Hurghada: Elite VIP Cruise with Seafood and BBQ Buffet Lunch

The Red Sea looks best from the water. This six-hour cruise combines two guided snorkeling stops with a spacious four-deck boat, seafood and BBQ lunch, and hotel pickup, making it an easy way to spend a full day offshore. I like the clean, well-maintained boat and the choice of open-air, shaded, and air-conditioned spaces. I also like that snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and transfers are included. The main caution is value: at $78.11 per person, you are paying for comfort and service, not simply access to a reef.

The boat can carry up to 45 people, so this is not a private yacht outing. Still, the layout gives you room to spread out, and waiter service helps the day feel more polished than a basic snorkel trip. Sea conditions can also affect the schedule, and poor communication about weather has caused problems for some people, so keep your phone available on the morning of departure.

The Key Details Before You Book

• Four usable decks: Choose a sunbed on the open top deck, shade on the mid-deck, or air-conditioned seating in one of the salon and dining areas.
• Two guided reef stops: The day centers on supervised snorkeling in Red Sea waters, with equipment supplied.
• Seafood and BBQ lunch: The main meal is served buffet-style, with seafood and grilled dishes included in the fare.
• All-day drinks: Hot drinks and sodas are available through waiter service during the cruise.
• Pickup from Hurghada hotels: An air-conditioned vehicle is included, making this simpler than arranging your own trip to the marina.
• Weather matters: The cruise needs good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can receive a new date or a full refund.

Boarding a Four-Deck Boat at 9:00 a.m.

The cruise starts at 9:00 a.m., with pickup offered from Hurghada hotels. That transfer is a useful part of the package. You avoid finding the port yourself, and the air-conditioned vehicle matters on a sunny Egyptian morning.

The first impression is likely to come from the boat itself. This is not a narrow day boat with every seat packed along one rail. The Elite VIP vessel has four levels, each serving a different purpose.

The open top deck is the place for sunbeds and wide views. You can watch Hurghada recede behind you, stretch out between swim stops, and claim a little quiet time when you are not in the water. Bring sun protection, though. A sunbed does not provide shade, and the open deck is exposed for much of the day.

The mid-deck gives you a cooler compromise. It has shaded seating and lets you remain outside without sitting directly under the sun. This may be the best spot for people who want sea views but do not want to spend six hours baking on a lounger.

Below, two air-conditioned salon and dining decks provide relief from heat. They also give you somewhere comfortable to sit during lunch or while the boat is moving. The variety is important. You are not forced to choose between full sun and an enclosed cabin for the entire day.

Cleanliness receives particularly strong praise. The bathrooms have been described as very clean and pleasantly scented, which is not a glamorous detail until you are on a full-day boat trip. Fresh-water rinsing is also available after swimming, a small comfort that makes wet gear and saltwater less bothersome.

What the Four Decks Mean in Practice

The word VIP can be inflated in tourist advertising. Here, it mainly means space, maintenance, and service rather than private access or complete seclusion.

A maximum of 45 people is modest for a boat of this size, but you should still expect other groups around you. The advantage is that the four levels spread people out. One person can sit in the sun, another can stay in the shade, and someone else can use the air-conditioned salon without everyone competing for the same few seats.

The crew provides waiter service for hot drinks and sodas throughout the day. That is a meaningful upgrade over bringing everything yourself, though snacks are not included. If you tend to get hungry between breakfast and lunch, pack something small or confirm what you can bring before departure.

The onboard atmosphere appears to be more relaxed than rowdy. One particularly positive point is that alcohol is not served onboard, which may appeal to families and anyone looking for a calm day on the water. The service is often described as friendly and attentive, with several positive mentions of crew members taking safety and comfort seriously.

The boat also welcomes people who want to combine snorkeling with other water activities, though the supplied information specifically confirms snorkeling equipment rather than a wider range of gear. If you plan to do more than snorkel, ask before booking.

The First Snorkeling Stop: Coral and Clear Water

The main reason to book this cruise is the Red Sea itself. The first guided snorkeling session takes you to a reef area selected for coral and marine life. The exact reef names are not provided, and the route can vary with weather and sea conditions, so you should not book expecting one guaranteed site.

You receive snorkeling equipment, and guides accompany the group in the water. That makes the stop more approachable if you are new to snorkeling or uneasy in open water. One account specifically describes feeling safe with a 13-year-old child on the trip, while another highlights guides pointing out unusual fish such as stonefish, lionfish, and moray eels.

You should still judge your own swimming ability honestly. One less positive account points out that snorkeling is done in groups and can be less satisfying for people who are not strong swimmers. A guided group is useful for safety, but it also means you may not move at your own pace.

The reef experience will depend on visibility, sunlight, sea conditions, and the behavior of the fish. People have reported colorful fish, coral, dolphins, turtles, and a dugong, sometimes called a sea cow. Those sightings are exciting but never guaranteed. The sensible reason to book is the chance to see Red Sea marine life, not a promise of one particular animal.

Take care getting in and out of the boat. The cruise is described as easy to board, with convenient access for entering the water. Still, ladders and wet surfaces require attention, particularly if you are carrying a camera or helping a child.

The Second Reef Stop and Guided Time in the Water

A second guided snorkeling session gives the day more value than a quick swim followed by a long return journey. You have another chance to see fish and coral if the first stop is crowded, cloudy, or simply not your favorite.

Some accounts describe three snorkeling sessions rather than two. The official description emphasizes two guided sessions, so I would plan for two and treat any additional water time as a possible bonus, not a promise.

Guides can make a real difference here. The strongest accounts praise professional supervision, friendly explanations, and help for people who are less confident in the water. If you are an experienced snorkeler, you may find the group format a little restrictive. If you prefer reassurance and structure, it is a plus.

Do not expect the reefs to be entirely untouched or dramatically different from every reef near Hurghada. One candid assessment found the sites comparable to reefs accessible from hotels in Makadi Bay. That is an important point for judging the price. The cruise adds boat comfort, service, lunch, and a full day on the Red Sea, but it may not deliver a radically better underwater view than a good hotel-based snorkeling option.

Seafood, BBQ, and a Proper Midday Break

Lunch is more than a sandwich between swim stops. A seafood and BBQ buffet is served onboard, with the meal included in the price. Several people describe the food as tasty, well prepared, and well served, which supports the idea that the kitchen is one of the stronger parts of the experience.

A buffet also gives you flexibility after time in the water. You can choose a lighter plate or eat more generously after swimming. The supplied information does not provide a detailed menu, so do not book based on a specific fish, side dish, or dessert.

The dining decks are air-conditioned, a welcome change after the top deck and the water. You can take a proper break, dry off, and enjoy the meal without balancing a plate in direct sun.

Remember that snacks are not included. Lunch is included, as are hot drinks and sodas through the day, but the package does not promise a morning snack or extra food between meals. If you have dietary needs, ask in advance. The available information does not confirm vegetarian, vegan, halal, or allergy-specific arrangements.

Service, Safety, and the Human Side of the Trip

The crew is one of the most praised parts of this cruise. People describe the staff as friendly, professional, and helpful, with special appreciation for the snorkeling guides and the captain. Captain Walled is named positively for being careful and attentive, while guides called Mohamed and Bobi receive warm praise in individual accounts.

That personal service matters on a boat day. A good guide can help you fit equipment, explain where to look, and keep an eye on the group. The crew also appears to welcome feedback. The owner has spoken directly with people at the port to ask how the day went, which suggests a business paying attention to its operation.

There are also two practical cautions. First, some activities connected to the boat may be handled by outside operators. Photography is one example, and complaints about that service were directed to the separate photography team rather than the cruise operator. You should ask the price before accepting optional photos or other add-ons.

Second, weather communication has not always been smooth. At least one scheduled outing was canceled because of bad weather, but the update did not arrive promptly. The company apologized and provided a full refund in that case. This does not mean every weather disruption will be poorly managed, but it is sensible to keep your phone on and confirm pickup if the forecast looks unsettled.

Is $78.11 a Fair Price?

At $78.11 per person, this cruise is not the cheapest way to see the Red Sea. You are paying for a newer, spacious boat, four seating levels, air conditioning, equipment, lunch, drinks, hotel transfer, and a crewed experience that takes care of the day’s basic details.

I think the price is reasonable if you value comfort. The clean bathrooms, fresh-water rinse, air-conditioned dining areas, buffet lunch, and multiple seating choices add up. You can spend the day without organizing transport, renting equipment separately, or packing a full meal.

The calculation changes if your only goal is to see coral. If your hotel offers easy access to a decent reef, or if you are a strong swimmer who does not need a guide, a cheaper boat or shore-based option may offer better value. One assessment found the reef quality similar to sites near Makadi Bay hotels, so the premium is mainly for the boat and service.

The tour is booked, on average, 56 days ahead. That suggests people plan for it, particularly during busy holiday periods. Still, the operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a comfortable, organized day on the water rather than a bare-bones snorkeling transfer. It suits couples, families, and mixed groups where some people want to snorkel while others would rather sit in shade, enjoy the view, or stay in the air-conditioned cabin.

It is also a good fit for people who care about cleanliness and a calm onboard setting. The boat has enough different spaces to make six hours feel manageable, and the crew provides more support than you usually get on a simple shared boat.

You may want another option if you are seeking a private yacht, a very small group, or advanced snorkeling without group supervision. You may also be disappointed if you expect guaranteed dolphins, turtles, a dugong, or unusually remote reefs.

For children and weaker swimmers, the guided format and crew supervision are reassuring, but open-water snorkeling still requires care. The information says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. It does not provide detailed information about flotation devices, child pricing, or specific mobility arrangements, so ask before booking if those points matter to you.

Should You Book the Elite VIP Cruise?

Book it if you want a polished full-day Red Sea outing with a strong boat, helpful crew, air-conditioned areas, seafood and BBQ lunch, and two supervised snorkeling sessions. The boat comfort and cleanliness are the main reasons to pay more than a basic excursion.

Skip it if you only want the cheapest reef access or if a private, quiet trip matters more than onboard facilities. Also keep expectations sensible: marine-life sightings vary, the reefs may not be dramatically better than those near some Hurghada hotels, and the group format is part of the deal.

For most people who want convenience and comfort, I think the package offers solid value. Confirm pickup, check the weather, bring sun protection and any snacks you need, and treat the sea life as a welcome surprise rather than a guarantee.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The stated start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Hurghada hotels, and an air-conditioned vehicle is included.

Are snorkeling equipment and lunch included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and lunch are included, with a seafood and BBQ buffet described for the midday meal.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The experience includes two guided snorkeling sessions. Some accounts describe three water stops, but you should plan on two confirmed sessions.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation for other reasons is available up to 24 hours before the start time.