Orange Bay Island Snorkeling Trip from Hurghada

Orange Bay is the island most people mean when they say they want a beach day in Hurghada. It sits on the western side of Giftun, about an hour out by boat, and the shallow water in front of the sand stays turquoise for a long way out before it drops into blue.

The appeal is that it works for a mixed group. One person can spend the whole day in the water over the reef, another can stay on a sunbed under an umbrella, and nobody has to compromise.

How the day runs

Pickup is from your hotel reception in an air-conditioned private vehicle, and the day runs around 7 hours in total. On the way there are snorkeling stops with equipment and a guide provided. Lunch and drinks are served, and a banana boat ride is included in the price rather than sold to you on the beach.

On the island you have umbrellas and loungers, shallow calm water for swimming, and enough space that the sand does not feel crowded once the boats spread out along it.

Good to know before you book

• The island charges its own entry fee, collected on arrival. Bring some cash for it.
• Shade is limited to the umbrellas. A hat and a rash vest are worth more than sunscreen alone if you burn easily.
• The banana boat is optional - nobody is put on it who does not want to be.
• Transfers are included from hotels inside Hurghada; a $5 per person supplement applies from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Ahyaa, El Gouna and Soma Bay.
• Photography and video are not included.

Please look after the reef

Do not stand on coral, break pieces off, or take anything home from the water. This reef is the only reason the island is worth visiting, and it recovers extremely slowly.

What to bring

Swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof pouch for your phone. Water shoes are useful if you plan to enter the sea from the beach rather than from the boat ladder.

$30 per person (regular price $35), including snorkeling equipment, guide, banana boat, lunch and hotel transfers.