Makadi Bay: Snorkelling and Diving Island Trip

The best part of this Red Sea boat trip is the mix of reef time and easy relaxation. You sail from Makadi Bay toward Giftun Island, stop in a private lagoon, swim in clear water, and have time to sit on deck with lunch rather than rush from one shore attraction to another.

I like the two water stops, which give you more than one chance to see coral and marine life. I also like the simple price: $47 includes hotel pickup, the yacht ride, snorkeling gear, a guide, lunch, a soft drink, and bottled water. The main caution is the route. Some departures have gone to Orange Bay instead of the advertised Makadi Bay or Giftun Island itinerary, so confirm the exact destination before you pay.

Key points to know before booking

• Giftun Island time: You get about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, or an optional underwater session.
• Two reef stops: The day includes one snorkeling stop and another stop for snorkeling or the optional underwater activity.
• Lunch at sea: A meal, one soft drink, and one bottle of water are included.
• Friendly crew: The guides speak English, German, and Russian, and the crew has been praised for being helpful and easy to reach.
• Route check matters: The advertised plan mentions Giftun Island, but some departures have used Orange Bay instead.
• Good value at $47: Transport, equipment, food, and the boat ride are bundled into one price.

Setting out from Makadi Bay

Your day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Makadi Bay. You are taken to the boat jetty, where you board the cruise yacht and head out onto the Red Sea.

This arrangement removes one of the small annoyances of a boat day: finding the marina on your own. Pickup and return transport are included, but the supplied details do not give a fixed pickup time. Check your booking confirmation carefully, and keep your morning free rather than arranging another early activity.

The cruise itself is part of the appeal. You get open views of the Red Sea as the boat moves toward the nearest coast and the island area. This is not simply a transfer to a beach. The ride gives you time to settle in, enjoy the sun, and see the coast from the water.

Bring sunglasses and a sun hat. Shade may be available on the boat, but the useful approach is to protect yourself from the start, especially during the open-water ride and while sitting on deck.

Two hours around Giftun Island

The advertised island stop is Giftun Island, with about two hours in a private lagoon. That gives you a generous block of time for a boat excursion of this price.

You can use the time in several ways. Swim in the clear water, put on the supplied mask and snorkel, or remain on board and enjoy a quieter break. You are not forced into every activity, which makes the trip suitable for mixed groups where one person wants reef time and another would rather sunbathe.

The island stop is also useful because it breaks up the day. Instead of spending the entire excursion moving between reef sites, you have a proper stretch of time to relax. If you like taking photos, this is likely your best chance to enjoy the setting without a mask pressed to your face or a guide calling everyone back to the boat.

There is one important wrinkle. The title and route information point to Makadi Bay and Giftun Island, but one booking was provided as an Orange Bay trip, and another account described Giftun Island with two snorkeling sessions. Orange Bay is also associated with the Giftun island area, but the exact stop matters if you have your heart set on a particular beach or island.

I would send a quick message to the provider before departure and ask: Is the boat going to Giftun Island or Orange Bay, and how many water stops are planned? The provider is described as easy to contact, so this should be a straightforward way to avoid a mismatch in expectations.

Snorkeling over Red Sea reefs

The main reason to book this outing is the time in the water. You receive snorkeling equipment and a guide, then stop at reef areas near the Makadi Bay coast.

The water is described as crystal clear, and the reef stops are meant for viewing coral and marine life. You may find the first stop best for getting comfortable, checking the fit of your mask, and learning how the group moves through the water. The second stop gives you another chance if visibility, comfort, or timing was not perfect at the first one.

A useful detail from the experience is that the crew knew where moray eels could be seen. One passenger eventually saw one at full length. That does not promise a moray eel on every trip, but it tells you the crew may know specific reef areas and can point out details you might otherwise miss.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a shared boat excursion, not a private marine wildlife expedition. Coral conditions, visibility, and animal sightings can change. The value comes from having two opportunities to get into the water with equipment and guidance included, not from a guarantee of a particular species.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the snorkeling guide for help before entering the water. The supplied details do not specify flotation equipment, lifeguard coverage, or a particular group size, so you should not assume those services are included. Bring your swimwear under your clothes and make sure your sunglasses and hat have a safe place on board.

The optional underwater session

Along with snorkeling, the schedule offers an optional scuba session. You may take part, or you may remain on the boat and relax.

That choice is helpful for couples and families with different interests. One person can try the underwater activity while another swims, snorkels, or stays dry. The information provided does not explain the extra cost, duration, certification rules, or whether instruction is included, so ask the operator for those details before treating it as part of the $47 package.

The trip includes a snorkeling guide and snorkeling equipment. It does not clearly state that scuba equipment, instruction, or a certified instructor is included in the base price. That distinction matters. If the underwater session is important to you, confirm exactly what you will receive and whether there are extra charges.

For a first-time participant, the safest plan is to regard the snorkeling portion as the clearly included activity. Then ask about the optional session once you are in contact with the provider.

Lunch on the boat

Lunch is served on board before the return to the jetty. One soft drink and one bottle of water are included.

That is a practical benefit, not just a nice extra. You do not need to leave the water in search of a restaurant, and the group can keep the day moving without a long shore break. Eating on the boat also lets you stay with the sea views while you recover from the morning’s swimming.

The food has been described positively, though the information does not give a menu or say whether vegetarian, vegan, halal, allergy-friendly, or other special meals are available. If you have dietary needs, contact Egypt Excursions Online before departure rather than assuming the standard meal will suit you.

One bottle of water is included, but you may want to bring extra water if you drink often in the sun. Since personal expenses are not included, any additional drinks, snacks, or purchases would be at your own cost.

The crew and communication

The listed languages are English, German, and Russian. That gives you a reasonable chance of receiving basic instructions in a language you understand, though the exact language support may vary by departure.

The crew has earned strong praise for being friendly and helpful. One particularly useful detail is that the provider was available for questions, even when the trip was booked only two hours before departure. That kind of contact is valuable when you need to confirm pickup, the boat location, or the route.

Do not expect a formal classroom-style marine presentation. The supplied information focuses on guiding, snorkeling, and making the day pleasant. The most useful role of the guide is likely practical: helping with equipment, showing you where to look, and keeping the group organized between stops.

How much value do you get for $47?

At $47 per person, this is a solid bundle for a full Red Sea day. You receive hotel transfers in Makadi Bay, the boat ride, two hours around the island, snorkeling equipment, a guide, lunch, a soft drink, and water.

The price looks strongest if you plan to use the whole package. A traveler who wants only a short swim may find a full-day boat outing more than necessary. But if you want transportation, reef access, food, and a choice between activity and downtime, the bundle saves you from arranging each part separately.

The main value is not luxury. The yacht description does not provide cabin details, group size, sunbed arrangements, or premium onboard service. Think of it as a practical shared cruise with a water-focused schedule.

The possible cost issue is the optional scuba activity. Since no price is supplied for it, ask whether it is included or charged separately. Also check the exact route, especially if Giftun Island is the reason you are booking.

Timing, comfort, and what to pack

The full experience usually takes about seven hours according to one account, though the exact departure and return times are not provided. Plan for most of the day, not a quick morning outing.

Wear swimwear and bring a sun hat and sunglasses. You may also want a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes, although these are not listed in the official inclusions. Because personal expenses are excluded, bring a small amount of money if you expect to buy anything extra.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. The boat jetty, transfer vehicle, and boat boarding process may involve steps or uneven access, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the provider about their specific needs before booking.

The trip suits you best if you enjoy an active day but do not need every minute planned. You can snorkel, swim, try the optional scuba activity, eat, and rest on deck. It is less suitable if you want a private boat, a guaranteed island destination, or a highly tailored schedule.

The route issue you should settle first

I would make the destination check your first booking task. The experience is presented as a Makadi Bay trip to Giftun Island, yet some departures have used Orange Bay, and the number of snorkeling stops has varied in the descriptions.

That does not mean the day will be poor. Orange Bay and Giftun Island are part of the same general Red Sea outing area, and the water activities remain the main attraction. One departure that did not match the advertised name was still described as an enjoyable day with good snorkeling.

Still, names matter when you are choosing a tour. You may want a particular beach, a certain photo setting, or a specific island experience. Contact the provider and confirm the destination, the number of water stops, the approximate duration, and whether the optional scuba session costs extra.

This quick check can turn a vague booking into a clear one. It also helps you compare this trip fairly with other boat outings from Hurghada or Makadi Bay.

Who should book this Red Sea outing?

I would choose this trip for a first Red Sea snorkeling day, especially if you are staying in Makadi Bay and want hotel pickup included. It gives you a simple way to reach reef areas without arranging a boat, guide, equipment rental, and lunch on your own.

It also suits mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while less active companions can remain aboard or relax during the island stop. The two-hour Giftun Island block gives everyone room to set their own pace.

Families should check the needs of younger children directly with the provider, since the supplied information does not give age rules, flotation details, or child pricing. The same applies to anyone considering the optional scuba session.

I would look elsewhere if you need a private itinerary, wheelchair access, a guaranteed Giftun Island visit, or detailed specialist instruction. This is a shared, practical day on the water, with the usual uncertainty that comes with sea conditions and changing routes.

Should you book the Makadi Bay snorkeling trip?

Book it if you want good value and a full day at sea. The included transfers, equipment, lunch, water time, and friendly crew make $47 reasonable, and the two snorkeling opportunities give you more than a single quick reef stop.

Before booking, confirm whether your departure is going to Giftun Island or Orange Bay. Ask about the optional scuba session and any extra cost. If the route is clear and you are happy with a shared boat, this is an easy, well-priced way to see the Red Sea.

FAQ

Where does the trip depart from?

You are collected from your accommodation in Makadi Bay and taken to the boat jetty. After the cruise, you are transferred back to your accommodation.

What island does the tour visit?

The advertised route includes Giftun Island, where you have about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing. Some departures have used Orange Bay instead, so confirm the exact destination before booking.

How long does the experience last?

One account describes the trip as lasting about seven hours. Exact departure and return times are not provided.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The trip description includes a snorkeling stop and another stop for an optional scuba session. Some departures have provided two snorkeling sessions, so confirm the final schedule with the provider.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling guide and snorkeling equipment are included in the price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board, along with one soft drink and one bottle of water.

Is scuba activity included?

The trip offers an optional scuba activity, but the supplied information does not state whether it costs extra or what equipment and instruction are included. Ask the provider before booking.

Which languages are available?

The listed languages are English, German, and Russian.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Payment can also be made later, so you do not have to pay at the time of booking.