Hurghada: Elite vip snorkeling cruise with BBQ buffet lunch

The main appeal here is simple: you get a full Red Sea day without being packed onto a small boat. The four-level Elite VIP vessel gives you a sun deck, shaded seating, and two air-conditioned salons, while three reef stops bring the real reason for coming: coral, fish, and clear warm water.

I like the waiter service for unlimited hot and soft drinks, and I like the onboard lunch, cooked as the day goes on rather than served as a cold box. The main thing to consider is the word VIP: this is not an adults-only cruise, and one booking found children in several groups, which changed the mood for a couple expecting a quieter trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Four floors of room to spread out: Choose sun loungers, shaded mid-deck seats, or air-conditioned dining salons.
• Three Red Sea snorkeling stops: Guides accompany you, and life jackets are available for less confident swimmers.
• A proper BBQ buffet: Expect soup, salads, sides, chicken, Egyptian kofta, shrimp, and oven-baked fish.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: The boat moves north for a chance to spot them, but wildlife sightings cannot be fixed.
• Hotel pickup is included: Collection begins about 45 minutes before departure, followed by a roughly 35-minute ride to Hurghada Marina.
• Good practical value at $80: The fare includes transport, national park fees, drinks, lunch, and the boat trip, but wetsuit rental costs $10.

Why this Hurghada cruise feels different from a basic boat trip

Many Red Sea excursions are really transport with a swim stop added. This one puts the boat itself at the center of the day. You have space to change your view as the coast slips past: bright sun on the upper deck, shade on the middle deck, or cool air in one of the salons.

That space matters during a six-hour outing. You are not forced to sit in one place between snorkel stops, and you can retreat indoors when the sun gets too strong. The two air-conditioned salon and dining decks are especially useful for lunch and for anyone who prefers not to spend the entire day in direct sun.

The boat is described as new, clean, and professionally crewed. That is more than sales language when you are spending several hours at sea. Good maintenance, a clear rear platform, and staff nearby make the day easier for first-time snorkelers and families.

Still, I would not book this expecting a private yacht. It is a shared excursion, and the atmosphere depends partly on the mix of people onboard. The four-level layout helps, but it does not create an adults-only setting.

From Hurghada hotel pickup to the marina

Pickup begins around 45 minutes before the stated departure. The road transfer to Hurghada Marina takes about 35 minutes by bus or coach, so keep your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen handy rather than burying them in a suitcase.

The boat leaves at about 9:00 in the morning. The schedule allows a long outward cruise before the first reef stop, with the exact timing affected by sea conditions and the route chosen that day. Bring a light cover-up if you dislike sitting in wet swimwear for long periods.

Hurghada Marina is the starting point, not the snorkeling site. Once onboard, you have time to settle in and choose your preferred area. Sun lovers will head for the open upper deck, while anyone wanting shade can use the mid-deck or air-conditioned interiors.

The layout gives you a small but useful choice. You can make the ride part of the day rather than merely waiting for the water activities to begin.

The long ride out to the Red Sea reefs

The outward sailing takes roughly an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how the full schedule is counted. That is a fair amount of time at sea, so the boat’s comfort is important. On a cramped vessel, this section can drag. Here, you can walk around, sit in the shade, order a hot or soft drink, or watch the coast recede.

Waiter service brings unlimited hot and soft drinks to your chosen spot. That is a strong feature for a day in the sun, since you do not need to keep returning to one serving station. Drink plenty, even when you do not feel thirsty in the sea breeze.

The sea may be calm or choppy. No specific water condition is guaranteed, and people prone to motion sickness should think about that long first sailing before booking. The spacious decks give you more options, but they do not remove movement on the water.

First guided snorkeling stop, about 45 minutes

The first stop is at a Red Sea reef chosen for coral and marine life. You get about 45 minutes in the water, with snorkeling guides accompanying the group. Their role is both practical and useful: they help with safety, point out areas worth seeing, and keep less confident swimmers from drifting too far.

Access to the sea is through a low platform at the rear of the boat. That is easier than climbing down a high ladder, especially when you are wearing fins or holding a mask. Life jackets are available, and the crew can assist people who are not strong swimmers.

The advertised marine life list is broad: colorful reef fish, octopuses, seahorses, turtles, manta rays, and dolphins are all possible. You should treat this as potential wildlife, not a checklist. The reef scenery and fish are the dependable focus, while larger animals depend on the day, location, and luck.

You may find the first stop busy in the water, even when the boat itself feels spacious. The guides help keep the activity organized, but a shared snorkeling outing will not feel like having a private reef. If you want the best view, listen carefully to the guide and stay close enough to follow their route.

The Red Sea remains warm compared with many snorkeling destinations, with water temperatures rarely dropping below 20C even in winter. Some people will be comfortable in swimwear. If you prefer extra warmth or plan to stay in the water for a long time, wetsuits can be rented for $10.

Heading north for dolphins, if conditions allow

After the first reef session, the boat moves north in an effort to spot dolphins. The wording matters: dolphins are a possibility, not a guarantee. You should enjoy the sailing itself rather than measure the trip by whether a pod appears.

Wildlife watching is one of the more appealing parts of the route because it breaks up the reef time. You may be scanning the water from the upper deck one moment and preparing for another swim the next. Keep your camera ready, but do not let the search replace the scenery and sea air.

There is no promise of a close encounter, and dolphin sightings can never be scheduled like a museum visit. That uncertainty is part of the experience. If a dolphin sighting is your main reason for booking, this may feel too risky. If it is a welcome extra on a snorkeling day, the route makes sense.

The BBQ buffet served at sea

Lunch is served onboard for about an hour. The menu includes soup, salads, side dishes, BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, freshly cooked shrimp, and oven-baked fish. The meal is prepared on the boat, which gives it a more substantial feel than the packed lunches common on day trips.

I like the range because it covers different appetites. You can choose grilled meat, seafood, salads, and lighter sides instead of being limited to one plate. The food is also a practical part of the schedule: after time in the water, you need a real meal, not just snacks.

The seafood is a highlight in the description, but availability and exact portions can vary with the day’s menu. If you have dietary restrictions, the supplied information does not confirm special meal arrangements, so do not assume the buffet will cover every need.

The dining salons provide air conditioning and shelter, while the open decks let you eat with a sea view if conditions are comfortable. This is where the boat’s four-level design earns its keep. Lunch does not have to mean everyone crowding into one tight room.

One small service point is worth noting. A birthday was recorded during one booking, but no acknowledgment followed. If you are planning this as a birthday treat, tell the crew directly and keep expectations modest. The meal is included, but a personal celebration is not promised.

The second and later snorkeling sessions

After lunch, the cruise continues with another guided snorkeling tour and further time for swimming, marine life viewing, and sailing. The full program describes three stops at some of the Red Sea’s better snorkeling areas, while the detailed timing names a first guided session and a second one after the dolphin search.

That means you should expect more than one water session, but not assume every stop will be identical or last the same amount of time. Reef conditions, distance, and sea conditions can shape the final route.

The changing sites are valuable because the Red Sea does not offer one single underwater view. Coral formations and fish activity can differ from one location to the next. One stop may suit a relaxed swim, while another may give the guide a better chance to point out small marine life.

You can also choose how much water time you want. Strong swimmers may stay in longer, while beginners can use a life jacket and remain near the boat or guide. The low rear platform makes getting back onboard simpler than a high climb, though wet steps can still require care.

By the final part of the cruise, you may be ready for a quiet seat rather than another swim. That is another advantage of the boat’s layout. You can dry off on a lounger, sit in the shade, or use the air-conditioned salon while the vessel heads back.

What the $80 price includes

At $80 per person, this is not Hurghada’s cheapest snorkeling outing. The value comes from what is bundled into the day: hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat, guided snorkeling, lunch, unlimited hot and soft drinks, and the $5 national park fee.

A lower-priced trip may suit you if you only want a short boat ride and one quick swim. This cruise makes more sense if you care about space, food, several reef sessions, and a comfortable place to escape the sun.

The onboard electronic massage beds are available, adding an unusual extra, though the information does not specify whether every use is included in the fare. Ask before using them if an extra charge matters to your budget.

The only clearly listed add-on is a $10 wetsuit rental. Bring your own if you need one, or decide on the boat. Sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel are not listed as supplied, so pack all three.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Hurghada schedule is still moving, but they do not change the main decision: you are paying for a longer, more comfortable day at sea rather than a basic transfer to a reef.

Who will enjoy the Elite VIP boat most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want snorkeling with a generous amount of onboard comfort. It suits mixed groups especially well because confident swimmers can spend more time in the water while others use the shaded seats, indoor salons, or life jackets.

It is also a good match for people who want a full meal rather than a snack, and for anyone who dislikes being stuck on a small open boat. The English, German, and Russian-speaking instruction gives the trip a wider language range, although individual guide names are not provided.

Families can use the low sea platform and life jackets, but the cruise should not be sold to you as adult-only. Children may be present, and that can affect the mood on a shared boat. Couples seeking a quiet, child-free day should choose with care.

It may not suit you if you want a private charter, guaranteed dolphins, or a tightly controlled schedule. It is also less appealing if you dislike a long first sailing before reaching the first reef.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes.
• Bring a hat or cover-up for the upper deck, while remembering that shaded and air-conditioned seating is available.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen if possible and apply it before boarding.
• Keep your camera secure around the rear platform and wet areas.
• If you want a wetsuit, budget the extra $10.
• Tell the guide early if you are a nervous swimmer or need help in the water.
• Treat dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and other large animals as lucky sightings, not guaranteed features.
• If you are booking for a birthday, tell the crew yourself rather than relying on a note made during booking.

The boat returns to Hurghada at about 3:30 pm, making this a sizeable part of your day. You still have an evening free, but you should not plan a tight afternoon appointment after the cruise.

Should you book this snorkeling cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable full-day Red Sea outing with several chances to snorkel, a cooked buffet lunch, drinks, hotel transport, and room to find your own spot onboard. The food, reef stops, helpful crew, and roomy boat are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Think twice if the word VIP makes you expect an adults-only setting or private service. Children can be present, dolphins may not appear, and the sea journey takes time. At $80, the price is fair when you will use the included meal, transport, drinks, and multiple water stops.

For most people who want more than a quick swim from Hurghada, this is a well-rounded choice. Just book it for the boat, reefs, food, and comfort, with wildlife sightings treated as a bonus.

FAQ

How long is the Elite VIP snorkeling cruise?

The activity is described as lasting about six hours. The planned day leaves Hurghada Marina around 9:00 am and returns to the marina at about 3:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included. Pickup begins around 45 minutes before departure, followed by a bus or coach transfer of about 35 minutes to the marina.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The program describes three snorkeling stops at Red Sea reef sites. The schedule specifically includes a first guided session and another after the dolphin-spotting route.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The boat travels north to try to spot dolphins if possible, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What food is served for lunch?

The buffet includes soups, salads, side dishes, BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, grilled shrimp, and oven-baked fish.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited hot and soft drinks are included and are served during the day.

Do I need to rent a wetsuit?

No. Wetsuits are optional and can be rented for $10. You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The boat also has a low rear platform for access to the sea, and life jackets are available for less confident swimmers.