REVIEW · HURGHADA
Hurghada: Elite vip snorkeling cruise with BBQ buffet lunch
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Egypt Sun Marine Fleet · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Four floors of Red Sea calm. This Hurghada VIP snorkeling cruise turns a half-day on the water into a proper day out, with a spacious boat layout, air-conditioned relax zones, and guided snorkeling stops where the guides stay close.
I really like the comfort system onboard: you get a sun-deck with loungers, plus two air-conditioned salons when you want shade. I also like that the snorkeling is guided for different comfort levels, with life jackets and staff right there to help you get in and stay safe. One thing to consider: it doesn’t seem strictly adult-only—one booking said kids were on board, which can matter if you’re chasing a quiet, grown-up vibe.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- A 4-Floor VIP Boat That Actually Feels Like a Float-Day
- From Pickup to the Marina: How the Day Starts
- First Snorkel Stop: Guided Safety and Coral Time
- Dolphin-Spotting North of Hurghada, If Possible
- BBQ Buffet Lunch With Unlimited Drinks
- Second and Final Snorkeling Sessions Before Return
- Price and Value at About $80
- Practical Tips for Snorkeling Comfort
- Who This Trip Fits Best
- Should You Book This Cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Hurghada VIP snorkeling cruise?
- What snorkeling is included?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Are drinks included on board?
- Is the BBQ buffet lunch included?
- Do I need a wetsuit?
- Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Key points to know before you go
- 4-floor VIP boat layout with lots of room to spread out
- Waiter service for unlimited hot and soft drinks to your spot on deck
- Three guided snorkeling stops with expert guides and safety support
- BBQ buffet lunch served onboard using fresh ingredients
- Electronic massage beds if you want to recover after snorkeling
- Dolphin sightings if possible, but it’s not guaranteed
A 4-Floor VIP Boat That Actually Feels Like a Float-Day

This is the kind of boat that changes how the day feels. Instead of one cramped deck and a line for food, you’ve got a true spread-out setup: a roomy top sun deck with sun loungers, plus mid-deck shade, and two air-conditioned salons/dining decks below. That air-conditioning isn’t a gimmick. On a sunny Red Sea day, you’ll actually want a cool-down space between swim sessions.
I also appreciate the “real boat” details: the description emphasizes a clean, well-maintained vessel and a professional crew. It matters because snorkeling days are messy by nature—saltwater, sunscreen, wet gear—and the easier the boat feels to move around, the better the day stays.
If you like added comfort, try the electronic massage beds onboard. They’re not essential, but after you’ve been in-and-out of the water, it’s a nice way to reset your body before the next stop.
The boat access is designed for normal humans too: you enter via a low platform at the back of the boat, and life jackets are available for less-confident swimmers. That’s a big practical plus if you’re not the “jump off the edge and freestyle” type.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
- Swimming with Dolphin VIP Snorkeling Sea Trip With Lunch and Transfer – Hurghada
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From Pickup to the Marina: How the Day Starts

The day runs as a round trip from Hurghada. Hotel pickup happens about 45 minutes before departure, then you transfer to the marina area (you’re looking at roughly 35 minutes by coach/bus).
Once you board, you’re not immediately thrown into the snorkeling part. There’s cruising time—about 1 to 1.5 hours at sea—so you can get settled, claim a deck spot, and get the rhythm of the day.
Language support is solid for international travelers. The instructor/guides are listed as speaking English, German, and Russian, which helps if you need clearer safety instructions before you get in.
Also worth noting: the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible. You’ll still need to manage the sea-access portion like everyone else, but it’s good to see the activity isn’t ignoring accessibility from the start.
First Snorkel Stop: Guided Safety and Coral Time

Snorkeling on this cruise is not a “good luck” situation. You’ll get guided snorkeling at the best reef areas the crew has lined up. The program includes a first snorkeling stop of about 45 minutes, timed after the initial cruise.
What I think you’ll like most is the way the crew handles safety for different abilities. Life jackets are available, and the staff stays close in the water. The description even notes that if needed, a guide can attach you to a life buoy and help you from there. That means you don’t have to pretend you’re an expert to have a good experience.
Entry is also simpler than many people expect. Instead of awkward climbing or high steps, you go in from the back via a low platform. You’ll still get wet—this is snorkeling—but it should feel manageable.
And yes, you’re going to see serious marine life. The tour description highlights the variety you might encounter—turtles, octopus, seahorses, and lots of colored fish—plus the kind of reef scenery that makes Hurghada popular in the first place. One reason guided snorkeling is valuable here is that “good visibility” doesn’t mean you can find the best spots on your own.
One practical consideration: snorkeling time is limited by design. You’ll get a focused window to enjoy the reef, not an all-day free-for-all. If you love hanging out for long stretches, you’ll want to make each session count—arrive in the water ready to enjoy, not still hunting for the right fins strap.
Dolphin-Spotting North of Hurghada, If Possible

Between snorkeling blocks, you’ll move north and try for dolphins—if possible. That wording matters. It’s not a promise, and you shouldn’t base your entire day on a dolphin sighting.
But even when dolphins don’t show up, the time is still part of the experience. A northward cruise gives you time to relax onboard and reset after the first swim session. It also helps break the day into chunks, so you’re not tired from one long stretch of water time.
If you’re the type who loves wildlife spotting, here’s how to make this part work for you:
- Stay near the open deck when the crew starts scanning.
- Keep your eyes forward and slightly to the side, not just straight down at the water.
- Don’t worry if the first scan is quiet. Dolphins can be sudden.
The bigger point: this cruise treats wildlife spotting as a bonus. The reef and snorkeling are the main event, and dolphins are the exciting extra.
BBQ Buffet Lunch With Unlimited Drinks

Food is where a “VIP” trip can either feel special or just label-deep. Here, lunch is served onboard as an open buffet with soups, salads, sides, and hot mains like BBQ chicken and Egyptian kofta, plus grilled shrimp and oven-baked fish options.
Two things stand out to me about this setup:
- It’s served in a way that matches a sea day. You’re not stuck searching for a restaurant or waiting through a long meal on land.
- Unlimited hot and soft drinks are delivered by waiter service straight to your spot on deck. That’s a real time-saver, especially when you’re shifting locations between shade and sun.
There’s also a hygiene emphasis in the description, including on-board hygiene standards and fresh ingredient handling. You still want to use normal common sense—wash hands if you can, don’t leave food sitting in the sun—but overall it’s reassuring to see the focus on cleanliness.
One practical drawback to consider: lunch is a shared onboard moment. If you strongly prefer a very quiet dining experience, you might find the buffet energy isn’t perfectly “silent resort lounge.” Still, the boat design and staff service help keep it from feeling chaotic.
Small extra note based on an experience report: if you’re buying any onboard add-ons like photo/video items, double-check delivery details and confirm how you’ll receive files. One booking mentioned a purchased video that didn’t arrive by email, which is the kind of thing you’d want to sort out early rather than hope it works out later.
Second and Final Snorkeling Sessions Before Return

After the dolphin attempt, you’ll have another guided snorkeling stop. Then the day wraps with a final, longer stretch where you’re back out with time for swimming/snorkeling and marine life viewing, along with sailing back toward Hurghada.
This structure works well because it gives you more than one chance to have that “wow” moment. Snorkeling conditions can change—water movement, time of day, and what’s actively swimming around. With multiple stops, you aren’t banking everything on a single moment.
You’ll be looking at reef and marine life again, and the tour description stresses that the underwater scene changes constantly. That’s why guided timing matters. When guides know where to take you, you’re more likely to see a mix of fish types and reef features instead of just one repeating view.
What I’d watch for as a snorkeler is your energy level. If you go hard at the first stop, you might feel it at the second. Build a simple plan:
- At each snorkeling window, do one slow lap to enjoy the reef.
- Then do one “focus pass” where you look for specific animals you care about—turtles, bigger fish, or corals.
- Take a breather on deck before the next entry.
The crew helps with this. Guides are right there, and since entry is via the back platform, you’re not fighting your way onto the boat with wet feet and a heavy bag.
Back on land, the day timing is straightforward: you return to the marina area and get back to Hurghada by late afternoon (the listed schedule shows arrival at the marina at 3:30 pm, in a full day that totals about 6 hours).
Price and Value at About $80

At $80 per person, this isn’t a cheap add-on—but it also isn’t trying to be the “bare minimum on a speedboat” version of a snorkeling day.
Here’s why the value can make sense:
- You’re paying for a premium boat experience (4 floors, air-conditioning, sun deck space).
- You get unlimited hot and soft drinks served to you, which adds up fast on water days.
- The snorkeling isn’t self-guided. You’re accompanied by snorkeling guides at the stops.
- National park fees are listed as included (shown as $5).
- Lunch is included as a full BBQ buffet with multiple protein options.
So the question isn’t just cost. It’s whether you want the added comfort and guided structure. If you’re a confident snorkeler who hates downtime and wants maximum time in the water, a simpler boat might be cheaper. But if you want a smoother, more comfortable day with a real meal onboard and staff who handle the logistics, this price starts to look fair.
One more “value” point: some bookings noted the boat wasn’t as crowded as expected, and the snorkeling spots felt good. That matters because crowding can ruin comfort and sightings.
Practical Tips for Snorkeling Comfort

This is one of those days where your prep can make a noticeable difference.
Bring:
- Swimwear
- A towel
- Sunscreen
That’s it on the list, but I’d add these habits if you want less stress:
- Apply sunscreen before you board and reapply after snorkeling (saltwater fades it fast).
- Pack your towel so it’s easy to grab when you return to the boat.
- If you think you’ll feel cold, ask about wetsuit rental. It’s listed as $10 if you want one.
Also, plan your phone camera strategy. You’ll be on and off the boat and moving around, so protect your gear. The tour doesn’t list photo gear, so you’ll be doing your own prep.
Finally, if you’re celebrating a special day, don’t assume it will automatically be noticed. One report mentioned a birthday wasn’t acknowledged even after details were provided. If it’s important, tell the crew directly and keep expectations realistic.
Who This Trip Fits Best

This cruise is a good match if you want:
- A comfortable VIP-feeling boat with space to relax
- Guided snorkeling with safety support for different abilities
- A proper onboard lunch instead of a rushed snack stop
- A day that mixes swimming with downtime, not nonstop activity
It may be less ideal if you’re chasing a strictly quiet, adult-only setting. Based on at least one experience report, children can be part of the group, so the vibe may not be perfectly “romantic calm” if that’s what you’re after.
It’s also a strong choice for people who want a confident helping hand. The guide support and life-jacket availability make this more approachable than many self-led tours.
Should You Book This Cruise?

Book this if you want your Red Sea day to feel organized and comfortable, with guided snorkeling at three stops, a full BBQ buffet lunch, and drinks brought to you without chasing staff.
Skip it or consider an alternative if:
- You’re extremely sensitive to group noise or expecting a guaranteed adult-only atmosphere.
- You’re counting on purchasing and receiving onboard digital media with no follow-up. If that matters, be proactive and confirm how you’ll get it.
If you’re flexible, this is a solid value way to see the reef without turning the day into a logistical headache. The boat comfort alone can make the whole experience easier to enjoy, especially if you’re balancing snorkeling with plain old sun and rest.
FAQ
How long is the Hurghada VIP snorkeling cruise?
The total duration is listed as 6 hours.
What snorkeling is included?
You’ll have three snorkeling stops with expert snorkeling guides accompanying you for safety and enjoyment.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with pickup starting around 45 minutes before departure.
Are drinks included on board?
Yes. Waiter service provides unlimited hot and soft drinks throughout the day.
Is the BBQ buffet lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included as an onboard buffet with soups, salads, sides, and options such as BBQ chicken and Egyptian kofta, plus grilled shrimp and oven-baked fish.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are not included. Rental is listed at $10 if you want one.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.
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- Swimming with Dolphin VIP Snorkeling Sea Trip With Lunch and Transfer – Hurghada
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