Coral gardens, served on a pirate sailboat. I love the air-conditioned comfort below decks and the two guided snorkeling stops that make the day feel well-run. One possible drawback: snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget for rentals and plan a quick swap before you get in the water.

This isn’t the chaotic, cram-everyone-on-a-big-boat style. The Pirates’ three-masted wooden sailing boat feels calmer, and the onboard vibe is genuinely fun with its pirate-themed décor. With a maximum of 35 people, it’s the kind of cruise that lets you enjoy the scenery without constantly losing track of the group.

Key highlights at a glance

• Pirates’ three-deck wooden sailboat with a huge upper sun deck and air-conditioned salons
• Two fully guided snorkeling stops of about 45 minutes each
• White Island photo stop after snorkeling, with great views off the boat
• Open buffet lunch served onboard in the salon
• Round-trip hotel transfers and fees included for easier budgeting
• Small group size (max 35) for a calmer feel on the water

Pirates Sailing Boat vs. Big Tour Boats: What the “Calm” Feel Actually Means

Sharm el Sheikh cruises can range from fun to chaotic. This one is built around comfort and pacing, thanks to the Pirates’ sailboat design and smaller group size. You’ll be on a three-masted, wooden ship with three decks: a large upper sun deck for taking in the Red Sea view, plus two spacious air-conditioned salons where you’ll escape the sun and warm yourself back up if the day shifts.

Why I think that matters: when a boat is truly smaller and less hectic, you spend less time fighting for a spot and more time enjoying what you came for. The reviews back that up with comments about a quieter trip compared to the big, fiberglass-style boats, plus praise for the captain and crew running a smooth operation.

And yes, the “pirate” theme is part of the appeal. The salons are described as richly finished, with marble and wood and pirate-styled décor. It’s not just decoration—it sets the tone for the day, especially when lunch is served in the salon like an onboard banquet rather than a rushed grab-and-go.

From Sharm to Ras Mohammed: The 9:00 AM Start and the Cruise Time That Helps

The day kicks off at 9:00 am. You’ll travel by air-conditioned vehicle for your pick-up (when offered), then you’ll board the sailboat and head out along the Sinai coastline for about an hour toward Ras Mohammed National Park.

That hour cruise isn’t wasted time. It gives you a buffer before snorkeling—cool heads stay cooler, and you can get your gear ready without feeling panicked. It also means you’re not immediately thrown into water without a transition, which makes the day feel more relaxed overall.

At the far end of the day, you’ll return to the marina around 4:00 pm, so you’re looking at roughly 6 hours of total time. In plain terms: you’re getting a full morning-to-afternoon outing, with enough schedule to do two snorkeling stops and a White Island visit, but without turning the day into a long, exhausting slog.

Ras Mohammed National Park with Two Guided Snorkeling Stops: How to Make the Time Count

Ras Mohammed National Park is the headline for a reason. This cruise gives you two fully guided snorkeling stops, with each stop lasting about 45 minutes, plus guidance from the crew. That “two-stop” format is a real benefit. If you only snorkel once, you depend on one patch of water and one moment. With two sessions, you get a better chance to see plenty of marine life and adjust your comfort level as the day goes on.

Here’s what you should know before you go:

• Snorkeling gear is not included. Equipment rental is available at your own expense.
• You’ll want to factor in time for fitting and getting comfortable in the water, especially since you’re doing it twice.
• You should be comfortable following a guide’s direction, since each stop is guided.

The practical upside of the guidance is simple: it helps you spend the snorkeling time actually looking at the reef and fish instead of wandering. One review emphasizes that fish were plentiful, and another highlights the snorkeling experience as a strong point of the trip—so the day is built around the underwater payoff, not just scenery from the deck.

Possible consideration: 45 minutes can pass quickly, especially if you’re excited or if visibility is changeable. Having two separate chances helps, but you’ll still want to treat each session like its own “mini window.”

White Island: When the Photo Stop Feels Like a Bonus, Not a Detour

Between snorkeling and heading back, you’ll visit White Island. The highlight here is the chance to take photos at a spot that’s already known for being eye-catching. This is the kind of stop that works well even if you’re not the person who wants to stay in the water for hours.

Why it’s a smart add-on: after two snorkeling sessions, your brain needs a reset. White Island gives you a break from gear and buoyancy and lets you experience the Red Sea from above the waterline—whether you’re taking pictures or just enjoying the view.

The cruise plans this after the snorkeling, which helps the day feel balanced rather than repetitive. You’re not just repeating the same action twice. You’re switching from “look down” to “look out.”

The Onboard Buffet Lunch: Why This Matters More Than You Think

Lunch is served onboard in the salon, and it’s described as an open buffet. This isn’t one of those “snack-lunch” situations where you’re left hungry 30 minutes later.

From the tour details, you can expect an onboard buffet that includes items like:

• Soup
• Salads
• Shrimp
• Kofta
• Fruit

…and more

Why I consider this good value: at this price point, you’re paying for a full outing with transfers, park access, and a two-snorkel schedule. If lunch were basic or tiny, the value would drop fast. Instead, it’s positioned like a real meal in a pleasant setting—one reason the day feels structured rather than improvised.

One more bonus: because the buffet is on the boat, you don’t lose time hunting for food once you’re tired. You’re already moving between key points, and lunch is handled as part of the experience.

A heads-up: snacks aren’t included. If you’re the type who likes something small between swimming and lunch, plan accordingly.

Price and Value: What’s Included, What’s Not, and How to Budget Smart

At $79.10 per person, this cruise sits in a range that can feel like a bargain—if the inclusions are real. Here, they are.

Included in the price:

• All fees and taxes
• Lunch
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Pickup and 2-way transfers (when pickup is offered)
• Mobile ticket

Not included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Snacks

The best part is how the inclusions help you avoid surprise costs. One of the most repeated praise points is that the operator didn’t ask for extra money, and people described the team as organized and respectful. In other words: you’re not walking into a day where every stop becomes a cash register.

So your budgeting is pretty straightforward:

• Plan for snorkeling gear rental (since it’s not included).
• Plan for snacks if you want extra food outside the buffet.

Also, group size matters for value. With a maximum of 35, this doesn’t sound like a lottery where you’re stuck in a crowded crush. Smaller groups tend to feel more manageable for both safety and service, and that matches the “quiet cruise” praise.

Booking Timing and the Real-World Feel on the Water

This tour is commonly booked about 28 days in advance on average. That’s a good sign. It suggests steady demand—especially from people who want Ras Mohammed without the stress of organizing their own boat and transfers.

Also, you’re dealing with a fixed day schedule: 9:00 am departure and returning around 4:00 pm. That makes it less flexible than an open-ended day trip, but it also makes it easier to commit. You’ll know what the day looks like when you book.

One more practical note from the tour info: you’ll get a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens at the time of booking. That helps reduce last-minute uncertainty.

Who This Sharm Cruise Is Best For

This is a strong fit if you want:

• Two guided snorkeling sessions (not just one quick dip)
• A calmer ride on a smaller sailboat vibe
• A proper buffet lunch onboard
• Less stress, since round-trip hotel transfers and fees are handled

It may be less ideal if:

• You want snorkeling equipment included in the package price
• You expect snacks to be provided beyond lunch
• You’re looking for a super long day (this is about 6 hours total)

It also helps that the tour says most travelers can participate, and that service animals are allowed. If you’re someone who prefers guided structure and a crew-led schedule, you’re likely to enjoy this format.

Practical Tips Before You Go (So You Don’t Lose Time)

Here’s how to set yourself up for an easy day, using what the tour info tells you:

• Plan for snorkeling gear rental since it’s not included. Don’t show up assuming you’ll be handed everything.
• Bring snacks only if you want them. The buffet is included, but snacks aren’t.
• Have your mobile ticket ready for check-in.
• If you’re doing a pickup, listen for the timing and location details you’re sent at booking confirmation.
• If you’re sensitive to boat movement, note that this is a sailboat on open water. Give yourself a bit of mental flexibility for a calmer ride rather than a motion-free one.

Finally, if you care about the onboard experience, focus on the boat choice. The pirate-themed décor and the air-conditioned salons aren’t just aesthetic—they’re part of why people describe the cruise as quiet and well-run.

Should You Book This Pirates Sailboat Cruise?

If your goal is a smooth, organized Red Sea day—Ras Mohammed snorkeling plus White Island photos, with an actual onboard meal—this is the kind of tour that makes sense.

I’d book it if:

• You like the idea of two guided snorkeling stops around 45 minutes each
• You want transfers and lunch included so budgeting is simple
• You prefer a smaller group experience (up to 35 people) over a bigger crowd

I’d think twice if:

• You don’t want to pay for snorkeling equipment rental
• You want lots of extra food beyond lunch (since snacks aren’t included)

Overall, this cruise earns attention for a simple reason: it seems designed around the main event—snorkeling at Ras Mohammed—while keeping the above-water time comfortable and enjoyable. For a first-time Sharm day trip, that’s a pretty solid combination.

FAQ

What is the start time for the tour?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as about 6 hours.

Do I get hotel pickup and round-trip transfers?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the tour includes 2-way hotel transfers.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

There are 2 snorkeling stops, both fully guided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and rentals are at your own expense.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, served as an open buffet onboard.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 35 travelers.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for most people?

The tour info says most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed as well.