Giftun islands plus dolphins is a great combo. This Hurghada tour mixes a fast dolphins search with three snorkel stops in Red Sea waters, plus beach time on multiple islands. I like the way the day is paced—short, focused chunks of water time—so you’re not stuck wasting hours on the boat. I also really like the practical setup, from snorkeling gear to the packed lunch.

One catch: dolphin sightings are never guaranteed since the search happens in the dolphins’ natural habitat. If weather changes the plan, the exact timing of activities can shift a bit too—so go with a flexible mindset.

Key points to know before you go

• Orange Bay timing: You get about an hour there, before crowds arrive.
• Nemo Island is calmer: Another hour on a smaller, quieter island feel.
• Dolphin search is the “may happen” part: You’ll search for roughly 15–30 minutes.
• Three snorkel stops: Each is about 35 minutes, with equipment included.
• Abo Monkar sandbank + Magawish: Beach time on both, with a sandbank stop in between.
• Optional parasailing: If you add it, it’s a short 5-minute flight.

Hurghada Giftun island hopping: what makes this day different

This isn’t a “sit on the water and hope” cruise. The plan is built around a classic Red Sea rhythm: island time first, then water time, then a bit of beach-and-sandbank wandering before heading back. Even better, you get hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, plus a speedboat cruise—so you spend your morning moving, not waiting.

For value, I like that your ticket covers more than transportation. You’re also paying for island entrances, snorkeling gear, life jackets, a guide, and a lunch box with drinks and fruit. That means you can actually budget the day without surprise add-ons—other than optional extras like parasailing.

One small thing to keep expectations realistic: the dolphin portion is a real search. If dolphins aren’t around during that window, you still do the rest of the tour—snorkeling and islands—because the schedule doesn’t freeze waiting for wildlife.

Getting to the harbor: pickup timing that actually matters

Pickup is from your Hurghada hotel, and the meeting point is the main entrance by the road (not the reception gate area). The provider emails your pickup details at 10 pm the night before, so check your inbox the evening before you go.

They also stress a tight window: the activity provider can wait no more than 5 minutes. In practice, this means you should plan to be ready early. If your hotel is doing a late-call scramble, you’ll feel it on a speedboat day.

If you’re booking a longer-distance pickup (Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay), that’s available as an add-on during checkout. If you’re already in central Hurghada, you’ll avoid that extra log-jam.

Orange Bay first: an hour with the calm version of Giftun

Orange Bay is one of the big stops, and the timing is the point. You’ll get about 1 hour there to enjoy the water and the shoreline before the bigger crowd wave shows up.

What makes Orange Bay worth it is the “start strong” feel. You’re fresh, you haven’t snorkeled yet, and you’re not tired from half a day of moving around. This is where you’ll likely want to:

• take a slow look at the water color near the shallows
• get a feel for wind and sun exposure before you commit to snorkeling later
• swim or relax at an easy pace, since you still have multiple stops ahead

The tour includes entrance to Orange Bay, mineral water, soft drinks, and the boat setup (life jackets and equipment). So when you reach the bay, you can focus on the experience, not logistics.

Nemo Beach: a quieter hour before the action

Next comes Nemo Island (often described as Nemo Beach in the way tours market it). You’ll have about 1 hour here as well.

This stop is about a different pace: island strolling, beach lounging, and getting in some “dry time” while the boat route keeps the day moving. If you like your beach breaks short but not rushed, this timing works.

Also, this is a good moment to handle anything you might have forgotten earlier:

• adjust sunscreen before the water time ramps up
• make sure your towel is ready for after snorkeling
• use the shaded areas on the boat when you need a reset

The tour includes entrance to Nemo Island, so you’re not paying local access fees separately.

The dolphin hunt: how it works and how to handle it

Then you hit the highlight for wildlife lovers: the dolphin search.

Here’s what you can count on:

• You’ll spend roughly 15 to 30 minutes looking for dolphins.
• The search is done in their natural habitat, so dolphins are not guaranteed.

In other words, you’re not paying for a show. You’re paying for a real hunt, with the hope that dolphins are nearby when your boat arrives.

On a good day, you may even get the chance to swim alongside dolphins (timing depends on what the crew sees and what’s safe in the moment). I like the honesty in the structure: if dolphins aren’t spotted, you still keep the plan moving so you don’t lose the whole day.

One practical tip: keep your eyes up even when you’re not in the center of attention. Speedboat days can mean quick scanning. When something shows, the crew usually wants people ready fast.

Three snorkeling stops: where the day turns into underwater time

After dolphins, the schedule shifts to snorkeling. You’ll have three snorkeling stops, each about 35 minutes (the schedule notes these are approximate and can vary between roughly 30–40 minutes depending on conditions).

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a guide. That matters because good gear fit and safe buoyancy make a bigger difference than people think.

What you might see

You’re snorkeling in Red Sea waters around the Giftun island area, and that’s where the best payoffs usually come from:

• lots of colorful fish around the reefs
• rays spotted during snorkeling time
• chances to see lionfish (if conditions and location line up)
• occasional sea turtle sightings in the same waters at snorkel areas

One review also mentioned a shipwreck being impressive during snorkeling. The exact stop where you see it can vary, but the takeaway is useful: when you’re in the water, keep an eye out for man-made shapes or structure near the reef area.

Two things I recommend you do for best results:

• Spend your first minute settling in—don’t sprint for fish. The best sightings happen once your breathing and floating are calm.
• Watch the guide’s signals. On these trips, the crew knows where the interesting water is, and they’ll steer you accordingly.

Abo Monkar sandbank: that “step-out” moment

After snorkeling, you’ll head to Abo Monkar (sandbank). This is the kind of stop that feels short but memorable because it’s visually different from reef snorkeling.

A sandbank day usually means you can:

• walk and take photos where the water looks shallow and clear
• relax on the sand after time in the water
• let your body cool down before the next island portion

The tour includes this stop as part of the itinerary, so you don’t have to pay separately to access it.

Magawish Island hour: beach time to balance the water time

Next is Magawish Island, with about 1 hour to enjoy the atmosphere and beaches.

This is where the day gets “holiday-simple.” No big tasks. No scramble between equipment and water. Just time to sit, sunbathe, and enjoy the views while your body comes down from snorkeling mode.

It also helps with pacing. Without stops like this, island-hopping tours can feel like nonstop effort. Magawish gives you an easy finish before the return cruise.

Lunch onboard: what’s in the box, and why that matters

You don’t just get lunch—you get a lunch box on the boat after the morning’s moving parts.

The meal is packed and includes:

• sandwich (turkey, cheese, roast beef, pickles)
• juice

And you’re also provided:

• mineral water
• soft drinks
• fresh seasonal fruits

I like this style of lunch because it keeps you from hunting for food in the middle of the day. Also, on speedboat tours, there’s no time to stop for a restaurant. Having your meal handled is part of what makes the day feel smooth.

If you’re picky about timing, you can use this tip: eat early and light during your island hours so you don’t feel heavy before snorkeling.

Boat comfort and safety: speedboat, shade, and life jackets

The tour runs on a speedboat, which is a big plus when you want multiple stops in one day. One nice detail is that the boat includes a shaded area (listed as Taneda), which is worth using. Sun can sneak up on you when you’re switching between island time and water time.

Safety-wise, you’ll have:

• life jackets
• a captain and guide
• snorkeling equipment
• guidance by experienced professionals

And you should know the obvious but important part: some activity isn’t ideal if you have back problems. The tour is marked as not suitable for people with back problems, which makes sense for speedboat motion and repeated boarding.

Optional parasailing: the short flight add-on

There’s an option to fly for up to 5 minutes so you can see the Red Sea from above. The included info labels this as parasailing 5 minutes if the add-on is selected.

This is worth considering if you want a visual break from snorkeling—especially if you’re the type who enjoys a view and photos. Keep in mind it’s an add-on, so decide based on your budget and energy level.

Price and value: is $53 a fair deal?

At about $53 per person, this tour looks like a good value if you compare what you’d otherwise pay for separately:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• speedboat cruise
• entrances to Orange Bay, Nemo Island, and Magawish
• access to Abo Monkar sandbank
• snorkeling equipment and 3 snorkeling stops
• guide and safety gear
• lunch box plus drinks and fruit

You’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re paying for time on islands, multiple water sessions, and the basics that make snorkeling possible.

That said, the only “value risk” is the dolphin hunt. Since dolphin sightings depend on real conditions, you’re paying for the search effort, not a guaranteed dolphin moment. If dolphins are your top priority, go with the mindset that snorkeling and island time are still the backbone of your day.

Who should book this tour (and who might skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• a packed day of island hopping in the Hurghada area
• multiple chances for underwater viewing (three snorkel stops)
• the chance—no promises—of dolphin sightings
• onboard lunch so you don’t lose time finding food

Skip it if:

• you have back problems
• you hate unpredictable wildlife outcomes (dolphins are not guaranteed)
• you strongly prefer long, slow beach time (this is a multi-stop structure)

One more practical note from what I’ve seen in similar formats: group size can vary. Some days may feel like a lively group on a luxury-style setup, and smaller groups can give you more guide attention. Either way, the guide’s job is to get everyone safe and pointed toward the best water.

Should you book Hurghada Dolphin, Snorkeling & Lunch?

If your idea of a perfect day is: boat, islands, snorkeling, and the possibility of dolphins, then this is a solid pick. The schedule is built to keep momentum, and the included gear + lunch make it feel like a finished plan rather than a vague excursion.

I’d book it if you’re comfortable with one uncertainty (dolphins) and you’re happy to let the guide run the timing. But if you only want dolphins and nothing else, you might feel disappointed when dolphins aren’t spotted that day.

FAQ

Where is pickup for this Hurghada tour?

Pickup is from your Hurghada hotel. The pick-up point is at the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not at the reception gate or reception area.

When will I receive pickup details?

Pickup details are sent by email at 10 pm the night before the trip.

Will I see dolphins for sure?

No. The tour searches for dolphins in their natural habitat, so dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

How long are the snorkeling stops?

There are three snorkeling stops, each about 35 minutes (activity times are approximate and may vary with weather and sightings).

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, along with life jackets.

What’s included for lunch?

Lunch is a packed meal served on the boat with a sandwich (turkey, cheese, roast beef, pickles) and juice, plus mineral water, soft drinks, and fresh seasonal fruits.

Is parasailing available?

Yes, there’s an option to add parasailing for 5 minutes, if you select the add-on.

What should I bring, and what isn’t allowed?

Bring cash and a towel. Pets are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It isn’t suitable for people with back problems. Also, the tour depends on weather and may adjust activity timing.