REVIEW · HURGHADA
Hurghada:Luxury Diving & Snorkeling inc/Island/Lunch/Massage
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Royal Cruise Hurghada · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Red Sea, zero stress, big underwater payoff. This 8-hour Hurghada yacht trip mixes island time, Orange Bay calm-water swims, and an included massage while you cruise. You also get both surface snorkeling and a guided beginner underwater session with gear handled for you.
Two things I really like: the package is genuinely all-included (transfers, lunch, drinks, snorkel gear, underwater equipment, and marine fees), and you’re not stuck guessing what to do—an instructor team keeps things clear and safety-focused. The food spread on board also feels like a real meal, with salads, fruit, and a hot buffet you can actually build a plate from.
One consideration: if you’re hoping for a long, deep underwater day, plan for a short intro session. You’ll get the thrill and the basics, but the schedule also packs in island time and other activities, so your time right at the waterline is shared.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth planning around
- Why This Hurghada Red Sea Yacht Day Feels Like Good Value
- Getting Picked Up Smoothly (And Knowing Where to Be)
- Orange Bay Island: The Part That Makes the Day Feel Like an Escape
- The Beginner Underwater Session at Giftun: No Certificate, Clear Coaching
- Snorkeling at Giftun Island: When the Red Sea Gives You a Great Show
- Lunch on Board: A Real Buffet Break, Not a Token Snack
- Banana Boat Ride and Free Time: Keeping the Day From Feeling One-Note
- Massage as You Cruise: The Nice Reset
- Price Breakdown: What $58 Actually Buys You Here
- Who This Trip Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book This Hurghada Luxury Diving and Snorkeling Day?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour in total?
- Do I need a scuba or underwater certificate to participate?
- What is the age limit for the underwater activity?
- What snorkeling gear and equipment are included?
- Is lunch included, and what does the buffet include?
- Is a massage included in the price?
- Where do I get picked up, and how do I get the pickup time?
- Who should avoid this trip?
Key highlights worth planning around

- Orange Bay island time with real beach downtime and photo-ready calm water
- Beginner-friendly underwater intro with no certificate required
- Snorkeling in clear Red Sea conditions with gear provided
- Open buffet lunch plus unlimited drinks and snacks included
- Banana boat ride and free time so the day doesn’t feel like only “water stuff”
- Massage for each guest as a cooldown between activities
Why This Hurghada Red Sea Yacht Day Feels Like Good Value

For $58 per person, the big win is not just the scenery. It’s that the costly parts are already bundled: hotel pickup and return, yacht boat tour, marine reserve and marine fees, guide support, snorkel equipment, underwater equipment, lunch, drinks, snacks, and even a massage.
That matters in Egypt’s Red Sea because you can easily spend extra on the stuff that makes a day comfortable—transport, gear rental, and food breaks that don’t leave you hungry or scrambling. Here, you can show up, follow the plan, and spend your energy on the water and the views.
Also, the overall pacing is designed for most people: you start with island time, move into underwater activities, eat on board, then finish with more fun and a wind-down cruise back to Hurghada.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
Getting Picked Up Smoothly (And Knowing Where to Be)

This tour runs from Hurghada with two pickup options: Hurghada and Hurghada 1. You’ll get transfers both ways, so you’re not stuck organizing taxis after a full day on the water.
One practical thing I appreciate: they specify that you should wait 5 minutes before the pickup time at the agreed meeting point. The exact timing and details are sent to you one day before via WhatsApp or email. That reduces the classic “where’s the driver?” stress.
There’s also a mention of skipping the line via a separate entrance. Even if you’re arriving early, that can save time and keep the day feeling relaxed instead of rushed.
Orange Bay Island: The Part That Makes the Day Feel Like an Escape

Orange Bay is where the trip starts to feel like a vacation, not just an activity. You’ll cruise about 45 minutes to reach it, then you’ll get around 75 minutes on the island for sightseeing and downtime.
What you’re likely to enjoy here is simple: beach time, swimming, photos, and the calm “do nothing” rhythm that islands do well. One of the strongest themes from recent experiences is that Orange Bay is the place people remember most clearly—the light, the water, and the fact that you’re not constantly moving.
A quick note for your expectations: Orange Bay can be busy with other people because it’s a popular stop. The upside is you usually won’t feel stranded. The drawback is that it may not feel like a private beach. If you want quiet solitude, you’ll want to enjoy it early in the island window.
The Beginner Underwater Session at Giftun: No Certificate, Clear Coaching

After Orange Bay, you head to the Giftun area for your beginner-friendly underwater session. The plan calls for about one hour at the site, with equipment and instruction included.
This is the kind of setup that works well if you’ve never done it. The tour includes the full gear package—snorkeling gear, underwater equipment, life vest, and an underwater suit—so you’re not paying extra to rent basics. Plus, the tour states that no certificate is needed for beginners.
In plain terms, what you should expect is coaching and guidance that prioritizes safety. You’ll likely spend your time learning how to feel comfortable with breathing, buoyancy, and the basics of moving underwater. You get the thrill of seeing marine life up close, but it’s an intro session, not a long technical training day.
If you’re already comfortable with scuba-style activity, you may wish the underwater time could be longer. Still, the tradeoff is you’re getting a full day with snorkeling, island time, and more fun on top.
Snorkeling at Giftun Island: When the Red Sea Gives You a Great Show

Snorkeling comes after lunch, with about 45 minutes at Giftun Island. Since the Red Sea is known for clear water, this is where most people get a low-effort, high-reward view of fish and coral.
Because snorkeling gear is included, you can focus on the water rather than the logistics. And since you’re on a guided schedule, you don’t have to hunt for the best spot or wonder where the group meets again.
I like snorkeling in this kind of trip format because it gives you two ways to experience the underwater world: one with coaching under the instructor’s guidance (the beginner session), and one where you can float and watch at your own pace (snorkeling). If you’re nervous about being too far under, snorkeling usually feels friendlier.
Lunch on Board: A Real Buffet Break, Not a Token Snack
Lunch is included and served on the Red Sea cruise, with about 45 minutes allocated. The buffet list is specific: rice, pasta, oven vegetables, grilled kofta, chicken, and fish.
Add to that four different salads, three different fruits, and unlimited water. Then you get soft drinks and hot drinks all inclusive, plus snacks all inclusive during the day.
This is a big deal for value. When snorkeling and underwater sessions happen back-to-back, people often end up eating badly—either expensive food on land or a tiny lunch that doesn’t reset your energy. Here, you get a full buffet you can build around what you’ll actually enjoy, including options that fit fish/vegetable preferences.
Practical tip: eat early enough in the lunch window that you’re not rushing. With marine activities after, a calm stomach makes the whole day better.
Banana Boat Ride and Free Time: Keeping the Day From Feeling One-Note

After snorkeling, the itinerary includes a banana boat ride (about 45 minutes). This is the more playful, adrenaline-friendly segment—less about quiet observation and more about movement, laughter, and getting your sea legs back.
Then there’s about 45 minutes of free time on the return side. That slot is useful. Even if you love the water, you’ll probably want a breather—sun time, shade, changing, or just letting the day catch up to you.
Massage as You Cruise: The Nice Reset

One standout feature is a massage included for each guest. This is your cooldown moment, built into the flow of the day—so you’re not searching for spa time after you’re already tired.
Recent experiences describe it as a short deck massage (about 15 minutes), which makes sense for timing. It’s not a full-body spa appointment, but it’s still a smart add-on. After hours in the sun and in and out of water, it takes the edge off.
Price Breakdown: What $58 Actually Buys You Here

Let’s talk value without magic. At $58, you’re paying for a package that includes:
- hotel transfers (both directions)
- yacht boat tour and marine fees
- a guided beginner underwater session with equipment
- snorkeling with gear provided
- Orange Bay island time
- open buffet lunch
- unlimited water plus all-inclusive drinks and snacks
- and a massage for each guest
The value isn’t that it’s “cheap.” It’s that the day is set up so you’re not buying many add-ons separately. If you had to piece together transportation, boat access, gear rental, and meals, you’d quickly lose the simplicity that makes these trips enjoyable.
Who This Trip Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)
This is a strong match if you want a full Red Sea day with minimal hassle: island time, snorkeling, an intro underwater session, and a bit of fun on a banana boat.
It’s also good for beginners. The underwater session is designed for beginners and says no certificate is required, and the included gear plus instructor presence makes it easier to feel safe and guided.
But it’s not right for everyone. The tour specifically notes it’s not suitable for:
- pregnant women
- people with heart problems
- wheelchair users
- people prone to seasickness
- people with high blood pressure
- and anyone under 13 for the underwater activity
If any of those apply, skip this one and look for a calmer alternative that fits your health needs.
Should You Book This Hurghada Luxury Diving and Snorkeling Day?
I’d book it if you want a one-day package that’s easy to follow and strong on comfort perks—especially the included transfers, food, drinks, gear, and massage. It’s ideal for first-timers who want a real taste of the Red Sea underwater world without planning every detail.
I’d think twice if you’re a hardcore underwater enthusiast chasing lots of long time at depth. This trip is structured for variety. You’ll get the intro thrill and good snorkeling time, but the schedule doesn’t promise extended underwater coverage.
If that tradeoff sounds fine, you’re likely to have an excellent day: Orange Bay for the “vacation feeling,” Giftun for the water, lunch that actually sustains you, and a massage that helps you finish the day relaxed.
FAQ
How long is the tour in total?
The duration is 8 hours, covering pickup, island time, underwater and snorkeling activities, lunch, and the return transfer.
Do I need a scuba or underwater certificate to participate?
No. The underwater intro for beginners is included and the tour notes that no certificate is required.
What is the age limit for the underwater activity?
Diving is not allowed for anyone under 13 years old.
What snorkeling gear and equipment are included?
Snorkeling gear is included. Diving equipment is also included, along with a life vest and an underwater suit.
Is lunch included, and what does the buffet include?
Yes. Lunch is an open buffet with rice, pasta, oven vegetables, grilled kofta, chicken, and fish, plus multiple salads, fruits, and soft drinks/hot drinks. Water is unlimited and snacks are included.
Is a massage included in the price?
Yes. A massage is included for each guest.
Where do I get picked up, and how do I get the pickup time?
Pickup is included from Hurghada and Hurghada 1. You’ll receive your exact pickup time and meeting point details one day before via WhatsApp or email, and you should wait 5 minutes before the agreed pickup time.
Who should avoid this trip?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness, and people with high blood pressure. It also excludes anyone under 13 from the underwater activity.
























