White sand, shallow turquoise water and a wooden pier — Orange Bay on Giftun Island is the easiest beach day in the Red Sea. The boat anchors at the reef edge first, then moors at the island for the afternoon.
Three hours on the island
Reef stop before lunch
US$32
US$20
Sunset sail was calm and the tea was lovely, but we left the marina forty minutes late so the light was almost gone by the swim stop. Still a nice evening.
First time breathing underwater at 41. The instructor spent a full half hour in the shallows with me before we went anywhere near the reef. Never once felt pushed.
Orange Bay was busier than the photos suggest, but the reef stop on the way was quiet and the water was unbelievably clear. Guide spoke good English and checked on the kids constantly.
