Hurghada:Luxury Diving & Snorkeling inc/Island/Lunch/Massage

Sun, seafood, and clear Red Sea water.

This 8 hour Hurghada cruise blends easy water time with real underwater moments, plus a massage and a full buffet lunch on the boat. You also get a trip to Orange Bay Island for sun, photos, and that laid back island feeling, even when the bay is busy. One thing to keep in mind, the intro scuba time can feel short if you’re hoping for a long underwater session.

What I like most is how much they pack into one day without making it feel chaotic, starting with hotel pickup and transfers and ending with banana boat fun and a bit of free time on the water. I also really appreciate that the crew focuses on calm instruction, and people mention guides like Andrew and staff such as Fox and Hada helping first timers feel confident. The second standout is the mix of surface and underwater: snorkeling gear is provided, and the water clarity around the Giftun area is exactly the kind you want for colorful fish and reef views.

My main caution is timing. The Orange Bay stop can be touristy and the intro scuba session may be brief, so if you want lots of underwater time, you might leave wanting more. Also, one note from real-world experience, a couple of people flagged that the boat can look a little worn and some scuba suits might need better condition.

Key highlights I’d circle before you book

• Orange Bay Island time gives you sun, photos, and a simple island reset
• Intro scuba session means you can go underwater without a certificate
• Giftun snorkeling stop pairs well with the intro scuba for a full water day
• Massage included while you’re sailing, a nice change from just rinse, repeat swims
• Lunch plus soft drinks and snacks are part of the day, not an afterthought
• Banana boat and free time add energy after the water stops

A luxury yacht day in Hurghada: what you really get for $58

At $58 per person for an 8 hour outing, this is the kind of deal that works best when you want variety more than perfection. You’re paying for a full day of Red Sea time, hotel transfers, guided activity support, and the basic gear to do it. The value hits hardest because you’re not just buying a single swim stop, you’re getting Orange Bay, a scuba introduction, snorkeling, a buffet lunch, a massage, plus additional fun rides.

From a practical standpoint, that matters. If your plan is: see the sea, do something underwater, eat well, and still have energy left for a couple more activities, this cruise is built for exactly that. If your plan is: I want one long, slow, quiet reef experience, then you may prefer a more scuba focused trip with longer underwater blocks.

I also like that the day is structured in chunks. You’re not stuck in a single long stretch where everyone feels rushed. Instead, you get a sequence that moves from island time to underwater time to food to relaxation, then back to fun.

Pickup, transfers, and getting your bearings fast

The experience starts with hotel pickup in Hurghada, with two pickup options listed: Hurghada and Hurghada 1. After the boat day, you’ll be dropped back at one of the same areas. It’s worth planning around that and choosing a pickup point that matches where you’re staying.

You’ll get your exact pickup time and meeting point details one day before the excursion via WhatsApp or email. The instruction is simple: be at the meeting spot and wait about 5 minutes before the agreed pickup time. That little window can save you from that stressful last minute sprint with bags and towels.

Once you’re on board, the included setup matters. You get snorkeling gear, dive equipment, life vest, and a diving suit. That takes away the hassle of renting, guessing sizes, or showing up without the basics. You also get a guide on the boat, and there’s instruction available in Arabic, English, German, and Russian, so you’re not stuck piecing things together.

Orange Bay Island: sun, photos, and a lively little pause

Orange Bay Island is where the cruise turns from travel mode into holiday mode. You’ll head there by boat and then spend close to an hour and a bit on the island for sightseeing. Think sun time, photos, and a chance to reset your brain before you go back into the water.

This is also where the day turns social. Some people described the island as full of tourists, which means you won’t get total solitude. But you do get an easy, scenic break, and the clear water around the bay makes it tempting to just hang around the shoreline for a while.

One fun detail that came up is that there can be dogs on Orange Bay. It’s a small thing, but those little moments add warmth to a day that otherwise revolves around equipment and schedules.

Tip for your time here: keep your phone protected and your camera accessible. You’ll want quick photo stops without doing a full gear change every time. Bring cash if you think you might want extra photo services later, because a photographer is part of the experience for capturing moments.

Small Giftun scuba introduction: what first timers should expect

If you’ve never done scuba before, this trip is designed to meet you there. There’s an intro scuba session at the Small Giftun area, and the key point is that no certificate is needed. That alone is a big reason this cruise is good value, because you’re not paying for a scuba course plus a separate boat day.

The session is guided by instructors focused on safety. You’ll get a briefing, and then the actual time underwater is short and controlled, which is exactly what first timers usually want. People specifically mentioned being reassured during training, and guide support names like Andrew, and team members like Fox and Hada came up as helpful for first time comfort.

What you should know before you go: the underwater time may feel brief compared with long training days. One honest note called it close to a short first experience, and that can be true if you’re hoping for lots of time at depth or lots of chances to repeat the same reef view.

So how do you judge this fairly? If you want a taste of scuba, then you’re likely to feel happy and motivated to do more later. If your main goal is underwater time as the whole point, you may prefer a trip that centers on longer scuba sessions.

Giftun Island snorkeling: the Red Sea clarity payoff

After lunch, the day shifts to snorkeling at Giftun Island. You’ll get a dedicated snorkeling window with snorkeling included, and snorkeling gear is part of what’s provided. This stop is where many people feel the Red Sea does its best work, because the water clarity around this region is exactly what makes snorkeling fun.

If you’ve done intro scuba already, snorkeling is a great follow up. You’ll be more comfortable with the routine of mask and breathing, and you can compare the surface views with what you saw below. That sequence often feels smoother than trying to do everything new at once.

Also, snorkeling is the kind of activity that makes the day feel bigger without being physically demanding. Even if you don’t stay out for long, you usually get enough passes to feel like you saw real life, not just a quick look.

One practical note: the day can include a second snorkeling session in some schedules, but it may depend on how the scuba timing flows. If you’re hoping for maximum surface swim time after scuba, keep in mind that the day’s blocks are arranged to keep everyone coordinated.

On-board lunch, soft drinks, and snack strategy

Food on these cruises can be hit or miss, but here the buffet is described in enough detail to feel real. Lunch is an open buffet with rice, pasta, oven vegetables, grilled kofta, chicken, and fish. You also get multiple salads, a few fruit options, and hot drinks plus soft drinks are included.

That matters because it reduces your spending during the day. You’re not chasing water and snacks in tourist zones, and you don’t have to bring a full picnic just to get through. Water is unlimited, and snacks are included too, so you can nibble between stops.

I also like that one review mentioned gluten free food being offered for someone’s needs. It’s not listed as a guarantee, so if that’s important for you, plan to ask ahead. But it’s a positive sign that the crew is willing to adjust.

My food advice is simple: eat before you feel hungry. The schedule moves, and if you wait until you’re already chilled and tired, you’ll eat slower and feel worse later. A normal pace meal also sets you up better for the banana boat ride.

Massage on the deck: why it’s the smart mid-day reset

The massage is included for each guest, and it’s timed while you’re sailing on the calm Red Sea waters. Even when it’s not a full spa session, a short massage is a genius move during a day packed with sun, salt, and wet gear.

People described it as around 15 minutes, and they said it felt pretty good. Whether you love massages or not, the value here is the timing. Your body gets a quick reset right after food and before you move into the more energetic parts of the day.

If you’re prone to tight shoulders from wearing a mask, or you’ve had a long day of travel to reach Hurghada, this stop can make the cruise feel balanced instead of exhausting.

Banana boat ride and free time: energy after the water

Later in the day, you’ll get a banana boat ride, plus a block of free time before you head back to Hurghada. The banana boat is included and it lasts about 45 minutes, which is plenty for a few serious laughs and some splashes you did not plan for.

The free time is about 45 minutes too. The data doesn’t spell out exactly what that free time is used for, but this is usually where people either relax on deck, take a few final photos, or squeeze in one last swim depending on conditions and crew instructions.

If you’re deciding how to pack your day, think about a towel you don’t mind getting damp again, and a dry change of clothes ready for the return ride. You’ll likely go through a lot of fabric cycles.

Timing, group size energy, and seasickness reality check

This is a shared boat day. That usually means you’ll see a mix of ages and swim abilities, and you’ll be moving on a schedule that keeps everyone coordinated. Many people said the day feels well run and organized, with clear instructions.

Still, the ocean is the ocean. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it’s also not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart problems, or those who are pregnant. If any of those apply to you, you should treat this as a firm “skip” and look for a calmer alternative.

Also, wheelchair users are listed as not suitable. If accessibility is a factor, you should look at other formats or contact the provider for equipment support, but the data here does not mention accessibility accommodations.

One more practical note: if the boat ride is longer or the sea is choppy on your travel dates, your energy for the later activities like banana boating could dip. Plan your expectations around that.

Who should book Royal Cruise Hurghada, and who might want a different style

This cruise is a strong match if you want an all-in-one day in the Red Sea: island time, an intro scuba experience, snorkeling, a proper lunch, massage, and a fun ride, all without having to manage gear rentals or find separate operators.

It’s also good if you’re a first timer with scuba, because the experience is built around no certificate entry and guided safety instruction. People who were nervous about the sea or water specifically mentioned that coaching helped them finish both scuba and snorkeling.

It may be a weaker fit if your top priority is long underwater time. Intro scuba sessions on these kinds of trips are usually short, and one note suggested that the scuba time could feel too brief to fully enjoy. In that case, a specialized scuba-focused charter or longer underwater schedule might suit you better.

A final, honest consideration: one person flagged that the boat looked a bit tatty and that some scuba suits had rips. That doesn’t mean it will be your experience, but it does suggest you should inspect your equipment when you’re given it, and ask for a replacement if something feels unsafe or uncomfortable.

Should you book this tour? My practical take

Book it if you want the best kind of “one day in Hurghada” package, with enough variety to keep the day from feeling repetitive. You’re paying for convenience, included transfers, included meals and drinks, and two water activities with gear handled for you. At $58, the overall value is strong if you take the day as a sampler and not a full scuba week.

Consider skipping or switching to a different format if you need guaranteed long underwater time, or if seasickness risk is a real concern for you. And if you’re picky about equipment condition, do a quick check once the crew outfits you, and speak up early.

If you do book, pack like you’ll be wet more than once, bring ID or passport copy as requested, and keep a bit of cash on hand for tips and any photo add-ons. With that, you’ll likely walk away with the kind of Red Sea memories that stick, not just a checkbox day.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada yacht experience?

The total duration is 8 hours.

Where are the pickup and drop-off locations?

Pickup is available in Hurghada and Hurghada 1, and drop-off is also in Hurghada 1 and Hurghada.

Is a scuba certificate required?

No. The included intro scuba session is for beginners and does not require a certificate.

What activities are included besides snorkeling?

The day includes a visit to Orange Bay Island, an intro scuba session at the Small Giftun area, snorkeling at Giftun Island, a banana boat ride, and free time.

Is massage included in the price?

Yes. A massage is included for each guest.

What food and drinks are provided?

Lunch is an open buffet including items such as rice, pasta, oven vegetables, grilled kofta, chicken, and fish, with salads, fruits, soft drinks, hot drinks, and unlimited water. Snacks are also included.

What snorkeling and diving gear is included?

Snorkeling gear, dive equipment, and life vests are included, along with a diving suit.

Are there any health or age restrictions?

Diving is not allowed for anyone under 13 years old. It is also listed as not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with high blood pressure, people prone to seasickness, and wheelchair users.