A trip to Giftun Island is about water, fish, and that last light of day. What makes this one feel special is the private speedboat format, plus two snorkelling stops, lunch on the beach, and a sunset ride back.

I like how you’re picked up and dropped off at your hotel, which means less hassle and more time for the sea. I also love the mix of underwater time and beach time, with snorkelling gear included and a shaded area onboard so you’re not baking the whole ride.

One thing to consider: the lunch is included as a box meal, but it may be only average compared with the rest of the experience, so I treat it as fuel, not the main event.

Key things to know before you go

• Private speedboat, hotel pickup included: less waiting around, more direct time on the water.
• Two snorkelling stops: not just one quick swim, so you get a better chance to see lots of marine life.
• Snorkel locations vary: Orange Bay, Magawish Island, or a sand bank at Abu Moquar depending on conditions.
• Sunset return is part of the plan: you’re not rushing back right after lunch.
• Optional short fly-over: a quick add-on lets you see the Red Sea from above for up to 5 minutes.
• Keep timing tight: the crew can wait up to 5 minutes at pickup, and you’ll get pickup details by email at 10 pm the night before.

Why a private speedboat to Giftun Island feels worth it in Hurghada

Hurghada’s Red Sea trips can feel similar until you compare the experience style. This one is private, with a speedboat designed for comfort and a trip built around two snorkel sessions and a beach break. That matters because snorkelling days usually run on momentum: once you’re in the water, you want to make the most of it without feeling rushed or crowded.

Giftun Island is the star here. The plan aims you at some of the island’s best-feeling swimming areas, whether that’s Orange Bay, Magawish Island, or the sand bank at Abu Moquar. The payoff is the classic Red Sea combination: clear water, colourful fish, and coral you can actually see up close with a mask on.

You’ll also get the sunset element, which is where many people remember the day most. Even if snorkelling is your main goal, the return ride at golden hour turns it into a full experience, not just a swim-and-go.

Just remember the “private” part means you should show up on time and be ready when they pick you up. With a small group setup, timing is everything.

Hotel pickup in Hurghada: the 10 pm email and the 5 minute window

This is one of those tours where logistics make a real difference in how smooth the day feels. You’ll get pickup details by email at 10 pm the night before, so don’t ignore your inbox that evening.

When pickup happens, you meet at the main entrance of your hotel’s main gate by the road. It’s not the reception area. This is a common place where people lose time, and the crew can’t wait long. They can wait no more than 5 minutes, since there are other clients to be picked up.

If you’re coming from areas outside central Hurghada, there’s long-range pickup available as an add-on in checkout for places like Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and the Soma Bay area. If you want that convenience, choose it early so you’re not scrambling later.

I’d also plan your day to avoid last-minute confusion: keep your hotel address details clear, and share your correct nationality, hotel name, and room number as requested. The tour is run in English and Arabic, which helps if you need quick clarifications.

And a small practical note: bring cash. The tour data specifically asks for it, which usually means you’ll want it on hand for any on-the-spot add-ons or small extras.

On board: Taneda shade, stereo music, and a smooth ride

Once you’re aboard, the tone shifts from “day trip” to “boat time.” The speedboat is set up for comfort, and you get things that make the trip easier than the typical charter vibe.

Here’s what you’ll notice right away:

• A shaded area on the boat (Taneda): this is huge in the Hurghada sun. Even if you want to sunbathe later, shade helps you recover between swim moments.
• A stereo system: you can set the mood for the ride, especially on the way back during sunset.
• Life jackets: provided, and that’s one less thing you need to think about.
• Snorkelling equipment: included, so you’re not carrying a kit through the hotel maze.

You’ll also have drinks (soft drinks and mineral water) during the trip, plus fruits. It’s not a full meal on the boat, but it keeps you comfortable while you wait for your snorkel windows.

Safety and comfort check: this tour is not suitable for people with back problems. A speedboat ride can be bumpy even when it’s comfortable. If your back is sensitive, consider skipping or asking your provider for advice before booking.

The cruise also includes nature reserve fees, which matters because some Red Sea areas have protected zones. In practice, it helps ensure you’re going somewhere you’re allowed to go and snorkel legally.

Snorkel strategy at Giftun: two stops plus Orange Bay/Magawish/Abu Moquar

This is the core of the trip, and the structure helps you get more out of it. You’ll make two snorkeling stops, so it’s not just one quick look at the reef and then off to lunch.

At each stop, you’ll swim in clear Red Sea water over coral and look for colourful fish. The tour includes snorkelling gear, and the boat’s crew can point out where the best chances usually are for spotting marine life and give tips on how to snorkel comfortably.

The locations can be one of:

• Orange Bay
• Magawish Island
• Sand bank at Abu Moquar

Why this matters for you: different areas often feel different. Orange Bay can feel like an easy, scenic swim stop. Magawish is known as a popular island-area feel for Red Sea days. Abu Moquar is more sand-bank style, where you might enjoy the contrast between sand and shallow water over reef.

A key expectation to set: dolphin sightings are a highlight, but you’re not in a controlled environment. Still, you may get the kind of moment people talk about—seeing dolphins swim and play in their natural habitat.

Practical snorkelling tips (based on how these stops tend to work):

• Wear something that dries fast. You’ll likely be rinsing and re-drying between stops.
• Bring a hat and a towel. You’ll want them for the beach break after snorkeling.
• If you’re adding the optional aerial view, keep your eyes ready for the moment you’ll be watching from above later.

A small drawback: two snorkelling stops means you should manage your energy. If you get tired easily in the water, pick one calm swim pace per stop rather than trying to cover everything.

Also, there’s no mention of trip duration in the details you provided, so build in some flexibility for time on the water and beach.

Lunch box on a top beach: what’s included and how to plan your day

After snorkeling, you head to a top-feeling beach on Giftun Island for lunch. The plan includes a lunch box, plus fruits and drinks (soft drinks and mineral water). There’s also a shaded area on the boat, which helps you transition into beach time without frying.

I’d treat the lunch as supportive rather than the headline. One common note with this kind of included meal is that it can be only average compared with the sea time. That said, when the setting is this good, a simple beach lunch often works perfectly as an energy reset.

To get the most out of the beach break:

• Eat, then take your time drying off and reapplying sunscreen if you use it.
• Use the beach-water time strategically. Don’t rush straight into the water again unless you’re sure you’re comfortable with how your mask feels after your snack.
• Plan your camera moments for right after the meal. That’s when the air cools slightly and you can settle in.

What’s nice is the tour doesn’t cut the day immediately after lunch. You’ll also have sunset scenery on the way back, which turns lunch from a pause into part of the full arc of the afternoon.

Also, you’re expected to bring a jacket. That sounds odd in Red Sea sun, but even warm places can feel cooler on the boat wind later. Packing light doesn’t mean ignoring wind.

If you’re hoping for a super-active day, this fits well. If you want mostly lounge time, you’ll still get beach time, but the trip revolves around snorkelling.

Dolphins, optional 5-minute fly-over, and sunset return

The best part of a Giftun day is often the closing moments. This tour is built around that, with a scenic sunset return ride on the way back to Hurghada.

Dolphins are one of the most praised moments from this kind of itinerary. You might see them near the route to the snorkel areas or during the natural rhythm of the cruise. When they show up, it feels like the day turns from “activity” into “memory.” Don’t count on it like a guarantee, but if you’re open to it, your odds are better than on a trip that only does one swim and heads home.

There’s also an optional add-on: a short fly-over experience for up to 5 minutes. It’s designed for quick aerial views of the Red Sea—fun if you like perspective, and also useful if you want to appreciate the geography above the water after your time underwater.

If you do choose the fly-over, treat it as bonus time. Don’t make it the reason you book; make it the extra layer. The true foundation is the boat ride, snorkelling, and beach break, plus that sunset return mood.

Before you go, check what you’re allowed to bring. Pets aren’t allowed, so leave any animal at home or with your accommodation. And keep in mind the pickup timing rules—because the day can be smooth or hectic depending on whether you make that 5-minute window.

Should you book this private sunset cruise to Giftun Island?

Book it if you want:

• A private speedboat day with hotel pickup and drop-off that keeps the day from feeling chaotic.
• Two snorkel stops with gear included, so you get more than one chance to see coral and fish.
• A classic Red Sea ending: sunset on the return ride.
• The flexibility of choosing a nearby swim area feel (Orange Bay, Magawish, or Abu Moquar), depending on conditions.

Think twice if:

• Your back is sensitive and you know speedboats can be uncomfortable.
• You’re hoping for a culinary-focused lunch. The included lunch is convenient, but it’s not the strongest point of the day.
• You hate strict timing. Pickup is at the main gate by the road, and the crew waits only about 5 minutes.

If you’re pairing this with other Hurghada plans, I’d book it for a day when you can stay present afterward. This trip is the kind that quietly resets your whole trip mood: seawater, coral sights, then sunset light as you head back.

FAQ

What’s included in the private cruise?

You get hotel pickup and drop-off, speedboat cruise, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, island entrance fee and nature reserve fees, a lunch box, fruits, drinks (soft drinks and mineral water), shaded area on the boat (Taneda), life jackets, and a stereo system.

How does hotel pickup work in Hurghada?

Pickup details are sent by email at 10 pm the night before. The pickup point is at the main entrance of your hotel’s main gate by the road, not at reception.

How long can the provider wait at pickup?

The provider can wait no more than 5 minutes, since there are other clients to be picked up.

Are there snorkeling stops, and is equipment provided?

Yes. There are two snorkeling stops, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch provided, and what’s included with it?

Yes. You’ll have a lunch box on the island, plus fruits and drinks (soft drinks and mineral water).

Is there an optional flight add-on?

There is an option to fly for up to 5 minutes so you can enjoy the Red Sea from above. This can be booked as an add-on.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, towel, jacket, and cash.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.