Dahab: luxury Snorkeling cruise with buffet lunch

Traveling to Egypt and looking for a relaxing, scenic day out on the Red Sea? The Dahab snorkeling cruise offered by Egypt Sun Marine Fleet promises an enjoyable blend of crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and comfortable amenities. While it’s not a full-blown luxury experience as some reviews have suggested it might be, it remains a solid choice for those wanting to explore Dahab’s stunning coast without breaking the bank.

What we love about this tour are the beautiful coral reefs, the friendly, attentive guides, and the buffet lunch that keeps everyone happily fueled throughout the day. The spacious sun deck is perfect for relaxing under the sun, and the air-conditioned salons offer a welcome retreat from the heat. The only potential concern? Some travelers have found the “luxury” branding a bit overhyped, with actual boat conditions varying from what’s expected. Still, if you’re after a well-organized, enjoyable day on the water, this cruise checks most boxes.

This tour is ideal for families, solo travelers, and couples looking for a laid-back day of snorkeling with good food and friendly service. It’s especially suited for those who want to see the vibrant marine life without diving deep into complex arrangements — just a straightforward, scenic outing.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At $41 per person, it offers good value for a day on the water with included food and equipment.
• Snorkeling Focus: Multiple stops at some of the best reefs in Dahab, with guides ensuring safety and fun.
• Comfortable Facilities: Spacious sun deck and air-conditioned salons provide options for sunbathing or relaxing in cool comfort.
• Hygiene and Service Standards: The crew practices high hygiene standards and is known for polite, helpful assistance.
• Food and Drinks: Buffet-style lunch with market-fresh ingredients and soft drinks are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Mixed Reviews about ‘Luxury’: Some reviews suggest the boat isn’t as plush as expected, but the overall experience remains positive.

This cruise offers a fairly flexible itinerary, generally including two to three stops at prime snorkeling sites—weather permitting. The guides accompany you at all times, not just to help spot marine life but to ensure everyone’s safety, especially if traveling with children. Reviewers mentioned guides like “helpful” and “polite,” making the experience more comfortable for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Itinerary Breakdown

Departure and Boarding:
You start your day boarding a well-maintained yacht, usually from the Dahab marina. The check-in process is smooth, with staff from Egypt Sun Marine Fleet welcoming you and explaining the plan.

First Stop:
Most tours begin with an initial snorkeling session near coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and marine creatures. Reviewers have highlighted how guides like Ahmed and Samir make a point to check in on guests, helping those new to snorkeling or anxious about gear. The reefs are vibrant, and the marine life abundant, giving you ample opportunity to capture stunning underwater photos.

Second Stop:
Depending on weather conditions, the boat may head to a second site, again showcasing impressive coral formations and marine biodiversity. Several reviews note that the guides provide life jackets and swim rings for children, which helps make snorkeling accessible for all ages.

Lunch and Relaxation:
Back on the boat, the buffet lunch awaits — a spread of fresh salads, grilled shrimp, baked fish, and other Egyptian staples. Reviewers like Dilek praised the “best service” they received and appreciated the market-fresh ingredients. The soft drinks and ample space on the sun deck mean you can relax in comfort after your underwater adventures.

Additional Details

• Hygiene Standards: The crew maintains high cleanliness practices, which is essential for a safe, enjoyable experience.
• Equipment: Snorkel gear is available for an extra $4 per piece, so plan ahead if you need your own.
• Duration: The whole tour lasts a full day, typically starting in the morning and returning in the early afternoon.
• Group Size: While not specified, reviews suggest a moderate-sized group, which balances a social atmosphere with personal space.

Multiple reviews help paint a clearer picture of what to expect. While some found the boat “not as luxurious as described,” most appreciate the friendly guides and the delicious food. For example, one reviewer mentioned the guides “took my 7-year-old son with them, giving him a swim ring,” which highlights how family-friendly the guides are.

On the other hand, a reviewer named Rosa was disappointed with the boat’s condition, feeling it lacked the luxury implied. This discrepancy suggests that while the tour is comfortable and well-organized, it might not satisfy those expecting a high-end vessel. The key takeaway? Expect a functional, clean boat with friendly staff rather than a super-luxury yacht.

Several travelers appreciated the helpfulness of the snorkeling guides like Ahmed, who checked in frequently and made sure everyone was safe and having fun. The coral reefs themselves received high praise for their vivid colors and abundant marine life, making the snorkeling worth the trip despite some criticisms about the boat’s comfort.

Food and Beverages

The buffet lunch receives consistent praise. Dilek called it the “best service” she had in Egypt, with market-fresh ingredients and ample variety. Mohamed felt the meal was “okay” but a bit carb-heavy, typical of many buffet meals. Soft drinks are included, and the opportunity to relax on the sun deck with a full stomach makes for a laid-back afternoon.

This snorkeling cruise is perfect for families with kids, given the availability of life jackets and swim rings. It’s also great for solo travelers or couples who want a straightforward day of marine exploration without complex logistics. If you’re after vibrant coral reefs, friendly guides, and a good-value meal, this tour ticks those boxes.

However, if you’re seeking an ultra-luxurious experience on a sleek, top-tier yacht, you might find this cruise a bit basic. It’s more about enjoying the natural beauty of Dahab’s coast than pampering in style.

The Dahab snorkeling cruise offers a reliable and enjoyable way to explore the Red Sea’s underwater wonders, especially when considering its affordable price of $41. While it might not deliver the “luxury” experience some might expect, the combination of friendly guides, vibrant reefs, and tasty buffet make it a worthwhile outing.

If you’re looking for a relaxed day with easy access to snorkel sites, and don’t mind a boat that’s more practical than posh, this trip is a solid choice. The high marks for service, cleanliness, and the sheer beauty of the coral reefs make it stand out among Dahab’s many tour options.

In short, this experience suits travelers wanting value, scenic beauty, and a family-friendly atmosphere—a simple, well-organized day that leaves plenty of room for fun and relaxation in Dahab’s stunning waters.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention guides providing life jackets and swim rings for kids, making it family-friendly.

What is included in the price?
The $41 fee covers the buffet lunch, soft drinks, life jackets, snorkeling guides, and an optional photo session.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?
Yes, snorkeling gear is available for $4 per piece if you don’t bring your own.

How many snorkeling stops are there?
Usually two to three stops, depending on weather conditions, at some of the best coral reef sites in Dahab.

What should I bring?
Remember to bring your towel and sunscreen. You might also want to have your own snorkeling gear if you prefer.

How long is the tour?
It’s a full-day experience, typically starting in the morning and returning in the early afternoon.

Is the boat comfortable?
The boat has a spacious sun deck and air-conditioned salons, but some travelers have noted it isn’t as luxurious as the name suggests.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is there any commentary during the trip?
The tour does not include commentary, so it’s more about the experience and scenery rather than historical or cultural insights.

Choosing this Dahab snorkeling cruise means opting for a day of vibrant marine life, friendly guides, and satisfying cuisine—all at an accessible price. It’s a dependable way to enjoy Dahab’s coast, especially if you’re after straightforward fun rather than a luxury yacht experience.