Private Boat to Orange Bay, Hurghada

About this trip

A private boat is the right move for groups of six or more, birthdays, proposals, or photographers who need flexibility on light and timing. The crew of three (captain, mate, cook) reports to you for the day. We can swap any standard stop for a less-visited reef like Shaab Sabrina or Shaab Iris if the group prefers privacy.

What you are actually buying

Not a better island. The same island, on your terms. A private boat comes with a crew of three, a captain, a mate and a cook, who work to your day rather than to a timetable built for forty strangers. You decide when to eat, how long to stay at a reef, whether to skip a stop entirely. If someone wants another hour in the water and everyone else wants to sit on the sundeck, both happen. This is why the trip suits groups of six or more, birthdays, proposals and photographers. It is also why it is poor value for two people who would be equally happy on a group boat: you are paying for control, and control is only worth it if you actually have plans that need it.

The reefs the day boats never visit

The standard route exists because it works for large boats on a fixed schedule, not because it holds the best reefs in the bay. On a private day the captain can swap any stop for somewhere quieter, and that is where the real advantage sits. Shaab Sabrina and Shaab Iris are the two most often suggested. Neither gets the traffic Giftun does, which means better coral condition and no queue in the water. If your group prefers privacy over the famous name, say so when we send the route suggestion the night before. That suggestion is based on wind and tide for your specific date, and you reply with changes. Wanting to skip Orange Bay entirely and spend the whole day at one quiet reef is a completely reasonable request, and people make it more often than you would think.

The boat itself, and who it fits

Up to twelve guests on the standard private boat, with a sundeck, a shaded saloon, an indoor toilet and a freshwater shower. Larger parties can charter a mid-size yacht for around twenty-five guests at a higher rate. Twelve is the ceiling, not the target. The day works best around six to eight, where there is room to spread out and the crew can actually respond to individuals rather than managing a group. The island entrance fee is still charged per person by the island authority and appears as its own line. Everything else, the crew, the food, the route, the day, is included in the boat price rather than being charged per head, which is what makes a private boat competitive once your group is large enough.

Trip highlights

• Private boat, no strangers
• Customize your itinerary
• Captain & crew at your service
• Lunch tailored to your group

What's included

• Hotel pickup & drop-off
• Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, vest)
• Buffet lunch on board
• Soft drinks, tea & water
• Certified captain & crew
• Underwater camera (extra)
• Tip for captain & crew (optional)

Daily itinerary

Approximate. Subject to weather and sea conditions.

1. 1
   Pickup at your timeFlexible

   Your boat, your start time. Most groups choose 08:00–09:00.

2. 2
   Boarding & route planning+30m

   Discuss with the captain which reefs and bays you want to visit.

3. 3
   Snorkeling stops on demandMid-day

   Two or three reefs, with as much or as little time as you want at each.

4. 4
   Private buffet on boardLunch

   Tailored to your group. Vegan, gluten-free or kids' menu on request.

5. 5
   Beach time or extra snorkelAfternoon

   Decide on the day. Captain follows your call.

6. 6
   Return to marinaSunset

   Music, drinks, photos on the way back.

Trip-specific questions