| Trip | Stated duration | Format | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giftun or Orange with snorkelling and lunch | full day | shared boat | most travellers | See |
| Private speedboat to the Giftun Islands | to be checked | private boat, hotel transfer | couples, small groups, those short on time | See |
| Orange Bay and Paradise Island by boat | to be checked | two beaches in one day | those who want varied stops | See |
| Speedboat, dolphins and snorkelling on two islands | to be checked | speedboat, two islands | those who want to try for dolphins | See |
What all these trips have in common
The Giftun Islands (the big one, Giftun Kebir, and the small one, Giftun Soraya) lie about ten kilometres off Hurghada. You can only get there by boat, from the marina or another yacht harbour. The crossing usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the vessel, then the day alternates between swimming at the beach and two or three snorkelling stops on coral drop-offs. The pages on Giftun Island and Orange Bay describe the places; this article is for choosing the offer.
Shared Giftun or Orange trip with lunch
This is the classic option: a large boat with other travellers, snorkelling gear provided, lunch and a hotel transfer. The listing lets you choose between Giftun and Orange. Other sellers advertise, in October 2026, days of 7 to 8 hours at roughly 25 to 60 USD depending on what is included: a rough guide and nothing more.
Worth knowing: time on the island can feel short with a large group, and the gear provided is often basic. If you have your own mask, bring it. Check whether the national park entry fee and the coast guard tax are included, as some sellers charge them on the spot (one of them states about 5 USD per person per day for the park fee). Is it worth it? Yes, if you want a day with nothing to organise on a tight budget.
Private speedboat
The private speedboat with hotel transfer books the boat for you alone: you set more of your own pace and arrive before or after the big boats. The price is much higher than a shared boat and is calculated for the group, so look at the total for your party size, the duration, lunch and access fees. It is worth it for a family of four or more, a couple who want peace and quiet, or if you stay far from the marina.
Orange Bay and Paradise Island
This boat tour combines two beaches: Orange Bay, with its jetty and beach huts, and Paradise Island. It suits you if you prefer the beach and swimming to long snorkelling sessions. The booking page gives the duration and what is included; motorised activities (towed tube, jet ski, parasailing) cost extra on site and prices vary: compare before accepting.
Speedboat with dolphins and two islands
This speedboat is the one we feature on the Safaga page: it combines two islands and a search for dolphins. No operator can guarantee you will see dolphins, which are wild animals. If that is your main goal, read swimming with dolphins in Hurghada, responsibly first.
How to choose
- Tight budget, first time: the shared trip with lunch.
- Family or small group: the private speedboat, often easier with young children.
- Beach above all: Orange Bay and Paradise Island.
- Dolphins: the dolphin speedboat, accepting that there is no guarantee.
- Seasickness: take medication before boarding and prefer a morning departure.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go? October to May, when the air is pleasant and the sea calm. In summer the heat is strong and wind can cancel trips.
Do I need to be able to swim? A life jacket is usually provided for snorkelling, but you swim in open sea: tell the crew if you are a weak swimmer.
What should I bring? Reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, a hat, cash and a copy of your passport. Do not touch the coral and do not feed the fish.
Can I cancel? Terms vary by offer; free cancellation up to 24 hours before is common for this kind of trip, to be confirmed on the page.
To go further, see the dive sites and the travel budget for Hurghada.
