Orange Bay Hurghada: Island Trip with Snorkeling & Lunch

Orange Bay is a beach on Giftun Island, the protected island group you can see from Hurghada's coastline. Our Orange Bay Hurghada trip is the easy, sunny version of a Red Sea day: you snorkel a reef first, then swap the boat for white sand and shallow turquoise water.

The day runs at a relaxed pace. A guide takes you through the snorkel stop and stays close to beginners, so you don't need any experience. On the island you're free to swim, float in the shallows, take photos or simply lie under a shade. Back on board, lunch and soft drinks are served while the boat cruises, and on most days there's a water activity such as a banana boat ride, depending on the boat's program.

It suits couples, families with children, groups of friends and anyone who wants more beach time than a pure snorkeling trip gives. If seeing fish is your main goal, look at our snorkel-focused day instead; if you want a bay of white sand, this is the one.

Where is Orange Bay Hurghada?

Orange Bay is not a separate island – it's a beach area on Giftun Island (Giftun Kebir, the larger of the two Giftun islands, which lies closer to Hurghada). The only way there is by boat from Hurghada.

Giftun is a protected national park. That's why you won't find hotels on it: no overnight stays are allowed and the beaches are cleared by sunset. It also explains the water. The Giftun area is one of the richest reef zones around Hurghada – the conservation group HEPCA notes that a large share of Hurghada's dive sites lie off its shores, and that the island is an important nesting ground for green turtles.

What you'll find at Orange Bay is a day-beach: shallow, turquoise water that stays knee- to waist-deep a long way out, white sand, and shaded seating. Visitor reports describe wooden umbrellas, loungers and a beach bar; drinks from the bar are a personal expense, not part of the trip.

Because Giftun is a protected area, please don't take shells, sand or coral, and don't stand on the reef while snorkeling.

Is Orange Bay worth it? An honest local view

For most people, yes – if you know what kind of day it is. Orange Bay is a beach-first trip. You get one snorkel stop on a reef, then the main event is the bay itself: soft sand, very clear water, and that shallow turquoise colour that looks unreal in photos.

It's a good choice if you:

• are travelling with children or non-confident swimmers who will love the shallows
• want a mix of snorkeling, sun and lunch without a long day in the water
• want classic Red Sea photos

It's less ideal if you mainly want to see fish and coral. Our Hurghada Snorkeling Trip gives you two sea stops instead of beach time, and the Dolphin House trip adds the chance of seeing wild dolphins.

Visitors also mention that Orange Bay can be busy in high season and on weekends. A few habits help: get into the water early while the boats are still arriving, keep your valuables in a dry bag, and walk a little way along the beach for quieter spots. If you want the island with only your own group on board, a private speedboat lets you choose your own timing.

Orange Bay vs Paradise Island vs Giftun trips

These names confuse many visitors, because all three trips head into the same group of islands off Hurghada. The difference is mainly which beach you spend your free time on and how the day is balanced.

• Orange Bay – beach on Giftun Island known for its wide, shallow turquoise water. One snorkel stop, long beach time.
• Paradise Island – a different beach stop in the Giftun islands, set up for a lively, fun beach day. Snorkel stop plus beach time.
• Giftun Island – the trip is built around the national park itself, with snorkeling and island time combined.

All three cost €45 with us, and all include pickup, gear, a guide and lunch on board. If you can't decide, choose by what you'll enjoy most: shallow water and photos (Orange Bay), a fun beach atmosphere (Paradise Island) or a balance of reef and island (Giftun). See all options side by side on our snorkeling & island trips page.