From Hurghada: Paradise Island Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch

Taking a day to explore Paradise Island in the Red Sea is a tempting prospect for anyone visiting Hurghada. While we haven’t personally joined this tour, the rave reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of an experience that combines scenic beauty, underwater adventures, and relaxed island vibes — all for around $24 per person. Whether you prefer a leisurely yacht or the thrill of a speedboat, this trip promises an enjoyable escape.

What draws us most to this tour are the vibrant coral reefs, the stunning white-sand beaches, and the delicious lunch included in the package. The fact that it offers hotel pickup options makes it convenient for travelers staying across Hurghada and surrounding areas. The only potential downside? The trip’s shorter duration in winter means less time on the island, but that’s manageable if you plan accordingly.

For travelers who love snorkelling, beach lounging, and want to explore a slice of Egypt’s Red Sea paradise without breaking the bank, this cruise ticks many boxes. Families, solo travelers, and groups looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $24, this tour offers great value with snorkeling, lunch, and hotel transfers included.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a yacht or speedboat, with multiple departure times to fit your schedule.
• Expert-Guided Snorkelling: Guides facilitate safe and enjoyable underwater encounters at vibrant reefs.
• Beautiful Setting: The island boasts white sands, turquoise waters, and peaceful surroundings perfect for relaxing.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from most areas, making the experience stress-free.
• Authentic Experience: Reviewers praise the friendly guides and high standards of safety and service.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How It Starts: Pickups and Departures

One of the main advantages is the tour’s flexibility. You can either meet at the marina or enjoy hotel pickup, saving you the hassle of arranging transportation on your own. Pickup times vary depending on your location—most between 8:00 and 11:00 AM. The tour’s duration is approximately 7 hours for the yacht options, with departure times at 9:30 AM or 11:30 AM, and shorter 3-hour speedboat trips available.

Travel times from Hurghada and nearby resorts can be anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes, which is reasonable considering the stunning rewards awaiting you.

The Journey: Yacht or Speedboat?

The tour offers two main boat options: a relaxing yacht cruise or an exciting speedboat ride.

The yacht trips typically start with a scenic 1.5-hour cruise to Paradise Island. Once there, the crew facilitates guided snorkeling, giving you a chance to see the coral reefs and vibrant fish. Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides like Pepsi, Mohammed, Mustafa, and Jamaica—who go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels comfortable, including non-swimmers.

The speedboat trips are shorter—about 3 hours total—but deliver the same core experience: snorkeling, beach time, and lunch. They are perfect for those who want to maximize their time on the island or prefer a more adrenaline-pumping ride. Speedboat tours depart at different times throughout the day, catering to both morning and afternoon schedules.

What to Expect on the Boat

On board, you’ll find safety instructions and assistance from attentive crew members. Many reviews mention the friendly staff, who help with snorkeling gear and ensure everyone is comfortable. A 5-minute massage is included in yacht trips, adding a touch of pampering, though speedboats do not include this feature.

The boats are generally well-equipped and clean, with water sports like banana boats and sofas often available, adding to the fun. Complementary soft drinks and a delicious buffet lunch are served, giving you energy for the rest of the day.

Paradise Island: The Main Attraction

Once you arrive at Paradise Island, you’ll be greeted with an expanse of white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s a photographer’s paradise—reviewers rave about the stunning scenery and the opportunity to capture stunning photos.

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Snorkeling Experience

Snorkeling is the primary activity, with guided tours available to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. Many guests describe snorkeling as fabulous and highlight the professional guides like Pepsi, who make sure even nervous swimmers feel safe and included.

One reviewer said, “The snorkelling was beautiful being able to swim with all the fish and see the coral,” emphasizing how memorable the underwater scenes are. The equipment provided is decent, and guides are attentive, often offering photography services—some guests mention they’ve been able to purchase great photos of their underwater adventures.

Relaxation and Beach Time

After snorkeling, most guests spend time lounging on the pristine beaches. The beach facilities are straightforward but sufficient, with enough space for everyone to relax. The lunch provided is generally well-received—a buffet with a variety of options, satisfying most tastes. Reviewers mention delicious food and plenty of drinks to keep everyone refreshed.

Optional Extras

Water sports like banana boats and sofa rides are often included in the package, providing extra entertainment. Some travelers also appreciated the short massage, which adds a relaxing element to the day.

Returning and Post-Trip Impressions

Most tours return around 4:30-5:30 PM, giving plenty of time to wind down. Many reviews highlight the friendly guides and well-coordinated logistics, which make the trip smooth from start to finish.

Guests often praise the professionalism and kindness of the staff, with guides like Mustafa, Mohammed, and Tito frequently earning special mentions for their helpfulness, good humor, and attention to safety.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits families, solo travelers, and groups of friends looking for a value-packed day of snorkeling and relaxation. It’s ideal if you want professional guidance, beautiful scenery, and good food options without spending a fortune.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic interaction with guides and the chance for refreshing water activities, you’ll find this tour very satisfying. However, if you or someone in your group has mobility issues, it’s best to note that tours are not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

The Sum Up

The From Hurghada Paradise Island Snorkeling Cruise offers an affordable, well-organized way to experience the beauty of the Red Sea. From the friendly guides and delicious lunch to the stunning underwater scenery, this trip delivers a full day of adventure and relaxation at a fantastic price.

Whether you opt for the leisurely yacht cruise or the thrilling speedboat ride, you’ll leave with incredible photos, refreshed spirits, and a memory of turquoise waters and soft sands. Perfect for those wanting a balanced mix of exploration and chill—and for anyone eager to see the best of Egypt’s coral reefs and beaches.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The trip includes a boat ride to Paradise Island, entry tickets, guided snorkeling with equipment, lunch with soft drinks, safety instructions, and hotel pickup and drop-off if you select that option.

Can I join the tour without hotel pickup?
Yes, there is an option to join the tour directly at the marina. You must arrive on time, as late arrivals may miss the trip without a refund.

What are the departure times?
Yacht options depart around 9:30 AM or 11:30 AM, while speedboat tours depart at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, or 4:00 PM. Pickup times depend on your hotel location.

Is the snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides are very helpful, and the snorkeling is guided, making it suitable even for those with little experience. Non-swimmers are also accommodated with assistance.

How long do I spend on Paradise Island?
On yacht trips, you typically get about 4 hours of island time, including snorkeling, beach relaxing, and lunch. Speedboat trips are shorter, around 3 hours in total.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Pets and large luggage are not allowed onboard.

Are water sports included?
Yes, water sports like banana boat and sofa rides are included in the tour. Additional optional activities or photos may be available for extra cost.

Is there any age restriction?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tours are generally family-friendly, but check specific operator guidelines for age restrictions on water sports.

This tour offers a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and underwater wonder of the Red Sea, all while enjoying the comfort and camaraderie of a well-run boat trip. Whether you’re after a relaxing day on the beach or an active snorkelling adventure, Paradise Island has a lot to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: