Orange Bay vs Paradise Island: Which Should You Choose?

Orange Bay features a massive, gradual shallow lagoon ideal for wading, whereas Paradise Island offers faster access to deeper swimming water. When you step off the wooden jetty into the water at Orange Bay, the sand is soft and powdery underfoot, and the crystal-clear water remains waist-deep far out into the bay.

This vast natural wading pool makes Orange Bay perfect for non-swimmers who want to relax safely in warm water without ocean swells. In contrast, the shoreline at Paradise Island slopes more noticeably into the sea. Swimmers can take a few steps into the water and immediately begin swimming in chest-deep water, making Paradise Island more appealing for guests who prefer actual swimming over wading.

Orange Bay is internationally recognized for its wooden sea swings, hammocks and rustic wooden boardwalks, while Paradise Island focuses on understated, natural coastal views. The aesthetic at Orange Bay has been purposefully designed for stunning holiday photography.

Visitors love posing on the tall wooden swings anchored directly into the shallow turquoise sea, sitting on rope hammocks suspended above the water, and walking along the elevated timber pathways leading to panoramic island lookouts. Paradise Island takes a more traditional approach, offering classic thatched parasols, wooden sun shelters, and natural desert-island vistas without staged photo installations, creating a simpler, more unpretentious beach setting.

Both destinations provide shaded relaxation on Giftun Island, but Paradise Island offers shaded seating, sunbeds and wooden umbrellas, while Orange Bay relies on wooden seating, beanbags and open pavilions. Comfortable shade is valuable under the Egyptian sunshine, and each beach organizes shelter differently.

At Paradise Island, guests relax under shaded seating and sunbeds set into the sand, giving visitors space to unwind. Orange Bay features wooden walkways, sun shades, beanbags and open pavilions that create a lively coastal atmosphere. On both excursions, fresh buffet lunch, soft drinks and mineral water are provided on board the boat.

Orange Bay attracts higher peak visitor numbers during midday, making Paradise Island the quieter choice for travellers seeking a more relaxed beach atmosphere. Because Orange Bay is Hurghada's most famous excursion destination, dozens of shared motor yachts arrive during midday hours.

During these peak midday hours, queues can form for popular photo points like the wooden sea swings. If you prefer uncrowded sands and open space to read or snooze, Paradise Island offers a noticeably calmer environment. Alternatively, travellers can book a private speedboat charter to reach Orange Bay early in the morning at 09:00, enjoying the swings and shallow lagoon in complete tranquility before shared tourist fleets dock.

Both excursions include open buffet lunches on the yacht, two offshore guided reef snorkeling stops, equipment and hotel transfers. When you book either cruise with See Hurghada, the maritime day out follows a similar high-quality structure.

Vessels depart Hurghada Marina in the morning and cruise toward Giftun Island. Along the way, the boat moors at two offshore barrier reefs where certified guides lead guided snorkeling sessions to observe corals, rays and tropical fish. Guests spend approximately two hours on their chosen island beach, followed by a freshly prepared open buffet lunch on board with soft drinks and water sports sofa rides, all covered by our transparent all-in pricing promise.

The table below contrasts key features, swimming depths and atmospheres between Orange Bay and Paradise Island to help you select the ideal day trip.