistas, and delicious food without the hassle of planning multiple activities separately. It suits families, couples, or solo travelers eager to explore the Red Sea’s marine environment and enjoy a lively, well-organized excursion.

While it’s family-friendly and caters to all experience levels, those seeking complete independence or private experiences might find the group aspect a bit limiting. Because the tour is cost-effective and includes most essentials, it offers good value for travelers looking to maximize their time in Hurghada.

Final Thoughts

The Hurghada Orange Island Snorkeling Trip with Lunch emerges as a full-day adventure packed with colorful marine life, scenic island views, and tasty, traditional cuisine. It offers a balanced mix of excitement and relaxation, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers, especially those eager to see the underwater world and enjoy some leisure time.

For the price of around $30, you get access to stunning snorkeling spots, a generous buffet, and fun water sports, making it a valuable experience. While slightly weather-dependent, most guests walk away with beautiful photos, new memories, and a sun-kissed glow.

If you’re after an authentic, well-organized day trip that showcases the best of Hurghada’s island and sea, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?
Yes, pickup is offered from your hotel or specified location, making it simple to start your day without extra planning.

What’s the duration of the trip?
The tour lasts around 8 hours, giving plenty of time for snorkeling, relaxing, and enjoying the activities.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, the use of snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer.

Can I do water sports like banana boat riding?
Absolutely, after lunch, water sports such as banana boat rides are available, adding excitement to your day.

What kind of food is served during lunch?
A buffet with seafood (shrimp, calamari, fish), BBQ chicken, rice, pasta, vegetables, salads, and drinks is included, catering to various tastes.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
Most reviews suggest the activities are family-friendly and suitable for all experience levels, but children should be comfortable with water activities and supervision.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there any additional costs?
An entrance fee for the National Park is not included, so if you wish to visit the park, you’ll need to pay separately. Private transportation from Makadi, Safaga, or El Gouna is also not included.

This lively, well-organized day trip offers a chance to experience the best of Hurghada’s marine life, stunning scenery, and delicious local cuisine — perfect for making the most of your Red Sea adventure.