Hurghada: Pirates Sailing Boat to Orange Bay with Transfers

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the large pirate-themed wooden yacht, with twin masts, a broad sun deck, and cool lower salons for lunch. You sail out to a Red Sea reef, snorkel for about an hour, then spend another hour at Orange Bay before returning to the marina.

I like the helpful crew with children and the proper buffet, which includes shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, and fruit. I also like having hotel transfers and snorkeling equipment included. The catch is that the pirate theme and children’s program can feel thin, and some boats may run more like motor yachts than true sailing boats.

Key points to know

• A spacious twin-masted yacht: Enjoy a large upper sun deck plus two air-conditioned lower salons decorated with wood, marble, and pirate details.
• One hour of guided snorkeling: Equipment and life jackets are included, but there may be little formal instruction before entering the water.
• Orange Bay takes one hour: Expect a sandy beach stop with time to relax, swim, and join a treasure hunt.
• A full seafood buffet: Lunch includes shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, and fresh fruit.
• Useful for families: Children can join an animation team, though the program and costumes may not match every child’s expectations.
• Plan for extra costs: Wetsuits are not included, and drinks are sold separately on board.

A pirate ship with plenty of room to spread out

The Pirates Premier boat is designed to make a half-day on the Red Sea feel more like a proper boat outing than a basic snorkeling transfer. The wooden hull, twin masts, pirate decoration, and broad upper deck give the vessel character, even if you should not assume that the sails will carry you for the whole trip.

You have several places to sit. The upper deck is the spot for sun, sea views, and fresh air. The two lower salons are air-conditioned and finished with wood and marble, giving you a cool retreat when the Egyptian sun becomes too strong. Lunch is served downstairs in one of these salons.

That layout matters. A six-hour boat trip can feel tiring if everyone is packed into one small cabin or left without shade. Here, you can move between sun and air conditioning. Families also have more room to settle children, bags, towels, and snorkeling gear.

The boat’s appearance is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a plain excursion boat. You get the shape and atmosphere of a classic sailing ship, but I would book it for the ship, reef stop, beach stop, and meal as a package, not for a guaranteed traditional sailing experience.

The morning and afternoon schedules

The trip runs in two patterns. The morning departure is approximately 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday, the afternoon departure runs from 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

The morning schedule gives you most of the day after returning to the marina. It is the better choice if you want dinner plans, a relaxed evening, or another activity later. The afternoon schedule lets you sleep longer and catch the changing light toward evening, but you will return later and have less time afterward.

The listed duration is six hours, while the afternoon timetable covers about five and a half hours. Allow some flexibility around pickup and return, since hotel transfers involve more than the time spent on the boat itself.

Pickup and drop-off are included, which adds real value at a price of $85 per person. You do not need to arrange a separate ride to the marina, and national park entry fees are covered. Still, keep your phone available on the return journey. One family had to wait about an hour because the transfer arrangements were unclear.

A useful improvement would be a clear message naming the return transport provider, pickup time, and vehicle details. If your hotel has several pickup points, confirm where you should wait before leaving the boat.

Sailing out to the Red Sea reef

The first major part of the day is about one hour of travel to the snorkeling area. The route gives you time to settle in, find a place on the sun deck, and look over the water before getting wet.

Snorkeling lasts roughly one hour and is described as guided. Masks, snorkels, and life jackets are included, so you do not need to bring your own equipment. You should still pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Wetsuits are not included, which matters during cooler months or for children who feel cold quickly.

The reef can be good, but conditions vary. One summer visit found the reef less impressive than expected, while another gave the snorkeling a positive assessment. That is normal for Red Sea trips. Water clarity, light, weather, and the condition of the reef all affect what you see.

I would not expect a formal lesson in marine life or a long safety briefing. One account specifically noted that there was no real introduction to snorkeling and little explanation of the bay. If you are a first-time snorkeler, ask the guide for help before entering the water. Make sure your mask fits and stay close to the supervised area.

For confident swimmers, this stop is likely to be the most rewarding part of the trip. For nervous swimmers, the included life jacket and guided format help, but you should still take personal responsibility for your comfort. Children need close supervision, even if an animation team is available elsewhere on the boat.

Orange Bay, one hour on the sand

After snorkeling, the boat continues to Orange Bay. You have approximately one hour on the island, with time to sit on the sandy beach, swim, take photos, or simply get off the boat for a while.

Orange Bay is attractive in a simple, easy-to-understand way: pale sand, shallow-looking water, and a change of scene after the boat ride. It is a good break for anyone who does not want six straight hours at sea.

The stop is also where expectations need managing. Orange Bay can feel organized around moving groups through a short beach visit. You may find the hour too brief for a quiet island escape, especially if you imagine having a secluded beach to yourself. The treasure hunt for children is included, but it may feel more like a quick group activity than a full pirate adventure.

Some families found the island underwhelming and felt that the experience moved people along in a herd-like fashion. I would treat Orange Bay as a scenic stop, not the main reason to book the excursion. The reef and the boat are more important parts of the day.

Bring sunscreen and a towel, and keep an eye on the clock. With only one hour ashore, you will want to enjoy the water and beach without losing track of the group’s return time.

Lunch in the cool lower salon

After Orange Bay, you return to the yacht for the buffet lunch. This is a strong practical feature, especially after swimming and spending time in the sun.

The menu is broad enough to suit different tastes:

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

The seafood selection gives the meal a local coastal feel, while chicken and kofta provide safer choices for children or anyone who does not want fish. Rice, pasta, potatoes, salads, and fruit make the buffet more useful than a single pre-set plate.

I like the fact that lunch is served in an air-conditioned salon. You can get out of the heat, eat at a table, and recharge before the ride back to the marina. Several high-scoring accounts specifically praised the food, including the seafood and chicken.

Drinks are not included. Extra drinks are available for purchase on board, so bring some Egyptian pounds or another accepted payment method. Do not assume every extra charge can be paid by card. A separate transfer payment was accepted only in cash despite earlier information suggesting cards would work.

What the children’s program really offers

The tour is clearly aimed at families. Children can join an animation team in the lower deck, leaving adults free to sit upstairs, enjoy the view, or eat without managing every minute of the day.

The stated activities include a treasure hunt and other pirate-themed games. The crew has received strong praise for being kind and attentive with children. One family found the staff caring from beginning to end, and another specifically liked the way the crew included children in the trip.

That is the best case. You should not picture a full children’s club with a large team and a packed schedule. Some children found the program too limited. Reports also describe basic face painting, a few oversized or dirty costumes, loud music, and no convincing pirate character on board.

The details may vary by boat and crew. The fleet includes more than one yacht, and the experience can depend on who is working that day. If your child is excited by pirates, explain that this is a pirate-themed boat trip with some children’s activities, not a theatrical show.

For families with young children, the air-conditioned salon and friendly staff may be more valuable than elaborate entertainment. For older children expecting games, costumes, and actors, the program may feel disappointing.

Does the $85 price make sense?

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Red Sea. But the price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, national park entry fees, snorkeling gear, life jackets, lunch, and the children’s program. You are paying for a complete half-day outing rather than only a boat seat.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange transport, rent snorkeling equipment, and buy lunch separately. It also works well for families who want a boat with toilets, shade, air conditioning, and a proper meal instead of a small open boat.

The value is weaker if your only goal is snorkeling. The reef visit lasts about one hour, and the trip includes a full hour at Orange Bay plus roughly two hours of boat travel. A dedicated snorkeling trip could give you more time in the water, though no alternative is specified here.

The cost also does not cover wetsuits or drinks. Those are modest additions compared with the booking price, but families should know about them before boarding. You will get the most from the fare if you appreciate the ship, the lunch, and the easy transport as much as the reef itself.

The crew and the uneven details

The crew is one of the clearest strengths of this experience. Several high-rated accounts praise the staff for being warm, helpful, and especially good with children. A friendly crew can make a long boat day feel easy, particularly when children need help with equipment, food, or settling into the program.

The service is not perfect in every part of the operation. Return transfers have caused confusion, and one family waited around an hour at the hotel. If you are catching a flight or have a strict evening plan, do not schedule anything too close to the advertised return time.

The pirate presentation also seems inconsistent. The boat itself gives you the theme, but the lack of a visible pirate guide or a stronger performance can make the name feel like decoration rather than a full concept. Some costumes may be worn or too large, and face painting may be basic.

The snorkeling guidance could also be clearer. If you care about learning what you are seeing, ask direct questions. You may get a good look at the reef, but do not count on a detailed talk about fish, coral, or the bay.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it most to families who want a comfortable, organized day on the water. The children’s program may give parents a little breathing room, and the crew’s warm approach is a real benefit. The buffet also offers enough choice for mixed diets and cautious young eaters.

It suits you if you want:

• A large, attractive boat rather than a basic speedboat
• A mix of snorkeling, beach time, and lunch
• Hotel transfers included in the price
• Air conditioning and shaded space
• A family-friendly atmosphere
• English, German, or Russian assistance

You may want another option if you want serious snorkeling, a quiet island experience, or a polished pirate show. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes group beach stops or expects long, detailed instruction in the water.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, which makes the outing available to more people. The supplied information does not explain how easy it is to enter the water or transfer between the yacht and Orange Bay, so ask about those details if they affect your plans.

Practical things to bring and check

Pack swimwear, a towel, and strong sunscreen. A hat and a light cover-up are sensible for the upper deck, though only the first three items are specifically required.

Check the departure day carefully. Morning trips run Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Afternoon trips run Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday. Starting times should be confirmed when you check availability.

Before departure, confirm:

• Your hotel pickup point
• The expected pickup time
• The return transfer arrangement
• How extra drinks can be paid for
• Whether your children are comfortable joining the animation team
• Whether you need a wetsuit for the season

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That makes it easier to fit the trip around changing Hurghada plans.

Should you book the Pirates Orange Bay trip?

Book this excursion if you want a comfortable family boat day with a good meal, hotel transfers, one reef stop, and one beach stop. The ship is attractive, the crew can be excellent with children, and the buffet is more substantial than the usual basic excursion lunch.

Book with realistic expectations. The reef is not guaranteed to be spectacular, Orange Bay may feel crowded and hurried, and the pirate entertainment can be little more than costumes, music, and a treasure hunt. Confirm the return transfer and carry cash for extras.

For families, I think the package offers fair value at $85, especially when the air-conditioned salons and crew care matter. For experienced snorkelers or anyone seeking a quiet, authentic sailing day, I would keep looking.

FAQ

How long does the Pirates sailing boat trip last?

The advertised duration is six hours. Morning trips are approximately 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, while afternoon trips run from 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm on the specified days.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, national park entry fees, buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and the children’s entertainment program.

Is lunch included on the boat?

Yes. The buffet includes seafood soup, three salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Are drinks and wetsuits included?

No. Wetsuits are not included. Extra drinks are available for purchase on board.

What languages are available?

Instruction and support are available in English, German, and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.