Hurghada Pirates sailing boat to Orange bay & Buffet Lunch

If you like your Red Sea time with a twist, this pirates sailing boat to Orange Bay is a fun change from the usual cruise mold. It feels like a small adventure on the water, with a pirate-theme ship and organized kids’ activities like treasure hunts while adults can just relax and watch the coastline roll by.

What I like most is the way the day is built around two guided snorkel stops and an onboard meal that does not require planning. You get a buffet lunch included, plus snorkeling equipment so you can spend more time in the water and less time chasing rentals.

One thing to consider: the schedule is structured. You’re doing guided snorkels on route, and Orange Bay time is your chance to slow down, not the other way around.

Key highlights that matter on this Pirates sail to Orange Bay

• Pirate-theme wooden twin-masted ship with lots of open deck space and air-conditioned indoor salons
• Two snorkeling stops with guided sessions built into the trip flow
• Orange Bay for a real break after sailing and snorkeling
• Buffet lunch onboard with a set menu, not a vague snack situation
• Door-to-door Hurghada transfers plus snorkeling equipment included
• Smaller group size up to 45 people, which helps keep the vibe friendly

A pirate-style ship that makes the cruise feel like an event

This is the kind of boat where you notice the details right away. The Pirates yachts are twin-masted, wooden ships that look like they belong to a classic era of sailing, not a generic tour vessel. The layout also helps: there’s a huge upper sun deck for hanging out in the sea breeze, and two lower deck salons that are fully air conditioned.

That matters because the weather and light in the Red Sea can change fast. When the sun gets strong, you can rotate between deck time and a cooler indoor spot. And lunch is served in the salon area, so you are not stuck eating outside if the sea breeze turns chilly.

The pirate theme is not just decoration either. Kids get organized fun onboard, which means the boat itself becomes part of the experience. If you’ve ever tried to keep kids entertained on a normal boat trip, you know how rare that is. Here, the entertainment is built into the outing, not something you bring along yourself.

How your 5.5 hour day actually runs from Hurghada

The trip is about 5 hours 30 minutes in total, and it starts with hotel transfers around Hurghada. You’re picked up by air-conditioned vehicle and taken to the marina area, so you do not have to worry about finding transport on the day.

Then the sailing rhythm kicks in. You spend about one hour sailing out toward local snorkeling sites. After that, you do two snorkeling stops, each guided for about one hour. The pace is clear and repetitive on purpose, so you always know what’s coming next.

Lunch fits in mid-day onboard as part of the plan, and then you return to the marina at about 3:00 pm on the standard schedule.

Timing varies by day. Most departures run roughly 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Saturday and Wednesday, the schedule shifts later, roughly 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. If you hate early starts, the afternoon option can be an easy win.

Two guided snorkeling stops, with optional flexibility

Snorkeling is the core of this outing, but it’s not a free-for-all. The stops are guided and planned, and you’re also given snorkeling equipment as part of the tour.

The important practical point is how you’ll feel during the day. Guided snorkels usually help beginners because you get direction, safety reminders, and a set route where you’re not wondering if you’re in the right place. It also means you spend less time searching for the best viewing spots on your own.

There’s also the optional element. The experience is described as offering two guided optional snorkels on the route. That’s ideal if not everyone in your group wants to get in the water at the same time. You can still enjoy the boat, Orange Bay downtime, and the overall cruise, even if you choose to skip a snorkeling session.

If you’re bringing kids, think of the snorkel stops as the “program blocks.” The pirate-theme activities and deck time around them are there to keep the mood light, so the day does not feel like one long routine.

What to watch for at the snorkeling stops

Because the activity is weather-dependent and on open water, you’ll want to be sensible about seasickness. Keep your plans flexible, especially if you tend to get motion sickness. And for comfort, wear swimwear you can tolerate for a couple of water sessions, since the day includes multiple water moments.

Orange Bay time: when you slow down and actually enjoy it

Orange Bay is where the outing gives you room to breathe. After sailing and snorkeling, you get time to relax there, which is the part of the day that feels most like a vacation instead of a schedule.

What I like about structuring it this way is simple. You arrive at the bay after you’ve already done the main activity, so you’re not constantly thinking about what comes next. If you want a calm swim, floating, or just shade and sea views, this is your window.

Orange Bay is also the part of the day that works best for mixed groups. Even if someone skips a snorkel stop or two, they still get a pleasant “destination” segment. The boat stay between activities is not the same as a full day at one beach, but it’s long enough to reset your energy.

If your goal is only snorkeling and you don’t care about relaxing, you might feel like Orange Bay is short. If you want the best of both worlds, the timing is pretty fair.

Buffet lunch onboard: what you get and how to plan around it

Lunch is included and served onboard in the salon. This is not a buffet description with lots of fine print. You get a specific menu with familiar options.

The lunch menu includes:

• Sea food soup
• Three types of fresh salad, plus rice, pasta, and potatoes
• Shrimp, calamari, and fish, alongside chicken and kofta
• Seasonal fresh fruit

That range is helpful if your group has mixed tastes, since there’s usually something you can eat comfortably even if seafood is not your thing. Also, because lunch is part of the boat program, you’re not off hunting for food in a port area.

Snacks are not included, so if you tend to get hungry between lunch and snacks time, bring a small extra item for yourself or your kids. A simple water bottle plan also helps, since you’ll be on a boat and in the sun.

Bottom line: this lunch feels like real “included food,” not just a token roll and juice.

Snorkeling equipment and what you should bring

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you the hassle of renting gear and makes the tour feel easier to join last-minute. You’re also getting two guided snorkel sessions, so you’re not left to figure everything out on your own.

Still, you should pack for a full outdoor half-day. I suggest:

• Sunscreen and a hat, because deck time adds up
• Sunglasses with a strap if you hate losing them on boats
• A light cover-up for moving between deck and air-conditioned salons
• A small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch if you’ll bring your phone
• Swimwear and a towel plan for back-to-hotel comfort

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. The itinerary includes sailing before the snorkel stops, so you’ll feel movement even if you spend much of the time on the upper deck.

Price and value: is $78.11 per person fair?

At $78.11 per person, this tour can look like a bargain, mainly because a lot is bundled together. You’re paying for:

• Round-trip style convenience via Hurghada hotel transfers
• A pirate-style boat experience rather than a plain charter
• Two guided snorkeling stops
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Onboard buffet lunch

The value story is not just about the boat. It’s the fact that snorkeling costs, gear rentals, and meal add-ons usually creep up when they’re separate bookings. Here, those pieces are included, so your day stays predictable.

The other value booster is group size. The maximum is 45 travelers, which usually means you are not swimming in a sea of people all day long. That matters when you’re moving between boat areas, listening for instructions, and getting ready for snorkel time.

Also, the experience holds a strong overall signal: 4.7 rating from 78 reviews, with 91% recommended. The top feedback centers on the ship being beautiful, staff being great, and the snorkeling area living up to expectations.

Who this Orange Bay pirate sail fits best

This is a family-friendly cruise, and it’s designed to keep kids engaged. The ship runs kids’ entertainment onboard with activities like treasure hunts, which is exactly what you want when you’re balancing adults who want peace and kids who need structure.

It also fits well if you’re new to snorkeling or you prefer guided water time. Two guided sessions can be a smart way to build confidence without planning your own route or worrying about where to go.

If your group is made up entirely of experienced snorkelers who want full control, you might feel a guided format limits your pace. But the convenience and included gear are still strong reasons to consider it.

You’ll also like this tour if you want a half-day that feels like more than a beach stop. The pirate-ship setting, plus sailing and a planned menu, make it feel like an event.

When you might choose a different plan

If you dislike snorkeling and would rather do a beach day only, this tour might feel like too much time geared toward water activities. The day is built around the snorkel stops, and Orange Bay is the relaxation segment, not a full-day beach.

Also, if you’re chasing maximum time in one location, this is still a half-day cruise. It can feel just right for many people, but not if you want hours and hours at Orange Bay without returning to the marina.

And because it requires good weather, the sea state matters. If conditions are poor, your day may shift.

FAQ

What does the Hurghada Pirates sailing boat to Orange Bay include?

It includes Hurghada hotel transfers, an air-conditioned vehicle, onboard buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, all fees and taxes, and use of snorkeling equipment.

How many times do we snorkel?

You have two snorkeling stops, each with a fully guided session, and they are described as optional.

Where is lunch served and what’s on the menu?

Lunch is served onboard in the salon as an open buffet. The menu includes sea food soup, multiple fresh salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Are snacks included?

No. Snacks are not included.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What are the departure times by day?

On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday it runs about 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. On Saturday and Wednesday it runs about 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this Pirates sail to Orange Bay?

Yes, if you want a half-day Red Sea outing that feels special without extra planning. The combination of two guided snorkel sessions, included equipment, a real onboard buffet, and door-to-door transfers is exactly the kind of value that makes a difference when you are on holiday with limited time.

I’d book it especially if you’re traveling as a family, or if you want an easy first snorkeling experience with a bit of entertainment on top. Pass or adjust your expectations if snorkeling is not your thing, since the day is structured around those water stops.