Hurghada: Elite VIP Cruise with Seafood and BBQ Buffet Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada cruise is the boat itself. You get four levels to choose from: a sunbed-filled open deck, a shaded mid-deck, and two air-conditioned salon and dining floors. That gives you room to spread out instead of spending six hours shoulder to shoulder on a small day boat.

I like the clean, well-kept boat and the easy rhythm of the day. I also like that the price includes snorkeling gear, lunch, hotel transfers, and all-day hot drinks and sodas. The main consideration is that the advertised program lists two guided reef sessions, while some departures have included three stops, so the exact water time may vary.

Key points to know before you book

• Four decks make a real difference: Choose sun, shade, or air-conditioning as the day changes.
• Two guided reef sessions are included: Some departures have featured a third snorkeling stop.
• Lunch is more than a basic packed meal: Expect a seafood and barbecue buffet served aboard.
• The crew earns much of the praise: Guides including Mohamed and crew members such as captain Walled are noted for friendly, careful service.
• The group is capped at 45 people: This is still a shared cruise, but the boat gives the group room to spread out.
• Weather can change the plan: Poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund.

A spacious start from Hurghada

The day begins around 9:00 a.m., with pickup available from Hurghada hotels. The air-conditioned vehicle is a welcome touch, especially if you are staying outside the central hotel area or do not want to arrange a taxi to the harbor.

Exact pickup timing can depend on your hotel and the day’s transport plan, so keep your morning open. Once you reach the boat, the change in pace is immediate. This is not a bare-bones transfer to a fishing vessel. The Elite VIP boat is designed as a floating day lounge, with four floors and several places to sit.

The maximum group size is 45 people. That is not a private charter, but it is a useful limit for a boat-based excursion. You can move between the decks, find a quiet seat, and get to the water without the cramped feel of a much smaller vessel.

Choosing your favorite deck

The open top deck is the obvious place for sun lovers. It is lined with loungers, so you can stretch out during the cruise and watch Hurghada’s coast recede. Bring sun protection, though. Six hours on open water can catch up with you, even on a pleasant day.

The shaded mid-deck gives you a cooler place to sit without retreating indoors. This is a good choice between snorkeling sessions, at lunch, or when the top deck feels too bright.

Two air-conditioned salon and dining decks provide the most comfortable refuge during the hottest part of the day. They also make this trip easier for anyone who does not want constant sun exposure. The boat’s range of seating is one of its strongest practical features. You are not locked into one chair or one temperature for the entire excursion.

A fresh-water rinse after snorkeling is another small but useful detail. It lets you wash off salt without waiting until you return to the hotel. Clean bathrooms have also been a repeated bright spot, with one account specifically noting that they were well maintained and pleasantly scented.

The cruise across the Red Sea

The sailing itself is part of the experience, not just transport between stops. You can settle into a lounger, take in the coast, and use the shaded or air-conditioned areas when you need a break.

Waiter service is available through the day for hot drinks and sodas. Snacks are not included, so you should not count on small bites between breakfast and lunch. The buffet is the main meal, and the included drinks help keep the package from turning into a string of small extra charges.

The boat is described as professionally crewed and carefully maintained. That matters on a full-day water outing. A polished boat does not guarantee calm seas or perfect weather, but it does make the hours between activities far more pleasant.

The vessel does not serve alcoholic drinks, according to the information provided for the cruise. That may appeal to you if you prefer a quieter family setting, though it is worth knowing if you expected a bar service.

Two reef sessions with guided support

The main reason to book this cruise is the Red Sea snorkeling. The planned program includes two guided sessions at two reef areas. Rather than simply dropping you at a site and leaving you to manage alone, the crew provides equipment and guidance in the water.

The reef stops are where the day becomes active. You can expect clear-water viewing of corals and colorful fish, with the chance of seeing larger or less common sea life. Sightings described on different departures have included turtles, dolphins, a sea cow, lionfish, stonefish, moray eels, and many smaller reef fish. None of these animals is guaranteed, but the range gives you a sense of what can appear in the Red Sea.

A guide named Mohamed has been singled out for doing a good job during the snorkeling portion. Other accounts describe the guides as reassuring, professional, and helpful with younger swimmers. One family felt safe bringing a 13-year-old child, though you should still judge the conditions and your own swimming ability carefully.

The water program is group-based. That keeps the activity organized, but it also means you may not move at your own private pace. If you want to spend a long time inspecting one coral head or swim far from the main group, this is not the right format.

There is also a practical point for less confident swimmers. One account describes non-swimmers using flotation support and still getting a chance to see the reef. Equipment and supervision help, but this remains a water activity. You should be comfortable following crew instructions and entering the sea.

The published description promises two guided snorkeling sessions. Some departures have included three snorkeling passages, with longer time in the water. Treat that third stop as a possible bonus rather than part of the firm promise. Weather, sea conditions, site access, and the day’s timing can affect the program.

Lunch with a view, not a hurried shore stop

Lunch is served aboard as a seafood and barbecue buffet. The format suits this kind of day because you can eat without losing time to a trip back to shore. You also keep the sea views and the boat’s seating options around you.

Descriptions of the meal consistently point to good food, careful presentation, and a generous spread. The precise menu is not provided, so do not book based on a specific fish or barbecue item. The useful point is that lunch is part of the cruise rather than an extra purchase.

I see the meal as an important part of the value. A six-hour boat trip can feel long if lunch is poor or inconvenient. Here, the meal breaks up the water time and gives you a proper chance to sit in the air-conditioned dining area.

If you have a strict diet, ask before booking because the available details do not explain vegetarian, allergy, or special-meal arrangements. Snacks are not included, so bring anything small you know you will need, provided the operator allows it.

Service that shapes the day

The boat and the reefs may attract you, but the crew controls how comfortable the experience feels. The strongest accounts focus on friendly service, safety, punctual pickup, and helpful guidance.

Captain Walled has been described as careful and attentive, with a habit of checking that people are comfortable. Bobi is also mentioned warmly in connection with the crew. These individual names suggest a personal service style, although the exact team can change from one departure to another.

The crew’s role matters most around the snorkeling stops. Clear instructions, help with equipment, and a watchful presence can make a big difference if you are new to snorkeling. The trip is also suitable for many ages, and service animals are allowed, according to the additional information.

There is one important qualification. A small number of complaints concern guide communication, photography arrangements, or poor updates when weather disrupted a departure. Photography is handled separately by a tour operator on some departures, rather than by the Elite VIP cruise itself. If photographs are offered, confirm the price and who provides the service before paying.

Weather-related communication has also caused frustration on at least one occasion. Bad weather can force a cancellation or rescheduling, but the operator should still keep you informed. If the forecast looks uncertain, confirm the departure with the provider before setting out.

Is $78.11 a fair price?

At $78.11 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Red Sea. You are paying for a more comfortable boat, hotel transport, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and the services of a crew rather than just for a place on a basic vessel.

The value improves if you want a full day without arranging separate transport, equipment rental, and food. It also improves if you care about having air-conditioning, clean bathrooms, a sunbed, and room to move between decks. Those comforts matter more after several hours in the sun.

The value is less clear if your only goal is snorkeling. One account found that the reefs did not offer much more than areas visible from hotel beaches in Makadi Bay. If you already have easy access to good house reefs, the premium boat experience may be the bigger attraction than the reef locations themselves.

You should also remember that the group is shared and snorkeling is organized in groups. This is a polished group excursion, not a private yacht charter. For many people, that is the right balance. You receive structure and support without paying private-boat rates.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend the cruise to you if you want a comfortable Red Sea day with several built-in services. It suits couples, families, and small groups who prefer a smart boat with places to escape the sun.

It is also a good match for first-time snorkelers. The guided sessions and equipment remove much of the fuss, while the crew can help you feel more secure in the water. Families should still watch children closely and follow the guide’s instructions.

You may want another option if you dislike group water activities, want a silent beach day, or already have excellent snorkeling directly outside your resort. Strong swimmers who want to explore independently may also find the group format restrictive.

The cruise is not built around archaeological sights or a long stop on land. Its appeal is the sea, the boat, the reefs, the meal, and the easy all-in-one format.

Practical details for a smoother day

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a spare layer for the air-conditioned salon. You will want dry clothing after snorkeling, and the fresh-water rinse is useful but does not replace a towel.

Carry a phone or camera only in a secure waterproof case. The boat offers plenty of scenery, but water activities and wet hands are a bad combination for loose electronics.

Keep some flexibility around the 9:00 a.m. start. Hotel pickup is offered, but transport timing can differ by location. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is near public transportation if you need to reach a meeting area yourself.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Elite VIP cruise?

Book it if comfort matters as much as snorkeling. The four-deck boat, air-conditioned interiors, clean facilities, included meal, drinks, hotel transfers, and attentive water guides create a far easier day than a basic Red Sea outing.

At the same time, do not pay the VIP price expecting a private experience or guaranteed sightings of dolphins, turtles, or rare fish. The reef quality and number of stops can vary, and some people may find the snorkeling no better than what is available near their hotel.

For a polished shared cruise with strong onboard comforts, this is a good choice at $78.11. Confirm the pickup time and weather before you leave, pack sun and swim essentials, and see any extra snorkeling stop or wildlife sighting as a welcome addition rather than a promise.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m. Hotel pickup is offered in Hurghada, and the exact collection time may depend on your hotel.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

How many people can join the cruise?

The activity has a maximum group size of 45 people.

Are hotel transfers included?

Yes. Hurghada hotel transfers are offered, and the transport vehicle is air-conditioned.

What is included in the price?

The package includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, an air-conditioned vehicle, and all fees and taxes. The cruise also provides all-day waiter service of hot drinks and sodas.

Are snacks included?

No. Snacks are not included in the tour price.

How many snorkeling sessions are planned?

The advertised program includes two guided snorkeling sessions at two reef areas. Some departures have had three snorkeling stops, but that extra stop can vary.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins.