Hurghada: Elite vip snorkeling cruise with BBQ buffet lunch

A polished day at sea awaits. This Hurghada cruise combines Red Sea snorkeling with a four-level boat, air-conditioned salons, waiter service, and a generous BBQ buffet. I especially like the spacious sun deck and the fact that guides accompany you in the water, making the trip easier for nervous swimmers.

The food is another strong point: BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, shrimp, fish, salads, soup, and sides are prepared on board. The main caution is that VIP does not mean adults only. One recent booking expected a child-free outing but found children in several groups, so check your expectations before paying the $80 price.

Key points to know before booking

• Four floors of space: Choose sun loungers, shaded mid-deck seating, or one of two air-conditioned salon and dining decks.
• Three reef stops are advertised: You get guided snorkeling, a second water stop, and a northern cruise where dolphins may be spotted if conditions allow.
• Fresh lunch is cooked on board: The buffet includes BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, shrimp, oven-baked fish, soup, salads, and side dishes.
• Useful for mixed abilities: Life jackets are available, and sea access uses a low rear platform rather than a high jump.
• Comfort costs more: At $80 per person, the trip is priced above a basic snorkeling boat, but includes hotel transfers, park fees, food, drinks, and a larger vessel.
• Bring the basics: Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A wetsuit can be rented for $10.

A more comfortable way to see the Red Sea

Many Hurghada boat outings focus on getting as many people as possible onto the water. This one takes a different approach. The boat has four floors, two air-conditioned salons, shaded seating, dining areas, and an open upper deck lined with loungers.

That extra room matters during a six-hour trip. You can move around instead of staying beside the same seat all day. If the sun becomes too strong, you have an indoor option. If you want wind and open views, the upper deck is the natural choice.

I also like the waiter service for hot and soft drinks. It is a small touch, but useful when you are wet, tired, or settled into a good sunspot. The boat is described as new and well maintained, with a professional crew. That fits the central appeal here: you are paying for a smoother day, not just transport to a reef.

The experience is not private. You share the boat with other groups, and the VIP label should be read as a comfort upgrade rather than a private yacht charter. A recent booking expected an adult-only setting and was disappointed when children were present in several groups. Families and mixed-age groups are part of the normal picture.

From Hurghada pickup to the marina

Hotel pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure. The road transfer to Hurghada Marina takes around 35 minutes by bus or coach, depending on your pickup point.

The advertised departure from the marina is 9:00 am. The full schedule brings you back to Hurghada around 3:30 pm, giving you roughly six hours for transport, sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and the return journey.

That early start is helpful. You get most of the day on the Red Sea, and the timing leaves your evening free. Still, pickup is not the same as departure. If you are arranging another activity later, allow room for the hotel transfer and possible timing changes at sea.

At the marina, the size of the boat becomes clear. You are not boarding a small speedboat built only for quick transfers. This is a broad, multi-level vessel designed for a full day away from shore. The large layout is particularly helpful if you do not want constant sun or if you need a quiet place between swims.

The first cruise and your first reef stop

The first sailing period lasts about an hour in the program, while the itinerary also lists a 1.5-hour sailing segment. In practical terms, expect a substantial ride from the marina before the first snorkeling location.

This is part of the day, not dead time. You can watch the Red Sea coast recede, settle into a lounger, order a drink, or sit in the shade. The wide upper deck gives you a good chance to find a position that suits you.

The first water stop is chosen for coral and marine life. Guides accompany the group and point out where to swim. That guidance has real value because a reef can look ordinary from the surface if you enter at the wrong place. The crew aims to take you toward the stronger coral areas rather than leaving you to guess.

Sea access is through a low platform at the back of the boat. You do not have to leap from a tall side deck. Life jackets are available, and the guides can assist less-confident swimmers with a buoy. This makes the trip a reasonable choice for beginners, provided you are comfortable entering the sea and following water-safety instructions.

The water is described as staying above 20 C even in winter. That does not mean you will never feel cold, especially after a long swim or in wind. If you tend to chill easily, a wetsuit is available to rent for $10. Bring a towel and dry clothing for the return sail.

What you may see below the surface

The Red Sea is known for clear water and coral habitats, but the exact sightings are never fixed. You might find brightly colored reef fish, octopuses, seahorses, turtles, rays, or larger fish. Dolphins and manta rays are possible, but no crew can promise them on a particular day.

That uncertainty is worth understanding. You are booking access to a marine setting, not a wildlife show with scheduled appearances. Conditions, location, visibility, and animal behavior all shape what you see.

The guides are present for safety and enjoyment. They can help you find the best sections of reef at each stop and make the outing less intimidating if you have limited snorkeling experience. Life jackets also make it easier to stay afloat while watching the coral without wasting energy.

The listed schedule includes three stops at strong snorkeling sites, while the detailed program describes a first guided stop, a move north for possible dolphin spotting, and a second guided snorkeling tour. You should expect multiple water opportunities, with the exact order and locations set by the crew.

One practical point: reef viewing is not only about fish. The coral itself is the reason these stops are special. You are looking at a living underwater habitat, so follow the guide’s instructions and avoid touching coral or marine life. The experience is better when you take time to observe rather than rush from one sight to the next.

Dolphin spotting near the northern Red Sea

After the first snorkeling session, the boat moves north and tries to locate dolphins if conditions make it possible. This section adds excitement to the day, but it is also the least predictable part.

If dolphins appear, you may get a memorable wildlife sighting from the boat. If they do not, the cruise still continues toward the next snorkeling site. I would treat dolphins as a welcome bonus, not as the reason to pay for the excursion.

The wording matters because wildlife can change direction quickly. Anyone who promises a guaranteed dolphin encounter would be overselling the day. Here, the more honest expectation is a scenic cruise and a chance to look for them.

This part also gives you a break between water sessions. You can dry off, eat something small if available, order a drink, and enjoy the boat before returning to the sea.

A BBQ buffet served on board

Lunch is one of the strongest features of the package. The chefs prepare the meal on board, with an emphasis on hygiene and fresh ingredients. The buffet includes soup, salads, side dishes, BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, grilled shrimp, and oven-baked fish.

That is a better setup than a basic packed lunch. You get a hot meal after swimming, and the range gives you a choice between meat, seafood, and lighter sides. One recent birthday booking specifically praised the food but felt disappointed that the birthday note did not lead to any acknowledgment. If you are marking a special occasion, do not assume that entering your birthday details will produce a celebration.

Lunch is scheduled for about an hour. This is enough time to eat without treating the meal as a quick stop between activities. Dining on the Red Sea also makes the midday break feel like part of the outing rather than an interruption.

The food was highly praised in the available feedback, along with the snorkeling locations and the boat itself. That praise is consistent with the way the trip is designed: it aims to give you a full service day rather than a bare-bones reef transfer.

The second guided swim and time on deck

After lunch, the program allows about two hours for more cruising, swimming, snorkeling, marine-life viewing, and sailing. The second guided tour is your chance to see a different reef section, since coral and fish activity can vary from one stop to the next.

Do not expect every stop to look identical. Some sites may feel more colorful, while another may offer better visibility or a different mix of fish. That variation is part of the appeal, though it also means the quality of each stop can depend on sea conditions.

Between swims, the boat gives you several ways to spend your time. The upper sun deck is best for open views and drying off. The shaded middle deck works better if you want a break from direct sun. The two air-conditioned salons are useful if heat, wind, or seasickness becomes an issue.

The electronic massage beds are included as an onboard feature. They may appeal after swimming, though the main value of the trip remains the reef time, boat space, food, and crew service.

Is $80 a fair price?

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to snorkel from Hurghada. The price makes more sense if you value comfort and a full package.

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, national park fees listed at $5, the boat, guided snorkeling, lunch, and unlimited hot and soft drinks. You are also paying for a larger vessel with several seating areas instead of a simple boat with limited shade.

A basic snorkeling trip may suit you better if your priority is spending the least possible or getting directly to the water. The Elite VIP option is stronger for a full-day outing where the boat itself is part of the experience.

I would call the value good for people who will use the extra space, eat the buffet lunch, and appreciate indoor seating. It is less convincing if you want a quiet private cruise, an adults-only atmosphere, or guaranteed dolphin sightings.

The $10 wetsuit rental is the only listed extra cost tied directly to comfort. Bring your own sunscreen, towel, and swimwear so you do not need to buy replacements at the last minute.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This trip suits you if you want a comfortable Red Sea day without arranging each part separately. It works particularly well for:

• First-time snorkelers who want guides and life jackets nearby
• Families and mixed-age groups who need varied seating
• Couples who prefer a larger, more polished boat
• Seafood and BBQ fans who care about a hot lunch
• Swimmers who want several water stops rather than one short session
• Visitors who value hotel pickup and a clear half-day schedule

It may not suit you if you want a private boat, a quiet adults-only setting, or a low-cost snorkeling trip. Children may be present, and the dolphin search is dependent on nature rather than a fixed timetable.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the sea-entry arrangements still matter. Ask in advance about the practical support you need at the rear platform and around the boat if mobility is a concern.

The crew offers service in English, German, and Russian. Guides are with you during the snorkeling sessions, which should make the water activities easier to manage even if you are new to the sport.

Small details that make the day easier

Use reef-safe sunscreen if available, and apply it before boarding as well as during the cruise. Strong sun, wind, and reflected light can catch you off guard on an open deck.

Keep a dry layer in your bag. The water may be mild, but sitting in a breeze after swimming can feel cool, especially outside summer. A wetsuit rental is available for $10 if you usually get cold.

Choose your deck with a plan. The sun loungers are attractive early in the day, but shaded and air-conditioned areas may become more comfortable later. You do not need to remain in one place.

Bring only what you need. A towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and any personal essentials are enough for the advertised program. The boat provides drinks throughout the day and lunch on board.

The cancellation terms are friendly: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Elite VIP cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want comfort, food, and several guided reef stops in one organized day. The boat receives especially strong praise for its staff, lunch, snorkeling locations, and roomy design. That combination makes the $80 price easier to justify.

I would skip it if your idea of VIP means a private or adults-only boat. Children may be present, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded Red Sea outing with enough space to make six hours at sea feel manageable rather than tiring.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada snorkeling cruise last?

The activity lasts about six hours. Pickup begins around 45 minutes before departure, and the advertised program leaves the marina at 9:00 am and returns to Hurghada around 3:30 pm.

What is included in the $80 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, national park fees listed at $5, guided snorkeling, the boat trip, buffet lunch, unlimited hot and soft drinks, and access to electronic massage beds.

What food is served at lunch?

The onboard buffet includes soups, salads, side dishes, BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, grilled shrimp, and oven-baked fish.

Are wetsuits included?

No. Wetsuits are available to rent for $10 if you want one.

Can beginners or nervous swimmers snorkel?

Yes. Guides accompany the snorkeling sessions, life jackets are available, and you enter the water from a low rear platform. The crew can assist less-confident swimmers with a life buoy.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The cruise moves north to try to spot dolphins if possible, but sightings depend on conditions and animal behavior.