Kite Cruise Egypt

Egypt’s Red Sea is made for a kite cruise: warm, flat water and steady wind give beginners room to learn while experienced kiters can work on technique and distance. The boat spends the week moving between Geisum and Ashrafi, with two main sessions most days and a downwinder for stronger riders.

I like the fact that lessons are included at every level, and I like the simple all-in-one setup: airport transfer, cabin, food, soft drinks, and boat-based access to remote kite spots. The main consideration is the fixed Saturday-to-Saturday schedule, plus a non-refundable booking and a downwinder that is only suitable for intermediate and advanced kiters.

Key points at a glance

• Two kite sessions on most days: Ride between breakfast and lunch, then again after lunch.
• Remote Red Sea locations: Geisum Island and Ashrafi form the heart of the week.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: Lessons are included, with instructors such as Younis and Junis praised for patient teaching.
• A yacht for 22 people: Cabins sleep two and include a private toilet, shower, and air-conditioning.
• A real progression day: The Ashrafi to Geisum or Tawila downwinder is reserved for intermediate and advanced riders.
• A fixed weekly rhythm: The cruise starts and ends in Hurghada, from Saturday to Saturday, between April and December.

Why this Red Sea cruise works for kiters

The appeal here is not sightseeing from a boat. It is waking up close to a kite spot, eating breakfast, riding for several hours, eating lunch, and heading back onto the water in the afternoon. That repeated rhythm is the holiday.

Egypt is a strong setting for this kind of trip because the water is warm and flat, while the wind is described as steady. Those conditions matter. A beginner can focus on board control and kite handling without also fighting large waves. An experienced rider gets long sessions and space to practise.

The cruise is run by Sick Dog Surf, with the team handling the daily plan and water sessions. Roberto and Paulina are named as key members of the team, while Sophie is also praised for her work with the group. Younis and Junis are both mentioned as instructors, particularly for their patience and practical help with beginners.

You should still treat wind as a natural condition, not a promise. The schedule is designed around kitesurfing, but no operator can manufacture wind. The value of the trip comes from having the boat positioned among several spots, rather than being tied to one beach all week.

Day 1: Hurghada Marina and a gentle start

The boat opens its doors at midday at Hurghada Marina. If you arrive through Hurghada Airport, the included transfer takes you to the yacht, so you do not need to arrange your own first-day transport.

This first day is mostly about settling in. You board, find your cabin, meet the crew and other kiters, and have dinner on board. The yacht remains in the marina overnight, ready to leave the next day.

That timing makes the cruise easiest for a flight arriving in the morning or late morning. You should contact the operator to confirm availability before buying flights, since confirmation is subject to space and the cruise only operates from Saturday to Saturday.

The first night also gives you a chance to learn how the boat works. Cabins are shared by two people and include air-conditioning, a private toilet, and a shower. The yacht is identified in the trip material as the Heaven Liberty, with spacious common areas and outdoor seating described by people who sailed on it.

Days 2 and 3: Full sessions around Geisum Island

The first sailing day takes the yacht to Geisum Island, one of the main kite areas on the route. The plan calls for two sessions: one between breakfast and lunch, and another after lunch. Dinner is served on board, and you sleep near the island.

Day 3 keeps the focus on Geisum. Rather than rushing through several spots, the boat gives you a second full day in the same area. That is useful for beginners, who can return to familiar water and build confidence. It also gives stronger riders more time to practise instead of spending the day in transit.

The island setting is part of the attraction. You are not commuting from a hotel to a beach each morning. The yacht carries your bed, meals, equipment, and instructors directly to the area where you will ride.

The schedule is active, but it is not presented as a compulsory race from dawn to dusk. The trip includes time on the boat between sessions, and reviews describe space to sit, relax, and enjoy the group atmosphere. Some people also mention evening yoga, though it is not listed as a guaranteed daily activity, so you should see it as an occasional extra rather than a promised feature.

Days 4 and 5: Ashrafi and time to build skills

Before breakfast on Day 4, the boat moves to Ashrafi. The group then kites there for the day, with lunch and dinner served on board. You spend the night at Ashrafi and return to the same area on Day 5.

These two days are important because they create room for progression. You can work with an instructor on the skills needed for the next day, especially if you hope to join the downwinder. If you are a beginner, you can continue with lessons without being pushed into a long one-way route.

The exact teaching format is not specified, so ask about lesson groups, instructor-to-kiter ratios, and the level of support before departure. What is clear is that lessons are included for all levels, and the instructors are part of the cruise team rather than an outside school you must locate at each stop.

This is also where the boat format begins to feel practical. The yacht supplies three meals each day and soft drinks, so you do not need to interrupt a kite day to search for lunch. Food is repeatedly praised, with specific comments about tasty meals and good cooking. Beer costs 2 euros each, and wine costs 10 euros per bottle, so those are easy extras to budget for.

Day 6: The downwinder for intermediate and advanced riders

The sixth day brings the trip’s clearest test. The group travels by downwinder from Ashrafi to Geisum Island or Tawila Island, taking about two-thirds of a day, or roughly two to three hours, before continuing to kite.

This is not a beginner activity. The route is specifically for intermediate and advanced riders, and you should be honest about your ability before signing up. A downwinder involves managing your kite and board while moving away from the starting point, so it requires more independence than a lesson in a contained area.

For the right rider, this is likely the most memorable day. It turns the cruise into a real point-to-point kitesurfing trip rather than a series of stationary sessions. The arrival spot then gives you more riding time instead of ending the day once the transfer is complete.

If you are new to kitesurfing, you are not left without a useful day. The supplied schedule says the downwinder is only for intermediate and advanced kiters, so ask the crew what alternative instruction or riding plan is available for beginners on that day.

Day 7: Final water time and return to Hurghada

The final full day begins with a morning session at the last kite spots. In the afternoon, the yacht returns to the marina. Dinner may be served on board or in Hurghada or El Gouna, depending on what the group decides together.

This flexible final evening is a nice change from the remote-island routine. It gives you a last meal with the group and a chance to spend time ashore, though the exact plan is not fixed. You sleep on the boat in the marina, which keeps the next morning simple.

You should not treat Day 7 as a normal full riding day followed by a late-night departure. The boat has to return to port, and the next morning includes airport or hotel transfers. If you want to extend your stay in Egypt, the operator can transfer you to a hotel of your choice after the cruise.

The boat, cabins, meals, and daily comfort

At $1,302.72 per person, the price needs to be judged as a package, not just as a boat bed. It includes seven nights, three meals per day, soft drinks, airport or hotel transfers, lessons, WiFi, taxes, and access to the yacht for the full week.

The shared cabin arrangement keeps the price lower than a private yacht charter. You sleep two to a cabin, with air-conditioning and a private toilet and shower. If you need a single cabin, ask before booking, since the supplied details only confirm two-person accommodation.

The yacht has indoor and outdoor areas for relaxing between sessions. The boat is described as clean and in good condition, with spacious rooms and plenty of seating. WiFi is included, though a boat-based connection may not provide the same reliability you expect on land.

Food is one of the strongest parts of the package. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered, which matters when your days are built around exercise. You will not need to carry cash for ordinary meals, but you should budget for alcoholic drinks and the Egyptian visa.

Gear rental is not included. Bring your own equipment or arrange rental at an extra charge before you arrive. This is a major price detail for first-time kiters, since a rental package can change the total cost considerably.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This cruise suits you if kitesurfing is the main reason for your holiday. Beginners can take included lessons in warm, flat water, while experienced riders get repeated sessions and a downwinder.

It also works well for solo visitors. The boat creates a ready-made social setting, and the group size can reach 22 people. That is large enough for a lively atmosphere, but small enough that you will see the same people throughout the week.

You should be comfortable sharing a boat and following a group schedule. This is not a private retreat where you choose every meal, departure, and activity. The group may decide where to eat on the final night, and the daily plan depends on wind, boat movements, and rider ability.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required. Even beginners will spend time learning, carrying or handling equipment, and getting on and off the water. If you have mobility concerns, ask the operator for specific advice before booking, since only a moderate fitness requirement is provided.

What the strong praise gets right

The most consistent strengths are easy to identify. The crew receives high marks for hospitality, organization, and safety on the water. Roberto is praised for managing airport and boat logistics, including an unexpected lost-luggage problem, while instructors such as Younis and Junis are singled out for patient beginner teaching.

The spots are another major reason to choose this cruise. The schedule gives you Geisum and Ashrafi, plus a possible route to Tawila, and the appeal is having these places reached by yacht rather than by daily road transfer.

The social side also matters. Good food, music, shared outdoor space, and a relaxed group atmosphere help fill the hours when you are not riding. If you want a quiet yacht escape with little interaction, this may feel too communal.

There is one serious ethical concern in the supplied feedback. One person expressed distress about how Egyptian staff were treated on Sick Dog cruises. The details provided do not establish what happened or whether changes were made, so I cannot resolve the claim. Still, it is fair to raise the issue directly with the operator and ask how local crew are employed, paid, and supported before you book.

Timing, booking, and practical costs

The season runs from April through December, but dates depend on availability. The cruise begins at noon on Saturday and ends the following Saturday, with the final transfer arranged around your flight or onward hotel.

You should not buy a non-changeable flight until your cruise date is confirmed. Booking confirmation is expected within 48 hours, subject to availability, and the experience requires a minimum number of participants. If the minimum is not reached and the operator cancels, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Your required extra costs are clear:

• Egyptian visa: $25 at the airport
• Kite gear rental: optional and charged separately
• Beer: 2 euros each
• Wine: 10 euros per bottle

Transfers to the airport or hotel are included at both ends. The cruise is near public transportation at its starting point, but most people will use the included transfer from Hurghada Airport.

Should you book the Kite Cruise Egypt?

Book it if you want a focused week of kitesurfing, prefer warm flat water, and like the idea of living aboard a yacht with a built-in group. It offers strong value for riders who will use the lessons, meals, transfers, and repeated daily sessions.

Think twice if you need a flexible departure date, private accommodation, or a holiday built around sightseeing in Egypt. The schedule is fixed, the booking is non-refundable, and the trip is physically active.

For a first-time kiter, confirm the lesson setup and the plan for Day 6. For an experienced rider, ask about gear rental, the downwinder requirements, and the expected wind conditions for your dates. If those answers suit you, this is a practical way to spend a week where the boat, bed, meals, and kite spots all move together.

FAQ

How long is the Kite Cruise Egypt experience?

The cruise lasts approximately eight days and seven nights, running from Saturday to Saturday.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Hurghada Marina, with boarding available from midday on the first day.

Which airport should I fly to?

The arrival airport is Hurghada Airport. Airport transfers are included, but you need to arrange your own flight.

Are kitesurfing lessons included?

Yes. Kitesurfing lessons for all levels are included at no extra cost.

Is the cruise suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience is described as suitable for all levels, with warm, flat water and included lessons. The Day 6 downwinder is only for intermediate and advanced riders.

Where does the boat go?

The itinerary includes Geisum Island, Ashrafi, and a possible downwinder ending at Geisum Island or Tawila Island. The yacht returns to Hurghada Marina on Day 7.

What accommodation is provided?

You stay aboard the yacht in a cabin shared by two people. Each cabin has a private toilet and shower, plus air-conditioning.

Are meals included?

Yes. Seven breakfasts, six lunches, seven dinners, and soft drinks are included. Alcohol costs extra.

Is kite equipment rental included?

No. Gear rental is optional and costs extra. The exact rental price is not provided, so ask the operator before departure.