Hurghada: Red Sea Snorkeling Cruise & Seafood BBQ Lunch

Summary

Red Sea cruise from Hurghada with snorkeling dolphins seafood lunch

You’ll drift along Hurghada’s coast on a spacious four-deck boat, snorkeling vibrant Red Sea reefs with local guides who make you feel welcome—even if you’re new to it all. Enjoy unlimited drinks brought right to your sunbed and tuck into a fresh seafood BBQ lunch as sea breezes roll in. It’s slow-paced and warm-hearted—a day you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Red Sea to look so blue—almost unreal, even as we left Hurghada’s marina right at 9am. The boat felt huge, with sun loungers everywhere and locals already joking with us about “Egyptian time” (which is apparently always a bit flexible). Our guide, Amr, handed me a mask and said not to worry if I’d never snorkeled before. There was this faint smell of sunscreen and grilled onions drifting up from somewhere below deck. I kept thinking: is this really happening?

The first stop for snorkeling was quieter than I thought it’d be. I could hear my own breathing through the snorkel, plus these muffled laughs from a couple of kids nearby. The coral looked almost painted—bright reds and purples—and tiny fish darted around like they were showing off. Amr pointed out a lionfish (I totally missed it at first) and then just floated next to us for a while, letting everyone get comfortable. At one point he tried to teach me the Arabic word for “dolphin”—I butchered it, he laughed, but honestly it made me feel more at home.

After that we cruised north, scanning the water for dolphins (no luck this time), but honestly I didn’t mind—the sun was warm without being too much, and there was this lazy rhythm to everything. Lunch was served buffet-style on the main deck: grilled shrimp that tasted smoky-sweet, Egyptian kofta that was juicier than I expected, some kind of salad with mint that I’m still thinking about. People just drifted in and out between bites and sips of cold drinks—no rush at all.

We got back to Hurghada around 3:30pm. My skin felt salty and my hair was a mess, but something about that slow day on the water stuck with me. Maybe it was how relaxed everyone seemed—or maybe just the way Amr smiled when he saw us trying his language. Either way, I’d do this Red Sea cruise again in a heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elite VIP Cruise with snorkeling and lunch

• Depart from marina at 9:00 am
• Cruise for 1 hour
• Snorkel at coral reef with guides
• Move north to spot dolphins if possible
• Second guided snorkeling tour
• Enjoy open buffet lunch on boat
• Return to marina at 3:30 pm

Top questions

What time does the Hurghada Red Sea cruise start?

The cruise departs from Hurghada marina at 9:00 am.

Is snorkeling equipment included on the cruise?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your booking.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, an open buffet lunch featuring BBQ chicken, Egyptian kofta, grilled shrimps or oven-baked fish is served on board.

Are drinks included during the day trip?

Unlimited hot and soft drinks are served throughout the day by waiters.

Is hotel pickup provided for this cruise?

The tour includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 6-7 hours, returning to Hurghada marina at 3:30 pm.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The boat is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in strollers or prams.

Will we see dolphins on this Red Sea cruise?

Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed during the northern part of the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Hurghada, all fees and taxes covered up front, use of snorkeling equipment for both guided sessions at top Red Sea reef spots, unlimited hot and soft drinks delivered by waiters wherever you’re relaxing on board, plus a generous buffet lunch featuring local seafood specialties before returning to port in the afternoon.