Reviewed · PARADISE ISLAND

Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing – hurghada

4.5 · 47 reviews From $32 per person Operated by Sea Memories · Bookable on Viator
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This is a good-value Red Sea day that mixes calm water time with proper adrenaline, because you get two snorkeling stops plus a 7-minute parasailing flight. I like the fact it is built as a package, so you are not hunting for separate activities, and you get your day organized around boat stops. One possible drawback: the day runs on a tight schedule, so if you love lounging, plan on a shorter beach window on Paradise Island.

You start with hotel pickup in Hurghada and head out with a boat crew that keeps things moving. The overall vibe is family-friendly (including beginner-friendly snorkeling), and the reviews lean hard on the crew being helpful, with Paradise Island described as less commercial than some nearby options.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing - hurghada - Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off using an air-conditioned vehicle, so you do not have to coordinate taxis
  • 7-minute parasailing for a real sky moment, not just a quick photo stop
  • Two snorkeling stops plus snorkeling gear included, with about 45 minutes at each location
  • Time on Paradise Island (about 2 hours) for swimming, games, and relaxing
  • Lunch and drinks included, including bottled water plus tea or coffee and soft drinks
  • Small group feel with a maximum of 30 travelers

The Real Pitch: Why This Paradise Island Day Works

Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing - hurghada - The Real Pitch: Why This Paradise Island Day Works
This trip is basically designed for one thing, making a Red Sea day easy. From Hurghada, you skip the hassle of booking separate boats, buying snorkel gear, and trying to time multiple activities. The package gives you a full day rhythm: transport, boat time, snorkeling, island time, and two water-sport style activities (banana boat plus parasailing).

For most people, the value is in reducing friction. You show up, the team handles the setup on the boat, and the included food and drinks keep you going without extra spending every hour.

You should also know what you are signing up for: it is a “do a lot” day, not a slow, lounge-by-lounge beach vacation. If you want hours and hours on sand, you may feel the island time is short. But if you want snorkeling, sun, and at least one big thrill, this is a strong fit.

More Lunch Experiences in Hurghada

Morning Pickup and Getting to the Giftun Islands

Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing - hurghada - Morning Pickup and Getting to the Giftun Islands
Your day starts in Hurghada with pickup from your hotel by air-conditioned vehicle. The activity start time is 8:00 am, and the day is about 8 hours total.

Because pickups in Egypt can be a little variable, I recommend you treat the pickup time as “within a window,” not an exact minute. Bring patience, have your swimwear ready, and have sunscreen accessible because the start can happen faster than you expect.

The group size stays capped at 30 travelers. That matters. Smaller groups tend to board, get organized, and rotate through activities with less waiting.

The Boat Plan: How the Day Unfolds

Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing - hurghada - The Boat Plan: How the Day Unfolds
Once you are out on the water, you follow a clear sequence:

1) A first snorkeling stop

2) A second snorkeling stop

3) A stay on Paradise Island (about 2 hours)

4) Water activities, including banana boat

5) Parasailing (about 7 minutes in the sky)

Each snorkeling stop is about 45 minutes. You can either swim or stay on deck and sunbathe, so you are not forced to be in the water the entire time.

A note that helps set expectations: snorkeling here is aimed at beginners. Snorkeling requires no special skills, and the minimum age for snorkeling is 8 years old. The tour is also described as suitable for most travelers, which usually means they are set up for a range of experience levels.

Snorkeling at Two Stops: What You Get for the Time

Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing - hurghada - Snorkeling at Two Stops: What You Get for the Time
Two snorkeling stops give you variety. You are not stuck with one reef and one view. The schedule is tight enough to keep the day energetic, but long enough to actually enjoy the water.

Here is how to make those 45-minute sessions feel longer:

  • Put your gear on quickly once the boat anchors, so you spend more time actually swimming
  • If you are nervous, use the first few minutes to get your breathing and comfort level right
  • Keep an eye on your group and boat location, because you want easy reboarding

Also, remember that the best snorkeling is often about small choices. Calm float time off the side of the boat can be just as enjoyable as pushing for the deepest reef area. If you are traveling with kids, the option to stay on deck helps keep the mood relaxed.

One more practical tip: bring a small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone. You will want it for island time, and you do not want wet electronics to ruin the fun.

Paradise Island: The Relax Button, With a Real Time Limit

Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing - hurghada - Paradise Island: The Relax Button, With a Real Time Limit
Paradise Island is in the Giftun Islands area, and it is described as family-friendly. You get about 2 hours on the island, which is enough time for a swim, some downtime, and simple beach fun.

The island experience is not about wandering for half a day. It is about cooling off after snorkeling and letting your body recover. Think of it like a break in the schedule, not a standalone beach holiday.

That said, I like having island time in a program like this. It turns the day from “all water, all the time” into something more balanced, and it helps you avoid feeling like you are rushing through the Red Sea.

Banana Boat Fun: For Those Who Want Water Action

Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing - hurghada - Banana Boat Fun: For Those Who Want Water Action
This package includes water sports, including a banana boat ride. That is the kind of activity that adds an energetic chunk to the day, especially if you are traveling with friends or families who want more than snorkeling.

Even if you are not the biggest adrenaline fan, it is usually a nice change of pace. You get movement without needing special skills. Just be ready to get splashed, because that is part of the experience.

If you have children, it can also be a great way to keep them excited between snorkeling stops and parasailing.

Parasailing for About 7 Minutes: The Big-Memory Moment

Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing - hurghada - Parasailing for About 7 Minutes: The Big-Memory Moment
Parasailing is the headline activity here, and it is listed as about a 7-minute fly time. That is long enough to feel the change in perspective and get proper views, not just a quick lift.

The sky time tends to be one of those “I am glad I did it” experiences. You go from being a swimmer below the surface to looking down on the Red Sea from above. Even if you hate heights, you can still get value from watching others fly, but you will need to ride to get the full benefit.

One practical thought: bring sunscreen and consider covering your face and neck. Sitting in open air for several minutes means sun exposure can sneak up on you, especially after time in the water.

Food, Drinks, and Keeping Your Energy Up

Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing - hurghada - Food, Drinks, and Keeping Your Energy Up
Lunch is included, along with bottled water, coffee and/or tea, and soda/pop. That is a big deal on a day like this, because water, heat, and sun can drain you faster than you expect.

Also, the trip description mentions freshly prepared lunch and an open bar. Even if you do not plan to make it a party, the included drinks are still valuable because you stay hydrated without hunting for options on the docks.

My advice: eat something at lunch even if you are not starving. You will want fuel after snorkeling, and banana boat plus parasailing is more energy than it sounds like.

Transfers and Extra Fees: The Part to Double-Check

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but there are important extra charges you should plan for:

  • National park admission fees: $5 per person
  • Transfer from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Ahia: extra charge of $5 per person
  • Transfer from Safaga, ElGouna: extra charge of $10 per person

This is where people can feel surprised if they do not read carefully. Before the day, confirm that your hotel pickup area is included in what you paid and know the national park fee will be an added cost.

In Egypt, it is smart to have small notes or the local currency ready for any on-the-spot extras. Not because the tour should be confusing, but because it keeps your day stress-free.

The Crew and Service Level: What Tends to Go Right

The reviews for this experience highlight the crew and the way the day is run. A standout theme is that nothing feels too much trouble, and the atmosphere is helpful and organized.

Another plus: Paradise Island is described as beautiful and less commercial than some other nearby options along the coast. That fits the whole idea of the day, you get an attractive island break without it feeling like a built-up theme zone.

One more positive point from feedback: parasailing specifically gets high praise, with people calling it spectacular. If your goal is a real sky ride, this package targets that.

Where It Can Fray: A Few Things to Watch

A perfect day does not exist, and this one has a couple of predictable risk areas:

  • Pickup reliability issues happen sometimes. If it is your birthday or a special date, build in extra patience, and have a backup plan for contacting the operator if you do not see the driver.
  • Timing expectations. Some people want more beach time. With about 2 hours on Paradise Island and snorkeling stops scheduled, you are on a moving timeline.
  • On-boat filming and sales pressure. One review complained about being filmed and then offered a video for sale. If you are not into being on camera, it is reasonable to ask the crew to give you space, or to politely decline.

Also, one review mentioned confusion about pricing for pickup and a push to a different tour slot when the original was full. That is not the most common story, but it is a reason to confirm your booked departure time and pickup details the day before.

Who This Trip Suits Best

I think this fits best if you want a “big day” in the Red Sea without planning. You will probably enjoy it if:

  • You are new to snorkeling and want two guided stops with gear included
  • You want both relaxation time and an adrenaline activity
  • You are traveling as a family, because the island and snorkeling are framed as beginner-friendly
  • You prefer organized transfers so you do not have to manage the route yourself

It may be less ideal if you are the type who hates schedules and wants long beach hours with no moving between activities.

Practical Tips to Make Your Day Better

A few small choices can upgrade your experience:

  • Bring a waterproof phone pouch for boat and island moments
  • Pack reef-safe sunscreen and reapply after water time
  • Wear water shoes if you have them, since you will be moving around docks and island areas
  • If you want to avoid being filmed, tell the crew early and clearly
  • Plan on extra costs: the national park fee plus any transfer charges depending on where your hotel is

And for families: make sure everyone understands the day is structured around set stops. If someone needs extra breaks, you can still manage it, but the timing won’t be flexible.

Should You Book the Paradise Island Sea Trip?

Book it if your top priority is a well-rounded day: snorkeling plus parasailing plus island time, all with hotel transfers and included lunch. It is also good value if you would otherwise pay separately for boat access, snorkeling gear, and one major water-sport activity.

Skip it or consider another option if you want a long, beach-only day, or if being in the camera spotlight would really bother you. In that case, you might prefer a simpler snorkeling boat with no added spectacle.

If you do book, do the smart prep: confirm your pickup time, know the $5 national park fee, and double-check whether your hotel location triggers any extra transfer charge. That one bit of planning protects your day.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is listed as 8:00 am.

How long is the trip?

The duration is about 8 hours (approx.).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You get 2 snorkeling stops during the sea trip.

About how long are the snorkeling sessions?

Each snorkeling stop is about 45 minutes.

How long is the parasailing flight?

The parasailing fly time is listed as 7 minutes.

What is included for food and drinks?

Lunch is included, along with bottled water, coffee and/or tea, and soda/pop.

Are there extra fees not included in the price?

Yes. National park admission fees are $5 per person, and extra transfer charges may apply depending on your location.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time, and the experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

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