With powder-white sand, shallow turquoise water and coral reefs just a short boat ride from the marina, Orange Bay is one of the most popular day trips in Hurghada. People often compare it to the Maldives or the Caribbean. This guide covers what Orange Bay is, how to get there, what a typical day looks like, and how to get the most out of your trip.

What Is Orange Bay?

Orange Bay is a beach on Giftun Island, the largest island off the coast of Hurghada. The island is part of the Giftun Islands protected marine area in the Red Sea, so the reefs around it are among the healthiest you can easily reach from Hurghada.

The beach is known for its very shallow, calm lagoon. In many places the water is only knee-deep for a long way out, which makes it ideal for relaxing, wading and taking photos. It is also a great choice for families with children.

How to Get to Orange Bay From Hurghada

You can only reach Orange Bay by boat. Most visitors book an organised day trip that includes:

  • Pickup from your hotel in Hurghada and a transfer to the marina
  • A boat trip of roughly 45–60 minutes each way (faster by speedboat)
  • Snorkelling stops at coral reefs on the way
  • Free time on the beach at Orange Bay
  • Lunch and soft drinks on board
  • A transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon

Our Orange Bay Island Trip with Snorkelling, Lunch & Drinks includes all of this, with hotel pickup at around 8:00 AM and return to your hotel at around 4:00 PM.

A Typical Day at Orange Bay

Every trip is a little different, but a classic Orange Bay day looks like this:

  • Morning: hotel pickup, transfer to the marina and boarding
  • First snorkelling stop: a coral reef with colourful fish, with guides and equipment on board
  • Second snorkelling stop: another reef to explore
  • Lunch on board: a freshly prepared meal with soft drinks
  • Orange Bay: around two hours of free time to swim, sunbathe and take photos
  • Afternoon: sail back to the marina and transfer to your hotel

Snorkelling Near Orange Bay

The coral reefs around Giftun Island are among the best spots for snorkelling near Hurghada. You can expect hard and soft corals, parrotfish, clownfish, butterflyfish, and often much more. You do not need any experience. Life jackets, masks and fins are usually provided, and the crew helps beginners get started.

Please protect the reef: never stand on or touch the coral, do not feed the fish, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Damaged coral can take decades to recover.

Best Time to Visit Orange Bay

You can visit Orange Bay all year round. Here is what each season is like:

  • Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November): warm air, pleasant water and usually calmer seas. Many people think these are the best months.
  • Summer (June–August): hot and sunny, with the warmest water. Bring plenty of sun protection and drink lots of water.
  • Winter (December–February): mild and sunny, but the water is cooler and strong winds can make the boat ride choppier. A light jacket for the boat is a good idea.

Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends and public holidays.

What to Bring

  • Swimwear and a towel
  • Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
  • Water shoes, which are useful on rocky or reef areas
  • A waterproof phone case or action camera
  • A light jacket or long-sleeved top for the boat, especially in winter
  • Some cash for extras such as parasailing, photos or drinks at the beach

Is Orange Bay Worth It?

For most visitors, yes. Orange Bay combines two of the best things about the Red Sea, snorkelling on coral reefs and a relaxing beach day, in one easy trip with hotel pickup. The shallow lagoon suits non-swimmers and children. If you want something quieter, you can also try the Hula Hula Island boat trip. If you want a faster day on the water, the speedboat trip with dolphins and islands is another option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Orange Bay from Hurghada?

Giftun Island lies just off the coast of Hurghada. A standard boat takes around 45–60 minutes from the marina, and a speedboat is quicker.

Can children and non-swimmers go to Orange Bay?

Yes. The lagoon is very shallow in many places, and life jackets are provided for snorkelling. Children should always be supervised in the water.

Is there a national park fee?

Giftun Island is a protected area, and a small park fee may apply. Check your booking details to see whether it is included.

Is lunch included?

On our Orange Bay day trip, lunch and soft drinks are served on board.

Do you offer pickup from my hotel?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from hotels in Hurghada are included. Just arrived in Egypt? We also offer private Hurghada airport transfers to your hotel.

Book Your Orange Bay Trip

Ready for a day of white sand and turquoise water? Book the Orange Bay Island Trip with Hurghada Transfer. Hotel pickup, snorkelling, lunch and drinks are included, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.