From Hurghada: Giftun Island Cruise with Lunch & Watersports

Exploring Egypt’s Red Sea is undoubtedly a highlight for any traveler, and a cruise to Giftun Island offers an inviting mix of vibrant marine life, tranquil beaches, and lively watersports. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve gathered insights from those who have, giving you a rounded picture of what to expect.

What we love most about this trip is its balance: affordable price point at just $41 per person, and the opportunity to enjoy multiple snorkeling stops and water activities. It’s clear the tour offers plenty of value, especially for those eager to spend a full day exploring the Red Sea’s underwater world.

However, a potential consideration is that some reviews mention long waits and crowded conditions, which might slightly diminish the experience if you prefer more secluded adventures. This trip seems well-suited for travelers seeking a fun, active day on the water with a taste of local marine beauty and good food.

This experience is perfect for families, first-time visitors to Hurghada, or anyone wanting an accessible, all-in-one day trip with snorkeling, some beach time, and a delicious buffet to top it off.

Key Points

• Affordable price with great value for multiple activities
• Two snorkeling stops and watersports, including banana boats and floating couches
• Generous time at Orange Island for relaxing, swimming, and exploring
• Tasty buffet lunch served on the boat with drinks included
• Experienced guides and instructors enhance safety and enjoyment
• Potential crowds and long waits noted in some reviews, so flexibility helps

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

This tour starts early, with hotel pickup arranged for convenience—eliminating any hassle of transfers. You’ll be driven to the marina, where the adventure kicks off. From there, the boat ride to Orange Island is the first highlight. Imagine cruising over crystal-clear waters with the sun warming your back, and looking forward to a peaceful stretch of white sandy beaches.

The Journey to Orange Island

The boat ride itself sets the tone — expect scenic views of the Red Sea, framed by the hot Egyptian sun. Once you arrive at Orange Island, you’ll get about two hours of free time. This is your chance to relax on the beach, take photos, or dip your toes in the water. Visitors frequently describe the island as beautiful and quiet, an ideal spot for unwinding after the excitement of snorkeling.

Snorkeling at Coral Reefs

The real star of the tour is the snorkeling experience. You’ll stop at vibrant coral reefs where colorful fish and marine creatures dart around in waters that are famously clear. Multiple reviews mention fabulous coral reefs, with some travelers saying they’ve seen “amazing reef life” — a reminder that the Red Sea’s underwater world is as lively and diverse as it gets.

Watersports & Additional Fun

After the first snorkeling stop, the boat crew offers water sports like banana boats and floating couches, adding an element of playful adventure. One traveler noted that they appreciated the variety — “usually, I only know it in the sense that you have either or in it,” but this trip combines multiple water activities, making the whole day more lively.

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Lunch on Board

Midday, everyone gathers for a buffet lunch served on the boat. The food is described as delicious and plentiful, with soft drinks and mineral water to keep everyone refreshed. Reviewers rave about how well-organized the meal is and how it complements the scenic surroundings. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, with the chance to enjoy your meal while taking in the views of the Red Sea.

Return and Reflection

After a full day of swimming, sunbathing, and exploring, the boat heads back to the marina. Some reviews mention long waits for transfer back, but most agree that the trip’s overall value and enjoyment make up for it. If the weather turns bad, the tour provider is flexible—allowing you to reschedule or get a full refund.

The Real Benefits: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Guides and Safety: Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, including snorkeling instructors who provide equipment and safety support. This is reassuring if you’re new to snorkeling or watersports.

Quality of Marine Life & Views: The snorkeling stops are the core attraction — vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish. Many travelers note that the reefs are “fabulous” and that they appreciated the quietness of Nemo Bay, especially when it was less crowded.

Value for Money: At $41, the tour offers quite a bit — two snorkeling stops, water sports, island time, and a full buffet lunch. For a full-day adventure, the price is reasonable, especially considering the included equipment, guides, and entry fees.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Children who are good swimmers can snorkel, with the caveat that supervision is required. The tour’s relaxed pace and variety of activities make it suitable for families and less experienced travelers.

Practical Aspects: Pickup and drop-off are included, removing the stress of navigating independently. The tour operates in multiple languages — Arabic, English, German, and Russian — making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.

What Could Be Better

Some reviews mention crowds and long waits, especially during transfers or snorkeling. The boat can be quite full, which might limit the tranquility some seek. The short snorkeling durations — about 10 minutes per stop — reflect logistical constraints but may feel brief for avid snorkelers.

The food supply can be tight during busy days, with some indicating that it wasn’t enough for larger groups. Also, drinks on the island are not included, so bringing your own water or beverages is advisable.

The Bottom Line

This tour offers a solid, value-packed day exploring the Red Sea’s marine life and beaches. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a full, active experience without breaking the bank. The combination of snorkeling, water sports, island relaxation, and a hearty lunch makes it a well-rounded adventure.

If you’re seeking a well-organized, lively day out with friendly guides and beautiful scenery, this cruise hits the mark. Keep in mind, if you prefer less crowded or more exclusive experiences, you might want to consider smaller groups or private options.

The Giftun Island cruise from Hurghada offers fantastic value for an enjoyable, laid-back day soaking up Egypt’s famous Red Sea.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for families, first-time visitors, or water lovers looking for a straightforward, fun-filled day. It suits those eager to see vibrant coral reefs, take part in watersports, and enjoy a delicious meal on the water.

Travelers who don’t mind some crowds and shorter snorkeling sessions will find this tour very satisfying. It’s an excellent way to experience the best of Egypt’s underwater beauty and coastal charm in one affordable package.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?
The tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, guides and snorkeling instructors, a full day boat trip, snorkeling stops, two hours at Orange Island, snorkeling equipment, life vests, entry fees, a buffet lunch, and drinks on board.

Are drinks on the island included?
No, drinks on the island need to be purchased separately, so bringing your own water or beverages is recommended.

How long is the time on Orange Island?
You get about 2 hours to relax, swim, and explore the island’s beaches and surroundings.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. It’s best to come prepared for sun and water activities.

Is snorkeling suitable for children?
Children who are good swimmers can snorkel, but they must be supervised at all times. If they are not confident swimmers, other activities might be more appropriate.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are poor, the date can be rescheduled, or you may receive a full refund, depending on the provider’s policy.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot with flexible payment options—pay later or keep your plans open until closer to the date.

This tour strikes a balance between adventure and relaxation, making it a dependable choice for those eager to enjoy Egypt’s vibrant coastal waters without hassle. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned sun-seeker, it offers enough fun and scenic beauty to leave you with great memories of the Red Sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby