Hurghada: Elite vip snorkeling cruise with BBQ buffet lunch

The best part of this Hurghada day cruise is the boat itself. You get four floors, two air-conditioned salons, shaded seating, and a broad sun deck with loungers. I especially like the guided reef stops and the freshly cooked BBQ buffet, two features that make this feel more comfortable than a basic snorkeling transfer. The main thing to consider is that VIP does not mean adult-only, so children may be part of the group.

You will spend much of the day at sea, not simply rushing out for a quick swim. The crew serves hot and soft drinks to your lounger, and guides stay with you in the water. Dolphin sightings are possible, not promised, and the marine life changes from one stop to the next.

Key points at a glance

• Four-level boat: Use the open sun deck, shaded mid-deck, or two air-conditioned salon and dining decks.
• Three reef stops: Guided snorkeling gives you several chances to see coral and Red Sea fish.
• BBQ buffet at sea: Expect soup, salads, side dishes, chicken, Egyptian kofta, shrimp, and oven-baked fish.
• Comfort for less-confident swimmers: Life jackets are available, and entry is through a low rear platform.
• Dolphin search: The route moves north in an effort to spot dolphins, but sightings depend on conditions.
• Practical value: The $80 price includes hotel pickup, drop-off, park fees, food, drinks, and a six-hour boat day.

A spacious start from Hurghada Marina

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada, usually about 45 minutes before the boat departure. The road transfer to Hurghada Marina takes around 35 minutes, so the total morning starts earlier than the advertised six-hour cruise suggests. Bring your swimwear under your clothes if possible, because changing on a boat is less convenient than changing at your hotel.

The boat leaves the marina at about 9:00 am. The listed route allows roughly an hour to an hour and a half of sailing before the first snorkeling area, depending on how the day is scheduled. That longer ride is not just dead time. You get open views of the Red Sea coast and a chance to settle into one of several seating areas before getting wet.

I like having a choice of spaces here. If you want sun, the upper deck has loungers. If the heat becomes too much, you can move to the shaded mid-deck or one of the two air-conditioned salons. The dining areas also give you a place to sit during lunch without balancing a plate in the sun.

The boat is described as brand new and professionally crewed, with clean, well-maintained interiors. Those details matter on a six-hour sea trip. A crowded, poorly arranged boat can make a pleasant reef day tiring. Here, the four-level layout gives you more ways to take a break between swims.

Three reef stops instead of one quick swim

The main reason to book this trip is the time in the water. The program includes three stops at Red Sea snorkeling areas, although the detailed schedule describes the first guided swim, a northbound dolphin search, and a second guided snorkeling tour. Exact sites can change with sea conditions and the day’s route.

At the first reef stop, you will spend about 45 minutes swimming and looking below the surface. A snorkeling guide accompanies the group and helps direct you toward coral and marine life. The Red Sea is known for clear, warm water, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20 C even in winter, though a wetsuit can still make the water more comfortable for some people.

You may see schools of small, colorful fish and larger reef fish. The possible sightings listed for the area include seahorses, octopuses, turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. None of these is guaranteed. That is an important distinction. Coral reefs are living places, not aquariums, and the exact creatures change from one stop to another.

The guides are there for more than safety. They can point out areas worth looking at and help you spend your limited swim time well. If you are new to snorkeling, stay near the guide and avoid using all your energy in the first few minutes. The day gives you more than one chance to see the reef.

Entry to the water is through a low platform at the back of the boat. Life jackets are available, including for less-confident swimmers. The stated arrangement even allows a guide to assist someone with a life buoy, which makes this a more practical choice for mixed-ability groups than a trip built only for strong swimmers.

You should still be comfortable entering the sea from a boat and following the crew’s instructions. Wheelchair access is listed, but the information does not explain the exact arrangement for getting from the boat to the water. If that detail is important for you, confirm it before booking.

The northbound dolphin search

After the first water stop, the boat heads north and tries to spot dolphins. This is one of the more appealing parts of the route, but it needs realistic expectations. Dolphin sightings are described as possible, not certain, and the boat cannot control where wild animals appear.

The search also breaks up the day nicely. You can dry off, find a shaded seat, order another drink, or return to the sun deck while the crew moves to the next area. The open sea views provide a change from looking down at coral.

I would treat the dolphin search as a bonus rather than the reason to pay for the tour. If dolphins appear, the moment may be memorable. If they do not, you still have the reef stops, lunch, and the boat ride itself.

BBQ lunch with room to sit

Lunch is served on board during the Red Sea portion of the trip and lasts about an hour. The buffet includes soup, salads, side dishes, BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, grilled shrimp, and oven-baked fish. The exact combination may vary, since the program describes chicken and kofta or shrimp and fish among the main dishes.

This is a real advantage over a simple packed lunch. You can return from the water, eat a hot meal, and remain on the boat rather than losing time going ashore. The food is prepared in the onboard kitchen, with hygiene presented as a priority.

The menu gives you several choices, which helps if you do not want a heavy meal after swimming. Salads and soup can be useful before another water stop, while shrimp, fish, chicken, and kofta make the meal substantial enough for a full day out.

The dining setup is also practical. You have air-conditioned salon and dining decks when the sun is strong, plus shaded seating outside. I would not assume every table offers a perfect sea view, but you should be able to choose between cool indoor comfort and open-air eating.

Hot and soft drinks are served throughout the day and are described as unlimited. Waiter service is available, so you do not need to keep walking to a bar or carry drinks around the deck. That small touch makes the trip feel more polished than a standard group boat.

Life on the Elite VIP boat

The word VIP can mean very different things on Red Sea excursions. Here, it mainly refers to space, seating, food, and service rather than a private charter. The boat carries groups, and children may be present. If you want an adults-only setting, this is not a safe assumption.

The layout is the strongest part of the comfort package. The sun deck is made for relaxing between swims, with loungers and open views. The shaded mid-deck works better if you want fresh air without direct sun. The two air-conditioned salons are useful during lunch or when you need a break from heat and wind.

An electronic massage bed is also available on board. The supplied details do not explain whether this costs extra or how reservations work, so ask the crew if you want to use it rather than counting it as part of the standard package.

The crew speaks English, German, and Russian. That helps if you are traveling in a mixed-language group, especially during safety instructions. The snorkeling guides are also expected to remain with you in the water, which gives the day a more organized feel.

What the $80 price really covers

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Red Sea. The price makes more sense when you count the parts included: hotel pickup and drop-off, the marina transfer, national park fees, the boat, three reef stops, snorkeling guidance, lunch, and unlimited hot and soft drinks.

The four-level boat also affects the value. You are paying for more than transport. You get indoor, shaded, and open-air areas, along with waiter service and a cooked meal. If you care about comfort and do not want to spend the day on a basic boat, those extras may justify the price.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a short swim and do not care about space or lunch quality. In that case, a simpler snorkeling trip may meet your needs for less. You should also remember that wetsuits are not included. Renting one costs $10 if you want extra warmth.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 28 reviews, which fits the strengths of the experience. The most praised elements are the helpful crew and guides, the buffet, the yacht-style boat, and the quality of the snorkeling spots. One booking also raised a practical service concern: a paid video costing 30 euros had not arrived by email. If you buy a video, check the delivery details before leaving the boat and keep your receipt.

Timing, sea conditions, and what to pack

The schedule runs from a 9:00 am marina departure to a return around 3:30 pm, with hotel pickup starting roughly 45 minutes before departure. The activity is advertised as six hours, but the full day from pickup to return will be longer. Plan your day accordingly, especially if you have an evening flight or another fixed booking.

The itinerary includes about 35 minutes by bus to the marina, sailing time, a first swim, lunch, a second guided swim, and further cruising. The exact order can change. Sea conditions and the location of the reefs will affect how long the boat spends at each site.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, even on a cloudy day. The sun deck is a major part of the experience, so a hat and sunglasses are also sensible, though only the three items above are specifically required.

You can rent a wetsuit for $10. In warm months, many people may not need one, but winter swimmers or anyone sensitive to cooler water may appreciate it. Life jackets are available without needing to bring your own.

Keep your belongings simple. You will move between deck levels, dining areas, and the rear swimming platform. A small waterproof bag for valuables is useful, though a personal bag is not listed as an included item.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full Red Sea day with comfort built in. It suits couples, families, and mixed groups where some people want to snorkel while others prefer to sit in the shade or air conditioning.

It is also a good match for less-confident swimmers. The low rear platform, life jackets, and guide support make the water portion less intimidating. You still need to follow instructions and be ready to enter the sea, but you do not need to be an expert swimmer.

Food matters here, too. If you prefer a proper buffet to a basic sandwich, the onboard lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this option. The Egyptian kofta, grilled seafood, chicken, salads, and soup give you more than one safe choice.

I would be cautious if your ideal day means a quiet, adults-only boat. The trip is not advertised as adults-only, and children may be included in other groups. I would also avoid booking it solely for dolphins, since sightings are not guaranteed.

The cruise is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the supplied information does not explain water access in detail. If you need specific assistance, contact the provider before paying. The available languages are English, German, and Russian.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Hurghada plans may shift, but check the exact booking conditions for your selected date.

Should you book the Elite VIP snorkeling cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable boat, several reef stops, a cooked lunch, and help in the water. At $80, it offers solid value for a full day that includes transport, park fees, food, drinks, and a spacious four-level boat.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed dolphin encounter, a private charter, or an adults-only atmosphere. For most people who value comfort as much as snorkeling, this is a well-rounded Red Sea outing. Pack sunscreen, expect children may be present, and think of dolphins as a lucky extra rather than a promise.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada Elite VIP snorkeling cruise last?

The activity lasts about six hours. The boat departs around 9:00 am and returns to the marina around 3:30 pm, while hotel pickup usually begins about 45 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included, with pickup beginning around 45 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The program includes three stops at Red Sea snorkeling areas. The detailed schedule describes guided snorkeling, a northbound dolphin search, and another guided snorkeling tour, though the exact sites can vary.

Is lunch included on the boat?

Yes. The buffet includes soup, salads, side dishes, BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, grilled shrimp, and oven-baked fish. The exact selection may vary.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited hot and soft drinks are included throughout the day, with waiter service available on the boat.

Do I need to bring a wetsuit?

No. Wetsuits are optional and can be rented for $10. You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Life jackets are available on board.