Hurghada Snorkelling Trips Compared: Reef Boat, Giftun or Orange Bay?

Snorkelling boat trip — from €25 · about 7 hours · two reef stops · mask and fins included · buffet lunch on board · shared or private boat · hotel transfers. Shared reef snorkelling day — from €30 · about 7 hours · two reef stops · shared departure · buffet lunch · snorkel gear included. Giftun Island snorkel & beach day — from €35 · about 8 hours · two reef stops plus beach time on Giftun · buffet lunch on board · hotel transfer · marine-park fee (€8) and drinks not included. Giftun Island trip — €35 · about 8 hours · two snorkel stops and a white-sand beach · buffet lunch, soft drinks, marine-park fees and hotel transfers included. Orange Bay island trip — from €39 · about 8 hours · white-sand beach and lagoon · two snorkel stops. Check the trip page for its current inclusions.

Both reef days skip the island beach and spend the day between two reef stops, with lunch on board. They are the lowest-priced options and the shortest, at about seven hours. The snorkelling boat trip (from €25) is the more flexible of the two: entry is straight from the boat, mask and fins are included, and it can be booked as a shared departure or as a fully private boat. The shared reef day (from €30) is a straightforward group departure with snorkel gear included. Best for: confident swimmers who want water time, and first-time snorkellers who are happy to stay close to the boat.

Giftun is a protected marine park, and both Giftun days combine two snorkel stops with time on the island's white-sand beach and lunch on board. Both are listed at €35 and take about eight hours. The difference is what the price covers. The Giftun Island trip includes the marine-park fees and soft drinks. The Giftun snorkel & beach day does not: the marine-park fee (listed at €8) and drinks are paid separately. Life vests are provided on that trip, which helps weaker swimmers. Best for: travellers who want reef snorkelling and a relaxed beach in the same day.

Orange Bay is the option to choose when the beach itself is the highlight: white sand, turquoise lagoons and two snorkel stops, in a day of about eight hours. It starts from €39, the highest of the five. Because the day is built around the island, you will usually spend less time on reefs than on a reef-only boat day. Inclusions can change, so read the trip page before you book. Best for: couples, families and anyone who wants a classic Red Sea beach day with some snorkelling.

Most water time for the lowest price: the snorkelling boat trip. A private boat for your own group: the snorkelling boat trip booked privately. Reef plus beach with fees already paid: the Giftun Island trip. White-sand beach first: Orange Bay. Want to dive rather than snorkel: book a separate diving excursion. Before booking, confirm the pick-up time from your hotel, whether marine-park fees are included in your version, and whether drinks are included. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and swimwear.