Everything you need to know about Orange Bay (also called Orange Island), where it is, how to reach it from Hurghada, what to expect, how much it costs, and how to plan the perfect day. Written by our local guides who have been running trips here for over five years.
Distance from Hurghada
~11 km north (offshore)
Best time to visit
March to May, September to November
Family-friendly
Yes, shallow lagoon, child meals on request
Snorkeling
Two reef stops, then snorkel from the island
How to get there
Boat only, from Hurghada Marina
Operator
Local team, 5+ years, licensed
What is Orange Bay?
Orange Bay (sometimes called Orange Island) is a small uninhabited island in the Red Sea, part of Giftun Islands National Park. It sits on the southern shore of Big Giftun Island. It is famous for crystal-clear turquoise water, soft white sand, long wooden boardwalks that stretch out over the shallow lagoon, and a row of beach swings over the water that have become its visual signature.
The island is uninhabited but well-equipped for day visitors: there are simple beach huts, a few restaurants, life-guarded swimming areas, and a small dive shop. The reef just off the island is one of the best snorkeling spots near Hurghada. Many travel writers call it the Egyptian Caribbean.
Where is Orange Bay located?
Orange Bay sits in the Red Sea, approximately 11 km north of Hurghada (about 7 miles, due north-east of Hurghada Marina). By a standard day boat the journey takes around 1.5 hours each way. By speedboat it is much quicker, around 45 minutes.
The island is in Egyptian territorial waters and falls under the protected zone of Giftun Islands National Park (declared 1995). All boats operating here are licensed and required to follow strict environmental rules: no anchoring on reefs, no fishing, no littering.
Coordinates for those curious: roughly 27.214° N, 33.957° E. The closest airport is Hurghada International (HRG), 20 minutes by car from Hurghada Marina.
How to get to Orange Bay from Hurghada
The only way to reach Orange Bay is by boat. There is no land access. All departures are from Hurghada Marina. We pick you up from your hotel by car, drive you to the marina, and depart from there. Pickup is included on every trip at no extra cost.
Sunbeds, restaurant, mini show (folklore / belly dance)
Mahmya
Upmarket beach club on Big Giftun
Larger beach area, paid restaurant, water sports rentals
If you have only one day from Hurghada, most of our guests pick Orange Bay for the look (the swings and boardwalks are the photo people show their friends back home). Paradise Island is the better pick if you want a more entertainment-oriented day.
Best time to visit Orange Bay
Orange Bay is open year-round. The most pleasant months are March to May and September to November, when temperatures sit around 25 to 32°C and the sea is warm enough to swim comfortably. Summer (June to August) is hot (35 to 40°C) but still very popular, bring extra sunscreen and water. Winter (December to February) is mild on land (20 to 25°C) but the sea is cooler at around 20 to 22°C.
For weather reasons, trips occasionally get cancelled when wind speeds exceed safe limits. If we have to cancel, you can either reschedule for free or get a full refund. The marine police set daily sailing limits.
Is Orange Bay good for families?
Yes. Orange Bay is one of the most family-friendly destinations near Hurghada. The shallow lagoon is perfect for young swimmers, the wooden boardwalks let kids walk over the water, and the beach swings are an instant hit with children. We provide life jackets in child sizes and can prepare child-friendly meals on request.
On shared boats, children pay half price (ages 6 to 12) and infants travel free (ages 0 to 5). For families with very young children, the private charter is often the most relaxing option, you set the pace.
Snorkeling at Orange Bay
The reefs around Orange Bay are among the best in the northern Red Sea, with visibility often above 20 to 30 metres. On every trip, we stop at two snorkeling spots before reaching the island. One focused on coral, one on the variety of fish. You will typically see parrotfish, butterflyfish, sergeant majors, wrasses, surgeonfish, and if you are lucky sea turtles, eagle rays, or a reef shark in the distance.
Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins) is included on every trip. If you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. We also have life jackets for non-confident swimmers, including child sizes.
What to bring to Orange Bay
Swimwear (wear it under your clothes for an easy morning)
Towel
Sunscreen, reef-safe preferred to protect the corals
Sunglasses and a hat
A light layer for the boat in the morning (it can be breezy)
Camera or phone (waterproof pouch optional)
Cash in small notes for tips (optional, appreciated)
Passport copy is not required on the boat, but bring it in case of a security check at the marina
How to book an Orange Bay tour
Booking takes about two minutes on this site. No deposit is required. The flow:
Pick your boat on the trips page (shared, speedboat, or private).
Pick your date and the number of adults / children.
Give us your hotel name and a WhatsApp number so the driver can find you.
Hit Confirm Booking, Pay on Arrival. We confirm by email + WhatsApp.
On the morning of the trip our driver picks you up at the agreed time, no payment is made until you meet the crew. Cash or card on the boat. If anything is unclear, WhatsApp us first, we usually reply within a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Orange Bay is a small uninhabited island in the Red Sea about 11 km north of Hurghada, Egypt. Often called Orange Island, it sits on the southern shore of Big Giftun Island inside Giftun Islands National Park. It is famous for crystal-clear turquoise water, soft white sand, wooden boardwalks that stretch out over the lagoon, beach swings, and one of the best snorkeling reefs in the region. Many travel guides call it the "Egyptian Caribbean".
Orange Bay sits in the Red Sea approximately 11 km (about 7 miles) north of Hurghada Marina, in the Giftun Islands marine protected area. By a standard day boat the trip takes around 1.5 hours each way; by speedboat, around 45 minutes. The closest airport is Hurghada International (HRG), 20 minutes from the marina by car.
The only way to reach Orange Bay is by boat. We pick you up from your Hurghada hotel, drive you to Hurghada Marina, and depart from there. There is no land access to the island. Pickup is included on every trip at no extra cost.
Our shared boat trip is €25 per person. The speedboat is €130 flat for the whole boat (up to 8 guests, children included). A private boat charter is €450 for the whole boat (up to 15 guests). All prices include hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, and time on the island. Children pay half price on shared boats, infants travel free.
Yes. Orange Bay has a shallow turquoise lagoon, calm water, beach swings, and wooden boardwalks that kids love. We offer life jackets in child sizes and child meals on request. Infants travel free on shared boats, children aged 6 to 12 pay 50%.
Yes, Orange Bay and the surrounding Giftun reefs are some of the best snorkeling spots near Hurghada. Every trip includes mask, snorkel, and fins. We make two snorkeling stops on the way to the island, then snorkel directly from the island beach.
Our shared and private trips include: hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast and lunch on board, soft drinks all day, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, and two hours at the island with a professional multilingual guide. Speedboat trips include snacks and fruit (not full lunch) but more time on the island.
Yes, pickup and drop-off from any hotel in Hurghada are included on every trip at no extra cost. We confirm the exact pickup time the night before by WhatsApp.
Orange Bay is great year-round, but the best months are March to May and September to November when the weather is warm but not too hot (25 to 32°C). Summer (June to August) is hottest at 35 to 40°C. Winter (December to February) is mild on land (20 to 25°C) but the sea is cooler at 20 to 22°C.
On our shared boat trip you spend about 2 hours at the island. On the speedboat trip you can spend up to 2.5 hours since the boat is faster. On a private charter the schedule is fully flexible, you stay as long as you want within the day window.
No. Orange Bay (Orange Island) and Paradise Island are two different islands in the Giftun area. Orange Bay is known for its long wooden boardwalks, beach swings, and a quiet, scenic beach. Paradise Island is more developed with sunbeds, a restaurant, and entertainment shows. We focus exclusively on Orange Bay because it offers a more authentic Red Sea beach experience.
Not exactly. Orange Bay is a small beach area on the southern shore of Big Giftun Island, inside Giftun Islands National Park. When people say "Giftun Island tour" they usually mean a trip that ends at either Orange Bay or Mahmya beach, both on Big Giftun.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), sunglasses, a hat, and a light layer for the boat in the morning. Snorkeling gear is provided. A waterproof phone pouch is handy for photos. Cash in small notes for tips (optional but appreciated).
Yes, free cancellation up to 24 hours before your trip. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee. If we cancel due to weather, you get a free reschedule or full refund, your choice.
Our local guide team speaks English, German, French, Polish, Spanish, Hungarian, Dutch, and Chinese. Tell us your preferred language at booking and we match you with the right guide.
Dolphin sightings are possible on the way to or from Orange Bay, especially on speedboat trips that detour through Dolphin House (Shaab El Erg). Bottlenose dolphin sightings are very common but never guaranteed.
The nickname comes from the postcard-perfect combination of bright turquoise water, soft white sand, and warm shallow lagoon, the same look you find on Caribbean beaches like Punta Cana or Aruba. The colour and clarity come from the Red Sea coral reef close to the shoreline.
Yes. On the speedboat trip we can detour to Magawish Island for an extra stop on the way back. Tell us at booking. This is a popular add-on for guests who want to see two islands in one day.
Ready to plan your day?
Pick your boat. We handle the pickup, the lunch, the snorkeling gear, and the island time.
