Hurghada: Pirates Sailing Boat to Orange Bay & Buffet Lunch

Summary

Pirate ship sailing to Orange Bay for snorkeling and seafood lunch

You’ll sail from Hurghada on a real wooden pirate ship to Orange Bay, guided by locals who know every reef. Snorkel twice in clear Red Sea water, then enjoy a fresh seafood buffet lunch in a quirky salon below deck. It’s relaxed, slightly chaotic at times — but you’ll remember how it felt to float above those reefs and eat with salty skin.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the boat to actually look like something out of an old movie — dark polished wood, ropes everywhere, and that weird creak you only get on real ships. The crew in Hurghada wore striped shirts and kept joking with us about “finding treasure” before we even left the marina. I could smell sunscreen mixing with the salty air, and honestly, I was already hungry just thinking about the buffet lunch they promised later. We set off for Orange Bay, sun burning through the morning haze.

Our guide, Ahmed (who’s lived here his whole life), pointed out little things as we sailed — how the water shifts color when it gets shallow near the reefs, where dolphins sometimes show up if you’re lucky. I tried on my snorkel mask too early and fogged it up, which made everyone laugh (including me). The snorkeling itself was wild — warm water, flashes of fish everywhere. I kept losing track of time floating above those reefs. The Red Sea is just… different. Not sure how else to put it.

Lunch was served below deck in this pirate-themed salon — marble tables but also fake swords on the wall? Strange combo but kind of fun. There was seafood soup that tasted way better than it looked (sorry), plus grilled shrimp and chicken and these salads that Ahmed said his mom makes at home too. Someone spilled rice but nobody cared; everyone was busy talking about what they saw underwater or just staring out at all that blue. We got back around 3pm, a bit sunburned and tired in that good way. Sometimes I still think about drifting there after lunch, half-asleep with sea breeze coming through the window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pirates sailing and snorkeling trip

• Board Pirates Sailing boat at marina
• Sail one hour to snorkeling site
• Snorkel for one hour (guided)
• Snorkel for second hour (guided)
• Enjoy open buffet lunch onboard
• Return to marina by 3pm

Top questions

How long is the Pirates sailing boat trip from Hurghada?

The trip runs from 9:00 am to around 3:00 pm most days.

Is lunch included on the Pirates boat tour?

Yes, an open buffet lunch is included onboard during the trip.

Are snorkeling stops part of this day trip?

Yes, there are two fully guided snorkeling stops of about one hour each.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Hurghada?

The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle; check with your provider for exact pickup details.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

The buffet includes seafood soup, salads, rice or pasta or potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta and seasonal fruit.

Is the Pirates sailing boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this Red Sea day trip?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

What days does this sailing trip operate?

The trip runs Sunday to Friday from 9:00 am–3:00 pm; Saturday and Wednesday from 1:00 pm–5:30 pm.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from Hurghada to the marina, use of all snorkeling equipment for two guided stops in the Red Sea near Orange Bay, full access to both sun deck and air-conditioned salons on board the twin-masted pirate ship, plus an open buffet lunch featuring seafood soup, salads, grilled meats and fresh fruit before heading back in the afternoon.