Orange Bay snorkeling tour with Lunch – water sports

Discovering the Orange Bay Snorkeling Tour: A Detailed Look

Taking a trip to Hurghada and considering a day on the water? The Orange Bay snorkeling tour with lunch promises a balanced mix of underwater adventure, scenic beauty, and laid-back beach time—all for around $31 per person. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from recent travelers and a 95% recommendation rate, this tour seems like a popular choice for those eager to explore Egypt’s Red Sea.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs guarantee vibrant snorkeling experiences. Second, the delicious buffet lunch onboard adds a satisfying culinary break to your day. Third, the easy access to water sports like sofa rides and banana boat fun** ensures everyone from kids to adults can get their adrenaline fix.

However, some travelers mention the tour’s long duration—about 10 to 11 hours—which can feel a bit tiring, especially in the intense Egyptian heat. This might not be ideal if you’re looking for a shorter, more relaxed excursion. This tour suits families, water enthusiasts, and those seeking a full day of fun and relaxation. It’s a great way to soak up the sun, explore underwater life, and enjoy a lively boat trip.

Key Points

• Excellent value for money: At just $31, the tour includes snorkeling gear, water sports, lunch, and soft drinks.
• Vibrant underwater scenery: Bright coral reefs and diverse marine life make for an engaging snorkeling experience.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with plenty of opportunities for beach fun and water activities.
• Convenient amenities: Pickup service and mobile tickets make planning easier.
• Long hours: Expect a full-day outing that can be a bit exhaustive in the heat.
• Limited transfers: Hotel pickups are available only from Hurghada, with some nearby locations excluded.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

The Boat Ride to Orange Bay

Your adventure kicks off early at around 8:00 am, with pickup options available in Hurghada. The journey to Orange Bay involves a scenic boat cruise across the Red Sea, offering tranquil views and a good chance to relax before the real fun begins. The boat itself appears to be roomy, accommodating up to 32 travelers, ensuring a somewhat intimate experience despite being a popular tour.

Snorkeling at Orange Bay

Once on the island, you’ll be encouraged to explore the underwater world teeming with colorful fish and coral reefs. The snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own. Many reviewers have praised the vivid marine life, noting how the reefs are bursting with fish and how the waters are crystal clear, making it ideal for both novice and experienced snorkelers.

One reviewer, Thomas_w, says, “Trip was fun with plenty to do,” but also mentions it being “too long in 40-degree heat,” which is an important consideration if you’re sensitive to the sun or heat. The 1.5 hours of free time on the island gives plenty of space to sunbathe, swim, or take part in optional beach activities.

Water Sports & Beach Relaxation

Included water activities like sofa rides and banana boats add a splash of excitement. Keep in mind, on windy days, the tour may not offer water sports—something the operator explains beforehand, so don’t be disappointed if those activities are unavailable due to weather. Reviewers also appreciated the opportunity to relax on the soft sands post-snorkel, with many noting the beautiful scenery and peaceful vibe.

Onboard Buffet Lunch

One of the tour’s highlights is the buffet lunch served onboard, offering various freshly prepared dishes. Reviewers frequently mention the delicious food and plentiful soft drinks, making it a satisfying break after a busy morning in the water. It’s a great way to refuel without leaving the boat or the island.

Return and Additional Note

The return trip usually wraps up in the late afternoon. Some travelers, like Valeria_o, mention that the trip felt a bit too long in the heat, but still recommend it for those wanting a full day of activities. If you prefer shorter excursions, a half-day trip might suit you better, but for a comprehensive experience, this tour hits all the key points.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Timing

The full-day nature—about 7 hours—means you’ll need to be prepared for a long day. The start at 8:00 am with pickup makes it a good choice for those who want to maximize their day, but be aware that the trip can run up to 11 hours, which might be tiring, especially in high temperatures.

Price and Value

At $31 per person, the tour is quite affordable considering what’s included: snorkeling equipment, water sports, a buffet lunch, and soft drinks. For families or groups, this offers excellent value, especially since the experience covers both underwater exploration and beach relaxation.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 32 travelers, the tour maintains a friendly, manageable size. This setup allows for more personalized attention from guides and a less crowded feel at the snorkel spots and on the beach.

Transportation & Accessibility

The tour includes pickup from Hurghada hotels, though transfers from places like Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay are not included. The convenience of hotel pickup makes logistics easier—just remember to confirm your pickup time and location.

Weather and Water Conditions

Weather impacts the experience noticeably. Reviewers mention that windy days limit water sports activities and can influence the overall enjoyment. If you’re visiting during windy weather, temper your expectations for water sports but still enjoy the snorkeling and beach time.

What Reviewers Have Said

Several travelers have shared insights that can help you gauge this trip better. Thomas_w, for example, appreciated the brilliant guides and the fun activities, but felt the long duration in the heat was a bit much. Meanwhile, Valeria_o suggested that it’s a good choice if you want to spend a full day on the water, even if the food was just “okay.”

One common theme is the stunning views and lively marine life—many mention how the vivid coral reefs and colorful fish make snorkeling worthwhile. The delicious onboard buffet, combined with the opportunity for beach relaxation, adds practical value to the day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This journey is ideal for families seeking a full day of fun, as it offers a safe, well-organized environment with water sports, snorkeling, and beach time. It’s also well-suited for water lovers and those wanting to see the underwater world without extensive travel or equipment fuss.

Those who dislike long hours in the sun or prefer a shorter, more relaxed trip should consider other options. But if you’re up for a day filled with scenic boat rides, underwater exploration, and tasty food, this tour hits all the right notes.

Final Thoughts

The Orange Bay snorkeling tour with lunch provides a cost-effective, full-day adventure on Egypt’s Red Sea. Its vibrant reefs, friendly guides, and plentiful amenities make it a compelling choice for travelers wanting to combine underwater fun with relaxing beach time.

The tour’s solid reviews and balanced mix of activities suggest it’s a trustworthy, enjoyable outing. While it’s a long day, those who cherish underwater scenery and sunny beach relaxation will find it well worth the effort. Perfect for families or water enthusiasts, this trip offers a lively, authentic taste of Egypt’s coastal beauty.

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, water sports (sofa and banana boat), an onboard buffet lunch, and unlimited soft drinks throughout the day.

Are transfers from Hurghada hotel included?
Yes, pickup from Hurghada hotels is offered. Transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay are not included.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins promptly at 8:00 am, with pickups arranged prior to departure.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, but some reviews suggest it can extend up to 11 hours depending on the schedule and weather.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s described as family-friendly. However, keep in mind the long hours and hot weather, which might be tiring for very young children.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a hat, water, and personal items. Snorkeling gear is provided, but you may wish to bring your own mask and fins if preferred.

What if the weather is windy?
Weather affects water sports activities. On windy days, the tour may not offer water sports, but snorkeling and beach relaxation are still available.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

In essence, the Orange Bay snorkeling tour is a sturdy choice for those looking to enjoy a full day of underwater discovery, sunbathing, and hearty food—all set against the backdrop of Egypt’s stunning Red Sea.