Hurghada: A Comprehensive Comparison Between Paradise Island and Orange Bay Island

What is the best beach / beach of Orange Bay Island 20 $ or Paradise Island 20$  beach in Giftun Hurghada Egypt and what is the best snorkeling trip on yachts to spend an enjoyable time through the experiences of tourists.

– Choose from over 50 offers of boat trips and historical Excursions in Hurghada

Introduction

Hurghada, the beautiful city on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, is home to stunning islands and a variety of marine activities. Among the best places to visit are Paradise Island and Orange Bay Island. Both located on Giftun Island, they offer unique experiences for tourists seeking pristine beaches and diving and snorkeling activities. This guide compares the two islands to help you decide which is the best to visit, with a preference for Paradise Island based on its unique features.

Common Points

Trips to Paradise Island and Orange Bay Island usually include:

  • Transportation to and from your hotel
  • Two snorkeling stops to explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs of the Red Sea
  • Lunch on the boat and free drinks throughout the trip
  • Water games at the end of the trip

Paradise Island

Pros:

  • Excellent Sandy Beach: Paradise Island boasts a wonderful sandy beach where visitors can enjoy soft and clean sand, making the experience of sitting and walking on the beach very pleasant and comfortable. I had a great time there with my family as the kids played in the sand and built sandcastles.
  • Presence of Coral Reefs: While Orange Bay Island does not have coral reefs, Paradise Island has some coral reefs that add a beautiful touch to the swimming and snorkeling experience, where visitors can see colorful and diverse marine life. On one of my visits, I snorkeled and saw a variety of wonderful tropical fish.
  • Stunning Sea Views: One of the highlights of Paradise Island is the stunning views it offers due to its proximity to other islands. This proximity adds extra beauty to the overall view and makes the visitor experience more special. The sunset view there was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
  • Exceptional Privacy: Paradise Island provides greater privacy for families, as the beach is equipped with umbrellas and sunshades for each family. This means families can enjoy their time without feeling crowded or lacking privacy. On our last visit, this privacy was a significant advantage for us as a family.
  • Unique Entertainment: The island features models on the beach for memorable photos, adding a fun touch to the visit.
  • Family-Friendly: It offers private family umbrellas made of palm trees, providing privacy and shade for up to 4 people.
  • Affordable: The snorkeling boat trip is reasonably priced, making it accessible to many tourists.

Cons:

  • Unsafe Walkway: The walkway leading to the beach is made of plastic and is not securely fixed in the water.
  • Crowded Beach: The beach can be very crowded, reducing personal space and freedom of movement.
  • Small Beach: Limited space for walking and swimming.
  • Rocky Terrain: The presence of large rocks on the beach and in the water poses a risk to swimmers.
  • Small Boats: The wooden boats are relatively small and may not be comfortable for larger groups.

Orange Bay Island

Pros:

  • Beautiful Beach: Similar to the beaches of the Maldives, ideal for couples and families, providing safety for children and the elderly.
  • High-Quality Services: Includes luxurious services, such as premium marine yachts and high-quality food on board.

Cons:

  • Limited Beach Time: The maximum time on Orange Bay beach is about 120 minutes, often reduced to 60-90 minutes by travel agencies.
  • No Private Family Spaces: There are no designated areas for families.
  • Discriminatory Pricing: Different ticket prices for Egyptians and foreigners.

Booking and Access

You can book trips to either island through several channels:

  • Online Booking: Through websites offering trips to Orange Bay Island or Paradise Island in Hurghada.
  • Hotels or Travel Agencies: These options might be more expensive but ensure a higher level of service.
  • Direct Booking at Local Offices: These are cheaper but may offer lower quality services.

Locations and Travel Time

  • Private Speed Boat: Takes about 25 minutes from Hurghada to Giftun Island, accommodating 1-8 people.
  • Chartered Marine Yacht: Around 40 minutes, with luxurious yachts for 9-50 people.
  • Group Trips: About 55 minutes on a large premium yacht.

Costs

  • Orange Bay Island: Prices for boat trips to Orange Bay beach on Giftun Island in Hurghada start from $20 to $35, depending on the hotel’s location and the level of service provided.
  • Paradise Island: Prices for boat trips to Paradise Beach on Giftun Island in Hurghada start from $20 to $30, depending on the distance of the hotel and the yacht’s departure point and the level of service provided.

Personal Experience and Tourist Opinions

As someone who has experienced both islands, I prefer Paradise Island because:

  • Excellent Sandy Beach: Soft and clean sand provides a pleasant experience.
  • Presence of Coral Reefs: Coral reefs add a beautiful touch to the swimming and snorkeling experience.
  • Stunning Views: Proximity to other islands adds extra beauty.
  • Privacy: Provides umbrellas and sunshades for each family.

Conclusion

Both Orange Bay Island and Paradise Island offer unforgettable experiences, but they cater to slightly different preferences. Orange Bay Island is ideal for those seeking a luxurious and quiet beach experience, while Paradise Island provides family-friendly entertainment at reasonable prices. Based on its unique features such as the excellent sandy beach, presence of coral reefs, stunning views, and exceptional privacy for families, I believe Paradise Island is the best choice for enjoying a beautiful sandy beach and a great marine experience.

Giftun Island has 4 beaches. Each beach is privately owned by investment institutions working in the field of tourism, and each beach has its own name for the company, which is „Orange Bay 20 $ ,  Paradise  20$ Island, Mahmya Island Hurghada 65 $, and Odin Beach”.

Orange Bay Island vs Paradise Island

-Hurghada Paradise Island Egypt -Details

Highlights:

  • Round trip transfer in an air-conditioned bus;
  • Boat trip on the open sea to Paradise Island;
  • Enjoy the beauty of the Red Sea;
  • Look at the stunning seascapes;
  • Swim with a mask and fins to enjoy the beauty of the seabed;
  • Charge with the energy of the sun on Paradise Island;
  • Swim and sunbathe on Paradise Island;
  • ride on an inflatable banana and a tablet;
  • See picturesque coral gardens with your own eyes;
  • lunch and soft drinks.

What is included:

  • Transfer from / to the hotel;
  • Water swimming equipment (masks, snorkels, fins and vests);
  • Guide for snorkeling (scuba diving);
  • stops for swimming with masks and fins;
  • Equipment for scuba diving;
  •  diving instructors;
  • stop on a paradise island (VIP zone with umbrellas);
  • Umbrellas on a paradise island;
  • Riding on a banana and a tablet
  • Lunch and soft drinks;
  • Mineral water and snacks on board the boat;
  • Shower with fresh water.
  • Tour program:

  • A bus with our representative will pick you up at the hotel at almost 8:00 am and take you to the pier in an air-conditioned car, where a large white three-story ship is waiting for you. Upon arrival at the pier, your guide will provide you with all the necessary equipment that you need for water swimming (masks, snorkels, fins and vests) (included in the price), and will explain to you how to use them.

A comfortable snow-white yacht will take you to one of the most beautiful places in the Red Sea – the Paradise Island of Hurghada.
On the way to the paradise island, inhaling the sea air and enjoying the sea and mountain views, you take sunbaths.

Next, the ship will stop at one fantastic spot for snorkeling and finning. You will be able to swim for 1 hour, swim in the sea and watch fish and corals.

After that, you will have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy diving, our instructor will give you a little training before diving. The main thing is to listen carefully to your diver’s briefing, trust him and don’t panic! And you will succeed!

Orange Bay Hurghada Egypt

  • ✔ Guided day trip to Orange Bay Island
  • ✔ Roundtrip transfers from your hotel in Hurghada by coach
  • ✔ Boat ride
  • ✔ Lunch
  • ✔ Snorkeling gear
  • ✔ Snorkeling guide
  • ✔ Mineral water & soft drinks
  • ✔2 hour layover at Orange Bay.

What is the Orange Bay Island Included:

  • local guide
  •  Transfer and pickup from your hotel in Hurghada.
  •  All taxes, entry fees and handling fees.
  • Snorkeling equipment “Swimming masks and fins”.
  •  life jackets
  •  Two stops for diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea near Paradise Island and Giftun Island
  •  Two hours on the island of Orange Bay Maldives Hurghada.
  •  Two water sports stops for snorkeling.
  • Mineral water + cola + milk + coffee / tea.
  • Lunch buffet on the boat.
  •  Fresh fruits on the boat.

How do I get and book TOUR  to Orange Bay Island or Hurghada Paradise Island

– You can book online through our website „Hurghada Orange Bay Island Tour, Hurghada Paradise Island Tour” or Hurghada Dolphin House Tour, pay at the time of the boat trip and provide high quality services, ranging from air-conditioned transfers, professional teamwork, luxury sea yachts and food on Board the boat and water games.
– You can book through your hotel or your tour agent, but the prices are more expensive at the tour agent, as well as offices and shops on the streets, which provide a poor level of service and do not care about tourists and follow up with them even after the trip ends.
– If your hotel is in Makadi Bay, you can book „Paradise Island from Makadi Bay, Dolphin House from Makadi Bay, Orange Bay from Makadi Bay, Yacht Charter from Makadi Bay, Private Speedboat from Makadi Bay”

Orange Bay Island vs Paradise Island

– If your hotel is in Soma Bay, you can book “Paradise Island from Soma Bay, Dolphin House Tour from Soma Bay, Orange Bay Island from Soma Bay, Yacht Charter from Soma Bay, Private Boat Rental from Soma Bay”
– If your hotel is in El Gouna, you can book “Paradise Island from El Gouna, Swim with Dolphins from El Gouna, Orange Bay from El Gouna, Yacht Charter from El Gouna, Private Speed ​​Boats from El Gouna”
–  your hotel is in Sahl Hasheesh, you can book „Paradise Island from Sahl Hasheesh, Swim with Dolphins from Sahl Hasheesh, Orange Bay from Sahl Hasheesh, Yacht Charter from Sahl Hasheesh, Private Fast Boats from Sahl Hasheesh”
Can I visit Orange Island and Paradise Island together on the same day
Yes, you can book a private boat trip in Hurghada or rent a speedboat in Hurghada and move between the beaches and then stop twice or dive under water to see the rare Red Sea fish and the wonderful colorful coral reefs.

  • The duration on the island is 120 minutes, and Orange Bay Island offers up to 4 hours of fun on the beach and don’t forget to know the diving conditions and how to dive safely.

1. What is Orange Bay Island and where is it located?

Orange Bay Island, also known as Mahmya Island, is a captivating island situated approximately 10 kilometers south of Hurghada in the Red Sea. It’s renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

2. What activities can I enjoy on Orange Bay Island?

Orange Bay Island offers a delightful array of activities to suit every traveler’s preference:

  • Swimming and sunbathing: Indulge in the island’s pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking up the warm Egyptian sun.

  • Snorkeling and diving: Explore the underwater realm and encounter a kaleidoscope of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and even dolphins. The island’s surrounding waters are home to diverse coral reefs, making it a snorkeling and diving paradise.

  • Boat trips: Embark on a boat trip around the island and admire the stunning coastline, or venture further to nearby reefs and snorkeling spots.

  • Water sports: Engage in exhilarating water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or banana boat rides.

  • Relaxation: Unwind at one of the beach bars or restaurants, savor delicious food and refreshing drinks, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

3. How do I get to Orange Bay Island?

Orange Bay Island is easily accessible by boat from Hurghada. Boat trips depart from various marinas and hotels, offering convenient transportation to the island. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

4. How much does it cost to visit Orange Bay Island?

The cost of visiting Orange Bay Island varies depending on the boat trip you choose and the inclusions. Generally, prices range from $20 to $30 USD per person, covering transportation, snorkeling equipment, and sometimes lunch.

5. What is the best time to visit Orange Bay Island?

The best time to visit Orange Bay Island is during the dry season, from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and sunny. The calm seas and clear visibility make it ideal for snorkeling and diving activities.

6. Are there any tips for visiting Orange Bay Island?

  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

  • Wear comfortable clothing and swimwear.

  • Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

  • Respect the marine environment and avoid touching or damaging coral reefs.

  • Consider bringing cash for additional expenses or souvenirs.

7. What other things can I do in Hurghada?

Hurghada offers a plethora of activities beyond Orange Bay Island:

  • Explore the vibrant nightlife: Hurghada boasts a lively nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and pubs catering to diverse tastes.

  • Indulge in water sports: Engage in various water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, or parasailing.

  • Visit historical sites: Explore ancient Egyptian sites like the Karnak Temple or the Valley of the Kings, located within a few hours’ drive from Hurghada.

  • Embark on desert safaris: Experience the thrill of a desert safari, riding through sand dunes, visiting Bedouin camps, and enjoying traditional cuisine under the stars.

  • Shop at local markets: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hurghada’s local markets, where you can find souvenirs, spices, and traditional handicrafts.

8. Where can I find more information about Orange Bay Island and Hurghada?

  •  –   What is the time between Hurghada and Giftun Islands

Duration = 25 minutes when renting a private speedboat. Speed ​​boats are available from 1 to 8 people.

Duration = 40 minutes when chartering a private sea yacht. There are premium sea yachts from 9 to 50 people.

Duration = 55 minutes when booking a cruise with a group departing daily on a large premium yacht.

How much does a trip to Orange Bay Island cost in Giftun

The price of sea boat trips to Orange Bay Beach Island in Giftun Hurghada starts from $ 20to $ 35 and the price varies according to the distance between the hotel from Hurghada, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay and. The location of the marine yacht departure from the marina in addition to the provision of a minibus for group or private collection in addition to the services, activities and sports, the size of the boat and the level of service provided.

How much does a trip to Hurghada Paradise Island in Giftun cost

The price of sea boat trips to Paradise Beach Island in Giftun, Hurghada starts from $20 to $30.

The price varies according to the distance between the hotel and the departure point of the sea yacht from the marina, in addition to providing a shared or private transfer, in addition to the services and activities, the size of the boat and the level of service provided.

Important tips before boat trips to Paradise Island and Orange Bay Island:
You can check how to avoid atta shark

What activities can I do on Paradise Island (Giftun Island)?

  • Swimming: Paradise Island has calm waters that are perfect for swimming, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sun.

  • Snorkeling and diving: Paradise Island is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Red Sea, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

  • Hiking: You can walk along the island’s beaches and enjoy the scenic views.

  • Relaxing: You can relax on one of the sun loungers or under one of the umbrellas on the beach.

  • Dining: There are several restaurants and bars on the island that offer a variety of food and drinks.

  • Boat trips: You can join a boat trip around the island and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

How do I get to Paradise Island (Giftun Island)?

Paradise Island (Giftun Island) can be reached by boat trip from Hurghada. Boat trips are available from many marinas and hotels in Hurghada and take approximately 30-45 minutes.

How much does it cost to visit Paradise Island (Giftun Island)?

The cost of visiting Paradise Island (Giftun Island) varies depending on the boat trip you choose. In general, the cost of a boat trip ranges from $20 to $50 USD per person.

What is the best time to visit Paradise Island (Giftun Island)?

The best time to visit Paradise Island (Giftun Island) is during the winter months, from October to May, when the weather is mild and sunny.

Are there any tips for visiting Paradise Island (Giftun Island)?

  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

  • Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing.

  • Bring plenty of water.

  • Respect the island’s natural environment.

  • Have fun!

paradise island hurghada

Hurghada Paradise Island
Hurghada Paradise Island