A pirate-ship sunset beats the usual boat trip. You get the classic twin-masted wooden look, plus a seafood buffet lunch served in air-conditioned comfort, and a proper chance to snorkel near the reefs. One thing to keep in mind: it may not feel like full-on sailing the whole time, so treat it as a cruise with sailing vibes rather than a guaranteed wind-powered experience.

What really makes this outing work is the flow: a guided snorkel segment, time at Orange Bay, then a return to the marina as the light turns golden. If you’re traveling with kids, the setup is thoughtful—the kids animation team runs things while adults can stay relaxed on the upper deck and enjoy the scenery.

The main consideration is the overall “tour feel.” Expect limited drink options on board (typical soft drinks and hot drinks), and you might also see a strong photo-sales angle during the day. Still, for the $63 price and what’s included—pickup, entry fees, snorkeling gear, and lunch—it can be a strong value, especially if you want one organized afternoon instead of piecing things together yourself.

Key things to know before you go

• Twin-masted wooden pirate ship with a spacious upper sun deck and air-conditioned lower salons
• Guided snorkelling at the best local reef spots plus Orange Bay time for relaxing and another water break
• Seafood buffet lunch in the salon: sea food soup, salads, rice/pasta/potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, fruit
• Kids entertainment on board (including a treasure hunt), with animation support on the lower deck
• Sunset return to Hurghada Marina, giving you that end-of-day Red Sea glow
• On-board drinks are limited for sale, while Orange Bay may have more options at a higher price

Meeting at Hurghada Marina: the calm start (and the clock)

This cruise runs on Saturdays and Wednesdays, with a total time slot around 5 hours. The schedule you’ll feel most during the day is simple: hotel pickup leads you into the marina, there’s a short lunch break at the harbor, then you head out to the water and come back by sunset.

The pickup timing is roughly an hour before the trip time. That’s normal for Hurghada, but it does matter: one guest had a late driver, so I’d plan a little buffer and keep your accommodation contact handy. When you book, include your hotel name and room number for pickup, if your booking asks for it. That helps the team match you fast.

Once you arrive at Hurghada Marina, there’s a quick lunch stop (around 30 minutes). After that, the main part starts: boarding the wooden pirate-themed ship and heading out toward the snorkeling areas.

The Premier Sailing Boat vibe: more pirate lounge than classroom

The ship is built to look like a classic sailing yacht—twin masts, wooden styling, and a pirate theme. But what you’ll actually use most is the layout.

On top, there’s a big upper sun deck where you can take photos, feel the breeze, and enjoy the Red Sea views without being stuck in a room. Down below, you get two air-conditioned salons, marble-and-wood finished and decorated in a pirate style. The important practical point: the lunch buffet happens in the salon, so you’re not stuck eating hot food in direct sun if the afternoon gets warm.

A small but real convenience is the “kid split.” If you’re traveling as a family, you’ll be asked to leave kids with the animation team in the lower deck area. Adults then have space to watch the water and settle into the day without constant supervision tasks.

And yes, motion matters on the water. One review specifically said people who get sea-sick might find this trip comfortable, because it didn’t feel like strong movement. Still, I’d bring your own plan if you know you’re sensitive.

Out to the snorkel sites: what the first sailing hour is for

After departure, you’ll sail for roughly an hour toward the local snorkeling area. The goal here is timing: you’re not just “floating around,” you’re heading to the reefs where the stop makes sense.

If you like knowing exactly what comes next, this part is straightforward. Your first big activity is the snorkelling segment: you get full guided snorkeling for about an hour. That guidance matters. Even if you’re a confident swimmer, having someone help you choose where to go and what to watch for makes the experience easier and less stressful—especially if you’re with kids.

You get snorkeling gear as part of the trip. Life jackets are also provided. Wetsuits aren’t included, so if you prefer extra protection from water chill or sun, plan on bringing your own. Most people just do fine with swimwear, but the option is yours.

Guided snorkeling: the reef time that makes the cruise worth it

This is the part that most justifies the “cruise” versus “boat ride” label. You’re scheduled for a guided reef snorkel session of around an hour, so you’re not spending the whole time asking if it’s time to swim yet.

What I like about a guided snorkel on a trip like this is efficiency. The crew can steer you to good spots, keep the group together, and help you get the most out of your time in the water. You also get to snorkel with the included gear and life jacket support, which makes it feel more beginner-friendly than going on your own.

Practical tips:

• Bring sunscreen before boarding and reapply if you’re on the water in the sun.
• Wear swimwear you’re comfortable snorkeling in, because you’ll likely be in and out of the water.
• Bring a towel, because you’ll want to dry off when you get back on board and move to the next section of the day.

Orange Bay: beach reset, plus another water moment

After the guided snorkeling, the cruise heads to Orange Bay. The day gives you about an hour on the island area—enough time to relax on the sandy shore, enjoy the sea views, and let the day breathe.

Orange Bay is also where the kids entertainment really changes the rhythm. While adults soak up the beach time, kids are set up with fun activities such as a treasure hunt. That’s a great idea in theory, and it’s why this cruise works for families who don’t want a packed adult-only schedule.

One consideration from real-world experience: the kids program length and language support may not match every expectation. I’d treat the treasure hunt as a short, structured activity rather than a long event. Also, if you’re counting on German-speaking child care specifically, double-check what’s available on the day you go.

Back on the water, the schedule also includes a swimming and marine life viewing hour later in the itinerary flow. That usually means you’ll have more than one chance to be in the water without feeling rushed.

Lunch in the air-conditioned salon: good food, well-timed

Lunch is a major reason people enjoy this tour. The buffet is served in the air-conditioned lower salon, which is a big deal in Egypt when sun and heat can wear you down fast.

The lunch menu is clearly laid out:

• Sea food soup
• 3 types of fresh salad
• Rice, pasta, potatoes
• Shrimps, Calamari, Fish
• Chicken and Kofta
• Seasonal fresh fruit

What I like is the mix. You get seafood options, but also chicken and kofta, plus filling carbs like rice and potatoes. If your group has mixed tastes, you won’t feel stuck picking the same thing.

One more practical detail: because lunch is in the salon, you can take a break from sun exposure. It also makes the day more comfortable if you’re traveling with kids who need shade between activities.

If you have dietary restrictions, you should still check with the crew on the day. The menu is described, but specifics about cross-contamination aren’t listed.

Drinks and the on-board reality check

This cruise includes lunch, but drinks are where you’ll want to be smart.

On board, extra drinks are available for sale, but options are described as limited to coffee, tea, and soft drinks. If you want anything beyond that, you’ll likely need to buy it at Orange Bay, where options are said to be more plentiful but usually cost more.

This isn’t a deal-breaker for many people—it just changes how you budget your afternoon. For $63, the included lunch is the headline value. If you plan to drink frequently, set aside a little extra money for beverages.

Photos, pirate vibes, and why I’d set expectations

One review flagged a key concern: the day includes a strong photo-taking approach, and it can end with photo-books offered for sale at a higher price. If you don’t like being photographed on tours, this could annoy you.

I think it’s fair to treat it like this: the boat and staff lean into the pirate experience, so photo moments are part of the package. If that doesn’t sound fun to you, decide in advance whether you’ll buy anything or simply ignore the pitch.

Service and comfort: where the reviews line up

The overall staff experience sounds consistently strong. People praised the friendliness of the crew and how smoothly the trip is organized. The ship itself also gets credit for being clean and spacious, with enough room to relax between activities.

For comfort, the air-conditioned salons stand out as the “adult win.” You can spend time outside on the sun deck, then cool down quickly in the salon when you want food, conversation, or shade.

If you’re traveling with kids, the animation team is a real part of the appeal. Even with complaints about short treasure hunts or language coverage, the setup is designed to keep children entertained while adults enjoy the ride.

Value: is $63 a good deal for this day?

At about $63 per person for a 5-hour afternoon, this cruise can be good value when you compare it to planning a snorkel stop and lunch on your own.

Here’s why it can feel worth it:

• You get hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves time and hassle.
• Entry fees are included.
• Snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided.
• Lunch is included and is substantial, not just a snack.

So the “cost” isn’t just transport. You’re paying for an organized afternoon: reef time, structured beach time, and a meal ready for you without hunting around for food.

Where the value can soften:

• On-board drinks are limited.
• If you end up buying photo-books, that pushes the total cost.
• If you expect a true sailboat experience with constant wind-driven sailing, you might feel disappointed, since it can operate more like a guided cruise than a pure sailing journey.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a solid fit if you want:

• A family-friendly Red Sea afternoon with organized kid activities
• Snorkeling with guidance rather than going fully independent
• A comfortable lunch break in an air-conditioned space
• A sunset return experience that feels more festive than a basic ferry-style trip

It’s less ideal if:

• You strongly dislike being photographed
• You expect drinks to be included or want full bar access
• You want the boat experience to feel like nonstop sailing under sail

Should you book this Hurghada sunset sailing cruise?

I’d book it if you’re looking for one easy, organized afternoon that combines snorkelling, Orange Bay beach time, and a proper seafood lunch, all with pickup included. The included gear, lunch, and kid entertainment make it a practical choice for families and groups that want structure.

Before you go, set expectations. Think pirate-themed cruise with sailing atmosphere, not a guaranteed sail-all-the-way sailing adventure. Also, budget for extra drinks and be ready for photo pitch energy if that’s not your thing.

If that matches your style, this is the kind of cruise that can deliver a fun, memorable afternoon without overplanning your day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, with pickup occurring roughly 1 hour before the trip time.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about 5 hours, and it runs from roughly 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

What meals are included?

A buffet lunch is included on board. The menu lists sea food soup, several salads, rice/pasta/potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken and kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included.

Do I need to bring a wetsuit?

Wetsuits are not included. You should plan for swimwear and bring what you personally need for comfort.

Where does the cruise stop?

The day includes stops around Hurghada snorkeling sites and a visit to Orange Bay, where you get free time and snorkeling time.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel.

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide is available in English and German.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.