Sharm: Pirates Sailing Boat cruise with transfers & lunch

If you’re planning a day out on the Red Sea from Sharm El Sheikh, a Pirates Sailing Boat cruise promises a unique blend of adventure, comfort, and family-friendly fun. While many tours focus solely on snorkeling or sightseeing, this cruise combines all that with a dash of pirate-themed charm, on a beautifully crafted three-masted vessel.

From the moment you step aboard, you’ll notice the ship’s luxurious wooden and marble interiors, reminiscent of the golden age of sailing. The fully air-conditioned salon ensures you stay comfortable, even in the Egyptian sun. The delicious buffet lunch, served in a setting that’s both elegant and playful, is a standout feature. Plus, the included transfers make logistics straightforward, removing the hassle of organizing transport yourself.

However, a potential snag might be the pirate theme’s execution—some guests found the children’s entertainment and pirate dressing-up aspect lacking, and reviews suggest the activities don’t always match the promotional images. Nevertheless, if you’re after a well-organized day with stunning scenery, this trip could still be a worthwhile choice.

This experience is best suited for families, solo travelers, or couples wanting a comfortable, scenic day with snorkeling, good food, and a taste of adventure—and a bit of pirate flair.

Key Points

• Luxury on the water: Three decks, marble, wood, and air conditioning for maximum comfort
• Stunning snorkeling stops: Ras Mohamed and White Island with professional guides
• Family-friendly: Kids’ entertainment program and life jackets included
• Good value: Price reflects food, transfers, park entry, and guided snorkeling
• Potential downsides: Limited pirate-themed activities and some reviews about snorkeling equipment issues
• Ideal for: Those seeking a relaxed, scenic day with good amenities and snorkeling

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What It Means for You

The day kicks off early — departing from the marina at 9:00 am — and you’ll be cruising along the Sinai coastline for about an hour en route to Ras Mohamed National Park. This stretch of water is famous for its spectacular coral reefs and marine life, and the boat’s professional guides ensure you get the most out of your snorkeling stops.

Ras Mohamed — The First Snorkeling Stop

This protected national park is a highlight of any trip to Sharm. The guided snorkeling sessions, roughly 45 minutes each, allow you to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish, rays, and sometimes turtles. The reviews highlight that the snorkeling here is “really good,” and the guides make sure everyone gets a safe and enjoyable experience. You’ll love the clarity of the water and the chance to see marine life up close.

White Island — A Photo-Opportunity and Snorkeling

Following Ras Mohamed, the ship heads to White Island, a small, pristine sandbank surrounded by coral reefs. Many travelers describe White Island as “magical,” with clear turquoise waters and soft sand. The visit here includes free time for swimming, relaxing, or taking photos of the iconic landscape.

One review mentions that the trip to White Island took longer than expected, with more time spent on transfer logistics than on the island itself. It’s a good reminder that flexibility is key, and if you’re after a longer stay at White Island, this particular cruise might feel a bit rushed.

Lunch Onboard — A Seafood Feast

The onboard buffet lunch is served in the beautifully decorated salon, which is fully air-conditioned and sumptuously fitted out. Guests can expect a seafood soup, a variety of fresh salads, and hot dishes including shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta. The menu also features rice, pasta, potatoes, and seasonal fruit, making it a well-rounded meal.

Guests frequently praise the quality of the food, describing it as “delicious,” with some saying it outshines expectations for a boat buffet. The open buffet means you can return for seconds and enjoy the meal at your own pace, overlooking the sea.

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The Return Journey and Additional Details

After about another hour of relaxing and sightseeing along Sinai’s coastline, the cruise returns to the marina around 4:00 pm. The transfer service is generally smooth, with pickup and drop-off included, which is a huge plus for travelers unfamiliar with local transport.

The Boat and Onboard Experience

The Pirates boat is truly the star of the show. Its three-masted, wooden design strongly evokes the age of sail, with three decks to explore. The upper sun deck provides plenty of space for sunbathing, sightseeing, or just unwinding with a cold drink. The lower deck hosts the air-conditioned salons, where the buffet lunch is served, and where kids’ entertainment is supposed to happen.

Guests appreciate the luxury interior—marble floors, wooden accents, and a pirate theme that adds a fun touch. However, reviews indicate that the children’s pirate-themed activities are often absent or underwhelming, so don’t expect a full-blown pirate adventure for the little ones.

The fully equipped facilities include life jackets, and soft drinks are available throughout the day, making it easy to stay refreshed. You’ll also find the staff to be courteous and attentive, according to multiple reviews, which elevates the overall experience.

Snorkeling and Equipment

While snorkeling is highlighted as a key activity, some guests noted an issue with equipment. The tour provides life jackets, but additional snorkeling gear is available at an extra cost ($5 per piece). One reviewer pointed out that they were refused entry into the water because they didn’t have a mask, which was frustrating as it wasn’t clearly stated beforehand. If you plan to snorkel, bringing your own mask and fins might save you some hassle.

The guides are described as professional and knowledgeable, helping you navigate the reefs and spotting marine creatures. If you’re a beginner or traveling with children, their assistance can make a significant difference.

Food and Beverage: A Highlight

The buffet lunch is often praised as a standout feature. Guests mention fresh seafood and a variety of salads, with some describing the food as “better than expected for a boat meal.” It’s a generous offering that allows you to fill up before or after snorkeling.

Soft drinks are included, but alcohol isn’t mentioned as part of the package—be prepared to buy your own if you want a beer or wine onboard. The delicious and plentiful food makes the cost of $80 per person feel more justified, especially considering the park entry fees and transfers are included.

Reviews and Real Experiences

Insights from past travelers reveal a mixed but generally positive picture:

• One guest loved the professional guides and the beautiful scenery, mentioning they’d happily do it again.
• Others appreciated the good value for money, especially given the quality of food and the smooth transfers.
• A few found that the pirate theme was less prominent than expected, with no costumes or themed activities for kids, which disappointed some families.
• Critically, some reviews mention snorkeling gear issues and inadequate time on White Island, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations if you’re especially keen on prolonged island time.

Despite these varied experiences, the common thread is that this cruise offers a relaxing day with remarkable views, solid snorkeling, and good food—but it might not be perfect if you’re after a highly themed children’s adventure or extended island stay.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for families who want a comfortable day on the water, combining snorkeling, scenic views, and a buffet lunch. It’s also a good choice for couples or solo travelers seeking a laid-back, scenic experience with the convenience of transfers included.

However, if your main focus is pirate-themed activities with costumes, games, or longer island stays, you might find this experience falling a bit short. Also, if you’re an avid snorkeler requiring specific equipment, bringing your own gear is advisable.

The Sum Up

This Pirates Sailing Boat cruise from Sharm El Sheikh offers a well-rounded day out on the Red Sea. With luxurious interiors, guided snorkeling stops at Ras Mohamed and White Island, and a delicious buffet lunch, it provides good value for the price. The fully guided snorkeling ensures you see plenty of vibrant marine life, and the comfortable ship makes the journey enjoyable even on a full day.

While the pirate theme isn’t as prominent as some might hope, the overall experience is engaging and relaxing. It’s especially suited for those who prioritize scenic beauty, comfort, and good food over elaborate themed activities.

If you’re after a family-friendly, scenic day with some snorkeling and a touch of adventure, this cruise could be just what you need. Just be prepared for some variability in activities, and consider bringing your own snorkeling gear for a hassle-free experience.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, transfers to and from your hotel are part of the package, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long is the cruise?
The entire trip lasts roughly from 9:00 am departure to around 4:00 pm return, including snorkeling, island visits, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel transfers, park entry fees, a buffet lunch, life jackets, and kids’ entertainment programs.

Can I snorkel without my own gear?
Snorkeling gear is not included but can be rented for about $5 each. Some guests have experienced issues entering the water without their own mask, so bringing your own is recommended.

Are there activities for children?
There’s a kids’ entertainment program, but reviews suggest it’s somewhat limited and the pirate dress-up or themed activities may be missing.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or a copy. If you want to snorkel, packing your own mask and fins is a good idea.

Is the lunch suitable for all dietary needs?
The buffet includes seafood, salads, chicken, and more, but special dietary requests aren’t specified. Contact the provider if you have specific needs.

How is the weather affected?
The trip runs in good weather, but strong winds or rough seas could impact snorkeling or the overall experience.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, but you should wear a life jacket at all times during snorkeling. The guides are there to assist beginners and non-swimmers.

This detailed review aims to help you decide whether this Pirates Sailing Boat tour is the right fit for your Egyptian adventure. Whether you prioritize comfort, scenery, or family-friendly activities, it offers a memorable day on the Red Sea—pirate theme or not.

You can check availability for your dates here: