Taking the kids to Orange Bay, a parent guide

Yes. Of all the day trips out of Hurghada, Orange Bay is the one we recommend most often for families with kids. The shallow turquoise lagoon, the wooden boardwalks, and the beach swings are designed for children to love (even if that was not the original intent).

Most of the lagoon is waist-deep, so kids can wade and play without you holding your breath. The water is calm, warm in season, and clear enough to see your own toes. The boardwalks let little ones walk over the water without swimming. The beach swings are the photo every parent posts.

Snorkeling is age-appropriate too: from age 5 or 6 most kids manage a mask and snorkel with a vest in the shallow reef areas. Below that, the lagoon swimming is enough.

On the shared boat (€25 per person), children aged 6 to 12 pay half price (€12.50). Infants aged 0 to 5 travel free. That makes the shared boat a clear budget winner for families.

On the speedboat (€130 flat for the whole boat, up to 8 guests), children are included in the boat price at no extra per-person fee. We recommend ages 6 and up because of the motion. Infants are not recommended on the speedboat.

On a private boat charter (€450 flat for the whole boat, up to 15 guests), there is no per-person price. A family of 5 averages out to €90 per head and gets a private boat, custom menu, and a flexible schedule. For families with very young children, this is often the most relaxing option.

Bring: swimwear for everyone (wear under clothes for an easy morning), towels, sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), sunglasses, hats, a light layer for the morning boat ride (it can be breezy), water shoes if you have them, snacks the kids like, a couple of distractions (small toy, headphones, tablet for the boat ride home).

Provided: full breakfast and lunch on board, soft drinks all day, snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) in adult and child sizes, life jackets in child sizes (and infant sizes on request, mention it at booking).

Optional but useful: a waterproof phone pouch for photos, swim diapers for very small kids, a beach toy or two (sand castles on Orange Bay are excellent).

Pickup is around 8 AM at your Hurghada hotel. The marina is 5 to 20 minutes away by car depending where you stay. Bring breakfast snacks for the kids in case they wake up grumpy, breakfast on the boat is around 9 AM.

Once on board, our crew does a safety briefing in your language and shows everyone where the life jackets are. The cruise to the first reef takes about an hour. Kids usually love this part, snacks, music, the open sea. If you have a child prone to seasickness, ask the crew for a spot at the back, lower motion.

Snorkeling stops are 45 minutes each. The crew helps anyone who needs it into the water. Two stops mean the kids are not stuck on the boat for long stretches.

On the island, you have two hours to do whatever the day calls for: swimming, beach swings, sandcastles, a snack at the beach bar, walking the boardwalks, taking photos. The crew waits for you, you go at your pace.

Bring an extra t-shirt for the boat ride back. Wet kids in the wind get cold.

Apply sunscreen before the boat leaves. The shade on board is good but the reflection off the water is strong.

Tell the guide at booking if your child has a food allergy or dietary need. The crew adjusts the lunch.

If your child has not snorkeled before, the lagoon is the perfect first try, calm and shallow. Most kids who try it once want to do it again at the next stop.

For naps, the day boat has shaded deck seating. Bring a small blanket and they can nap on the cruise back.

For most families we recommend the shared day boat (€25 per person, kids half price, infants free) for the budget and the full lunch. Larger families or families with very small children sometimes prefer the private charter (€450 flat) for the flexibility and quiet.

WhatsApp is the fastest way to ask any family-specific question. Tell us the ages of your kids and any special needs and we will recommend the right option. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip, pay on arrival.