Makadi Bay: Snorkelling and Diving Island Trip

Clear water, simple pleasures, good value. This boat trip combines a Red Sea cruise with time at Giftun Island, snorkeling gear, lunch, and hotel transfers. I like the two chances to snorkel and the relaxed mix of swimming, reef viewing, and sitting on deck. I also like that the price includes transport, equipment, food, a soft drink, and water.

The main thing to check is the destination. The published plan names Giftun Island, but some bookings have operated as an Orange Bay trip instead. That does not mean the day will be poor, but you should confirm the exact route before you pay if the island name matters to you.

Key points at a glance

• Giftun Island time: The plan allows about two hours for swimming and snorkeling in a private lagoon area.
• Two water stops: You get one snorkeling stop and another stop for underwater activity, with the option to relax on the boat instead.
• Lunch on board: A meal, one soft drink, and one bottle of water are included.
• Hotel pickup included: Transport from and back to your Makadi Bay accommodation is part of the price.
• Strong value at $47: Equipment, guide, boat trip, food, and transfers are included, though personal expenses are extra.
• Destination needs confirming: Some departures have been described as Orange Bay rather than the advertised Makadi Bay route.

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 yacht and meet the crew and snorkeling guide.

That transfer matters. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the harbor or guess where to meet the boat. For a half-day or full-day sea outing, that simple start removes a fair bit of morning fuss.

The boat then heads out along the Red Sea coast. The trip is not just a ride between stops. You get time on the water, open views, and a change of pace from the hotel pool and resort strip. I like this part because the boat gives the day a proper sense of escape without requiring an overnight stay or a complicated schedule.

The published details do not give a group size, boat model, or exact departure time. That means you should ask those questions before booking if space, shade, or a quiet boat matters to you. One account puts the total outing at about seven hours, so plan for most of the day rather than a quick morning activity.

A private lagoon and two hours at Giftun Island

The captain heads toward the nearest coast and drops anchor at a private lagoon. The main island stop is Giftun Island, where the planned schedule gives you about two hours.

This is the heart of the trip. The lagoon provides a calmer setting for swimming and snorkeling, while the clear water lets you look down at coral formations and Red Sea fish. You receive snorkeling equipment and guidance, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

Two hours is a useful amount of time. You can enter the water, take a break, and return for another look without feeling pushed through a ten-minute photo stop. It also gives non-snorkelers time to sit on the boat, enjoy the view, or swim at their own pace.

There is one important naming issue here. The published experience describes Giftun Island, while some people who booked it found themselves on an Orange Bay route. Orange Bay is also associated with Giftun Island excursions, so the change may still produce a pleasant day, but it is not the same promise. If you have your heart set on a particular beach or lagoon, confirm the exact destination with Egypt Excursions Online before departure.

What the snorkeling is really like

The appeal here is access. You leave directly from the boat and reach reef areas along the Makadi Bay coast, rather than spending the day on a crowded beach with a short swim zone.

The water is described as crystal clear, with coral reefs visible along the coast. That makes this a good introduction to Red Sea snorkeling, especially if you want a guided outing rather than arranging equipment and transport yourself.

The guide is there to help with the equipment and point out underwater sights. One particularly useful detail from the trip feedback is that the crew knew where moray eels could be found, and one person saw a moray eel at full length. Sightings are never guaranteed, but this tells you the crew may know the local reef areas well.

You should keep your expectations sensible. This is an organized boat excursion, not a private marine-life expedition. Reef conditions, visibility, and animal sightings can change. The strongest reason to book is the combination of easy access, clear water, and two water stops, not a promise of rare wildlife.

The outing also includes a separate stop for underwater activity. The supplied details do not explain whether this is a certified session, a guided introductory experience, or an optional arrangement with an added charge. Ask before booking if that part is important to you. If you prefer snorkeling, you can stay on the boat or use the snorkeling stops instead.

Time to swim, rest, or stay dry

The schedule has a useful balance. You are not required to spend every minute in the water.

At the island, you can swim and snorkel. On the boat, you can sit back and enjoy the sea. That makes the trip workable for a mixed group where one person wants reef time and another would rather sunbathe or take photographs.

The boat itself becomes your base for the day. You can return to it between activities, eat there, and rest before the ride back. Bring a sun hat and sunglasses, as the supplied advice does, and remember swimwear. You will want clothing that dries fairly quickly after the water stops.

A bottle of water is included, but one bottle may not be enough for a long, sunny day at sea. The tour includes lunch, one soft drink, and that bottle of water. If you drink a lot of water or dislike buying drinks during excursions, bring extra if allowed and practical.

Lunch on board

Lunch is served on the boat before the return to the jetty. The meal is part of the price, which helps the $47 cost make sense.

Do not expect a restaurant meal or a long dining stop. The value is convenience. You can eat without leaving the boat, losing time at the island, or paying for a separate lunch near the marina.

Food quality appears to be one of the popular parts of the day. The meal has been described as good, and that matters on a seven-hour outing. A simple included lunch can prevent the usual problem of spending extra money while hungry and tired halfway through a sea trip.

The available information does not list the menu or dietary options. If you have food allergies, follow a special diet, or need a vegetarian meal, contact the provider before departure. Do not assume the standard lunch will cover those needs.

The crew and the feel of the day

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. Communication with the provider has been described as very good, and questions were answered promptly. That is useful when you are booking close to departure or need to clarify the pickup and destination.

The on-board team is also described as friendly. A pleasant crew can make a real difference on a boat trip, especially when you need help with snorkeling gear or want to know where to look along the reef.

The tone of the day sounds relaxed rather than formal. You get a guided boat outing, but there is still room to choose how active you want to be. You can snorkel, swim, take the optional underwater session, or stay aboard.

The language options are English, German, and Russian. That gives you a practical point to check during booking. If you need another language, the supplied information does not confirm that it is available.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, this is a fair price for a full Red Sea boat day, provided the advertised inclusions are delivered.

The package includes:

• Pickup and drop-off at your Makadi Bay accommodation
• Yacht cruise
• Snorkeling guide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch
• One soft drink
• One bottle of water

If you booked each part separately, transport, boat access, equipment, food, and guide support could quickly cost more than the headline price. The strongest value comes from having everything bundled into one booking.

Still, price alone should not make the decision. Personal expenses are not included, and the exact route needs checking. If you want a particular island, a private boat, a small group, or a detailed food menu, this may not be the right product.

The trip is a better value for someone who wants an easy, organized day at sea. It is less compelling for someone already staying beside a strong house reef and who can snorkel directly from the hotel at no extra cost.

The destination mix-up matters

The name needs careful attention. The description presents a Makadi Bay trip with a stop at Giftun Island. Some people booked expecting one route and received an Orange Bay outing instead.

The important point is that the alternative trip was still described as enjoyable, with snorkeling, lunch, a friendly crew, and a total duration of about seven hours. So this is not automatically a warning against booking. It is a warning against assuming that the place name is precise.

I would send a short message before booking: ask if the departure will visit Giftun Island, Orange Bay, or another named stop. Ask how long you will stay at the island and how many snorkeling stops are planned. If the answer matches what you want, the route issue becomes much less serious.

This is especially important for photographers, families choosing a specific beach, or anyone comparing several island excursions. A beautiful day in the wrong location can still leave you disappointed.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A full day on the Red Sea without arranging your own transport
• A first snorkeling experience with equipment and a guide included
• Two opportunities to get into the water
• A flexible day where you can swim, snorkel, or rest aboard
• A reasonably priced package with lunch included
• A trip that works for a mixed group with different activity levels

It also suits people who value friendly service and quick communication. The provider offers reserve-and-pay-later booking, which can help if your plans are still changing. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the stated conditions.

I would hesitate if you need wheelchair access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also hesitate if the precise island stop is non-negotiable and the provider cannot confirm it in writing.

Practical advice before you leave

Wear your swimwear under comfortable clothes, since the first water stop may not be immediately beside a changing area. Pack sunglasses and a sun hat, both listed as recommended items.

Ask about the pickup time, the exact jetty, the destination name, and the boat schedule before the morning of departure. The published details do not provide a fixed start time, so your hotel pickup may vary.

Keep personal spending simple. Lunch, a soft drink, and water are included, but personal expenses are not. If you want extra drinks, snacks, or souvenirs, bring a little cash or confirm the payment options in advance.

Do not forget that the sea day is weather-dependent in practical terms, even though no specific weather policy is provided here. The clearest water and best reef views are part of the attraction, but conditions can affect any marine outing.

Should you book the Makadi Bay island trip?

I would book this excursion if you want an affordable, low-effort Red Sea day with snorkeling, an island stop, lunch, and hotel transfers. The friendly crew, clear water, good food, and two water sessions make it more than a simple boat ride.

Before paying, confirm the destination. Giftun Island is the stated plan, but Orange Bay has been used for some departures. If you accept that possible change and care more about time on the water than a specific beach name, $47 is a sensible price.

FAQ

What is included in the $47 price?

The price includes pickup and drop-off from accommodation in Makadi Bay, a yacht cruise, a snorkeling guide, snorkeling equipment, lunch, one soft drink, and one bottle of water.

How long is the trip?

The supplied schedule does not give a fixed duration. One account describes the outing as lasting about seven hours, so you should plan for most of the day.

Does the trip visit Giftun Island?

Giftun Island is the stated island stop, with about two hours for snorkeling and swimming. Confirm the destination before booking because some departures have operated as Orange Bay trips instead.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The plan includes a snorkeling stop and another stop for underwater activity. The island visit also provides about two hours for snorkeling and swimming.

Can I choose not to take part in the underwater activity?

Yes. You can choose the optional underwater activity or stay on the boat and relax. Snorkeling equipment and a guide are included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear. Lunch, one soft drink, and one bottle of water are included, while personal expenses are not.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is stated to be unsuitable for wheelchair users.