Makadi Bay: Snorkelling and Diving Island Trip

Red Sea water is the best souvenir. This Makadi Bay yacht trip takes you to Giftun Island, with two hours of snorkelling and a guide plus equipment, then you can add an optional second underwater stop. I like that the day runs like a well-timed swim meet, hotel pickup, boat, anchor, then you’re in the water fast. The one thing to watch is that the optional deeper-water activity may cost extra, since snorkeling gear is what is clearly included.

For me, the real win is the mix of coral, clear water, and flexibility. Your snorkeling guide can help you spot what to look for, and there’s a chance you’ll even get pointed toward moray eels. Plan on sun and salt, so bring the right stuff, and you will be fine.

Key things I’d prioritize on this Red Sea day

• Giftun Island is your main snorkel stop (you get two hours there)
• Snorkelling guide and equipment are included so you are not scrambling
• A second water stop is optional for those who want the deeper underwater experience
• Lunch is served on board with 1 soft drink and a bottle of water
• You get hotel pickup and drop-off in Makadi Bay, which makes the day easy
• The experience runs in a full-day rhythm (you’re looking at roughly 7 hours)

From Makadi Bay to a private lagoon: how the day actually flows

The day starts with pickup from your accommodation in Makadi Bay. Then you head to the boat jetty, board the yacht, and get underway toward the nearest coast. Before you settle into the main island time, the captain drops anchor at a private lagoon area. That matters more than it sounds.

Anchoring early means you are not racing around all day just to reach the first decent water. You get a smoother transition from land to water, with time to get hats on, sunscreen applied, and swimwear sorted without that panicky pre-splash feeling. Once you’re ready, you get to focus on the fun part, the sea.

From there, the schedule is straightforward: you move to the island stop for snorkeling time, you can choose the optional second underwater activity, and then you head back to the jetty and back to your hotel.

Giftun Island snorkel time: what two hours means for your photos

Giftun Island is where you’ll spend the core of your water time. You get about two hours there, and that’s long enough to do more than one loop. It gives you a practical rhythm, jump in, get your bearings, swim a bit, then return to the surface without feeling rushed.

A big advantage here is the guided setup. You’ll have a snorkeling guide and equipment included, so you’re not trying to assemble gear on a deck while everyone else is already in the water. Your guide can also help you aim for the best reef areas you can see from the surface. The Red Sea can be crystal clear, and when the water is like that, you don’t need a deep plan. You just need good buoyancy and a calm, steady kick.

What to expect in the water: coral reefs, clear visibility, and the kind of fish-watching where you stop and stare. If you’re lucky, you may also get the crew pointing out moray eels. One of the best parts of the day is that sense of, someone actually knows what they’re looking for.

Practical note: bring swimwear you can move in easily. If you’re wearing something too thick or too tight, you’ll feel it after repeated swims, especially in sun.

Snorkelling guide and gear: the value behind the included equipment

The tour includes a snorkeling guide and equipment, plus lunch items. That sounds basic, but it’s where the $47 price starts to make sense.

Here’s why. On many trips, you still need to rent gear separately, or you get equipment that is just barely usable. When snorkeling equipment is included, it removes a big chunk of uncertainty. You also tend to spend less time waiting around and more time in the water.

Your guide helps with two things that are hard to DIY. First, they can help you choose where to swim so you’re more likely to see coral structures from the surface. Second, they help with safe snorkel flow, like how to handle getting back on the boat and how to manage breathing when the current or waves pick up.

If you’ve never snorkelled before, this is a good format. You’re not stuck in a long classroom talk. You get gear, you get a local hand guiding your first steps, then you’re off to watch reefs do their thing.

Optional second underwater stop: choose based on your comfort, not hype

This trip includes an additional stop where you can go for the deeper underwater activity. The schedule clearly sets aside a second opportunity, and you can opt in or stay back on the boat and relax.

That choice is worth respecting. Some people want more time in the water, others want a slower day with a towel, a cold drink, and shade. Either is valid.

What you should do before you commit: ask what exactly is included for the optional underwater part when you board or when you confirm your booking details. The tour clearly includes snorkelling gear and a snorkelling guide, but the deeper activity inclusion is not stated the same way. So if there’s an extra fee, you want it clear upfront.

How to decide quickly once you’re on the boat:

• If you feel comfortable in open water and want a bigger underwater look, this option can be fun.
• If you’re more focused on coral viewing from the surface, staying with snorkeling is likely the sweet spot.

Lunch on board: the underrated reason this tour feels good

Lunch is served on board, and it comes with 1 soft drink, plus 1 bottle of water. That sounds like a small line in a brochure, but it’s actually one of the reasons this kind of trip runs smoother.

You’re out on the water for roughly a full day, about 7 hours. If you were responsible for snacks and lunch every time you stop, the energy cost adds up fast. Here, you’re set. You can eat without leaving the boat, then get back into the day without that scramble for food in the hot sun.

What I like about this setup is the timing. You’re snorkelling, you get warm, you eat, and you reset. You don’t have to decide between a good meal and one more swim. You can also keep hydration up without hunting for a convenience store.

Tip that helps: after swimming, take a few minutes on the deck to dry off before digging in. It feels better, and you’re less likely to feel that sticky, salty discomfort after you eat.

Getting value from the $47 price tag

At $47 per person, this is a fairly budget-friendly way to get real Red Sea water time from Makadi Bay, especially because several costs are folded in.

Here’s what you’re getting that keeps the price honest:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Makadi Bay
• Yacht cruise rather than a quick transfer and scramble
• Snorkelling guide and equipment included
• Lunch on board with 1 soft drink
• 1 bottle of water included

When you compare that to doing snorkeling independently, the included gear plus guided time is often the difference between a decent day and a stressed day. You can spend less than you would for a full private setup, yet still get the structure that makes snorkeling enjoyable.

What might affect value for you: if you want the optional deeper underwater activity, there may be an added cost. If you skip it, the $47 feels very straightforward, like you’re paying for the main island snorkel experience plus a full day on the water.

What to bring: a short list that prevents a soggy, sunburned day

The tour’s packing list is small on purpose: it focuses on what actually matters once you’re on the boat.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear

I’d also add practical extras even though they are not listed, like reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof phone pouch if you have one. But if you only follow what’s stated, you still have the basics for comfort and visibility.

On a hot Red Sea day, sunglasses and a hat are not optional luxuries. They prevent squinting, headaches, and that face feeling after too much sun exposure on deck.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• A guided snorkelling experience with equipment included
• A boat day with lunch included
• A clear schedule, anchor time, then island time
• The option to try a second underwater stop, or just relax if you’d rather not

It may not be the best fit if:

• You need wheelchair accessibility, since it’s not suitable for wheelchair users
• You want total control over your schedule, because this is a set-day format with pickup and fixed stop times
• You plan to rely on the optional second underwater stop without confirming what is included and what costs extra

Languages are covered with English, German, and Russian, so it should be easy to ask questions on board.

Booking, timing, and small details that matter

A few quick points that help you plan without overthinking it.

• The experience runs about 7 hours, so treat it like a full-day outing.
• You get both pickup and drop-off in Makadi Bay, which reduces stress.
• The tour provider is Egypt Excursions Online.
• If you like flexibility, there’s a reserve and pay later option where you can book and pay nothing today.
• If your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

One last realism check: in one case, the snorkeling time still worked out well, even though the name of the experience on booking details didn’t match what people expected. If you are the type who likes everything perfectly aligned, double-check your voucher so you know which island stop and time window to expect.

Should you book this Makadi Bay snorkeling day?

I’d book it if you want a simple, structured Red Sea day with real water time and minimal hassle. The strongest reasons are the included snorkelling guide and equipment, the two-hour Giftun Island snorkel window, and lunch on board so you do not waste half the day managing food.

Skip or reconsider if you’re mainly looking for a long, advanced underwater program with lots of extra inclusions. This is built around snorkelling time plus an optional second water activity. Also, if you have mobility needs, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan a different format.

If you’re deciding between cheaper options and full-day comfort, this hits a good middle ground. You get the boat day experience, guided reef time, and the kind of schedule that leaves you tired in the good way, salty hair, sun-kissed skin, and fish memories that stick.

FAQ

What’s the price of the Makadi Bay snorkeling and island trip?

It costs $47 per person.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour is in the Red Sea Governorate, Egypt, starting from Makadi Bay.

How do I get to the boat?

You’re picked up from your accommodation in Makadi Bay and taken to the boat jetty.

How long is the trip?

The trip lasts about 7 hours.

What island do we visit and for how long?

You stop at Giftun Island for two hours.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling guide and equipment are included.

Is there an additional underwater option besides snorkelling?

Yes. There’s another stop where you can go for the optional deeper underwater activity, or you can relax on the boat.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Lunch is served on board with 1 soft drink, and you also get 1 bottle of water.

What languages are available on the tour?

The tour is available in English, German, and Russian.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.