Hurghada Pirates sailing boat to Orange bay & Buffet Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the boat itself. You sail aboard a twin-masted wooden pirate ship, not a plain white motorboat, with a broad sun deck, marble-and-wood salons, and enough room to spread out. The day also gives you two guided snorkel stops and time at Orange Bay.

I like the family-friendly programming, especially the treasure hunts and organized games for children. I also like the generous buffet, which includes shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, and fruit. The main drawback is the group size, which can reach 45 people, so this is a social boat trip rather than a quiet private sail.

Key points to know before booking

• Twin-masted pirate ship: Enjoy a themed wooden sailing boat with a large upper deck and two air-conditioned lower salons.
• Two one-hour snorkel stops: Guided snorkeling is built into the day, with equipment provided.
• Orange Bay included: You get time to relax at one of Hurghada’s popular island beaches.
• A full buffet meal: Seafood, chicken, kofta, salads, starches, soup, and fruit are served on board.
• Family entertainment: Children can take part in treasure hunts and other organized activities while you sail.
• Hotel pickup and a 45-person maximum: Transport is included, but this is still a shared group excursion.

Sailing from Hurghada on a pirate-style ship

Many Red Sea boat trips follow the same basic formula: transfer to the marina, motor out to the reef, snorkel, eat, and return. This one changes the mood before you even reach the water. The pirate theme gives children something to watch and gives adults a more memorable setting for a full day at sea.

The boat has two masts and a wooden design inspired by the golden age of sailing. You will find a large upper sun deck for open-air views and sunbathing, plus two lower salons with air conditioning. The salons are decorated with marble, wood, and pirate details, and the buffet is served there.

I would choose a seat based on the weather and your family’s habits. The upper deck is the natural place for views and fresh air, but the lower salons offer shade and cooling air. Having both options matters during a five-and-a-half-hour trip, especially for children or anyone who does not want to sit in strong sun all day.

The boat is described as one of the more luxurious sailing vessels used for daily Red Sea snorkeling trips. Keep your expectations sensible, though. This remains a shared excursion with up to 45 people, not a private yacht charter. The attraction is the unusual boat, the included activities, and the amount packed into one day.

The morning schedule and hotel transfer

The standard departure runs from 9:00 in the morning until about 3:00 in the afternoon on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesday and Saturday, the trip runs from 1:00 to 5:30 in the afternoon.

That split schedule is useful when planning your Hurghada stay. The morning version leaves most of the evening free, while the afternoon version may suit you if you prefer a slower morning. Check the day carefully when booking because the departure time changes by day of the week.

Air-conditioned transport from your Hurghada hotel is included. That removes one of the usual hassles of a marina trip, especially if you are staying away from the harbor. The exact pickup time depends on your location and the sailing schedule, so allow room in your morning or early afternoon plans.

The excursion has a maximum of 45 people. That number is not huge for a boat of this type, but it is large enough to affect the feel of the day. You should expect shared seating, organized snorkel arrangements, and some activity around the buffet. Families who enjoy meeting other people will likely find the group size fine. If you want silence, privacy, or personal attention throughout the day, look for a smaller charter.

About an hour of sailing before the reefs

The first part of the sea journey takes about an hour. That time is not just dead space. It gives you a chance to explore the boat, settle on the sun deck, watch the Red Sea open around you, and let children join the pirate-themed activities.

The organized games are one of the more useful features for families. Treasure hunts and similar activities give children a reason to stay involved instead of becoming restless during the longer stretches between stops. Parents still need to supervise their children, but the crew provides a planned focus rather than leaving everyone to entertain themselves.

The sailing section also makes this feel different from a fast transfer boat. You are not simply being delivered to a reef. The ship is part of the day’s entertainment, and the masts and wooden finish make photographs more interesting than the usual basic boat setup.

There is no guide name provided for this outing, so you should not book it expecting a particular named escort. The crew’s role is centered on sailing, children’s activities, snorkeling guidance, meals, and the practical running of the boat.

Two guided snorkel stops, each about an hour

The tour includes two snorkeling stops, with about one hour of guided snorkeling at each site. Snorkel equipment is provided, and the guidance is useful if you are new to the Red Sea or want help understanding where to look.

Two separate water stops give the day a better rhythm than one short swim. If the first location does not suit your confidence level or conditions, the second stop gives you another chance. You can also choose to spend one stop snorkeling and take the other more slowly if you prefer not to stay in the water for two full hours.

The advertised sites are described as some of the finest local snorkeling areas. The supplied information does not name the reefs or promise particular marine animals, so I would avoid booking this for one specific fish or coral sighting. The sensible reason to choose it is the chance to visit two Red Sea snorkeling areas with equipment and guidance already arranged.

Water activities always depend on conditions. Some people will find an hour in the water refreshing, while others may prefer shorter periods with time back on the boat. Bring any personal swimming items you need, and remember that snacks are not included. The provided equipment covers snorkeling, but the tour details do not specify additional personal gear.

The snorkeling is optional, which helps make this a better family choice. Confident swimmers can spend more time in the water, while anyone who would rather stay aboard can enjoy the ship and the sea views. Parents should still pay close attention to the children’s swimming ability and comfort.

Orange Bay for a slower break

Orange Bay is the destination that gives the day a change of scene. After time aboard the ship and in the water, you get a chance to relax at an island beach rather than spending the whole outing on the boat.

The supplied schedule does not give an exact length for the Orange Bay stop. That is worth noting if you want a long beach visit. The overall program describes about one hour of sailing to the snorkeling sites, two one-hour snorkel stops, lunch, and the return to the marina at around 3:00 on the morning schedule. The exact balance between snorkeling, Orange Bay, lunch, and sailing can shift.

I see Orange Bay as a useful pause rather than the sole reason to book. The boat, the guided snorkeling, and the buffet make up much of the day. If your priority is a beach-only outing with several hours on shore, this may feel too activity-packed. If you want a mix of beach time, reef swimming, and a themed boat, the combination works better.

The island stop also gives non-snorkelers a more appealing part of the day. They can relax while stronger swimmers take part in the water activities, though the information does not specify every facility or beach service available at Orange Bay.

A substantial buffet in the air-conditioned salon

Lunch is served as an open buffet in one of the lower air-conditioned salons. That is a practical arrangement. You can eat away from the strongest sun, and the salon’s marble, wood, and pirate decoration continues the ship’s theme.

The menu is broad enough to suit a mixed family group:

• Seafood soup
• Three types of fresh salad
• Rice, pasta, and potatoes
• Shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta
• Seasonal fresh fruit

This is more than a light sandwich or a few side dishes. The choice of seafood and meat means you can build a meal around what you prefer, while the rice, pasta, potatoes, salads, and fruit provide easier options for children or cautious eaters.

The tour describes the meal as brunch in the inclusions and as an onboard buffet lunch in the program. Either way, you should think of it as the main meal of the excursion. Snacks are not included, so bring something extra if anyone in your group tends to eat between meals. Do not assume that special dietary requests are covered, since no details are provided about them.

The indoor salon is another small advantage on a hot day. A meal in the shade with air conditioning is more comfortable than eating on a fully exposed deck, especially after swimming.

What the price covers at $78.11

At $78.11 per person, the value depends on whether you would otherwise pay separately for transport, boat access, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and an island visit. Here, the package includes air-conditioned transfers, all fees and taxes, snorkeling equipment, the boat trip, guided snorkeling, the children’s activities, and the buffet.

That makes the price easier to justify for families who want a ready-made day. You do not need to arrange marina transport, rent basic snorkeling equipment, or find lunch after leaving shore. The pirate ship is also a more distinctive setting than a standard shared boat.

The value is weaker if you do not care about the theme, will not snorkel, and mainly want a quiet beach. You are paying for a full program with a large boat, staff, food, and several stops. A simpler beach transfer might cost less, but it would not offer the same combination.

The booking pattern suggests many people reserve about 23 days ahead. That is useful as a planning guide, not a rule. If you are visiting during a busy period or need a particular Wednesday or Saturday departure, booking early may give you more choice.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this outing first to families with children who want a full Red Sea day without arranging each part separately. The pirate design, treasure hunts, buffet, Orange Bay stop, and two snorkel sessions give children several different things to do.

It also suits couples and adults who want a comfortable shared boat with more character than a basic motor vessel. The upper deck offers open-air time, while the lower salons give you air conditioning and a proper dining space.

This is less suitable for you if you dislike group tours, need a private schedule, or want a very quiet sailing trip. The group can reach 45 people, the children’s entertainment adds energy, and the itinerary has several moving parts.

Most people can take part, and the tour operates near public transportation, though hotel pickup is offered. The details do not list specific accessibility arrangements, so contact the provider before booking if you have mobility needs or require special assistance.

Weather, cancellation, and useful planning notes

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

The most useful planning choice is selecting the right departure day. Choose a 9:00 am to 3:00 pm sailing if you want the evening open. Choose the 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm departure on Wednesday or Saturday if an afternoon on the water fits your schedule better.

Since the snorkeling sites and Orange Bay are outdoors, keep the weather rule in mind when building a packed holiday itinerary. This is not the best day to place an important evening activity immediately after the return, particularly if your transfer or sea conditions run late.

Should you book the Pirates sailing boat?

Book it if you want a family-focused Red Sea day with a memorable boat, guided snorkeling, Orange Bay, hotel transport, and a proper buffet included in one price. The beautiful wooden ship and helpful crew are the strongest reasons to choose it, while the 4.7 rating and 91 percent recommendation support its appeal.

Think twice if you want a private or peaceful outing. A boat carrying up to 45 people cannot offer the same calm or flexibility as a small charter. For most families, though, the pirate theme solves a real problem: children have planned entertainment, adults get time on deck, and everyone has several ways to enjoy the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Pirates sailing boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Hurghada, with hotel pickup offered in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. The standard schedule is about 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm on Wednesday and Saturday.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two guided snorkeling stops are included. Each stop is planned for about one hour.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An onboard buffet lunch is included. The menu lists seafood soup, three salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Is Orange Bay included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to Orange Bay, where you have time to relax.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 45 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.