| Offer | Type | Duration | "From" price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat, dolphins, snorkeling, 2 islands (4.6 from over 4,200 reviews) | Speedboat | About 4 h | See the listing | First trip, short on time | See |
| 6-island tour with dolphins (4.7 from over 2,100 reviews) | Speedboat | Full day | See the listing | Many sites, three snorkel stops | See |
| Luxury yacht with buffet lunch (4.5 from about 150 reviews) | Yacht | 5 to 9 h | See the listing | Calm pace, lunch included | See |
| Paradise or Magawish Island, snorkeling day | Boat | Full day | See the listing | Closer island, beach |
"From" prices and ratings are GetYourGuide's in October 2026, excluding long-distance transfers; confirm them on screen, they vary with date and group size.
Speedboat, yacht or hotel reef?
- Speedboat: fast, more sites in less time, but bumpier when the sea picks up. A good pick as a couple or with friends.
- Yacht: slower and steadier, with lunch and a beach stop, often preferred with children or travellers less comfortable at sea.
- Hotel reef: in Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh, the reef is close to shore and reachable by swimming; it is free and enough for a first try. See Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh.
What the price includes (and does not)
- Often included: mask, snorkel, fins (or life jacket), lunch on the longer plans, tea and water.
- Often extra: transfer from the south (Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, Safaga), drinks, and the national park entrance, around 5 to 10 dollars per person paid in cash according to several sellers (amount to be checked with the organiser).
- Gear: try the mask before leaving; a leaking mask ruins the trip.
Dolphins: do not count on them
Seeing dolphins is not guaranteed: it depends on the day and the sea. A trip that promises them for sure should make you suspicious. Good practice (do not chase, do not touch, limit the number of boats) is covered in swimming with dolphins in Hurghada, responsibly.
Which boat for which island?
For the detailed island comparison (Giftun, Orange Bay, Paradise), read Giftun and Orange Bay: which boat trip. Place pages: Giftun Island, Orange Bay and Paradise Island.
Safety and traps to avoid
- Life jacket: ask for one, even if you swim well; keep it near reefs and currents.
- Coral: do not touch it, do not stand on it, take nothing (the park protects it).
- Sun: a long-sleeved top beats sunscreen, which harms coral.
- Street sellers: book through your hotel or a platform with reviews; see scams and safety.
- Crowds: some speedboats are very full; ask the group size.
- Rough sea: the trip can be moved or cancelled; read the cancellation policy.
FAQ
Do you need to swim? Better to, but a life jacket is enough to float; tell the crew.
What is the best time? Morning, when the sea is calm; from November to February the water is cooler (see Hurghada in winter).
How much does a trip cost? Listings range from about $18 to over $100 per person depending on duration and inclusions (check on screen).
Can you go with children? Generally yes; prefer the yacht, which is steadier. See Hurghada with family.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 19 October 2026.
