A float on the Nile is a trip back in time. For millennia, this waterway has been the lifeblood of Egyptians, for drinking, bathing, irrigation and travel. Slow your pace during your trip to Egypt on these eternal waters.

Relax for a few hours in a felucca, speed to sites in a motorboat or unpack for a week on a cruise ship. There are boat tours in Luxor to appeal to every kind of traveler.

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

What are the most popular boat tours in Luxor?

Felucca rides

Board a felucca, a traditional Nile sailboat, for a time-honored boat outing. These non-motorized boats rely entirely on wind and are a tranquil and scenic way to spend a few hours. Book a tour with destinations in mind, or opt for a restful outing where sailing is the main event.

Felucca tours skip along the banks of the Nile to reach destinations like Banana Island and Camel Island, or they simply afford you a peaceful sail on the river. Take in an unforgettable Nubian sunset from the comfortable deck. Sip tea while you spy the locals’ daily lives along the shores. Sample locally grown fruits on tours that stop at Banana Island.

A combination excursion is ideal if you’re short on time and want to fit a lot into your Egyptian vacation. Enjoy a morning hot air balloon ride, a felucca ride, a tour of banana island and a camel ride on Camel Island. Note that in windless weather, your tour will take place on a motorboat.

Luxor sightseeing with boat ride

Join an Egyptologist guide on a tour to the best of Luxor with a refreshing break on the water. Discover the Valley of the Queens, the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, Karnak and Luxor Temple in both an air-conditioned vehicle and a motorboat ride on the Nile.

Take a speedboat ride from site to site, or break up a busy day of touring with a rest on the deck of a felucca. Spending time on the river, which played a crucial role in the creation of all these historical relics, is certain to add a sense of calm and significantly enrich your experience.

Multi-day cruises

Cruise upriver for 2 to 9 days, marveling at evidence of current and past life along the Nile. Start your multi-day tour from Luxor with unmissable places like the Temple of Hatshepsut and Karnak before motoring south toward Aswan. Along the way, explore Kom Ombo and Edfu before reaching Aswan. Many cruises continue to Abu Simbel. For extra thrill, book a cruise offering a hot air balloon ride.

Sail on a traditional dahabeah or a cruise ship equipped with your lodging, dining and leisure areas in one convenient place. Both types of boat offer shaded lounging and dining spaces. Cruise ships usually feature jacuzzis, pools and game rooms.

How much do boat tours in Luxor cost?

Excursions of 2 to 3 hours on a felucca cost around US$30 per person. Add on stops at Banana Island and Camel Island, complete with a camel ride, for US$70 per person. A 7-hour felucca ride costs around US$75 per person. Savor an Egyptian lunch on board and a tour of Banana Island, included in the price.

Felucca combo tours of 8 hours cost between US$110 per person and US$155 per person. Tours provide breakfast or lunch, soft drinks, a hot air balloon ride, a camel ride and visits to West Bank attractions. Lower-cost tours do not include entrance fees to West Bank sites.

Outings that combine West Bank sightseeing with a motorboat ride cost around US$30 per person for a 4- to 8-hour tour. Shorter tours are with a private guide. These tours do not include entrance fees for temples.

Nile cruises of 3 to 9 days cost from US$275 per person for a 2-night stay up to US$4240 per person for an 8-night stay. There is a significant range in prices for each cruise duration. Price differences usually reflect the number of meals, ship amenities and whether guides and entrance fees to attractions are included.

Which places are seen?

West bank

Cross over to the West bank of the Nile, to the Theban necropolis for the world’s most famous burial grounds. Ornate tombs of pharaohs and their wives make up the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Note how people of their time recorded the leaders’ feats and successes with carvings and paintings.

Absorb the magnitude of the Temple of Hatshepsut, the memorial to Ancient Egypt’s only female pharaoh. Although not included in the price of most tours, most excursions allow extra time to visit the Tomb of King Tutankhamun for an additional fee.

Don’t miss photo ops by the stunning Colossi of Memnon. At 17 meters high, these are the largest statues left from Ancient Egypt. The twin sandstone statues have weathered centuries, even an earthquake in 27 BCE. One of the statues suffered damage in the quake and the resulting cracks are said to “sing” when the wind hits them just right.

East bank

Just outside of Luxor and on the East bank of the Nile are Karnak and Luxor Temple. The fortified village of Karnak sits next to Luxor Temple, divided by a striking Avenue of Sphinxes stretching nearly 3 kilometers between the two historic locales. Wander Karnak’s lanes, spy immense carved pillars and pause by the sacred lake.

Edfu

A little over 100 kilometers upriver from Luxor sits Edfu, the home of the Temple of Horus. Edfu is the first stop outside of Luxor on multi-day boat excursions. Many cruises and dahabeah tours escort you to the ruins in a horse-drawn carriage.

Spy the temple’s mix of ancient Egyptian and Greek influence, and if your tour allows time, stop by a market to purchase some locally produced sugar and pottery.

Kom Ombo

After you’ve relished the beauty and history of Edfu, your multi-day cruise will whisk you another hour south to Kom Ombo. Only 65 kilometers south of Edfu, Kom Ombo shelters a temple dedicated to two rivaling gods. This pillared structure contains separate temples to both Horus, the falcon god and Sobek, the crocodile god.

Aswan

Reach the southernmost city in Egypt, Aswan, where the Nile passes through Lake Nasser. Known as the “gateway to Africa”, the city has played a pivotal role in Egyptian trade and boasts its share of relics. Must-see spots here are the High Dam and the Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika.

Flooding on the Nile was a constant threat to Aswan, from prehistoric structures to daily events. In 1970, the High Dam was completed. However, out of fear for the antiquities, Aswan’s Abu Simbel Temple was moved, stone by stone, to a safer locale away from the Nile. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is commonly the final excursion on a Nile cruise.

How long does a boat trip last?

Day trips by boat in Luxor last from 2 to 8 hours. Multi-day cruises range from 3 to 9 days.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Most tours will pick you up from your Luxor hotel or cruise dock. Others have you meet at designated hotels or points along the river banks.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some boat excursions are wheelchair-friendly, while others are not. Felucca rides tend not to be wheelchair-friendly, while many cruise ships are. Be sure to verify that your needs will be met at the time you book your tour.

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

The best time for a boat trip in Luxor is generally between October and April. These months offer milder temperatures and a more pleasant climate compared to the sweltering summer heat, enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of your riverine adventure.

A ride on a traditional felucca sailboat along the Nile, especially at sunset, provides spectacular views of the city's ancient temples, monuments and life along the riverbanks.

Which other outdoor and water activities can be done in Luxor?

Travel tips

Even during the cooler months, the Egyptian sun can be quite intense. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock to protect yourself from sunburn.
Wear loose, comfortable, and breathable clothing on your river cruise. Also, keep a light jacket or shawl handy for cooler evenings on the river.
Egyptian pounds are the local currency and while cards are accepted at many places, having some cash on hand is useful for smaller vendors and tipping.

Boat Tours in Luxor