Hurghada: Snorkeling 6 x 1 to Orange Bay w Diving & Massage

Orange Bay is the headline, but the best part of this Hurghada boat trip is how much it packs into one day. You get two snorkeling stops, a beginner scuba session, water sports, lunch, and a massage rather than spending the whole outing on one crowded beach.

I like the early visit to Orange Bay, which can mean a calmer hour for photos, and the attentive water guides. Names connected with recent departures include Andrew, Fox, Bassam, Saif, and Salam. The main drawback is that the introductory scuba session may last only about 5 to 10 minutes, so experienced divers should not book this as a serious scuba excursion.

Key points at a glance

• Orange Bay before the crowds: The island stop is planned early on some departures, giving you a better chance at quiet photos and time on the sand.
• Two reef stops: You get separate snorkeling sessions around Giftun Island and the Red Sea, with equipment and a guide supplied.
• Beginner-friendly scuba: An instructor stays close and helps first-timers manage the equipment and the underwater experience.
• A full day for $62: Hotel transfers, food, drinks, marine fees, equipment, massage, and water activities are included.
• More than a boat ride: Banana boat rides, snacks, hot drinks, soft drinks, and free time keep non-swimmers and mixed groups occupied.
• Plan for a long day at sea: The 510-minute schedule is active, and people prone to seasickness should prepare carefully.

Why this Hurghada cruise works so well

I see this as a high-value Red Sea sampler rather than a single-purpose snorkeling trip. For $62 per person, you receive transport from a wide group of Hurghada-area resorts, a yacht cruise, food, drinks, marine fees, snorkeling gear, a life vest, an introductory scuba session, a massage, Orange Bay, and water sports.

That list matters because separate bookings for each activity can quickly cost more, and they would also eat up valuable holiday time. Here, you can try several things in one outing and decide what deserves a longer return visit.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Andrew is often linked with the entertainment and general organization, while Fox and Bassam are names associated with the scuba instruction. Saif has helped with arrangements, and Salam has received special praise for being helpful on board. Staff support is especially useful if you are nervous in the water or have never used a mask and snorkel before.

This is not a quiet sailing day. The boat carries a sizeable group, with one recent departure described as having roughly 30 to 40 people, but there is still room to sit or lie down in and out of the sun. Expect a social outing with music, activities, crew announcements, and plenty of movement between stops.

The morning pickup and cruise to Giftun Island

Pickup is available from Hurghada, Hurghada 1 and 2, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, and selected hotels in Safaga and Soma Bay. The exact pickup time depends on your accommodation, but one early departure began around 6:30 a.m. That early start can be useful because Orange Bay is more pleasant before the largest wave of day boats arrives.

After transfer, you board the yacht and cruise toward the Giftun Island area. The first boat ride is listed at about 45 minutes, followed by longer sailing time later in the day. Bring a light layer if you are sensitive to wind, especially outside the hottest summer months.

The vessel is described as large, clean, and well kept. You have space to sit in the sun or find shade, and drinks and snacks are available throughout the day. The crew serves unlimited water, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks, so you do not need to pack a full supply of food. Still, bring your own towel and a hat.

Orange Bay before the island gets busy

Orange Bay is the most photogenic stop. It has shallow, clear water and the familiar swings and photo spots that make the island popular. The visit is around 75 minutes in the schedule, although the exact time can vary with conditions and the day’s operation.

The smart feature is the timing. On some departures, the boat reaches Orange Bay first, before the island becomes crowded. That can save you from long waits at the swings and give you a more relaxed chance to take photos.

Do not expect a deserted island. Orange Bay is a popular organized stop, and the atmosphere changes as more boats arrive. You may find queues later in the morning, which is why the early order of this trip is worth noting when you compare it with tours that leave Orange Bay until the afternoon.

Use the island time for photos, a short swim, and a look around rather than expecting a full beach day. The outing moves on to the reef and boat activities, so this is one piece of a busy program, not the entire focus.

Two snorkeling stops around Giftun Island

The snorkeling is the strongest reason to book this tour. You get equipment, a life vest, and a guide, then visit two water sites during separate sessions. One stop near Giftun Island is listed at about 45 minutes, with another snorkeling period later in the day.

The Red Sea is known for colorful coral and abundant fish, and the trip is designed to show you that underwater life without requiring previous experience. You might see striped angelfish, turtles, rays, and, if conditions are kind, dolphins. Dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, but a few departures have been able to stop when dolphins appeared nearby.

A guide can make a big difference here. If you are a confident swimmer, you can focus on the reef and fish. If you are less comfortable, stay close to the guide and use the life vest. One first-time snorkeler found it easier by holding the guide’s support ring, while another guest who was not a strong swimmer received close help during the scuba session.

The two-stop format is useful because sea conditions and visibility can change. If the first site is less impressive, the second gives you another chance. The tradeoff is that each session has a set time, so you will not spend hours drifting over one reef.

Use biodegradable sunscreen, and apply it well before entering the water. Avoid touching coral or marine life. The Red Sea is the reason for this trip, so treating it carefully is basic good sense.

A first scuba session with close instruction

The scuba portion is meant for beginners. A professional instructor explains the equipment and accompanies you underwater, staying close while you learn to breathe and move with the gear. This makes the activity suitable for people who are curious about scuba but are not ready to commit to a full certification course.

The support seems especially helpful for nervous participants. Instructors have been praised for keeping beginners calm and adjusting their help to each person’s comfort level. If you are unsure, tell the instructor before entering the water. A careful start is more important than trying to look brave.

Set your expectations correctly. Several departures had an underwater session lasting only about 5 to 10 minutes. That is enough to get a first taste, see fish and coral, and understand how scuba feels. It is not enough for a proper reef exploration, training session, or meaningful substitute for a certified scuba excursion.

This makes the trip a good choice for couples or families where one person wants to try scuba and another prefers snorkeling. It is less suitable for certified divers who want depth, time, or a choice of serious sites.

Lunch, drinks, and the free massage

Lunch is served on the boat as an open buffet with fish, barbecue, salads, and traditional-style preparations. The food has been a strong part of the day for many people, and several departures included enough variety for different tastes.

Keep the wording in mind: fish and seafood are central to the meal. One guest found the seafood portions more limited than expected, with restricted servings of fish and shrimp rather than unlimited access to every seafood item. I would treat lunch as a good boat buffet, not a restaurant meal with endless premium seafood.

Drinks are available throughout the outing, including water, soft drinks, juice, tea, and coffee. Snacks are also included. That ongoing supply is helpful because the day involves swimming, sun, and several activities.

The complimentary back massage is a pleasant surprise. It is not a spa treatment, but it gives you a chance to relax after snorkeling and before the next activity. A short massage on a moving boat is a simple extra, yet it changes the rhythm of the day from constant activity to something more restful.

Banana boats and time to slow down

The water sports section includes a banana boat ride, and the schedule allows roughly 45 minutes for the activity. It is a good fit for families, teenagers, and anyone who wants something more energetic than swimming.

Participation is optional. You can ride, watch, or stay on the yacht. This matters for mixed groups, since not everyone wants to snorkel, try scuba, or get pulled behind a boat.

There is also free time on the schedule. Use it to dry off, sit in the shade, take photos, or simply watch the Red Sea pass by. With so many activities packed into 510 minutes, these quieter gaps are useful rather than wasted.

What the $62 price really includes

At $62, this outing offers strong value if you plan to use most of the inclusions. The package covers:

• Round-trip hotel transfers
• Yacht cruise
• Snorkeling equipment and guide
• Two snorkeling periods
• Beginner scuba and equipment
• Marine fees
• Orange Bay stop
• Buffet lunch
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, and hot drinks
• Snacks
• Life vest
• Back massage
• Banana boat activity

If you booked a separate island cruise, snorkeling trip, introductory scuba session, meal, and transfer, the total would likely be higher. The real saving is not only money, but time. You handle several classic Hurghada activities in one organized day.

There are a few possible extra costs. A photographer may be on board, and photos or video are sold separately. One departure offered the full media package for about €35, while another person felt the pictures were expensive. You can enjoy the day without buying them, so decide in advance how much those memories are worth to you.

Who should book this day on the Red Sea?

I would choose this trip for a first visit to Hurghada, especially if you want to sample several activities without arranging them one by one. It also suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and groups with mixed interests.

It is particularly good for:

• First-time snorkelers
• People curious about scuba but not ready for certification
• Families who want water sports and beach time
• Visitors staying in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or selected Safaga hotels
• Anyone looking for a full activity day at a moderate price

You should think twice if you want a quiet, small-boat outing. You should also choose another product if your main goal is a long scuba session, advanced sites, or a specialist marine trip.

The activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments. Sea conditions can also affect comfort. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you can get fresh air, eat lightly before departure, and tell the crew quickly if you feel unwell. The staff have helped sick passengers before, but prevention is still the better plan.

Bring a towel, hat, waterproof camera, and biodegradable sunscreen. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, and keep a dry change of clothing available if you have room.

Practical details before you reserve

The tour lasts 510 minutes, or about 8.5 hours. Pickup and drop-off are included, but the precise time depends on your hotel and location. Safaga coverage is limited to selected hotels, including locations up to Lotus Bay and Minaville Safaga Hotel, so confirm your accommodation before paying.

Live support is available in English, German, Arabic, and Russian. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later if that option appears for your booking.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 1,266 reviews, which matches the repeated strengths of the operation: friendly crew, close help in the water, steady organization, and a lot included for the price. The most consistent cautions are the short scuba session, occasional concern about bathroom maintenance, and the possibility of a crowded Orange Bay later in the morning.

Should you book Royal Cruise Hurghada?

Yes, if you want a packed but well-organized day that combines Orange Bay, snorkeling, beginner scuba, lunch, a massage, and water sports. The early island stop, close instructors, and broad list of inclusions make $62 a persuasive price.

Book it with realistic expectations. The scuba session is an introduction, not a full underwater excursion, and Orange Bay is a popular stop rather than a private island. If those limits suit you, this is one of the easiest ways to sample the Red Sea in a single day.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada Orange Bay cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, which is about 8.5 hours.

What is included in the $62 price?

The price includes round-trip transfers, a guide, yacht cruise, snorkeling gear, snorkeling guide, Orange Bay, beginner scuba, scuba equipment, marine fees, lunch, drinks, snacks, a life vest, massage, and banana boat activity.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, and selected hotels in Safaga and Soma Bay. Safaga pickup has stated hotel limits.

Is scuba suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The activity includes an introductory scuba session with a professional instructor who accompanies beginners underwater.

How long does the scuba session last?

The listing does not give a fixed duration. Recent departures have included sessions of about 5 to 10 minutes, so you should treat it as a brief introduction.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling periods are included, one around Giftun Island and another later in the day in the Red Sea.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served as an open buffet with fish, barbecue, salads, and traditional-style food.

Are drinks included on the boat?

Yes. Unlimited water, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are included.

Is the massage included?

Yes. A complimentary back massage is included during the boat trip.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English, German, Arabic, and Russian.