Hurghada: Elite vip snorkeling cruise with BBQ buffet lunch

The best part of this Hurghada cruise is the boat itself. You get four levels, two air-conditioned salons, a broad sun deck, and enough seating to escape the sun when you need a break. I like the low sea platform, which makes getting into the water easier, and the guided snorkeling stops, which give beginners more confidence.

I also like the waiter service for unlimited hot and soft drinks, plus a proper cooked lunch instead of a basic sandwich. The main caution is that this is not an adults-only outing, despite the VIP label. Families with children can be part of the group, so choose another cruise if quiet adult company is your top priority.

Key points at a glance

• Four-floor boat: Find sun loungers upstairs, shaded seating midship, or air-conditioned dining salons below.
• Three Red Sea stops: Guided snorkeling gives you several chances to see coral and fish rather than relying on one location.
• BBQ buffet lunch: Expect soups, salads, sides, BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, shrimp, and oven-baked fish.
• Dolphin spotting: The boat heads north to look for dolphins if conditions make it possible, but sightings are not promised.
• Easy water access: A low rear platform, life jackets, and snorkeling guides help less-confident swimmers.
• $80 per person: The fare covers hotel transfers, a $5 national park fee, lunch, drinks, and the six-hour cruise.

A spacious boat makes the day easier

Many Red Sea excursions spend most of their time on the water, so the boat matters. Here, you are not confined to one crowded deck. The Elite VIP has four floors, with a sunny upper deck, shaded mid-deck seats, and two air-conditioned salons used for dining and shelter.

I would treat this as a comfort-focused snorkeling trip rather than a simple boat ride. You can stretch out on a sun lounger, sit in the shade, or move indoors when the heat becomes too much. That flexibility is especially useful on a six-hour outing, since you will not want to snorkel for the whole day.

The two air-conditioned salons also give you a cooler place to eat and rest. The boat is described as new and well maintained, with a professional crew. That does not change the Red Sea itself, of course, but it can make a major difference in how tired you feel by the time you return to Hurghada.

The upper sun deck is likely to be the first popular spot after boarding. Bring sunscreen and reapply it often. Sun reflected off the sea can catch you even when a breeze makes the weather feel mild.

From Hurghada hotels to the marina

Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure, and the road transfer to Hurghada Marina takes about 35 minutes. The cruise program departs at 9:00 a.m., so expect an early start rather than a lazy morning.

At the marina, you board the Elite VIP and begin the trip out toward the Red Sea snorkeling sites. The sailing portion is listed as roughly one to one and a half hours, depending on how the day is organized. That is a fair amount of time underway, but the boat’s several seating areas make the ride part of the outing rather than dead time.

Use this first stretch to settle in, have a hot or soft drink, and decide where you want to spend the day. If you want a lounger, go upstairs early. If you prefer shade, the mid-deck or salon is the better choice.

The ride also gives you a chance to see the Red Sea coast from the water. The value here is not a narrated sightseeing cruise. The main purpose is to reach the reefs, but the open-water crossing gives the day a relaxed rhythm before the swimming begins.

First snorkeling stop: coral and clear water

The first stop is planned at one of the better coral reef areas available that day. You will have about 45 minutes for swimming and marine-life viewing, with snorkeling guides in the water to help with safety and direction.

This guided format suits first-time snorkelers. You do not have to work out where to go on your own, and the guides know which areas are being used for the stop. Life jackets are available, so you can float comfortably even if you are not a strong swimmer.

Access to the sea is through a low platform at the back of the boat. That is more practical than climbing down a tall ladder, especially when you are wearing fins or helping a child. The crew can also assist with entry and exit.

The Red Sea is known for coral gardens and many kinds of fish. The wildlife list for this trip includes octopuses, seahorses, turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and fish ranging from tiny species to much larger ones. You should keep expectations sensible: marine life moves freely, so no particular animal can be promised at a specific stop.

Water temperatures are said to stay above 20 degrees Celsius even in winter. Some people will be comfortable in swimwear, while others may want a wetsuit. Wetsuit rental is available for $10, but it is not included in the cruise price.

Heading north to look for dolphins

After the first reef stop, the boat moves north and tries to spot dolphins if conditions allow. This is a pleasant addition, but it should not be the main reason you book the trip.

Dolphins are wild animals, and the wording matters. The crew can look for them, but a sighting is not guaranteed. If you do see them, it may be from the boat rather than during a swim, and the moment could be brief.

The search also adds variety to the day. You are not simply stopping at one reef, eating lunch, and returning. The crew uses the open-water route to look for marine life before taking you to a second guided snorkeling session.

Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and strong sun. If you buy a video package during the day, confirm how delivery works before leaving. One passenger paid 30 euros for a video and had not received it by email, so this is worth checking while you still have the crew’s attention.

The second guided snorkeling session

The second snorkeling stop gives you another chance to see coral and fish in a different setting. Conditions change from site to site, and the underwater view can vary with light, current, and visibility.

I like the fact that the day includes several water stops. If the first location is not your favorite, you are not finished after 45 minutes. You can also choose to stay aboard and rest if you have had enough swimming.

The guides are present to support your safety and enjoyment. Life jackets are available, and the boat’s rear platform provides a straightforward way into the water. The supplied information even notes that a guide can use a life buoy to help pull a less-confident swimmer along. That is reassuring, though you should still tell the crew about your swimming ability before entering the sea.

Snorkeling here is about seeing the whole reef area, not collecting a checklist of animals. You might find small colorful fish near the coral, an octopus tucked away, or a turtle passing through. You might also have a quieter session with fewer sightings. The natural setting is part of the appeal, but it also means the result cannot be fully controlled.

A proper BBQ buffet at sea

Lunch is served aboard the boat and lasts about an hour. The menu includes soups, salads, side dishes, BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, grilled shrimp, and oven-baked fish.

That is a stronger meal than the standard packed lunch found on many water excursions. You get several choices, including familiar food and local-style kofta. Freshly cooked shrimp and fish are a welcome touch after a morning in the water.

The crew prepares the meal on board, and the operator places emphasis on hygiene and fresh ingredients. You should expect a buffet, not restaurant-style table service for every dish. Waiter service is offered for unlimited hot and soft drinks during the day, which means you can order a drink without repeatedly leaving your spot.

Food received some of the strongest praise in the available feedback. A German passenger specifically found the meal very good, and a French passenger singled out the BBQ buffet along with the boat and snorkeling sites. That matches the menu: lunch is one of the clearest reasons the $80 fare can make sense.

There is one small personal-service warning. A passenger celebrating a birthday had provided the information in advance but received no acknowledgment. If a special occasion matters to you, do not assume the crew will notice or arrange anything unless you confirm it directly.

What VIP means here, and what it does not mean

VIP describes the boat’s space, facilities, food, and service. It does not mean private, exclusive, or adults-only.

The four-floor layout is useful because it spreads people out. You can find a quieter corner than on a small standard boat, and the salons provide shade and air conditioning. Still, other groups may be aboard, including families with children.

This distinction matters. One British passenger expected an adults-only setting and felt disappointed when children were present. If you want a romantic or quiet day with no children, this cruise is a risky choice. If you mainly want extra room, a better meal, and more comfortable seating than a basic group boat, the VIP label is more relevant.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 28 reviews, with especially strong praise for the crew, guides, food, boat, and snorkeling locations. That points to a well-liked product, but the smaller number of ratings means you should still read the inclusions carefully and keep the adult-only issue in mind.

Is $80 a fair price?

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to snorkel from Hurghada. The fare becomes easier to justify because it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the $5 national park fee, lunch, unlimited hot and soft drinks, guided snorkeling, and access to a large, air-conditioned boat.

You are also paying for comfort during the hours when you are not in the sea. On a basic excursion, the return trip can feel cramped and the food may be limited. Here, you have several decks, sun loungers, indoor seating, waiter service, and a buffet with meat, seafood, salads, and sides.

The best value goes to people who plan to spend the full day using the boat. If you only want a short swim and do not care about seating, lunch, or air conditioning, a lower-priced trip may suit you better. If you want a pleasant day on the Red Sea with several water stops and a comfortable base between them, the price is more reasonable.

The national park fee being included is another practical plus. You do not need to add that $5 charge later. Wetsuit rental is extra at $10, so add that if you are sensitive to cooler water.

Timing, comfort, and what to pack

The main program runs from around 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pickup starts earlier, usually about 45 minutes before departure. With the transfer to the marina, plan on the activity taking most of your day.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. I would also pack a dry change of clothes if you dislike riding home in damp swimwear, though only the listed items are required. Use the boat’s indoor salons when you need shade, but do not forget that the upper deck is the place for the best open-air sunbathing.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Because you enter the sea from a rear platform and use boat facilities, it is sensible to confirm your specific needs when booking. The available instruction languages are English, German, and Russian.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility if your Hurghada plans are still moving around.

Who should book this Red Sea cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and mixed-age groups who want snorkeling without giving up comfort. It also suits beginners because guides accompany the water sessions, life jackets are available, and the low platform makes entry less awkward.

Food-focused guests will appreciate the BBQ buffet and seafood choices. People who dislike long periods in direct sun will value the air-conditioned salons. Strong swimmers can explore during the guided stops, while less-confident swimmers have flotation support and crew assistance.

I would be cautious if you want a private yacht, an adults-only atmosphere, or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. None of those is promised. The boat is spacious, but it is still a shared cruise.

Should you book it?

Book this Hurghada cruise if your ideal Red Sea day includes a comfortable boat, three opportunities to snorkel, a substantial BBQ lunch, and drinks served throughout the trip. The food, boat layout, guides, and easy water access are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Skip it if the word VIP makes you expect a private or child-free experience. Also look elsewhere if your only goal is the lowest possible price. For most people who want a well-equipped full-day outing rather than a bare-bones boat trip, $80 is a fair package price, provided you understand that dolphin sightings and specific marine life remain a matter of luck.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours. The main program departs around 9:00 a.m. and returns to the marina at about 3:30 p.m., with hotel pickup beginning roughly 45 minutes before departure.

What is included in the $80 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the $5 national park fee, the cruise, guided snorkeling, lunch, and unlimited hot and soft drinks served during the day.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The program includes three stops at Red Sea snorkeling sites. The schedule describes a first guided snorkeling stop, a northbound dolphin-spotting section, and a second guided snorkeling session, while the overall description refers to three snorkeling locations.

Can beginners snorkel on this trip?

Yes. Snorkeling guides accompany you, life jackets are available, and you enter the water from a low platform at the rear of the boat. The crew can assist less-confident swimmers.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The boat tries to spot dolphins if possible, but sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Is a wetsuit included?

No. Wetsuits can be rented for $10 if you want one.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. These are the listed items recommended for the cruise.