Hurghada: Afternoon Sailing cruise to orange bay with Lunch

This cruise promises a relaxing afternoon sailing across the Red Sea, with a mix of snorkeling, beach time, and a delicious seafood buffet. While it’s not a traditional sailing adventure, it offers plenty of comfort, stunning scenery, and fun activities for families or anyone looking to unwind in style.

What we like most about this trip is the charming wooden boat that resembles a classic pirate ship, the opportunity to snorkel at some of the best reefs around Hurghada, and the laid-back vibe at Orange Bay. The fully air-conditioned salon makes the onboard meal comfortable, and the kid-centric entertainment means families can enjoy some downtime together.

One thing to consider is that the trip doesn’t involve actual sailing — the boat mostly motors around, which might disappoint sailing purists. Still, the scenic views and well-organized stops make it a worthwhile outing, especially if you want a relaxed, family-friendly experience.

This cruise suits travelers seeking a leisurely, all-inclusive day with good food, gentle sailing, and snorkeling. It’s especially good for families or those who prefer comfort over adventure, with plenty of entertainment for children and a calm, scenic atmosphere.

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Key Points

Comfortable wooden ships with spacious decks and air-conditioned salons
Snorkeling at top reefs with guided gear included
Delicious seafood buffet lunch served in a stylish onboard setting
Family-friendly activities, including entertainment for kids
Sunset sailing on the way back creates a stunning end to the day
Hotel pickup and drop-off included for ease of access

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

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The Vessel and Its Atmosphere

The trip is hosted aboard twin-masted, wooden ships that evoke the golden age of sailing — think pirate movies but with modern comfort. These boats are spacious, featuring a large upper sun deck perfect for sunbathing or snapping photos of the horizon. Below, you’ll find two fully air-conditioned salons decorated with marble and wood, all themed around pirates to keep the fun lively and immersive.

Reviews highlight that the ship is “beautiful,” “clean,” and “very spacious,” which makes a big difference when spending several hours on the water. The air conditioning ensures that even on hot days, you’ll stay comfortable while enjoying your buffet lunch.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Departure and Sailing:
Most trips begin around 1 PM, with hotel pickup taking place roughly an hour beforehand. Once on board, the boat departs for about an hour to reach the snorkeling sites. Here, a guided snorkeling session lasts around an hour, giving you time to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea reefs. Reviewers mention that the snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own equipment.

Snorkeling at the Reefs:
The reefs are described as some of the finest in the local area. Expect clear waters, lively fish, and colorful corals. If you’re a beginner or just want a relaxing float, the guided aspect ensures you’ll see the highlights safely. One reviewer appreciated the “full guided snorkeling,” noting the crew’s expertise added to the experience.

Orange Bay Stop:
After snorkeling, the boat heads to Orange Bay, where you get about an hour to relax on the sandy beach. The bay is well-rated for its calm waters and scenic setting. Children will enjoy the animation program, which includes a treasure hunt and other fun activities, as one reviewer noted that the “kids’ program was quick but appreciated.”

Lunch and Return:
The highlight for many is the onboard buffet — a seafood feast featuring shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta, along with salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, and fresh seasonal fruit. Reviewers praised the “delicious” food and generous portions, emphasizing that it’s a real value for the price of $64 per person. The fully air-conditioned salon provides a comfortable environment to eat and relax.

Sunset Return:
As the cruise winds down, the boat slowly makes its way back to Hurghada marina, with the sunset adding a magical touch. Many mention that catching the sunset during the sail back is one of the trip’s most memorable moments.

Family and Kid-Friendly Features

The onboard entertainment program for children is designed to keep young travelers engaged with treasure hunts and games. Some reviews suggest the program was brief, but overall, kids seem to enjoy the added attention, and parents appreciate the opportunity to relax and soak in the scenery.

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What Reviewers Say

Feedback from guests paints a generally positive picture but with some caveats. Several mention the professionalism of the crew and the quality of the food, with comments like “the food and entertainment were fantastic.” One reviewer loved the boat’s spaciousness and said it was the “best cruise” they’ve experienced, especially appreciating the lack of motion sickness due to calm waters.

On the flip side, some guests raised concerns about the “purely a sales trip” aspect, with constant photo opportunities for purchase, which can be a bit intrusive. Also, the fact that it’s not an actual sailing cruise was noted by some, who expected more traditional sailing.

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Practical Details and Value

The $64 price tag includes hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, life jackets, entry fees, and a buffet lunch, making it a well-rounded value. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off saves you from navigating busy streets and ensures a hassle-free day.

The trip lasts from 1 PM to approximately 6:30 PM, fitting nicely into an afternoon plan. You’ll want to bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel, especially if you plan to snorkel or relax on the beach.

Who Should Book This?

This cruise is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, family-friendly outing with scenic views, good food, and easy access. It’s perfect for those who prioritize comfort over high-energy adventure, especially if you or your kids aren’t keen on prolonged sailing or vigorous water sports.

If you’re after an authentic sailing experience with longer or more challenging snorkeling, this might not meet your expectations. But for a laid-back day with beautiful scenery and quality amenities, it’s a solid choice.

The Sum Up

This Hurghada afternoon sailing cruise offers a charming blend of comfort, scenic beauty, and family-friendly fun. The well-maintained wooden ships, guided snorkeling, and delicious buffet make it great value for the price. It’s especially suited to travelers who want a relaxing day on the water without the hassles of strenuous activities or navigating local logistics.

While it isn’t a true sailing adventure, its highlights—stunning reef snorkels, beach relaxation, and sunset views—make for an enjoyable and memorable outing. The organized, all-inclusive approach ensures you can focus on enjoying your day, knowing everything is taken care of.

This trip delivers a balanced mix of scenic cruising, lively snorkeling, and beach fun, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or friends wanting a casual day out on the Red Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the price?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient to join the trip without arranging your own transport.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. These essentials will help you enjoy the snorkeling and beach time comfortably.

Does the cruise involve actual sailing?
No, the boat mostly motors to the snorkeling sites and back; it isn’t a traditional sailing cruise.

How long is the snorkeling session?
The guided snorkeling lasts about an hour, giving enough time to see the reefs and marine life.

Are there activities for children?
Yes, there is a kids’ entertainment program, including treasure hunts and fun activities, although some reviews say it is brief.

What is included in the buffet lunch?
The buffet features seafood soup, three types of salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta, plus seasonal fresh fruit.

Can I cancel the trip if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if needed.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear and life jackets are included in the package, so you don’t need to bring your own unless preferred.

This cruise offers a relaxed, scenic, and family-friendly way to enjoy the Red Sea, with plenty of comfort and gorgeous views to remember.