Two snorkels, one Red Sea beach break. This low-cost cruise from Hurghada to Nemo Island (Old Giftun) is built for fun in the water: snorkeling on coral reefs plus time on white sand and an onboard buffet lunch. I like how straightforward it feels for a day trip, and I really appreciate that the cruise format gives you more than one chance to see fish. One thing to plan for: the national park entrance fee (about €10 per person) is not included.

You start early, around 8:00 am, then spend the rest of the day moving between boat time, snorkeling stops, and a short beach break. I also like that the trip keeps you fed and hydrated with an open buffet lunch and unlimited water and soft drinks, and it includes water-sports add-ons like banana and sofa rides. With a maximum of 30 people, it’s not a cattle-car kind of outing.

My only caution comes from the one sour note in the feedback: organization can be a weak link if your pickup details are off. Nothing in the tour description screams chaos, but I’d still treat this as a trip where you double-check your pickup and keep your confirmation handy.

Key things to know before you go

• Nemo Island (Old Giftun) beach time is short but real: about 2 hours on the sand.
• Two snorkeling stops with equipment included makes the day feel worth it even if you’re not a hardcore swimmer.
• Open buffet lunch onboard plus unlimited water and soft drinks keeps the long day comfortable.
• Water sports are included (banana and sofa), so you’re not paying for every extra.
• National park fees are extra (around €10 per person) and can catch you by surprise.
• Group size tops out at 30, which usually means quicker turnarounds during the day.

From Hurghada to Nemo Island: Why This Day Trip Works

Hurghada is set up perfectly for Red Sea excursions, and this one uses that advantage well. You’re cruising from the mainland to Nemo Island (Old Giftun), a tropical island area known for white sandy beaches and clear, calm-seeming water for snorkeling.

The “why it works” part for me is the mix of activities. You’re not only stuck on the boat all day, and you’re not only stuck in the water either. You get a couple of snorkeling sessions, a proper pause on the beach, and then a lunch that’s included rather than something you have to hunt for.

Also, this is priced like a budget-friendly outing, which means it’s designed for value first. That doesn’t automatically guarantee everything is smooth, but it does tell you what the operator is optimizing: maximum fun per hour, without a big splurge.

The 8:00 am Start and Boat Pickup: Getting Off to a Good Day

The tour starts at 8:00 am and the day runs about 7 to 8 hours. If you’re staying in a Hurghada hotel, pickup and drop-off are included, which removes one of the biggest annoyances on day trips: figuring out transport.

The boat portion is more than just travel time. On a Red Sea cruise like this, you’re often looking at open water the whole way out, with sun and breeze doing most of the entertaining. Even if you’re heading straight for snorkeling, having that movement and fresh air before you gear up makes the rest of the day easier to enjoy.

One practical point: the tour description says confirmation is received at booking and the trip has a maximum of 30 travelers. Smaller groups tend to move with less confusion during check-in and transfers. Still, one negative review mentioned a pickup/list mix-up, so I’d come prepared: have your ticket/confirmation accessible and be at the pickup spot a few minutes early.

Two Snorkeling Stops With Included Gear: What You’ll Actually See

This is the heart of the experience. You get two snorkeling stops at coral reefs, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment. That matters because it removes the “first-timer tax” of renting gear separately or showing up without the basics.

One piece of feedback that really stands out is the comment about beautiful fish at the snorkeling stops. That’s exactly what you want on a day like this: not just clear water, but actual wildlife activity close enough to see from the surface.

Here’s how I’d think about snorkeling on a cruise format like this:

• Your time in the water is likely split into short sessions, not a long continuous swim.
• You may not hit the same spot twice, but you can benefit from variety across two reef stops.
• You’ll usually spend some time getting on/off the water and listening to instructions.

If you can handle 20–30 minutes in the water at a time and you’re comfortable with a mask and snorkel, you’ll likely enjoy both stops more. If you’re someone who gets tired quickly, the cruise structure can still work because the day doesn’t lock you into endless time underwater.

Nemo Island Beach Break: The Value of About Two Hours Ashore

After the boat stops, the schedule brings you to Nemo Island for around 2 hours. That duration is short enough to feel like a break, not a vacation, but long enough to do the things people actually want from an island stop: stretch out on sand, cool off, and enjoy the water without constantly switching locations.

The tour description emphasizes white sandy beaches, and that’s a big part of why this island matters. Even if you’re not swimming the entire time, you can still enjoy the setting: sun on the sand, sea breeze, and a clear-sight environment created by the Red Sea.

Now, the short island time is also the trade-off. If you’re the type who wants hours to wander or take your time building a beach setup, you might feel slightly rushed. For many people, though, two hours hits the sweet spot on a day trip: you get enough island time without sacrificing snorkeling or lunch.

Lunch Onboard and Unlimited Drinks: Simple, Practical Comfort

Food on a sea cruise can go two ways: either it’s an afterthought, or it’s one of the best parts. Here, lunch is an open buffet and you also get unlimited water and soft drinks.

This is practical value. Instead of budgeting for meals or paying tourist prices every time you get hungry, you’re covered. And because the day runs most of the morning through the afternoon, having drinks included keeps you from getting slammed by heat and dehydration.

When lunch happens onboard, it also changes the rhythm of the day. You can eat without losing the group’s timing, which means you’re less likely to fall behind when the boat is ready to move again.

One more note: the itinerary includes a fairly clear flow—boat portions, snorkeling stops, then the island visit. Food that’s built into that flow usually makes the total experience feel smoother than a tour that forces you to figure out your own schedule.

Banana and Sofa Water Sports: Included Fun, Watch the Timing

The tour includes water sports activities: banana and sofa. This is one of those inclusions that makes a budget cruise feel like a real outing, not just a snorkeling transport.

In one feedback comment, the person felt it was a bit long around the banana and buoy game. That tells me you should expect some waiting and stop-and-start energy, even if the rides themselves are fun. In other words: the rides are included, but the day may feel like you’re coordinating around them.

My advice is simple: bring a good attitude toward time. If you’re there for photos and laughs, the banana/sofa part can be a highlight. If you’re hoping for a tight, fast-paced schedule where every minute is snorkeling, you might feel that the water sports add some delay.

Still, because these activities are included, you’re not paying extra on the spot. That’s a key part of the value.

Price and Value: Why About $14 Is Actually a Good Deal

The price listed is $14, which is very low for a full-day sea trip with pickup, lunch, snorkeling stops, gear, and at least some included water sports.

Of course, value has a catch: the tour notes national park fees are not included, about €10 per person. That doesn’t erase the value, but it changes the final total. Also, transfers from some areas are not included—specifically Makadi and Sahl Hashish (extra transfer fees), and El Gouna and Safaga (extra transfer fees). If you’re in central Hurghada hotels, the included pickup/drop is the biggest money-saver.

What makes this price feel fair is the bundle:

• Pickup and drop-off (in Hurghada hotels)
• Boat trip (around 7–8 hours)
• Two snorkeling stops with equipment
• About 2 hours on Nemo Island
• Open buffet lunch
• Unlimited water and soft drinks
• Banana and sofa water sports

If you were to price all that separately, you’d likely spend more than the tour cost. So the $14 figure is meaningful, as long as you plan for the national park fee.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Be Less Happy)

This trip is best for:

• People who want a first-timer-friendly snorkeling day without bringing gear or arranging transport.
• Families or groups who like a mix of beach + water activities rather than a single-focused excursion.
• Budget-minded travelers who still want included lunch and something extra beyond just floating around.

It may be less satisfying if:

• You’re hoping for long island time or extensive exploring on land. You get about 2 hours.
• You prefer minimal waiting times and no “waiting your turn” moments during included water sports.
• You’re extremely sensitive to organization hiccups. One review described confusion about the pickup and list situation.

If you fall into the middle—okay with a structured day, want fun on the water, and can handle short segments—this is a strong match.

Potential Hiccups: How One Bad Pickup Story Should Change Your Prep

A negative comment mentioned an unorganized situation where the guide allegedly brought people back to their hotel area instead of to the correct boat pickup, and the group was resolved through someone who knew how to get them onto a boat. That’s not enough to brand the entire experience as broken, but it is enough to teach you a smart habit.

Here’s how you protect yourself:

• Keep your confirmation accessible on your phone or in print.
• Be at the pickup point early, not right on time.
• If you have a specific pickup location, make sure it matches what you booked.
• When you find the group, verify you’re in the correct one before you relax.

Most likely, everything runs as described. But if it doesn’t, your preparation decides whether it becomes a minor hassle or a day-ruiner.

Should You Book This Nemo Island Snorkeling Cruise?

I’d book this if your goal is a cheap, full-day Red Sea experience with snorkeling, beach time, and lunch handled for you. The included snorkeling gear, two reef stops, and onboard open buffet are the big wins, and the Nemo Island beach break makes it feel like more than just a transport-and-snorkel schedule.

I’d think twice if you hate uncertainty about timing, or if you’re the kind of traveler who needs hours of island exploration. Also, add the national park fee into your mental budget so you’re not doing math on a hot dock.

If you do book, my best “do this before you go” advice is to plan for the national park entrance cost and show up for pickup early with your confirmation ready. That small effort pays off fast on a day like this.

FAQ

What time does the Nemo Island snorkeling trip start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is listed at about 7 hours, with the boat trip described as an 8-hour boat trip.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You get two snorkeling stops at the coral reef, and snorkeling equipment is included.

How long do we stay on Nemo Island?

You have about 2 hours on Nemo Island.

Is lunch included, and what type?

Yes. Lunch is an open buffet onboard, with unlimited water and soft drinks.

Are water sports included?

Yes. Banana and sofa water-sports activities are included.

Are national park fees included in the price?

No. National park entrance fees are not included and are listed as about 10 euros per person.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.