Hurghada: Elite vip snorkeling cruise with BBQ buffet lunch

The Red Sea rewards an easygoing day. This Hurghada cruise combines three snorkeling stops, a large four-level boat, and a cooked BBQ buffet lunch into one relaxed outing. You get hotel pickup, a crewed yacht, guided time in the water, drinks served during the day, and national park fees included in the $80 price.

I especially like the spacious sun deck, which gives you room to find a sunny lounger without being stuck in one place. The second strong point is the food and drink service: hot and soft drinks are available throughout the day, while the onboard kitchen prepares chicken, Egyptian kofta, shrimp, fish, salads, soup, and side dishes.

The main caution is simple: VIP does not mean adults only. One booking party expected a child-free trip and found children among several groups. If you want peace and quiet above all else, confirm the passenger mix before booking.

Key points to know before booking

• Three snorkeling opportunities give you more than one chance to see coral and fish, with guides in the water to help with safety.
• Four decks and two air-conditioned salons make this a roomier boat day than a basic transfer boat.
• A BBQ buffet is cooked onboard, with chicken, kofta, shrimp, baked fish, soups, salads, and sides.
• Dolphin spotting is possible but not promised, so treat it as a bonus rather than the reason to book.
• The $80 fare includes hotel pickup, drop-off, and a $5 national park fee, which helps make the price easier to assess.
• Wetsuit rental costs $10, and you should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

From Hurghada hotel to the marina

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada, usually about 45 minutes before departure. The transfer to Hurghada Marina takes around 35 minutes by bus or coach, though the exact pickup time depends on your hotel and the scheduled sailing.

This early transfer is useful because it removes the need to arrange a taxi to the marina. It also means you should be ready before the advertised 9:00 am departure. Bring your swimwear under comfortable clothes, since changing space on a boat can be more limited than at your hotel.

At the marina, you board the Elite VIP boat and settle into one of several areas. The boat has four floors, including an open sun deck, shaded mid-deck seating, and two air-conditioned salon and dining decks. That variety matters. You can lie in the sun, sit out of direct heat, or retreat indoors when the glare and wind become too much.

The boat is described as new and well maintained, with professional crew service. The electronic massage beds are an unusual extra, though the available information does not specify how long you can use them or whether reservations are needed. Think of them as a pleasant onboard feature, not the main reason to choose the cruise.

A 90-minute cruise across the Red Sea

The outward ride takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how the schedule is counted. During this time, you can watch the coast recede, enjoy a drink, and find the deck that suits you best.

I would use this first stretch to apply sunscreen, listen carefully to the snorkeling instructions, and ask where life jackets are kept. The crew provides support for less-confident swimmers, and access to the sea is through a low rear platform. That is more practical than climbing down a tall ladder, especially when you are wet or carrying snorkeling equipment.

Waiter service is part of the appeal. Hot and soft drinks are available without requiring you to keep walking back to a serving area. On a long day in the sun, that small detail becomes genuinely useful. Still, you should bring the personal items listed for the trip, especially a towel and sunscreen.

The cruise is not described as a small-group sailing. The large boat offers space, but a roomy vessel can also mean a lively mix of families, couples, and different age groups. If your idea of VIP means a private yacht or a quiet adults-only setting, adjust your expectations.

First snorkeling stop: coral close to the boat

The first stop is at one of the Red Sea’s better coral areas, with about 45 minutes scheduled for swimming and marine-life viewing. Snorkeling guides accompany you, helping you find suitable places to look and keeping an eye on the group.

This guided approach is valuable if you are new to snorkeling. You do not need to guess where the best coral is, and you have someone nearby if you feel uncertain in open water. Life jackets are available, and the crew is prepared to assist less-confident swimmers, including using a buoy for support.

The Red Sea is known for clear, warm water and a wide range of marine life. On this outing, you might see brightly colored fish, coral formations, or other creatures such as turtles, octopuses, seahorses, manta rays, or dolphins. None of these sightings can be guaranteed. Marine life moves, conditions change, and the crew cannot place wildlife on a schedule.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it is also the reason not to book this trip solely for one animal. The advertised dolphin search comes with the words if possible, which is the honest way to present it. You may see dolphins, but the reliable part of the day is the guided reef snorkeling.

The stop is also short enough that you should get organized quickly. Listen to the safety talk, check your mask, and enter the water when instructed. If you spend too long adjusting gear, the 45 minutes can pass quickly.

Moving north in search of dolphins

After the first snorkeling session, the boat moves north and looks for dolphins if conditions and sightings allow. This section adds a wildlife element to the day, but it is not a dedicated dolphin guarantee.

You can watch from the decks while the crew scans the water. The spacious layout helps here because you are not forced to remain in one cramped seating area. If you want the best chance of seeing something, stay alert and keep your camera ready, but do not let the search overshadow the reef stops.

The Red Sea is also worth watching when no dolphins appear. The changing view, open water, and movement of the boat give the trip a proper sailing feel rather than making it only a sequence of swim stops. If you are prone to seasickness, the length of the boat ride is worth considering. No seasickness treatment is specifically listed, so bring any medication you already use.

Second and third chances to snorkel

The program includes a second guided snorkeling tour after the dolphin search, and the broader description refers to three snorkeling stops at strong reef sites. That gives you repeated chances to get comfortable in the water and see different sections of coral.

Multiple stops are one of the better features of this cruise. If the first entry feels rushed, the water is choppy, or your mask leaks, you get another opportunity. Marine life also varies from place to place, so a second or third site can feel quite different even during the same day.

You should still expect each swim to be time limited. This is a group cruise, not a private snorkeling charter where you decide the pace. The guides are there for safety and enjoyment, but you will need to follow their instructions and return when asked.

The trip is accessible to people with different swimming abilities, according to the activity details. Wheelchair accessibility is also listed. Since the specific arrangements for boarding, transfers, and entering the water are not explained, contact the operator in advance if you use a wheelchair and need details beyond general accessibility.

Lunch on the boat: a real part of the value

The BBQ buffet is served onboard after the snorkeling activities. The menu includes soup, salads, side dishes, BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, grilled shrimp, and oven-baked fish. The exact combination may vary, since the description presents several main-course options.

This is more substantial than a snack box, and it saves you from losing time returning to shore for lunch. Food is prepared while the cruise is underway, and onboard hygiene is presented as a priority. One verified booking specifically praised the food, and another described the BBQ buffet as a highlight of an otherwise excellent day.

You should approach the meal as a buffet designed for a boat excursion, not as a restaurant tasting menu. The strongest value comes from convenience, variety, and the fact that lunch is included in a full day on the water. Unlimited hot and soft drinks add further value, especially in the Egyptian sun.

If you have a dietary restriction, ask before departure. The supplied information lists the menu but does not describe vegetarian, allergy-friendly, or religious-diet arrangements.

What $80 buys you in practical terms

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the Red Sea. The price makes more sense if you value comfort and a fuller package rather than only the snorkeling itself.

Your fare includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat ride, guided snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and the $5 national park fee. You also get access to a large boat with air-conditioned indoor space, several seating areas, waiter service, and the possibility of using electronic massage beds.

The value is strongest for you if you want a one-day package with little planning. You do not need to arrange transport, find a restaurant, or organize separate reef guides. You can spend the day moving between sun, shade, air conditioning, food, and the water.

The value is weaker if you only want a short swim or a private experience. The boat is designed to carry different groups, and the schedule is fixed. The adult-only disappointment in one booking is important: children may be present, and VIP refers to the boat’s facilities rather than a child-free policy.

Service, language, and small points to watch

The listed guide languages are English, German, and Russian. That makes the cruise practical for a broad range of passengers, though the information does not identify individual guides by name.

The strongest praise centers on the crew, the food, and the snorkeling spots. One German booking described the staff and guides as very attentive, while a French booking rated the whole day highly, including the yacht and BBQ buffet. The overall rating is 4.6 from 28 bookings, which suggests a generally reliable experience but not a perfect fit for everyone.

There are also a few service details worth noting. One person paid €30 for a video and had not received it by email. If you buy a video, confirm how and when it will be delivered before leaving the boat, and check that your email address is recorded correctly.

Another booking noted that a birthday had been provided in advance but received no acknowledgment. If a celebration matters to you, do not assume the crew will notice it automatically. Mention it clearly when boarding and keep expectations modest.

Wetsuits are available to rent for $10 if you want one. The water is described as staying above 20C even in winter, but comfort varies from person to person, especially after repeated swims and wind on deck.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a comfortable full-day Red Sea outing with snorkeling at its center. It suits first-time snorkelers, mixed-ability groups, and anyone who prefers a boat with indoor seating rather than a small open craft.

It also works well for people who like a little luxury without booking a private charter. The four decks, air-conditioned salons, drinks service, massage beds, and cooked lunch make the day feel more polished than a basic reef transfer.

Families can find the format practical because life jackets and guided support are available. However, children are not excluded, and the trip should not be treated as adults only.

I would hesitate if you dislike fixed schedules, want guaranteed dolphin sightings, or prefer a quiet private boat. You may also want to compare prices if you do not care about waiter service, air conditioning, or a full buffet.

Should you book the Elite VIP snorkeling cruise?

Book it if your ideal Hurghada day includes several reef stops, a comfortable boat, a proper lunch, and hotel transport. The $80 cost is easier to justify because it includes more than the sailing itself, and the strongest praise focuses on exactly those extras: friendly service, good food, attractive snorkeling spots, and a spacious yacht.

Do not book it expecting an adults-only atmosphere or guaranteed dolphins. For the best experience, bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and any personal seasickness supplies, then choose your deck carefully so you can balance sun, shade, and air conditioning.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada VIP snorkeling cruise last?

The activity lasts about six hours. The listed schedule departs around 9:00 am and returns to the marina around 3:30 pm, with hotel pickup beginning about 45 minutes before departure.

What is included in the $80 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat cruise, guided snorkeling, lunch, hot and soft drinks, and the $5 national park fee.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The program describes three snorkeling stops at Red Sea reef sites. It specifically details a first guided snorkeling stop and a second guided tour after the dolphin search.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed?

No. The boat moves north and tries to spot dolphins if possible, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What food is served for lunch?

The buffet can include soups, salads, side dishes, BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, grilled shrimp, and oven-baked fish. The exact combination may vary.

Are wetsuits available?

Yes. Wetsuits can be rented for $10 if you want one.

What languages are available from the guides?

The listed languages are English, German, and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You may also want to bring any personal seasickness medication you normally use, though this is not specifically listed as tour equipment.