Hurghada: Luxury Giftun island w/snorkeling/lunch & Massage

Giftun Island is the star here, especially with an early start that can get you onto its sandy shore before the crowds. You can take beach photos, build sandcastles, or simply stretch out in the sun before heading to two Red Sea snorkeling sites.

I like the small touches of comfort, including unlimited water, soft and hot drinks, snacks, lunch, and a back massage. I also like the flexible pickup from six resort areas, with guides in four languages. The main consideration is the massage setup: it takes place on the upper deck, so some people may not feel comfortable being visible to others.

Key points to know

• Early access to Giftun Island: The first boat reaches the island at about 9 a.m., giving you a better chance of enjoying the beach with space around you.
• Two snorkeling stops: You get separate chances to see coral and Red Sea fish, with equipment and life vests supplied.
• Lunch is more than a snack: The buffet includes fish, chicken, grilled kofta, pasta, rice, oven vegetables, salads, fruit, and drinks.
• Andrew may assist German-speaking guests: He has been singled out for helpful German translation and attentive service.
• The $41 price covers a lot: Transfers, boat time, island entry, reserve fee, food, drinks, snorkeling gear, banana boat ride, and massage are included.
• The massage is public: If privacy matters to you, use the time for the second swim or relax on deck instead.

An early start gives Giftun Island its best chance

This eight-hour trip begins with hotel pickup from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, Safaga, or El Gouna. The exact pickup point and time arrive by WhatsApp or email one day before departure. Depending on hotel rules, you wait outside the reception or at the main gate.

The van ride is listed at about 45 minutes, followed by roughly 45 minutes on the Red Sea before reaching the island area. The early schedule matters. One February departure reached Orange Bay, on Giftun Island, at about 9 a.m., before the beach filled up. That is useful if you want clear photos, a quiet patch of sand, or a calmer start to the day.

Giftun is not just a quick photo stop. You have about 1.5 hours by boat in the island portion of the program, with time for sand, sun, and swimming. The supplied details specifically encourage beach time, sandcastles, and photos, so this part suits families and anyone who wants a break from constant activity.

Water temperatures can feel cool in the winter months. One January outing found the sea a little fresh for bathing, even though the beach atmosphere was excellent. Pack a towel, sunscreen, and a light jacket or long trousers for the cooler morning months. Badeshoes, or water shoes, are also a smart choice. One useful onboard detail is that street shoes may need to come off below deck, so footwear that is easy to remove helps.

Two snorkeling stops make the water time worthwhile

After Giftun Island, the yacht heads to a coral reef for the first snorkeling stop. A second stop follows later in the day, after lunch. Each water session lasts roughly 45 minutes in the published schedule, although one account describes two sessions of about 30 minutes each. In practical terms, expect two separate chances to see the reef rather than one long swim.

The Red Sea is the main reason to book this outing. The program is designed around clear water, coral formations, and colorful fish, with the possibility of seeing rays, sea turtles, sea angels, and dolphins. These sightings are natural, not guaranteed, so you should book for the snorkeling itself rather than for a particular animal.

Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. That keeps the day simple, especially if you are not bringing your own mask and fins. A guide is also included, and support is offered in English, German, Russian, and Arabic. Families may appreciate the crew’s attention around children in the water and on the boat.

I would treat the two stops differently. Use the first to get comfortable with the equipment and water. Save energy for the second stop, when you already know how the mask fits and how much time you want to spend swimming. If you prefer not to snorkel, you can stay aboard and use the massage or relax on the upper deck.

Lunch arrives with fish, barbecue, and plenty of drinks

The lunch stop is not a packed sandwich affair. The buffet includes fish, chicken, grilled kofta, pasta, rice, oven vegetables, four salads, and three kinds of fruit. Soft drinks, hot drinks, water, and snacks are listed as all-inclusive.

That spread gives the day real value. A boat outing can feel long when food is limited, especially with swimming and time in the sun. Here, you can make a proper plate and return for fruit or a drink later. The food is prepared in a traditional style, with fish and grilled items forming the heart of the meal.

The exact order of activities can shift with sea conditions and the crew’s timing, but lunch follows the first snorkeling period in the published plan. I would use it as a proper break rather than rushing through it. You still have another swim and free time ahead.

There is one practical point worth remembering: bring cash. The trip includes the listed food and drinks, but personal purchases are not covered. Photos may also be offered for an additional fee. One passenger paid about 35 euros for a photo package and considered it a good purchase, but you should decide for yourself after seeing the images.

A calm yacht ride with several ways to slow down

The boat ride is spread across the day, with about 45 minutes out to sea, an island cruise, and more time between swimming areas. That means this is not a nonstop sightseeing trip. You spend a fair amount of the day moving across the Red Sea, which is part of the pleasure if you like open water and sun.

The yacht is described as large, clean, and comfortable. The onboard setup gives you several choices: sit on deck, take photos, enjoy a drink, swim, snorkel, or simply watch the coast recede. At $41 per person, those included comforts make the price appealing, especially compared with buying separate transport, an island ticket, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks.

The crew also appears to be one of the strongest parts of the experience. Andrew has been praised for translating clearly into German and answering questions quickly. The wider crew is described as friendly and attentive, with particular care around children. English, German, Russian, and Arabic are supported, so you can choose the language that makes safety instructions and schedule details easiest to follow.

The boat does not create a private-yacht atmosphere for every person. It is a shared excursion, and the upper deck can have other people nearby. If your idea of luxury means complete privacy, this is not that. If luxury means a clean boat, included meals, room to sit, and a full day without arranging the details yourself, it offers good value.

The massage is a nice idea, with one important catch

Each guest receives one back massage while the yacht sails. It is meant to be a soothing pause between the more active parts of the day, and the calm water makes the timing sensible.

Still, the massage takes place on a lounger on the upper deck. Other people may be seated around it and able to watch. One woman chose not to take the massage because the open setting felt uncomfortable. I would treat this as an optional extra, not the main reason to book.

If you are comfortable with a public massage, it can be a pleasant way to rest while the boat is underway. If you want privacy, use that time for the view, a drink, or a quiet stretch of deck. You can also skip it without losing the main attractions of the day.

Banana boats and free time add variety

The program includes a banana boat ride of about 30 minutes after lunch and snorkeling. This gives the excursion a short burst of speed after a morning built around beach time and reef viewing.

The banana boat is not the main event, but it helps break up the day. Families and active visitors may enjoy the change of pace. If you prefer a quieter outing, you can focus on the island, the reef, and the yacht instead.

The final free-time period is listed at about 45 minutes on the Red Sea. That lets you choose your own ending: swim, sit in the sun, take photos, or enjoy the remaining drinks and snacks. Since the day already contains several scheduled stops, this unstructured time is useful. It keeps the outing from feeling like a string of rushed instructions.

The return transfer goes back to the same general resort areas, including El Gouna, Soma Bay, Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh. The exact return time can vary, but one outing ran from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., which fits the stated eight-hour duration.

Is $41 a good value for a full Red Sea day?

At $41, the package covers more than the basic boat ride. You receive hotel transfers in both directions, a guide, yacht transport, Giftun Island entry, the $5 natural reserve fee, lunch, four salads, fruit, unlimited water, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, life vests, two snorkeling stops, the banana boat ride, and one back massage.

That is a strong bundle for anyone who would use most of the inclusions. The price becomes especially attractive if you are staying outside central Hurghada, since the transfer is included from places such as Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

The value is lower if you do not enjoy boats, snorkeling, or organized group schedules. You are committing to a full day on the water, not simply a short island transfer. The massage may also not suit you because of the open setting, and animal sightings cannot be promised.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add flexibility. Wheelchair access is also stated, though you should confirm the practical details for your own hotel and boat before booking.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and first-time Red Sea visitors who want several activities in one day. The island offers beach time, the reef offers snorkeling, lunch keeps the day easy, and the banana boat adds a little fun without making the whole trip high-adrenaline.

It also works well for travelers staying in resort areas beyond Hurghada. The broad pickup network removes the need to arrange a taxi or find a marina on your own.

German-speaking visitors may find Andrew’s language help useful, while English, Russian, and Arabic speakers also have guide support. You should bring your passport or ID card, with a copy accepted, along with sunscreen, a towel, water shoes, and cash.

I would hesitate if you want a private boat, a secluded beach, or a discreet spa treatment. Giftun Island may be quieter early, but it is still part of a popular day-trip circuit. The massage is included, yet not private. Those are small drawbacks for the price, but they matter if privacy is central to your plans.

Should you book the Royal Cruise Hurghada trip?

Book it if you want a well-filled Red Sea day with early Giftun Island time, two reef stops, and a generous lunch included in one price. The strongest reasons are the early arrival, the clean yacht, the friendly crew, and the amount covered by $41.

Think twice if you dislike shared excursions or want a private massage. For most visitors staying in Hurghada and nearby resort zones, this is a practical way to combine beach, snorkeling, food, and light adventure without managing each part yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Giftun Island yacht trip last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. One recorded schedule ran from approximately 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Which areas have hotel pickup?

Pickup is available from Makadi Bay, Hurghada 1, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, Safaga, and El Gouna. The return service covers the same general areas.

When will I receive my pickup time?

The exact pickup time and meeting instructions are sent by WhatsApp or email one day before the excursion.

What food is included?

Lunch includes fish, chicken, grilled kofta, pasta, rice, oven vegetables, four different salads, and three kinds of fruit. Snacks, water, soft drinks, and hot drinks are also included.

Are snorkeling equipment and life vests provided?

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

Is the Giftun Island entrance included?

Yes. The Giftun Island ticket and a 5 euro natural reserve fee are included in the price.

Which languages are supported?

The live guide service is available in English, German, Russian, and Arabic. Andrew has provided German translation during the trip.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and your passport or ID card. A copy of the passport or ID card is accepted. Water shoes and warm clothing for cooler months are also useful.