Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is the star here: pale sand, clear shallows, and a short island stay that feels far removed from Hurghada’s hotels. The yacht day also packs in two reef stops, a buffet lunch, a massage, and banana boat rides without a long list of surprise charges. I especially like the friendly safety support for first-time snorkelers and the small-group feel.

The tradeoff is time. This is a 510-minute day, with early pickup and plenty of time spent moving between stops. Orange Bay gets about 75 minutes, so you should book this for variety and full-day fun, not for a slow island afternoon.

Key points at a glance

• Orange Bay first: Arrive early enough to enjoy the island before it becomes busier.
• Two guided reef stops: Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī offer clear water, coral, and fish viewing.
• Food and drinks included: Buffet lunch, fruit, snacks, hot drinks, fresh juices, and soft drinks are covered.
• A proper activity-filled day: Add a massage, banana boat ride, snorkeling, and optional scuba sessions.
• Helpful crew: Andrew, Fox, Jaser, Salam, and Ibrahim are among the crew names associated with praised departures.
• Good value at $53: The price covers transport, marine fees, equipment, meals, drinks, and activities.

What this Red Sea yacht day is really like

This is less a quiet cruise and more a well-filled day on the water. You leave your hotel by van, reach the marina, then spend much of the day aboard a clean, spacious yacht with stops built around swimming, reef viewing, food, and simple water sports.

The appeal is the mix. You can spend one hour floating above coral, the next eating grilled food from a buffet, then sit back for a massage or hold on during a banana boat ride. If you want one Red Sea outing that covers many bases, this makes sense.

The experience is designed for a small group, though the exact number is not given. That matters because crew members can offer more direct help in the water. Several people who were nervous about snorkeling or could not swim said they felt supported by the instructors and crew. You still need to be comfortable getting on and off the boat, and the trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The boat is presented as a luxury yacht, with open areas for sun and seating inside. One useful detail from the day is that the breeze can feel cool early in the morning, especially in winter. Bring a light jacket or hooded top for the first part of the trip, then keep sunscreen and sunglasses close once the sun gains strength.

From hotel pickup to the marina

Pickup is available from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. The transfer takes about 30 minutes each way, depending on your hotel and route, and the booking information asks you to wait outside the reception five minutes before the agreed time.

The van ride is not the main event, but it makes the price easier to understand. You are not arranging a separate taxi to the marina or worrying about the marine fee once you arrive. The guide, taxes, hotel transfers, and boat access are part of the package.

The full schedule can run from roughly early morning to early evening. One departure began around 6:40 a.m. and returned close to 6 p.m. That is a long day, so do not book it immediately before an airport transfer or a night when you need a quiet evening.

At the marina, you board the yacht and begin with about 45 minutes of cruising across the Red Sea. This first stretch gives you time to settle in, find a seat, and start using the all-day drink and snack service.

Orange Bay gives you the postcard moment

Orange Bay is the most photogenic stop. Expect pale sand, shallow clear water, and simple places to sit or stretch out. The island has a relaxed, tropical feel, and the first arrival of the morning can be especially pleasant because the beach may still be quiet.

You get about 75 minutes here. That is long enough for photographs, a swim, and some time on the sand, but not enough for a slow beach day. One of the clearest cautions from this trip is that the island visit can feel short if Orange Bay is your main reason for booking.

If you want to buy something on the island, bring cash. Drinks and snacks there are not part of the all-inclusive boat service, and prices can be higher than on the yacht. The boat provides fresh juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks throughout the day, so you do not need to buy anything at the island to stay refreshed.

The timing of this stop is one of the smart parts of the route. Reaching Orange Bay early gives you the best chance of enjoying the sand before the main crowd arrives. If your priority is quiet beaches, you should focus on this early visit and accept that the reef stops are the bigger part of the day.

Small Giftun puts the Red Sea underwater

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to Small Giftun for about 45 minutes of snorkeling. This is where the trip shifts from beach scenery to marine life.

The water is described as clear, with coral reefs and many kinds of fish. Guides are available to lead the group and point out fish and other sea life. Rays, turtles, sea angels, and dolphins are listed as possible sightings, but they are wild animals, not guaranteed attractions. You might see them, or you might spend the whole stop watching smaller fish move over the reef.

The crew’s help is important here. First-time snorkelers have been given close support, and non-swimmers have used life vests while staying near the guides. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or flotation aid.

If you are uneasy in open water, tell the crew before entering. You can also stay aboard and sunbathe while others snorkel. This flexibility makes the trip useful for mixed groups, including people who want reef views but do not want to swim.

The program also offers an optional scuba session for an additional fee. The included activity is snorkeling, so confirm the current price and exact arrangement before you commit to the underwater upgrade. Names connected with the crew include Ibrahim, who has helped guests look closely at fish and coral, and instructors who have supported first-time scuba participants.

Lunch arrives between the two reef stops

Lunch is served aboard the yacht after the first reef stop. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four types of salad, and bread. Three kinds of local fruit are also included.

This is practical food for an active day rather than fine dining. You can return for more, and the selection gives you a reasonable choice if you prefer meat, fish, vegetables, or simple rice and pasta. Several people specifically appreciated the fresh variety and the way the staff handled food needs.

Fresh juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are available all day under the included plan. That is a real value point. A full day in the sun can become expensive when every bottle and snack costs extra, but here your basic refreshments are covered.

One fair note: the food is prepared for a boat buffet, not ordered from a restaurant menu. Some dishes may be less crisp after holding, particularly fried or oven-cooked items. Still, the range and unlimited drinks make lunch stronger than the usual basic sandwich stop.

Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī brings a second look at the reef

The second snorkeling stop lasts about 45 minutes at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī. Having two separate reef stops is one of the best features of the schedule.

Water conditions, light, and fish activity can vary from one site to another. If the first stop is busy or the water is not at its clearest, the second gives you another chance. It also lets you get more comfortable with the mask and fins instead of treating snorkeling as a single rushed attempt.

The guides can point out fish and coral, which makes the stop more rewarding than simply jumping in and floating around. You should still keep expectations sensible. This is a sightseeing snorkel, not a scientific reef expedition, and marine life cannot be promised on a timetable.

The trip lists dolphins, turtles, rays, and sea angels among possible sightings. A few departures have had dolphin encounters, but you should treat that as luck. The reliable attraction is the clear Red Sea water and the chance to see colorful fish over coral.

Banana boats, massage, and the ride back

After the second reef stop, the group heads to Magawish Island for about 45 minutes of water sports. The advertised activity is a banana boat ride, and the trip may also include a large inflatable ride. These are short, playful runs rather than a full water-sports session.

This part suits you if you want a little speed and laughter after the quieter snorkeling stops. If you prefer to avoid being pulled through the water, you can sit this out and enjoy the boat or island surroundings. Ask the crew what is running that day, since the exact water-sports setup can vary.

The massage is included for each person aboard. Think of it as a short relaxation treatment during the cruise, not a spa appointment with a private room and a long menu of options. Still, after sun, swimming, and a buffet lunch, a brief massage is a welcome extra that many boat trips do not include.

The final Red Sea cruise lasts about 30 minutes before you return to the marina. Then the van takes you back to one of the five drop-off areas: El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Makadi Bay, or Safaga.

How the crew shapes the day

The strongest part of this experience is the crew’s hands-on service. Names associated with different departures include Andrew, Fox, Jaser, Salam, Ibrahim, and Bilal, with roles ranging from guiding and snorkeling support to photography.

The most useful help comes in the water. Crew members assist with equipment, explain the activities, and keep an eye on people who are new to snorkeling. Families and solo visitors can also find the atmosphere welcoming, with several people noting that they were included rather than left to fend for themselves.

Service is not perfectly uniform on every day. One person had an uncomfortable exchange with a crew member about entering the dining area while wet to retrieve a towel. It is a small issue in a generally warm service picture, but it is a reminder to follow the boat’s instructions about wet areas and towels.

Photography is an optional extra, not part of the $53 price. A photographer may encourage posed shots and offer a package later. If you want photos, bring your own waterproof phone case or ask a friend to take pictures before deciding if the paid package is worth it.

Is $53 good value?

At $53 per person, this is strong value if you plan to use the full package. Your price includes hotel transfers, the guide, marine fees, taxes, yacht transport, two snorkeling stops, equipment, a life vest, Orange Bay, lunch, fruit, snacks, drinks, hot beverages, and a massage.

The value is even clearer if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, a boat trip, reef access, food, and water sports. Optional scuba costs extra, and island purchases and photography are not included, so keep some cash with you.

The price is less compelling if you want only Orange Bay. You are paying for the long boat day and the bundle of activities. For a quiet beach visit with minimal time on the water, choose a shorter island trip instead.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 606 reviews, which matches the repeated praise for crew service, organization, food, and snorkeling. I would still read the schedule carefully: a high rating does not change the fact that this is a long, active day with an early start.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full Red Sea day with plenty to do and a clear price. It is especially suitable for first-time snorkelers, families with older children who can follow water-safety instructions, couples, solo visitors, and groups with mixed interests.

You do not have to participate in every activity. You can snorkel once, skip the second stop, sit out the banana boat, or stay on the yacht while others enter the water. That makes the schedule easier for a mixed group.

I would hesitate if you have limited mobility, dislike boats, or want a peaceful island retreat. The repeated transfers, boarding steps, early pickup, and full schedule may feel tiring. The sea can also feel cool in the morning, so pack a light layer even in warm months.

Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and cash. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch if you want your own photos, and bring a jacket for the early ride. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still moving.

Should you book it?

Book this Royal Luxury VIP Cruise if your ideal day includes clear water, coral, fish, a sandy island, buffet food, drinks, and a few playful extras. The two reef stops and attentive water support are the main reasons to choose it, while the massage and included refreshments add genuine value.

Skip it if Orange Bay alone is your goal or if eight and a half hours on a boat sounds too long. For most active visitors based around Hurghada, though, $53 buys a generous day with a good balance of relaxation and action.

FAQ

How long does the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours. Pickup and drop-off transfers are included, with the exact day length depending on your hotel location and start time.

Where is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available in Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. Return transportation is available to the same five areas.

Is Orange Bay included?

Yes. The itinerary includes about 75 minutes at Orange Bay Island.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. They take place at Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, with about 45 minutes scheduled at each location.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life vest are included.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is an open buffet with fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four kinds of salad, and bread. Fresh juices, three kinds of local fruit, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are included throughout the day.

Is scuba included in the $53 price?

No. The included water activity is snorkeling. An additional scuba option may be offered during the trip, so ask the crew for the current cost.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should also be ready for boat boarding, water activities, and a long day with several stops.