Hurghada: Yacht Trip 2 islands, Diving & Snorkeling W Lunch

Clear water and two island stops.

This trip is fun because you get snorkeling gear and a smooth day plan, plus the crew runs the whole thing with good energy. You’ll also get plenty of time to enjoy the Red Sea, not just a quick photo stop. One thing to consider first, the boat can feel crowded and Orange Bay can get busy, so you may want to manage expectations on beach peace and space.

I like how the day balances water time with real breaks: beach time on Orange Island, two reef stops, and a buffet lunch on board. Your day is set up so you can recharge between swims. One practical consideration is that hotel pickup timing can be hit or miss, especially if you are not in central Hurghada.

If you choose the optional scuba add-on, you also get a first-timer style introduction session, with equipment handled for you. It’s a straightforward way to experience the Red Sea without planning a whole day around logistics yourself.

Key Points Worth Knowing

• Orange Island gives you white sand beach time around 1.5 hours, with a chance to swim and relax.
• Two reef stops mean you get at least two shots at seeing fish and coral up close using provided gear.
• Buffet lunch and unlimited drinks are included on board, so you’re not stuck paying for every meal break.
• Banana boat or sofa ride is built into the afternoon, so you get more than just snorkel time.
• National park entry fees are included, which keeps the price simpler than many add-on heavy trips.
• Optional intro scuba session is available if you select that option, plus equipment is included.

Hurghada Yacht Basics, and What Makes This Price Work

This is a value-focused day cruise, priced around $27 per person, and the best part is what you actually get for that money. You’re not paying just for a boat. You also get hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, air-conditioned transport, snorkeling gear (mask, fins, life vest), and entry fees for the islands. Then there’s the on-board package: buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and time at two different water areas.

For a budget day out in Hurghada, it’s hard to beat that mix. Most cheap boat trips either skip meals, charge extra for gear, or leave you paying later for park access. Here, a big chunk of the “what could nickel-and-dime me” stuff is already included.

The one thing you should keep realistic is how busy a two-island cruise can be. When you combine beach time, a popular snorkeling area, and group water sports, space gets tight. If you’re the type who hates feeling packed onto a boat, arrive with a flexible mood.

From Hotel to Marina: How the Day Starts

Your day typically kicks off with pickup from your Hurghada accommodation, then a transfer to the marina. Once you reach the dock, you check in with the crew, grab your snorkeling equipment, and get settled on the yacht.

The trip runs morning to late afternoon, but the exact pickup time is confirmed after booking. That matters because delays can ripple through the whole day. One caution based on real-world experience: if your pickup is scheduled tightly, don’t plan anything else immediately after the cruise. You want cushion time for getting back to your hotel.

Languages on board include English, German, Arabic, French, and Russian, which usually makes it easier to ask questions about fit and safety for the water gear.

Orange Island: The Beach Stop That Sets the Tone

Orange Island is where the day shifts into relax mode. After boarding and sailing out, you’ll reach the beach and typically get about 1.5 hours to enjoy the white sand and calm water.

This stop is great for three reasons:

1. You get a simple “arrive and swim” break, before the underwater time.
2. The beach gives you a chance to reset, towel off, and handle sunscreen without rushing.
3. If you’re traveling with people who don’t want constant snorkeling, this is the part where everyone can do their own thing.

The practical downside is crowding. Orange Bay can be busy on popular sailing days. If you want that quiet, postcard beach feeling, go in early in your allotted time and don’t expect empty sand. Also, plan your beach routine: sunscreen first, then settle, then only later do your first swim so you don’t lose your sun protection to early excitement.

One small tip that helps: keep your towel and sunglasses easy to grab. You’ll thank yourself when the boat life moves quickly between stops.

Reef Time, Two Stops, and the Fish You Came For

After Orange Island, the yacht moves to the first snorkeling area, where you’ll spend time in clear water with provided gear. This is the heart of the trip. You’ll see coral formations and fish close up, without needing to be an expert swimmer.

The itinerary is designed with a second chance. After lunch, there’s another reef stop for more snorkeling and swimming. That matters because water visibility and how fish move can vary by location and time. Two different water stops increase the odds you’ll have at least one really good underwater session.

Optional intro scuba session

If you select the option, the day includes one intro scuba session and scuba equipment is provided. This is ideal if you’ve never done scuba before and want a first controlled experience rather than trying to organize a full certification-style course.

What to expect from an intro session is usually shorter and more guided than advanced scuba travel. So if your priority is seeing fish and coral, you’ll still spend plenty of time on snorkeling, even if you skip the intro scuba part.

What to look for underwater

With snorkeling masks, fins, and life vests provided, you can focus on basic things that make the experience better:

• Stay calm in the water and move slowly. Fish tend to show up when you stop chasing them.
• Watch the coral edges and the spaces between coral pieces. That’s where small schools often linger.
• Don’t stand on the bottom or kick the sand. You’ll see more, and you’ll protect the reef.

Buffet Lunch and Drinks on Board, Without the Guesswork

Lunch is served on the yacht as a buffet, and you’ll get unlimited drinks on board. That includes soft drinks and hot drinks, which sounds minor until you’re out in the sun for hours. Having both cold and warm options helps you avoid the “one drink then nothing” problem that ruins some boat days.

The buffet setup is simple but genuinely useful on a day like this. After beach time and reef time, you want something filling without needing to hunt down a restaurant. The food quality is described as very good, and that matches the value logic of the whole trip.

Practical note: bringing cash is wise. On board, you might find extra items for sale, and prices can feel steep. One example from real experience is instant coffee sold separately at a premium. So if coffee is your thing, either plan on paying more or bring an alternative mindset.

Banana Boat or Sofa Ride: Fun in the Afternoon

Once you’ve had lunch and another round at the water, the trip adds water entertainment. You’ll have banana boat or sofa boat time included, which gives the day a lighter, louder finale.

This is for people who want energy at the end of a long swim day. It’s also a good option if you’re with kids or friends who need something beyond snorkeling.

What to expect:

• You’ll likely spend time in short bursts, not long continuous thrills.
• The action level can depend on the group and how the captain runs the ride.
• You should treat this as extra fun, not the main reason to book.

If you’re the calm, float-and-watch type, you can still enjoy it, but keep your expectations realistic. The best part of the trip is still the water and the reef time.

Boat Comfort, Music Volume, and Group Vibes

One thing I’d plan for: the yacht can run full. When a boat is full, movement is slower, and you may find it harder to get the exact spot you want on deck.

Also, music volume can be a factor. Some people love the party atmosphere. Others find it too loud on board. If you’re sensitive to sound, bring earplugs. It’s a small item that can save your whole day.

The good news is that staff and guides are reported to be cheerful and attentive, and that shows in the small moments: helping with gear fit, keeping the day moving, and making sure people feel cared for.

What to Bring, and How to Avoid Common Day-Trip Headaches

This is one of those trips where packing smart matters. Here’s what you should bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Towel (not included)
• Sunscreen
• Cash

You’ll also want to think about order:

1. Sunscreen before beach and before reef time.
2. Keep sunglasses handy, but don’t leave them loose where they can get tossed.
3. Wear swim-suitable footwear if you don’t like barefoot beach landings.

If you’re prone to back trouble, this is another reason to take comfort seriously. The trip is not suitable for people with back problems, and it’s also not suitable for people with heart problems or pregnant women.

Finally, weather matters. The cruise can be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are not right. So if your schedule is tight, try to keep a little flexibility.

Getting the Most Value From This Two-Island Plan

To get the best experience, treat this like a two-part day: beach reset, then underwater focus.

Here’s how I’d do it:

• At Orange Island, prioritize shade and swim timing early, then rest before the next leg.
• For snorkeling, stay patient. Coral and fish sightings improve when you slow down.
• During lunch, eat enough to feel human again, but don’t overstuff. You still have another reef stop later.
• If you’re doing the optional intro scuba session, ask the crew for clear guidance on timing and how to use the equipment comfortably. That’s where the session goes smoothly or not.

If you’re wondering whether Orange Island is worth it, remember it’s only around 1.5 hours. That’s enough time to enjoy the sand, but it’s not a long lazy beach day. If you are chasing solitude, you might feel the crowd pressure. For most people, though, it works as the easy start to the day.

Should You Book This Hurghada Yacht Trip to Orange Island and Giftun?

Book it if you want a simple, cost-effective way to get Red Sea snorkeling and island scenery in one full day. The combo of snorkeling gear included, buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and included water sports is the main reason this is such good value.

Skip it, or at least rethink it, if:

• You hate crowded boats and busy beaches.
• You have back problems, heart problems, or you’re pregnant.
• You want a quiet, private-style experience with no group energy.

If you’re flexible and you’re okay with a lively day plan, this is the kind of cruise that delivers on what most people want from Hurghada, clear water time, colorful coral life, and a lunch break that actually feels built into the trip.

FAQ

How much does the Hurghada yacht trip cost?

The price is listed at $27 per person.

Where does the trip start, and do they pick you up from your hotel?

You’re met at the marina after being collected from your hotel or accommodation in Hurghada. Complimentary transfers are available from Hurghada, while other nearby areas may have additional fees.

What islands do you visit?

The itinerary includes visits to Orange Island and Giftun Island.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling gear is included, including a mask, fins, and a life vest.

Is scuba included, or is it only snorkeling?

An introductory scuba session is included only if you select that option, and scuba equipment is provided if you choose it.

Is lunch and drinks included?

Yes. There is a buffet lunch on board, and unlimited drinks are included.

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

Is the trip suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, and it is also not suitable for people with back problems or heart problems. It is described as suitable for all ages, though children may need parental supervision during water activities.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.