The idyllic beach town of Hurghada is easily one of Egypt’s top holiday destinations, thanks to its long, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters teeming with sea life. The 40-kilometer-long coastline is dotted with resorts, dive shops and beachside restaurants.

The best way to explore this Egyptian paradise is with one of the many boat tours in Hurghada. Not only will you get to experience the beauty of the Red Sea, but you’ll also get to snorkel, swim and see the area from a different perspective.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Hurghada.

What are the most popular boat tours in Hurghada?

Giftun Islands speedboat tours with snorkeling from Hurghada

The Giftun Islands are two incredibly beautiful islands located around 30 minutes away from Hurghada, in the Red Sea. Speedboat trips are the perfect way to explore these islands, spot local marine life and cruise across the Red Sea at top speeds.

This 4-hour adventure is inclusive of snorkeling, an island lunch and time for relaxing and taking photos. You’ll get to choose between two amazing locations, including Paradise Beach or Orange Bay. You can’t go wrong with either one.

Choose between a private or shared excursion, depending on your budget and how many travel companions want to join the trip. Either way, the speedboat can only accommodate a limited number of people, so a personalized experience is guaranteed!

Dolphin House and banana boat excursions from Hurghada

Prepare for an unforgettable day of exploring the Red Sea and swimming with wild dolphins in an area known as Dolphin House. Make your way from Hurghada toward Dolphin House, keeping a lookout for marine life along the way.

Swimming with these incredible mammals in their natural habitat promises to be an experience of a lifetime. In addition to swimming with dolphins, you’ll also get to sunbathe, snorkel and simply relax on deck.

One of the highlights of these trips is the adrenaline-filled banana boat ride that you’ll enjoy with the other tour participants. Before you make your way back to Hurghada, you’ll be treated to a buffet-style lunch and complimentary drinks.

Luxury cruises to Orange Bay from Hurghada

The Red Sea is often referred to as the ‘Egyptian Carribbean’ and you’ll soon see why on this luxury cruise from Hurghada to Orange Bay. The tour’s cruising vessel has everything you could need for a pleasant and comfortable experience.

Board the boat and make your way to Orange Bay, enjoying the gorgeous scenery along the way. Once you reach the beach, you’ll go snorkeling in the bay’s waters, getting the opportunity to see dolphins, manta rays, clownfish and other sea life.

What sets these luxury cruises apart from other boat tours in Hurghada is that each participant receives a relaxing back massage. You’ll also be treated to a seafood BBQ buffet of fish, shrimp, pasta, chicken, salad, fruit and more!

Pirates sailing boat trips from Hurghada

Become a pirate for a day when you join this fun and exciting pirate sailing boat trip from Hurghada. Explore the treasures of the Red Sea with an enthusiastic crew and an experienced captain on an authentic pirate ship, complete with white sails and dark wood finishes.

Admire the views of the coastline as you sail away from Hurghada and toward your first snorkeling stop. You can choose to snorkel, sunbathe, swim, have a drink at the onboard bar or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the boat.

This is an activity that is perfect for the entire family as there are treasure-hunting games, face-painting and other kid-friendly activities on offer. Pirate sailing boat trips promise to be loads of fun, offering something exciting for everyone!

3-Night Nile cruises from Hurghada

Make the most of your time in Egypt by booking a 3-night cruise along the Nile River. Enjoy a complimentary transfer from Hurghada to Aswan, where you’ll board your luxury cruise ship and begin your Egyptian adventure on the Nile.

This comprehensive experience includes dinner each night and you’ll get to see some of the region’s most famous attractions, including Karnak Temple, Kom Ombo Temples, the city of Luxor and so much more.

Spend a few days away from the busy resorts and beachside cafes of Hurghada and experience Egypt’s more historic side as you swap the turquoise waters of the Red Sea for the mighty waters of the Nile River.

How much do boat tours in Hurghada cost?

Speed boat trips to Giftun Islands are quite affordable, costing just US$30 per person for an excursion that is inclusive of lunch, snorkeling gear, hotel transfers and complimentary drinks.

Dolphin House and banana boat excursions are also one of the most affordable boat tours in Hurghada as these group trips usually cost only US$40 per person, including national park fees and lunch.

Luxury boat trips to Orange Bay, which include a massage and a seafood buffet, typically cost around US$60 per person for a full-day, group excursion, making these tours some of the most popular in Hurghada.

Pirate sailing boat trips, which are inclusive of a buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment and hotel transfers, generally cost around US$70 per person for a fun-filled day exploring the Red Sea on an authentic pirate boat.

Multi-day Nile River cruises can vary in price depending on what sort of cabin you decide to book, but you can expect to pay at least around US$1,000 per person. No matter how much you are looking to spend, there is a boat tour in Hurghada that fits your budget.

Which places are seen?

While each boat tour operator offers a slightly different itinerary, many boat tours in Hurghada visit similar locations including Orange Bay, Dolphin House and other nearby attractions.

Orange Bay

Orange Bay is one of the most picturesque bays in the Red Sea and is located on one of the Giftun Islands, which is known for its unspoiled reefs and white sandy beaches. Orange Bay is just a 40-minute boat ride from Hurghada and is the perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling and tanning.

Dolphin House

Dolphin House is an area of the Red Sea, near El-Gouna, that is known for its high population of dolphins. Visiting Dolphin House provides you with an almost guaranteed opportunity to swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.

Paradise Beach

Located on one of the Giftun Islands, Paradise Beach is another one of the beautiful beaches that are often visited on boat trips in Hurghada. The beach’s name is fitting as its sandy beaches and turquoise waters really do feel like paradise!

Eden Island

Eden Island is slightly further away from Hurghada than the Giftun Islands, but the trip is well worth it as this beautiful island truly lives up to its name. There are plenty of opportunities for taking amazing photos as you relax on the picture-perfect beaches.

Carless Reef

Carless Reef is a popular snorkeling and diving spot not too far from Hurghada. The reef is known for its pristine beauty and being home to a vast array of underwater species including fish, eels, turtles, manta rays and so much more.

How long does a boat trip last?

Basic boat trips in Hurghada typically last around 4 hours, with full-day boat trips lasting closer to 7 hours. Keep in mind that there are also 3-night cruises available for those looking for a more in-depth experience of the Red Sea.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Boat tours in Hurghada typically leave from different beaches and docks along the coastline, but because almost all boat tours in Hurghada are inclusive of hotel transfers, you don’t need to make your way to the dock on your own.

Just remember to be ready and waiting outside your hotel at least 5 minutes before the stipulated pickup time so that you don’t keep your guide waiting.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Hurghada?

The best time for a boat tour in Hurghada is during the cooler months from October to April, when temperatures range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, making it more comfortable for being outside for longer periods.

Which other popular outdoor activities can be done in Hurghada?

Travel tips

Bring a hat, sunglasses, and ample sunscreen. Don't forget to reapply, especially after swimming.
It's essential to drink plenty of water, especially if you're out in the sun all day. Bring a refillable water bottle.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for a day on the water. Don't forget your swimwear and a towel if you're planning to snorkel or swim.
If you're prone to seasickness, prepare beforehand by packing the necessary medications.

Boat Tours in Hurghada