The main types of boat trips in Hurghada
Most boat trips from Hurghada fall into three groups. Each one is good at something different.
- Big excursion boats: a full day, a fixed route, lunch on board, and many guests. Priced per seat.
- Glass bottom boats and semi submarines: short, dry trips to look at the reef without swimming.
- Private speedboats: your group only, fast rides, flexible plan, about 4 hours. Priced per boat.
What a private speedboat day looks like
We pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the marina. Your captain and crew are waiting with the boat ready, and within minutes you are crossing turquoise water toward your first stop.
The day has two snorkeling stops on living reefs, time on the island or with the dolphins, and fresh fruits and cold drinks on board. Because there is no group to wait for, you swim longer where the water is best and leave when you feel like it. Then it is back to the marina and a ride home to your hotel.
Where boat trips from Hurghada go
The famous names are close to the coast. Orange Bay sits on Giftun Island, inside the protected Giftun Islands National Park, with white sand and a shallow turquoise lagoon. Hula Hula Island is the stylish beach club stop nearby. Magawish Island is the calm lagoon for a quiet day, and Dolphin House is where wild dolphins are often seen.
On a big boat you visit whatever is on the program. On a private speedboat you choose, and with Build Your Trip you can mix an island with the dolphins and the White Island sandbank in one day.
Price: per seat versus per boat
Shared boats sell seats, so the price grows with every person you bring. A private speedboat is one price for the whole boat. For a couple the shared boat is usually cheaper. For a family of four or a group of friends, the private boat often lands close to the same total, with far more space and freedom.
Example: an island trip is €150 for the boat. With 6 guests that is about €25 each, plus the island entrance of €10 for each guest.
Best time for a boat trip in Hurghada
The Red Sea stays warm for most of the year, so there is rarely a bad season. Summer brings the warmest water, while winter mornings can feel fresh on a fast boat, so bring a light layer.
Wind matters more than the month. Mornings tend to be calmer, which is why the 09:00 AM departure is the favorite for snorkeling and dolphins.
How to choose a good boat trip
Whatever you book, check a few things before you pay.
- Life jackets for every guest, including child sizes
- A clear final price, with island fees and transfer fees named up front
- Hotel pickup included, and the pickup time confirmed the day before
- A crew that stays close to swimmers at every snorkeling stop
- A fair weather policy: a new date or a refund if the sea is not safe
Best for
- Families and groups of 4 or more
- Couples who want a quiet, private day
- Snorkelers who want more time in the water
- Travelers with limited time who want a half day, not a full day
Not the right fit for
- Solo travelers on a tight budget, where a shared seat is cheaper
- Guests who want a long lunch buffet on board
