The Red Sea in one easy day. I love the two guided snorkeling stops and the massage included during the cruise, and there’s a downside: you won’t have constant swimming time, since the schedule builds in beach, lunch, and ride breaks. For most people that rhythm is a feature, not a bug.

This trip feels designed for real relaxation on a comfortable yacht: hotel pickup, soft drinks and hot drinks onboard, snorkel gear, and a proper lunch buffet. I’d call out one more consideration for planning—bring cash, since the day includes extra fun like water sports and you may want to handle small on-site payments without stress.

Key things to know before you book

• Two snorkeling spots with included gear: you get set up with equipment and a guide to help you find the best areas
• Orange Bay Island time on the beach: you’re not only snorkeling; there’s real downtime built in
• Lunch buffet with fish and BBQ plus salads: a proper meal stops you having to hunt for food
• Massage while sailing: a rare add-on in this price range
• A calmer day at sea than you might expect: reports highlight plenty of space on the boat
• Water fun included: the banana boat ride is part of the package

Orange Bay and Giftun Island: why this day-trip feels worth the money

Hurghada day cruises can blur together. This one stands out because it mixes three things people actually want: time at Orange Bay, serious snorkeling at Giftun, and comfort onboard (with extras like massage). For $53 per person for a full day, that combination is the core value: you’re paying for a guided marine experience plus food and included gear—not just transport.

Also, the trip is structured around the Red Sea’s main draw: clear water, coral scenery, and fish. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer. The guide helps you stay oriented in the water and points you toward where to snorkel.

One practical note: the schedule is built around good conditions, not nonstop motion. If your idea of a perfect day is 8 straight hours in the sea, you may find the breaks (beach time, lunch, sailing segments) feel slow. If you like a mix of swimming and downtime, it’s a sweet spot.

Getting from Hurghada and friends: pickup, timing, and why it matters

The day starts with hotel pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada, El Gouna, and Hurghada 1. You get help getting to the boat without having to figure out transport, which matters in Egypt’s busy road traffic.

In most cases, the activity provider contacts you the day before with the exact pickup time. Plan to be ready and waiting outside reception about 5 minutes before your agreed pickup window. That small prep step can save you from the most common day-trip annoyance: people missing the van because they were still showering or packing.

One limitation: pickup isn’t available from the Viva Blue Hotel. So if you’re staying there, you’ll want to confirm a meeting point or choose a different plan.

The yacht experience: comfort, drinks, and the crew vibe

You spend a big chunk of the day on the water, so the boat experience isn’t a small detail. This cruise is described as a comfortable, spacious yacht, and multiple people mention there was enough room for everyone rather than the usual squeeze that happens on some Red Sea boats.

Onboard, you get soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks. That sounds minor until you’re out on the water for hours and you realize how easy it is to get hungry or thirsty between activities. Here, you aren’t forced into a constant buy-something rhythm.

The crew tone also comes through in reviews. Names that show up include Andrew and Bassem. The overall pattern is consistent: staff stay helpful during snorkeling and keep things moving without rushing. That matters because snorkeling is where many day trips fall apart—people flounder, miss the best parts, or get separated. Here, you can expect someone to guide you through the snorkeling time, not just hand you a mask and wish you luck.

Orange Bay Island beach time: sun, swims, and simple on-the-ground rules

Orange Bay Island is your first major stop, with about 75 minutes for beach time. This is where the day shifts from boat ride to “Red Sea holiday” mode. You can relax onshore, or swim in the clearer, calmer water near the beach area.

Here’s what I think makes Orange Bay time valuable: it gives you recovery time. After you’ve been in the water for snorkeling later, you’ll appreciate a chunk of the day where you’re not stuck figuring out current, breath timing, and where to stand up safely.

Practical rules are straightforward:

• No touching marine life
• No touching plants

Those rules protect the reef and keep things respectful. It also means you’ll get more enjoyment from looking rather than feeling like you have to interact.

What to bring for this stop:

• Swimwear and a towel (and yes, you’re told to bring your own)
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Camera if you want to capture coral detail and fish flashes

Snorkeling at Giftun: two spots, guided help, and coral you’ll actually see

The trip includes snorkeling at two selected spots, both tied to the Giftun area and a second site later in the day. You’ll have snorkeling equipment included, so you don’t need to pack or rent gear.

The schedule includes a boat transfer segment and then snorkeling time. That layout matters because it reduces the chaos some cruises create. You aren’t just dropped in. There’s time to get your equipment ready and then get pointed toward the right areas.

What you’re looking for is exactly what makes Giftun famous: coral formations and lots of fish. The trip information specifically references over 500 kinds of fish and 125 kinds of coral. Even if you don’t see all of that in one day, you can expect variety in both coral structure and fish movement.

From reviews, one detail stands out: crew members accompany you in the water to help you find the important snorkeling zones. That’s huge for value. Without guidance, many people end up snorkeling the “wrong” side of a reef patch where visibility is worse or fish activity is lower. With a guide, you’re more likely to come away feeling like the time was used well.

One consideration: water days can mean different conditions. So if you’re the type who gets nervous in open water, go slow, keep your breathing steady, and stay close to your guide’s group.

The lunch stop: a real buffet (and why timing helps)

Lunch is included as part of the cruise, with a 45-minute lunch window on the water. The buffet includes salads, fish, and BBQ dishes, which is a smart mix. When you’re snorkeling and sun-exposed, your body needs both carbs and something substantial, not just fruit or snacks.

Timing helps too. Lunch happens after the first set of snorkeling and sailing segments, so you aren’t forced to eat before you’re ready or after you’re exhausted. It’s typically around the early afternoon, based on how the day flows, and that timing lines up with the most common thing I see on beach days: if you skip breakfast or you only ate a light snack, you’ll be glad lunch arrives when it does.

One useful tip from people who booked: if you’re the sort who needs a little early fuel, it can help to bring a breakfast box (your own snack box) so the first sailing portion doesn’t leave you starving. Even though snacks are onboard, not everyone finds them filling enough.

Massage on the water: the rare add-on that changes the feel of the day

A big reason this cruise earns such high marks is the massage. It’s included, and the info describes it as a soothing session while you sail calm waters.

I love add-ons like this because they do two things:

1. They break up the day after snorkeling and sun exposure.
2. They turn a “tour” into a “reset.”

Is it instant healing or a medical service? No details are provided about duration or specific massage style. But the key point you can rely on is that the cruise includes massage time as part of the experience, not as a surprise extra you have to pay for.

Water fun with the banana boat ride: a thrill moment in the schedule

The itinerary includes a banana boat ride with a 45-minute slot. That’s a classic Red Sea add-on because it adds energy after quieter snorkeling and lunch. It also helps make the day feel less like a sequence of “sit, swim, sit, swim.”

Just be sure to keep your belongings secure. If you’re bringing your phone or camera, you’ll want a simple plan for protecting them during water activities. The trip information doesn’t spell out storage details, so using common-sense waterproofing (and keeping items minimal) is the safest approach.

What this $53 price covers (and what that means for your day)

At $53 per person, you’re not only paying for two snorkeling swims. Included basics that usually cost extra on other tours include:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Guide
• Soft drinks and hot drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch buffet (fish and BBQ plus salads)
• Natural reserve entry fee
• Massage
• Visit to Orange Bay
• Two snorkeling spots
• Skip-the-line entrance via a separate entrance
• Snacks
• Taxes

That’s why this price can feel like value rather than bargain confusion. The “real cost” of day cruises is often the add-ons: gear rental, reef fees, meal upgrades, and guide fees. Here, those pieces are already folded in.

Still, one factor to keep in mind: you should come prepared for a relaxing day at sea. If you want tight turns, constant thrills, and zero downtime, you might find a full-day cruise isn’t your style. But if you want a smooth, guided Red Sea day with built-in recovery time, it’s a fair deal.

Who should book this cruise from Royal Cruise Hurghada?

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want a full-day yacht trip with both beach time and snorkeling
• Like having an included lunch buffet instead of buying food on your own
• Appreciate a guide in the water, especially if you’re not sure where to snorkel
• Want a day that includes both relaxation and one active moment (banana boat ride)
• Prefer a boat experience where you expect space for everyone

It may not be ideal if you:

• Want a super fast schedule with no beach or lunch downtime
• Hate any plan that includes waiting around between swim segments
• Are sensitive to sun and don’t plan to use sunscreen, a hat, and shade breaks

Should you book? My practical verdict

If you’re deciding between a basic boat day and a more “package-style” Red Sea outing, I’d choose this one for the balance. The headline reasons are simple: Orange Bay beach time, two snorkeling stops with gear, and a included massage—all wrapped into a schedule that isn’t described as overcrowded.

Book it if your goal is an easy, guided day where you can enjoy the reef without doing the logistics work. I’d only hesitate if you’re the type who needs nonstop action. For everyone else, this feels like a solid way to spend a day in Hurghada.

FAQ

What’s included in the cruise?

It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, snorkeling equipment, lunch buffet (fish, BBQ, salads), two snorkeling spots, Orange Bay island visit, massage, soft and hot drinks, snacks, and the natural reserve entry fee.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

There are two snorkeling spots included during the day.

Is lunch included, and what’s it like?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet with a variety of salads and BBQ dishes, and it also includes fish.

Do I need to bring my own towels and swimwear?

Yes. The guidance specifically notes that you should bring your own towels and swimwear.

What languages is the guide available in?

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

Is pickup included from Hurghada and nearby areas?

Yes. Pickup options include Makadi Bay, Safaga, Hurghada 1, El Gouna, and Hurghada, and drop-off is available in Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, Hurghada 1, and El Gouna. Pickup is not available from Viva Blue Hotel.