Hurghada: Afternoon Sailing cruise to orange bay with Lunch

Hurghada’s Orange Bay cruise pairs a classic wooden yacht with Red Sea snorkeling, a beach stop, and a sunset return. The ship has twin masts, marble and wood interiors, a large upper deck, and air-conditioned lower salons. It looks like a pirate ship, though you should not book it expecting a true wind-powered sailing trip.

I like the included hotel transfers and snorkeling gear, which keep the $63 price easy to understand. I also like the cool indoor dining room and the proper buffet, especially for families who need a break from the sun. The main drawback is the sales photography, which has left some passengers feeling pressured, and the children’s treasure hunt may be very brief.

Key details before you reserve

• The boat looks like a pirate ship: Twin masts, wooden fittings, marble, and themed decoration give the yacht more character than a basic excursion boat.
• Snorkeling gets a full hour: You sail to a local reef area for guided snorkeling before heading to Orange Bay.
• Orange Bay is a one-hour beach stop: You can swim, relax on the sand, or let children join the organized activities.
• Lunch is served indoors: The air-conditioned salon offers a buffet with seafood, chicken, kofta, salads, starches, soup, and fruit.
• The sunset return is the best scenic moment: The boat heads back toward Hurghada as the light softens over the Red Sea.
• The outing runs only on Saturday and Wednesday: Pickup usually begins about an hour before the stated departure time.

A pirate-themed yacht, with one important catch

The boat is the star of this outing. The twin-masted wooden yacht is designed to recall the golden age of sailing, with a broad upper sun deck and two lower salons decorated with wood, marble, and pirate details. You can sit outside for the sea views or retreat indoors when the heat becomes too much.

That design makes the trip feel more special than a simple transfer to a snorkeling site. The yacht gives you room to move around, and the indoor salon is useful at lunchtime. One passenger with motion-sickness concerns found the boat comfortable and stable enough to enjoy the trip without feeling ill.

Still, keep your expectations straight. The description presents a sailing cruise, but the practical experience may be closer to a motorized boat tour with sails and masts as decoration. One passenger specifically noted that it did not really sail. If working sails are essential to you, ask before booking.

The upper deck is the natural place for views, fresh air, and sunset photographs. The lower salon is more useful for meals, cooling off, and families who need shade. The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the information does not describe ramps, restroom access, or the exact route from the marina onto the vessel. If you use a wheelchair, confirm those details before departure.

Pickup from Hurghada and the run to the marina

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which matters in Hurghada. You need to provide your hotel and room number when booking if that information applies. Pickup normally takes place roughly one hour before the scheduled trip time, so do not treat 1 PM as your door-to-door departure.

The stated program runs from about 1 PM to 6:30 PM on Saturday and Wednesday, while the activity is also described as five hours. In practice, plan for a half-day outing that can take around five to five and a half hours, plus pickup time. One passenger had a driver arrive 30 minutes late, so allow some patience at the start and keep your schedule loose afterward.

The marina is the operational heart of the trip. Once aboard, you can settle into the boat, find a place on the upper deck, and get your swim gear ready. The live guide service is offered in English and German, but no individual guide names are provided.

The first hour at sea and the snorkeling stop

After departure, the boat spends roughly 45 minutes to an hour reaching the snorkeling area. That sailing time is part of the experience, not dead time. You get a long stretch of open Red Sea views and a chance to settle into the rhythm of the boat.

The snorkeling stop lasts about an hour and includes equipment and life jackets. The crew guides you at the reef site, while you look for marine life in the water. You should bring your own swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. Wetsuits are not included, so you would need to arrange one separately if you need extra warmth.

The exact reef, visibility, and marine life will vary with conditions. The trip promises a local snorkeling site known for its beauty, but it does not name a specific reef or guarantee particular fish. That is normal for a sea excursion. You should expect a shared snorkeling session rather than a private marine-life tour.

This stop suits confident swimmers and families who are comfortable with organized water activities. Life jackets are included, which helps if you prefer extra support. If you are not interested in snorkeling, the boat provides upper and lower deck space, but the tour’s main appeal is still the combination of reef time and Orange Bay.

Orange Bay for sand, swimming, and a short children’s program

After snorkeling, the yacht continues to Orange Bay. The stop lasts about an hour, giving you time to sit on the sandy beach, swim, or simply enjoy a change of scene from the boat.

Orange Bay is also where the family element becomes most visible. The animation team runs children’s activities, including a treasure hunt and other games. The program is a useful idea for parents who want a little quiet time on the beach or upper deck, but the timing may disappoint children who expect a long organized adventure.

The treasure hunt has reportedly been very short, with one account putting it at about two minutes. Another family enjoyed the entertainment but felt the activity could have lasted longer. Treat the children’s program as a bonus, not as the main reason to book the cruise.

Language may also matter. The children’s supervision is not guaranteed to be available in German, even though the tour itself offers English and German service. If your child needs German-language care, confirm that before you pay.

Orange Bay has refreshments and other purchases available, but prices there can feel high. I would bring what you need from the boat or hotel, especially sunscreen and water if allowed. Extra drinks are not included, and onboard choices may be limited. One passenger specifically found the available drinks restricted to coffee, tea, or a soft drink.

Lunch in the cool lower salon

After the island stop, you return to the yacht for lunch. This is one of the stronger parts of the package, especially because the meal is served in a fully air-conditioned salon rather than on a hot open deck.

The buffet includes:

• Seafood soup
• Three types of fresh salad
• Rice, pasta, and potatoes
• Shrimp, calamari, and fish
• Chicken and kofta
• Seasonal fresh fruit

That menu gives you more choice than a basic boxed lunch. Seafood is the central theme, but chicken and kofta help if you are traveling with children or do not want fish. The range of rice, pasta, potatoes, salads, and fruit also makes the meal practical for mixed groups.

The dining room has marble and wood fittings, so lunch is part of the boat’s character rather than an afterthought. One passenger described the food as good, while another praised the variety. Keep your expectations at buffet level, not fine-dining level, but the meal adds real value to the price.

The schedule lists lunch at the marina for 30 minutes in one place and lunch after Orange Bay in the main program. The fuller description places the meal after the island stop, which is also how the day is explained operationally. Be prepared for lunch timing to follow the crew’s schedule rather than a fixed restaurant-style seating.

The return at sunset

The final hour is the most pleasant part for many people. Once lunch is over, the boat returns toward Hurghada as the sun drops. The upper deck is the place to be if you want the changing light, sea views, and a clear view of the marina approach.

This is not a fast transfer back. The return gives the outing a proper finish and lets you enjoy the yacht when the harshest midday heat has eased. Bring a light layer if you tend to feel cool after swimming, though the provided information does not specify evening temperatures.

The sunset also helps balance the busy middle of the day. You have already snorkeled, visited the island, and eaten, so the last stretch can be quiet. If you prefer an active boat party with constant music and games, this trip may feel calmer than expected. Its entertainment is aimed mainly at children, and the schedule centers on scenery, food, and water stops.

What the $63 price really covers

At $63 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the included services. Your package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, national park entry fees, buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and the children’s entertainment program. You also get the large yacht, the Orange Bay stop, and the sunset return.

Those inclusions matter because separate transport, park charges, snorkeling equipment, and a meal can quickly add up. The air-conditioned salon is another practical value point in Hurghada’s heat. You are paying for a full half-day outing rather than only a boat ride.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet, private sailing trip or if you dislike organized group excursions. The boat can carry a substantial number of people, and the children’s program, guided snorkeling, buffet lunch, and photo service all create a structured day.

You should also know about the onboard photography. A passenger felt photographed throughout the trip and disliked the later sales effort for expensive photo books. If you do not want this, say so clearly and early. The photography does not appear to be listed as an extra charge, but the sales approach can shape your enjoyment of the day.

Drinks are another likely extra. The activity includes lunch but not additional beverages. You may be able to buy coffee, tea, soft drinks, or other drinks onboard, while Orange Bay has more options at higher prices. Budget a little extra, and do not assume every drink is part of the buffet.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to families who want several activities in one package. Parents get a spacious boat, an indoor dining area, a beach stop, and some organized children’s entertainment. The treasure hunt may be too short for older children, but younger children can still enjoy the pirate theme and time on the island.

It also suits visitors who want a gentle introduction to Red Sea snorkeling. Equipment, life jackets, a guided session, and a defined stop make the water portion easier to manage than arranging everything independently.

The boat may appeal to people who worry about motion sickness. One passenger specifically found the ride comfortable and did not experience seasickness. That is not a promise for every person or every sea condition, but the vessel’s size and layout may help.

I would be more cautious if you want genuine sailing under canvas, a long snorkel session, or a peaceful trip without sales photography. The actual snorkeling time is about an hour, and Orange Bay also receives about an hour, so neither stop is a full-day visit.

The outing is available on Saturday and Wednesday only. That limited schedule matters if your Hurghada stay is short. Check the date before building the rest of your plans around it.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and any personal medication you need. Wetsuits are not included. Keep valuables secure and use the lower salon when you need shade or air conditioning.

Wear something easy to change out of after snorkeling. A dry layer can make the return ride more comfortable, especially after the sun drops. You may also want a small amount of cash for drinks or purchases at Orange Bay, since those extras are not included.

Give the correct hotel details when booking and be ready for pickup about an hour before the advertised start. Since one pickup ran 30 minutes late, do not schedule a tight dinner reservation immediately after the return.

If you are traveling with children, explain that the treasure hunt is a short activity rather than a long club session. If your child needs German-language supervision, ask for confirmation before booking.

Finally, decide your approach to the photographer in advance. If you do not want pictures taken or do not want to see photo books afterward, make your preference clear to the crew.

Should you book the Orange Bay cruise?

Book it if you want a well-packed family day with snorkeling, a beach visit, a buffet, hotel transfers, and sunset views for one price. The clean, spacious yacht and air-conditioned dining room are genuine advantages, and the food receives strong praise for variety and taste.

Skip it if your main goal is authentic sailing, a long peaceful stay at Orange Bay, or a no-sales atmosphere. The boat may run under power, the children’s treasure hunt can be very brief, and photography sales may bother you.

For most visitors, the best way to view this $63 trip is as a convenient Red Sea sampler. You get a little reef time, a little island time, a substantial lunch, and a scenic ride home. Go for the complete package, not for a serious sailing expedition.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada Orange Bay cruise last?

The activity is described as lasting five hours. The stated operating schedule is approximately 1 PM to 6:30 PM, and hotel pickup usually takes place about one hour before the trip.

On which days does the cruise operate?

The trips operate on Saturday and Wednesday.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included. You should provide your hotel and room number when booking if applicable.

What food is served for lunch?

The buffet includes seafood soup, three fresh salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included. Wetsuits are not included.

Is the children’s entertainment included?

Yes. A children’s entertainment program is included, with activities such as a treasure hunt and other games.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Extra drinks are not included. Drinks are available for purchase onboard, and options may include coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Orange Bay also has drinks for sale.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.