Yacht to 2 Islands with Dolphins and Snorkelling Makadi Bay

From Makadi Bay to the yacht

Makadi Bay lies about thirty kilometres south of Hurghada, so this yacht day trip starts with a comfortable road transfer to the marina where you board. Pickup details are sent by message the evening before, and the shared bus collects guests from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and El Gouna.

Once on board the crew gives a short safety talk and serves breakfast snacks while the yacht leaves the harbour. If you are searching for a yacht trip to 2 islands from Makadi Bay, this is the format: one boat, one relaxed route, and no need to arrange tickets or transport yourself. Pickup times for the long-range areas can vary by around ninety minutes either way, so keep your phone close and be at the main entrance early.

Orange Bay Island

Orange Bay lies on the sheltered side of the Giftun Islands, a protected marine area off Hurghada. The water here is shallow and a vivid turquoise, the beach is pale sand, and the coral begins only a few strokes from the shore. It is the island most guests remember, thanks to its colours and the calm, clear swimming.

Visitors often ask whether Orange Bay is worth visiting. On a sunny day, yes: it is easy to enter the water, children can paddle safely near the shore, and the shallow lagoon makes the sea look almost white. Your guide gives time for swimming, photos and a walk along the sand before the next stop.

Magawish Island

Magawish is a small island close to the coast south of Hurghada, ringed by a sheltered reef that suits first-time snorkellers. The depth is shallow and the visibility is usually good, so you can float over coral heads and see schools of small reef fish without any strong current.

This is a calm place to practise with your mask and fins before the longer reef stop. A snorkelling guide stays with the group, checks that everyone is comfortable with the life jacket, and points out what to look for, from parrotfish to anemonefish hiding among the anemones. A short rest on the boat between sessions gives you time to dry off, drink water and decide which reef you liked best.

Snorkelling the Red Sea reefs

Both snorkelling stops are chosen for clear water and healthy coral. The Red Sea is known for warm temperatures and reef formations close to the surface, so you do not need to dive deep to see colourful fish, soft corals and the patterns of hard coral. Equipment is included, and the guide helps with technique if you are new.

Please remember that the reefs are protected. Do not touch or stand on the coral, and do not feed the fish. The best time for snorkelling is usually mid-morning to early afternoon, when the sun is high and light reaches the bottom, which is exactly when this schedule puts you in the water.

Dolphins and life on board the yacht

Spinner and bottlenose dolphins live in the open waters off Hurghada, and the crew keeps an eye out as the yacht crosses between the islands. Sightings are a bonus rather than a promise, because the animals are wild and move with the fish. If dolphins appear, the captain slows down and keeps a respectful distance.

Between stops you can relax on the shaded seating, listen to music from the on-board sound system or enjoy the sun on deck. The seafood lunch is served on board, and fresh fruit, soft drinks and hot drinks are on offer through the day, so the trip works well for families as well as couples.