Orange Bay Snorkelling Cruise with Try Dive and Massage Makadi Bay

From Makadi Bay to the boat

The day begins early, with hotel pickup at around half past seven from Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh and Safaga, or from hotels in Hurghada if you choose the second option. The transfer takes you to the harbour in Hurghada, where the boat leaves for the sea, and the time on the road depends on where your resort is.

Many guests ask how to get to Orange Bay from Makadi Bay: the island can only be reached by boat, so a cruise with included transfers is the simplest way. Once aboard, the crew welcome you with hot and soft drinks, explain the safety rules and the plan for the day, and you sail across the Red Sea toward the island while you relax on deck.

Orange Bay Island

Orange Bay is a small island off Hurghada, in the protected marine area of the Giftun Islands, known for its long strip of white sand, shallow turquoise water and gentle swimming conditions. It is one of the best-known beach stops on the Red Sea, and is often described as the most beautiful island day trip from Hurghada.

Visitors often ask whether Orange Bay is worth visiting, and the answer is the combination of beach and reef: you can lie on the sand, swim in calm water, snorkel from the shore or take part in the activities of the day. Time ashore is relaxed and unhurried, and the marine fee for the protected area is included in your cruise.

Snorkelling on the coral reefs

The reefs of the Giftun area are among the healthiest on the Hurghada coast, with coral gardens close to the surface and shoals of colourful fish. Snorkelling gear and life jackets are provided, which makes the activity easy even for beginners and for anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

With a mask on you may see parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, anemonefish and sometimes lionfish or moray eels among the corals. Please do not touch or stand on the reef, which is fragile and protected, and keep your fins away from the corals. The crew stay close to the group and guide you to the best spots for the conditions on the day, so you spend your snorkelling time where the water is clearest.

The introductory dive

The cruise includes an introductory scuba dive, often called a try dive, for guests with no diving certificate. An instructor gives a short briefing on breathing and signals, fits the equipment and stays with you throughout the dive, which takes place in shallow water over the reef.

It is a good way to see the Red Sea from underwater without a long course, and many guests say it is the highlight of the day. You must be in reasonable health and feel comfortable in water, and the instructor decides whether the conditions are right. If you prefer to stay on the surface, you can snorkel instead and keep the diving for another day. Depth, duration and exact site depend on the sea conditions and the instructor's judgement.

Massage, lunch and the return

Between the swims, the day includes a massage, a pleasant way to relax in the sun after the water. An open buffet lunch is served on board, with snacks and unlimited water, soft drinks and hot drinks during the day, so you do not need to bring food.

In the afternoon the boat sails back to Hurghada, you rest on deck and watch the coast come into view, and the transfer takes you back to your hotel. The best time for an Orange Bay trip is from spring to autumn, when the sea is warm and the weather is calm, though the water is pleasant for snorkelling most of the year.