Giftun Island and its famous Orange Bay are must-visit spots for anyone in Hurghada. These pristine Red Sea destinations are often marketed together as Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada tours. Blessed with crystal-clear shallow waters and vibrant coral reefs, they are paradise for snorkelers and sunbathers. On a typical trip, you’ll board a boat from Hurghada and cruise to Giftun’s sun-drenched beaches, pausing to explore underwater life. In this guide, we’ll explain why Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada tours are so popular.

Discovering Giftun Island National Park

Giftun Island is actually two islands (Big Giftun and Little Giftun) just off Hurghada’s coast. The waters around them are a protected marine park with an abundance of colorful coral and fish. Snorkeling on Giftun Island’s reefs is easy: guides pick a calm, shallow bay and you swim above warm 5–10 meter deep reefs.

It’s common to see parrotfish, clownfish, and butterflyfish darting among the coral. Many Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada tours include snorkeling gear and a guide to show you the best spots. The beaches are surrounded by clear shallow water – excellent for snorkeling and swimming too.

One highlight of Giftun Island is Orange Bay, a small bay on the east side of the island with powdery white sand and clear turquoise water. Orange Bay Hurghada is famous for its gentle waves and stunning views. You can relax on the sand under a parasol, or venture into the shallow lagoon to snorkel over the reef.

The water at Orange Bay is often as calm as a swimming pool, making it perfect for families and kids. Refreshing vendors sometimes walk by on boats selling cold drinks and snacks to keep you cool. If the weather is windy, boats may land on nearby beaches instead, but rest assured every Giftun beach is beautiful.

What to Expect on Your Boat Trip

Most trips to Giftun Island depart Hurghada in the morning. The boat ride takes 30–60 minutes, often with free soft drinks or tea served while you enjoy the view. On arrival, you’ll have several hours on the island. Guides typically serve an open buffet lunch of Egyptian dishes and fresh fruit on board or on the beach.

After eating, it’s time to swim and snorkel. Boats usually anchor in two or three spots around Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada, giving you plenty of time to explore the vibrant coral reefs. Tours normally provide all snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel). If you don’t want to snorkel, you can still enjoy the ride—glass-bottom boat tours are often available during the trip, allowing you to see the rich marine life around Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada without getting wet.

For families, life jackets are offered for children, making Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada a safe and enjoyable destination for all ages. Be sure to bring sunscreen and towels, though—even in the shade, the tropical sun is intense. Corals can be sharp, so avoid standing on them; water shoes are a good idea when exploring. Some people even hand-feed the fish under a guide’s supervision—a fun and interactive experience if available.

Tips for Visiting Orange Bay

Orange Bay (sometimes called Paradise Island Beach) is the most popular stop on Giftun. The sandy beach here is lined with straw umbrellas and sunbeds. Here are some tips:

1. Timing: Boats arrive mid-morning and leave late afternoon. Aim to snorkel first, when fish are most active, and relax on the beach later in the day.
2. Snorkeling: The bay itself has shallow reef edges. If you swim a little further out (10–20 meters), you’ll find better coral in 3–5 meter deep water. Look for colorful fish and maybe even a sea turtle in the deeper parts.
3. Shade: Rent an umbrella or hut on the beach early – popular spots fill up fast.
4. Amenities: There are no lifeguards on Giftun, so stay near the boat or in a group. Drink plenty of water; some tours provide it, but others don’t.

A boat excursion usually lasts 6–8 hours. The trip often includes stops at one or two other snorkeling spots on Giftun Island, but Orange Bay is the highlight. Sola Travel even offers personalized Giftun/Orange Bay trips with extra photo stops and underwater camera service.

Getting There and Booking

Getting there

All access to Giftun Island and Orange Bay is by boat. You can join a group speedboat or traditional dhow excursion, or book a private cruise. The trip departs from Hurghada Marina or the old town harbor. Most Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada tours include round-trip hotel transfer, boat ride, lunch, and snorkeling gear.

Booking

Sola Travel offers a variety of Giftun/Orange Bay tours. Some options include standard snorkeling trips, family boat cruises, or romantic sunset snorkeling (with evening pick-up). Prices vary by boat type (smaller boats are quieter and faster; larger boats have more amenities).

Safety

Operators follow marine park rules, including limits on the number of boats visiting Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada. Life jackets and guides are present for safety, and all participants receive a briefing before snorkeling begins. Because Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada is a protected area, divers and snorkelers are advised not to touch the coral or remove anything from the reef. Enjoy the vibrant underwater sights while helping preserve the natural beauty of this Red Sea treasure.

FAQ about giftun island orange bay hurghada​

Can I visit both Giftun Island and Orange Bay on the same tour?

Yes. Orange Bay is part of Giftun Island. All tours to Giftun automatically include stopping at Orange Bay beach. You’ll spend time snorkeling and relaxing there on every trip.

How deep are the waters around Orange Bay?

The bay slopes gently. Near the sand, water is only about 0.5–1 meter deep. A short swim out (20–30 m) reaches depths of 3–5 meters, ideal for snorkeling coral gardens.

What wildlife can I see at Giftun Island?

 Giftun’s reefs are rich with tropical fish. Snorkelers often spot clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. If you’re lucky, you might see a sea turtle or octopus. The park is also a bird sanctuary, so look out for egrets and seagulls on land.

Are Giftun Island and Orange Bay the same place?

Orange Bay is the eastern beach area of Giftun Island. The term Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada usually refers to the combined tour of the island’s beaches.

Ready for a tropical getaway? Book your Giftun Island Orange Bay Hurghada tour with Sola Travel and enjoy an unforgettable day on the Red Sea!