VIP comfort makes Red Sea snorkeling easy. This Elite vip day trip turns a normal boat day into a 4-floor VIP float with air-conditioned space and a sun deck set up for real relaxing, not just standing around. I also like the BBQ buffet lunch style meals (hot soups, salads, and grilled favorites) plus waiter service bringing unlimited hot and soft drinks right to your spot. One thing to consider: it does not always feel like a strict adult-only experience, so if that matters, you’ll want to check before you book.

The snorkeling side is built around guided safety and hands-on support. You get three stops to see the reefs and marine life, and the boat gives easy access to the water from a low platform at the back, with life jackets available if you need extra help. Even in cooler months, the Red Sea is described as rarely dropping below 20C, which helps the whole day feel more comfortable.

Key points before you go

• 4 floors and 2 air-conditioned salons mean shade and calm when you want a break from the sun
• Unlimited hot and soft drinks arrive to your sunspot via waiter service
• Three guided snorkeling stops with expert guides who stay close and help as needed
• Sea access via a low platform, plus life jackets for less-confident swimmers
• BBQ buffet lunch onboard with options like chicken, Egyptian kofta, shrimp, and oven-baked fish
• Dolphin spotting attempt during the northward cruise when conditions allow

Elite vip on the Red Sea: what this “VIP” really feels like

Hurghada’s Red Sea trips can blur together, but this one is pretty specific about comfort and pace. The Elite vip Cruise Boats are brand new and run as a true day-trip yacht setup: you’re moving between levels, not just hanging in one cramped area. You’ll find open sun space up top, plus shaded mid-deck seating, and then two air-conditioned salons where you can cool off between water time.

What I like most is how the boat design supports a relaxed rhythm. You can snorkel, eat, and then reset without feeling like you need to “grab” a spot. On a hot Red Sea day, shade and airflow matter more than people expect.

Getting from your hotel to the marina (and why timing matters)

Your day starts with hotel pickup. The pickup typically begins around 45 minutes before departure, and then you’ll transfer by coach for about 35 minutes to Hurghada Marina. This is useful if you’re not in the center of town, because it avoids the hassle of coordinating taxis for a multi-hour schedule.

From the marina, you cruise out to the snorkeling area for roughly 1.5 hours. That travel time is not just “dead time.” It’s your chance to settle into the boat routine, get drinks from the waiter, and let the day’s first swim feel like a real event instead of a sprint right after boarding.

A practical tip: bring your towel and sunscreen and set them somewhere easy. You’ll be sun-exposed quickly once you’re on the deck.

The boat setup: sun deck, shade, and real places to sit

The Elite vip boat is described as 4 floors of space, with a lot of attention to cleanliness and maintenance. You’ll typically have an easy time finding sun loungers on the open deck, and you’ll also have the option to retreat to quieter, shaded areas.

Two details help this feel like VIP rather than just “nicer transportation”:

• Air-conditioned salons for a cool down between activities
• Waiter service that brings unlimited hot and soft drinks straight to where you’re sitting

There are also electronic massage beds onboard. These won’t replace sleep, but they’re a fun way to take the edge off sun and salt after snorkeling.

Three snorkeling moments: how the day flows on the water

The itinerary is built around repeated snorkel chances, not one quick jump in and out. You’ll get snorkeling guidance for each stop, and the staff provides life jackets for less-confident swimmers.

Stop one: first reef snorkeling and marine viewing

After cruising, the first Red Sea stop is about 45 minutes of swimming and marine-life viewing with guides. This is your “get comfortable” round. The boat includes a low platform at the back for access to the sea, which usually feels easier than climbing down steep steps.

The safety approach is active. If needed, guides can attach you to a life buoy and help you in the water. That kind of support is a big deal if you want to see coral without feeling panicked about staying afloat.

Midday: lunch as a reset, not a rushed meal

Next comes the lunch block, about 1 hour onboard. Expect open-buffet style service with soups, salads, and sides, followed by BBQ options. The menu is described as including bbq chicken and Egyptian kofta, plus freshly cooked shrimp and oven-baked fish.

This is more than just food. A proper midday break matters for snorkeling quality. If you’re wiped out, you’ll spend the next water time fighting fatigue instead of watching fish and coral.

Stop two: guided snorkeling northward and dolphin chances

After lunch, the day shifts into a second guided snorkeling tour. You’ll also move north and try to spot dolphins if possible. This part is weather- and sea-condition dependent, so consider it a bonus rather than a guaranteed moment.

Then there’s a longer stretch on the water that includes boat cruising, swimming, and marine viewing for about 2 hours. Think of this as your best window to linger. Some people rush snorkeling when they only expect one stop. Here, you can slow down because you’re not gambling on one chance.

Wildlife you might see (and how to watch it better)

The Red Sea is famous for marine life, and this trip is set up for close viewing. The day’s description includes a long list of what can appear: sea horses, octopuses, turtles, manta rays, and lots of colorful fish. Dolphins are also mentioned as a possibility.

To get more from the snorkeling time, watch patterns instead of chasing speed:

• Let the guides’ direction set your pace. You’ll spend more time looking than searching.
• Keep your head steady and your hands calm. Coral damage happens when people move their fins aggressively.
• Pause near fish activity. Many species move in small waves; if you keep scanning, you’ll catch more.

Also, if you’re prone to getting cold quickly, this is a comfort advantage. The water is described as rarely dropping below 20C even in winter, which helps you stay out longer without feeling miserable.

The BBQ buffet and drinks: why this matters on a sea day

Lots of cruises say food is included, but not all of it is enjoyable. Here, the meal structure is pretty clear: soups, salads, sides, then hot mains that are cooked onboard. The emphasis on on-board hygiene and market-fresh ingredients is part of why the food experience is repeatedly called out as a highlight.

Waiter service adds another layer. Unlimited hot and soft drinks delivered to your sunspot means you’re not constantly getting up for water, tea, or coffee. On a day with multiple swims, hydration breaks are not optional. They are how you avoid the end-of-day slump.

Price and value: is $80 a fair deal?

At $80 per person for a roughly half-day to late-afternoon program, the value comes from what’s bundled together:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (so you’re not paying separately for transfers)
• National park fees included (listed as $5)
• Three snorkeling experiences with guides
• Unlimited hot and soft drinks with waiter service
• BBQ buffet lunch onboard
• Massage beds and a real comfort setup on a modern boat

So you’re not paying only for transportation. You’re paying for guided time, reef access windows, and meals without the usual add-ons.

One extra cost to note: wetsuits are not included. If you want one, rental is listed at $10. If you’re a slow swimmer or you get chilled easily, it may be worth it, but the trip is also described as comfortable temperature-wise.

Group mix: when the experience feels VIP vs family-friendly

The most important reality check is the passenger mix. Even if you’re hoping for a quiet, adult-only vibe, this doesn’t always happen. Some departures can include families with children, which changes the mood on shared spaces like the sun deck.

You can still enjoy it, but adjust your expectations:

• If you’re sensitive to noise and kids moving around, go into the day ready to use the air-conditioned salons and mid-deck shade.
• If you’re traveling with mixed ages or you enjoy a lively boat atmosphere, this setup can feel like a fun day out rather than a strict spa-like escape.

A few details worth your attention before you book

A couple of small issues have surfaced around extras that can matter to your personal plans:

• There can be an option to note a birthday for the onboard experience, but don’t treat it like a guaranteed surprise. If it’s important, mention it directly to staff after boarding.
• If you buy any onboard media product (like a video), confirm how it’s delivered and double-check your email details before you leave.

These aren’t deal-breakers for most people. They’re just the kind of “read the room” checks that save disappointment.

Who this tour suits best

This Elite vip cruise is a strong fit if you want a guided snorkeling day without the hassle of equipment chaos and unclear meal plans. It’s also a good match if you care about comfort: air-conditioned spaces, waiter-served drinks, and the ability to step out of the sun whenever you need.

It may be less ideal if you’re chasing a perfectly quiet, adults-only party atmosphere. Also, if you’re a solo traveler who wants no small talk and no shared energy, you might prefer a smaller or more specialized format.

Should you book the Elite vip snorkeling cruise with BBQ lunch?

I’d book it if you want guided reef time with real boat comfort, plus a lunch that feels worth it. The value is strongest when you’d otherwise pay for transfers, snacks, and guided support separately.

Skip or double-check if you specifically need an adults-only environment, or if you’re counting on onboard extras like birthday handling to be flawless. If you’re flexible and focused on the snorkeling and the Red Sea scenery, this is the kind of day trip that makes Hurghada feel like more than a beach stop.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Hurghada?

The total duration is listed as 6 hours, with pickup beginning about 45 minutes before departure and return around 3:30 pm.

What’s included in the snorkeling experience?

You’ll have three guided snorkeling opportunities at Red Sea sites, with expert snorkeling guides accompanying you and life jackets available.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch is an onboard BBQ buffet with soups, salads, and sides, plus options listed as BBQ chicken and Egyptian kofta, and grilled shrimp with oven-baked fish.

Are drinks included on the boat?

Yes. There’s waiter service for unlimited hot and soft drinks throughout the day.

Do I need a wetsuit?

Wetsuits are not included. If you want one, rental is listed at $10.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and pickup typically starts around 45 minutes before departure.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.