Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is the star here: powdery sand, clear shallows, and a short taste of island life before you return to the yacht. The day also includes two snorkel stops, a buffet lunch, a massage, and a banana boat ride, so you get far more than a simple boat transfer.

I like the small-group feel and the crew’s hands-on care, especially for first-time snorkelers and children. I also like the generous all-day food and drink service, with hot drinks, juices, soft drinks, snacks, fruit, and a proper lunch rather than a token sandwich.

The main drawback is time. This is a long 510-minute day, yet Orange Bay receives only about 75 minutes, and much of the schedule is spent moving between stops. The boat is comfortable, but this is still a busy activity day, not a quiet sail.

What makes this Red Sea day worthwhile

• Orange Bay early in the day: Clear water, soft sand, and a better chance of enjoying the island before it fills up.
• Two separate snorkel stops: Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī give you two chances to see coral and fish.
• Careful water support: Snorkel guides help beginners and non-swimmers, with life vests and equipment supplied.
• A real lunch on board: Fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, salads, bread, and fruit are included.
• Luxury extras included: Your day includes a massage, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and a banana boat ride.
• Pickup from five resort areas: Transport is available from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

A long day that begins at your hotel

The experience lasts about 8 hours and 30 minutes, though the exact pickup time depends on your resort. The advertised pickup areas cover the main resort zones around Hurghada, and the transfer by air-conditioned van takes about 30 minutes each way.

You receive the pickup details one day before the trip. Wait outside your hotel reception about five minutes before the agreed time. This small point matters because resort entrances can be busy, and the van will not be looking for you inside the lobby.

The day may begin early. One departure described a pickup at 6:40 a.m. and a return around 6:00 p.m. Bring a light jacket or hoodie in cooler months. The morning breeze can feel chilly before the sun gets strong, while the same breeze becomes welcome later in the day.

At the marina, you board the yacht for a 45-minute cruise across the Red Sea. The boat is described as clean and spacious, with room to sit, relax, eat, and dry off between activities. It is marketed as a luxury yacht, but keep your expectations sensible: you are still sharing a working excursion boat with other people and a full program to keep on time.

Orange Bay, your first island stop

Orange Bay receives about 75 minutes, making it the longest single stop on the schedule. That sounds generous until you factor in getting ashore, finding a place to settle, taking photos, and enjoying the water.

The appeal is easy to understand. The island offers pale sand and clear, shallow water with a relaxed tropical feel. Several people who arrived early found the beach especially peaceful before larger groups appeared. If photos matter to you, this is the best place to use your phone, provided it has a waterproof case.

I would treat Orange Bay as a scenic break, not a full beach day. You have enough time to swim, sit, and take pictures, but not enough time to wander slowly or spend several hours in one chair. Some island food and drinks are available for an extra charge, but you already have food and beverages included on the yacht, so there is little reason to spend much there unless you want something special.

Snorkeling at Small Giftun

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to Small Giftun for about 45 minutes of snorkeling. This is one of the most valuable parts of the day because the Red Sea is not just about the view from the boat. Its coral reefs and fish are the main reason to bring a mask.

The crew supplies snorkeling equipment and life vests. Guides stay involved in the water, pointing out fish and helping people who feel nervous. This is useful if you cannot swim confidently. One participant who openly said they could not swim received close assistance, and several first-time snorkelers felt comfortable enough to take part.

You should still be comfortable entering the sea with support. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the boat schedule means you need to get in and out of the water with the group. If you prefer not to snorkel, you can remain on board and sunbathe or watch the activity.

Sea life can include many colorful fish and coral formations. Rays, turtles, sea angels, and dolphins are listed as possible sightings, not guaranteed ones. Dolphins were seen on some departures, but wildlife is never on a timetable. The best approach is to enjoy the reef itself and regard larger animals as a bonus.

Lunch with a view of the Red Sea

Lunch is served on board during a 45-minute stop in the Red Sea. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four salads, bread, and three kinds of local fruit.

That is a useful spread after a morning in the water. You can return for more, and the food is designed to suit different tastes rather than forcing everyone into one dish. Fresh juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are available throughout the day.

The food receives particularly strong praise, though expectations should remain practical. It is boat-trip buffet food, not a restaurant meal prepared to order. One note from the trip details indicates that some dishes may not be cooked directly on board, so items may not have the crisp texture you expect from a freshly served restaurant plate.

If you have an allergy, tell the crew before serving yourself. The crew has been described as accommodating, but the supplied information does not provide a formal allergy menu. Cash is worth carrying for personal purchases, tips, or extras.

A second reef at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī

The second 45-minute snorkeling stop is at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī. Having two water stops is better than one rushed swim because conditions, visibility, and your own confidence can change during the day.

The first stop lets you learn how the equipment feels and get used to the water. By the second, you may be more relaxed and ready to spend time looking closely at coral and fish. Guide Ibrahim has been singled out for taking time to show unusual fish and explain what you are seeing. Other named crew members include Andrew, Jaser, Fox, and Salam, though the exact team depends on the departure.

The snorkeling is not simply a quick jump overboard and float. The guides try to keep the group together, support beginners, and make the underwater visit more informative. Even if you stay dry, you can use this time to relax on deck while the active part of the group is in the water.

Banana boat fun at Magawish Island

After lunch and the second reef stop, the schedule moves to Magawish Island for about 45 minutes of water sports. The included activity is a banana boat ride, with a large inflatable ride also mentioned in the trip details.

This is the liveliest part of the day. The rides can be short, so do not expect a full theme-park session. Their value is that they add a burst of fun after the slower reef stops and before the return cruise.

If you have children in your group, the crew’s attention to safety is important. One family-focused account described the staff as helpful with children and careful about safety measures. Still, water sports require a basic level of comfort with motion and being in the sea. Ask the crew about the ride if you have concerns before boarding.

The massage and all-day service

The included massage is a pleasant extra, especially after swimming and sitting in the sun. It is best viewed as a short relaxation treatment rather than a full spa appointment. The exact length and style are not specified, so do not book this expecting a long professional therapy session.

The food and drink service helps explain the price. You receive soft drinks, fresh juices, tea, coffee, snacks, and local fruit through the day, with lunch included. For a full-day trip, that saves you from buying refreshments at each stop.

The crew is another major part of the experience. Multiple accounts describe the staff as attentive, friendly, and willing to help people into the water or with equipment. A few comments also point to occasional uneven communication between crew members. One person found a staff interaction overly sharp when retrieving a towel, so the service is warm overall but not immune to a rough moment.

Is $53 good value?

At $53 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day with many included extras. The price covers hotel transfers, marine fees, guide service, equipment, life vest, Orange Bay, two snorkeling stops, lunch, drinks, snacks, fruit, massage, and the banana boat ride.

Comparable days can become expensive once you add transfers, food, water activities, and equipment separately. Here, most of the cost is settled in advance. That makes the experience particularly useful for families and first-time visitors who want one organized Red Sea day without arranging several providers.

Scuba participation may be offered for an additional fee on the day, but it is not part of the base price. If that matters to you, ask for the current cost before committing. Some people considered the extra session the highlight, while others were perfectly happy with snorkeling.

The optional photography service is another cost to watch. A photographer may be on board, and photos can cost considerably more than expected. You can usually take your own pictures, so decide in advance how much you are willing to spend.

Who should book this yacht trip?

I would choose this for you if you want a packed water day with plenty of support. It suits first-time snorkelers, families, solo visitors, and anyone who likes having transport, meals, equipment, and activities handled in one booking.

It also works for people who do not want to spend every minute in the sea. You can sit on the yacht, eat, enjoy the views, have the massage, or relax at Orange Bay while others snorkel.

I would hesitate if your priority is a quiet sailing trip or a long stay on the island. The day includes several transfers between stops, and the Orange Bay visit is limited. People with mobility impairments should also choose another activity because the program involves a van, yacht boarding, beach access, swimming, and inflatable water rides.

The group is described as small, which helps the crew give personal attention. Still, you are following a set schedule, so punctuality matters at every stop.

Practical things to pack

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and cash. A waterproof phone case is a sensible addition for Orange Bay and the reef stops, though it is not listed as required.

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a dry layer for the boat ride home. If you are visiting in winter or early spring, the morning can feel cool before the sun rises higher.

The trip is available with Arabic, English, German, and Russian-speaking guides. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Pickup and drop-off are offered in Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

Should you book it?

Book this Royal Luxury VIP Cruise if you want excellent value in a busy full-day package. Orange Bay gives you the postcard beach, the two reef stops provide the real Red Sea experience, and the lunch, drinks, massage, and water sports keep the day varied.

Do not book it expecting hours of solitude or a slow island escape. You will spend much of the day on a schedule, and the island visit is brief. For most people seeking an easy, active introduction to Hurghada’s coast, the mix is hard to beat at $53.

FAQ

How long does the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about 8 hours and 30 minutes. Travel time to and from the marina is included in the schedule.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. Drop-off is available in the same five areas.

Is hotel transfer included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and hotel drop-off are included. Pickup instructions are sent one day before the activity, and you should wait outside the reception five minutes before the agreed time.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Arabic, English, German, and Russian.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four salads, bread, and three kinds of local fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Fresh juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are included throughout the day.

Are snorkeling equipment and life vests provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included, along with two snorkeling stops by boat.

Is scuba included in the $53 price?

No. Scuba is not included in the stated base price. An additional scuba option may be available on the day, so ask the crew about the current fee.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light jacket or hoodie can also be useful for the early boat ride, especially during cooler months.