Orange Bay Hurghada: The Complete Guide
By Hurghada Transfer · 5 November 2026 · 6 min read
Orange Bay is the white-sand beach with the turquoise lagoon that you have probably seen in every Hurghada photo. Here is how a day trip there really works, what it costs and how to get the most out of it.
What is Orange Bay?
Orange Bay is a beach on Giftun Island, the large island opposite Hurghada inside the Giftun National Park. It has soft white sand, a shallow lagoon with very clear water and a beach club with shade and a bar. You cannot drive there: every visit is a boat trip from Hurghada Marina, and the beach is only open to visitors in the daytime.
Most trips combine the beach with two snorkelling stops at coral reefs on the way, so you get both: colourful fish in the morning and a lazy afternoon on the sand.
How the day works
A typical Orange Bay trip with us looks like this:
- 08:00 – pickup from your hotel in Hurghada and a short drive to the marina
- 09:00 – the boat leaves the marina, with drinks and fruit on board
- 10:00 – first snorkelling stop at a coral reef, with a snorkelling guide
- 11:30 – second snorkelling stop at another reef
- 12:30 – lunch on board
- 13:30 – arrival at Orange Bay and about two hours of free time on the beach
- 15:00 – the boat sails back to the marina
- 16:00 – drive back to your hotel
Times move a little with the season and the sea, but you are back at the hotel in the late afternoon, in time for dinner.
What it costs and what is included
Our Orange Bay trip costs from €22 per person. The price includes the hotel pickup in Hurghada, the boat, two snorkelling stops with a guide, snorkelling equipment and life jackets, breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks, and the visit to the island. You pay in cash on the day of the trip.
From Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh the pickup costs €5 per person extra, and from El Gouna, Safaga and Soma Bay €10 per person extra, because the drive to the marina is longer.
Orange Bay Island Trip, with Snorkeling Lunch & DrinksFrom €22 per personSee the trip → The best time to go
Orange Bay is beautiful all year. From May to October the water is warm and the sea is usually calm. From December to February the air is pleasant but the water is cooler and the wind can be stronger, so bring a warm layer for the boat. Weekends and Egyptian holidays are the busiest days; in the middle of the week the beach is calmer.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel (some boats have towels, but not all)
- Reef-safe sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- A T-shirt to snorkel in, so your back does not burn
- Water shoes if you have them
- Some cash for drinks at the beach bar, photos and tips
- A phone pouch or waterproof case for photos in the lagoon
Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are on the boat, and you do not need to be a strong swimmer: the guide helps beginners and you can snorkel with a life jacket.
Orange Bay or another island?
Orange Bay is the most famous beach, so it is also the busiest. If you prefer a quieter island with more comfort, Mahmya Island is the eco-beach of the national park, with sunbeds and fewer people. Hula Hula Island, also called Paradise Beach, is a good-value full day at sea with breakfast and lunch on board. If you want the sea to yourselves, a private speedboat takes your group to the islands and the dolphin reef at your own pace.
Mahmya Island Day Trip with Snorkeling & LunchFrom €80 per personSee the trip →