Hurghada: Elite vip snorkeling cruise with BBQ buffet lunch

A Hurghada VIP snorkeling cruise that runs like a floating resort is interesting because it mixes serious reef time with real comfort. The 4-floor layout and the waiter-served unlimited hot and soft drinks are the standouts, so you can stay relaxed between swims. The only possible drawback is that it may not be strictly adult-only, so if that vibe matters, ask ahead.

You also get guided snorkeling with safety gear, plus life jackets and an easy entry from a low platform at the back of the boat. I like that the crew gives close support, and even if you’re less confident they’ll help you get set up. Dolphins are a try-if-possible bonus, not a promise.

Key highlights you should care about

• 4 floors of space, including sun deck loungers and two air-conditioned salons
• Unlimited hot and soft drinks served by waiters right to your spot
• Three snorkeling stops at Red Sea sites with expert guides in the water
• BBQ buffet lunch on board, including chicken, Egyptian kofta, shrimp, and fish
• Life jacket support and guided help, with entry via a low platform
• Electronic massage beds for a proper reset on the ride

Entering the Elite VIP boat: what makes it feel different

This is not the typical “sit on a plastic seat and hope the sea is calm” kind of day. The Elite VIP Cruise Boats are built as a comfort-first experience, with four floors and two air-conditioned salon and dining decks to escape the sun when you need a break.

On the top deck, you’ll find a spacious sun area with plenty of loungers, so the day doesn’t turn into a seat scramble. Below, the air-conditioned areas help you cool down after snorkeling, and they make lunch feel less rushed. If you hate the feeling of being pressed together, this layout is a big part of the value.

It’s also described as clean, well maintained, and professionally crewed. In other words, you’re paying for the “smooth running” side of a boat day, not just for the snorkeling.

4 floors, sun loungers, and massage beds: your comfort plan for the day

Your day has a natural rhythm: ride out, snorkel, eat, snorkel again, then relax on the way back. The boat supports that rhythm. You can hang on the sun deck when you want full exposure, then move indoors when the heat hits.

The mid-deck seating is shaded, and the air-conditioned salons give you a real change of environment. That matters because you’re out for a 6-hour total window, so you’ll want options.

One extra detail that’s easy to overlook until you’re on board: electronic massage beds are available. If you’ve been traveling for a while, or you just want that “reset” feeling after a couple of swims, this is a rare included comfort perk for a cruise in this price range.

The trip start: Hurghada pickup, bus ride, and the marina cruise

The day begins with hotel pickup and drop-off, and the pickup starts around 45 minutes before departure. After that, there’s a 35-minute bus or coach transfer to Hurghada Marina. It’s straightforward, and it keeps you from having to figure out local transport on your own.

The cruise portion starts in the morning, departing around 9:00 am. You’ll spend about 1 to 1.5 hours sailing out, depending on how the schedule plays on the water. Use this time to get oriented, claim your sun-deck spot, and set your expectations for the snorkel windows.

If you’re prone to getting seasick, plan to stay on the outer parts of the boat where the motion can feel more manageable, and use the air-conditioned decks if you start to feel too warm. The boat’s design gives you room to move, which helps.

Snorkeling stop one: guided reef time with an easy entry

You get your first snorkeling period at one of the Red Sea’s coral reef areas. The guide leads the safety side, and the guide is with you during the snorkeling. The session is timed at about 45 minutes, which is long enough to see a good range of reef life without turning the day into one nonstop swim.

Entry is via a low platform at the back of the boat, so you’re not dealing with a big step up from a ladder or climbing effort. If you’re less confident, life jackets are available and the guides provide active support, including helping you attach to a life buoy if needed.

This matters because the Red Sea experience can be visually intense. You’ll likely want to get comfortable with your breathing and float first, then spend your attention on corals and fish. The guide presence is one of the reasons this feels more “guided experience” than “go do it yourself.”

Also, water temperature in this region is described as seldom below 20C even in winter, so you shouldn’t automatically assume you’ll freeze.

Dolphins, if possible: a northbound cruise moment that adds drama

Between snorkeling stops, the day includes a northbound stretch where you can try for dolphins. The wording here is clear: dolphins are a if possible goal, not a guarantee. Still, the cruise time gives you something extra to watch for while the boat moves.

This segment is the kind of moment that can make the day feel special even if your reef highlight ends up being the most memorable part. You’re on an open boat with good sightlines, and your eyes naturally scan the water surface as you go.

Practical tip: keep your plans flexible. If dolphins appear, your best move is to shift attention from the schedule and focus on the water in front of you. If they do not, you still have two snorkeling windows and plenty of marine viewing time built into the day.

Snorkeling stop two: how the guides keep you safe and confident

After the dolphin attempt, you get another guided snorkeling stop. The format stays the same: expert snorkeling guides accompany you at all times, and they know where to take you for both safety and enjoyment.

If you’ve snorkeled before, you’ll appreciate the guidance. The guide can help you position your breathing, avoid rushing, and focus on the right areas in the water column. If you’re newer to snorkeling, the support system matters even more.

The key safety detail is that the guides can assist you directly, including attaching you to a life buoy and helping you from there. That’s not a promise that everyone will need help, but it’s a comfort to know the staff isn’t hands-off.

Underwater, the goal is variety: corals plus a wide range of sea life, from small fish to larger animals that may pass through the viewing area. You might see seahorses, octopuses, turtles, manta rays, and plenty of colored reef fish. Seeing all of that is not guaranteed, but the area is described as teeming with marine life that changes constantly.

BBQ buffet lunch on board: what you’ll eat and why timing helps

Lunch is built right into the cruise day, served as an open buffet on the boat. You get 1 hour for lunch, which is enough time to eat, cool down in air-conditioning, and reset before the final stretch.

The menu is clearly stated and focuses on foods that make sense on a boat day: soups, salads, and sides, plus a BBQ spread. You can expect bbq chicken and Egyptian kofta, and there’s also freshly cooked shrimp and fish, described as grilled and oven-baked options.

The other value point is hygiene. The chefs are described as practicing high standards of onboard hygiene and using fresh market ingredients. For many people, that’s the difference between “lunch was fine” and “lunch felt actually worth it” on a tour day.

One more practical win: waiter service for drinks runs throughout the day, with hot and soft drinks delivered to your spot. So lunch doesn’t require you to abandon your chair and hunt for a drink. It keeps the day feeling smoother.

The final sailing and marine viewing stretch: what you’ll do before 3:30

After the second snorkeling experience and lunch, you’ll have additional time for boating, swimming, and marine-life viewing before returning to the marina. This part of the program is described as about 2 hours, and it’s where the day can feel unhurried if you pace yourself.

You’ll likely have chances for more casual floating, coral watching, and general water viewing from the boat. Since the marine life and reef patterns change continually, this extra stretch isn’t just downtime. It’s another window where the water can surprise you.

As you get closer to the end of the day, plan to manage sun exposure. If you’ve been on the sun deck after snorkels, use the air-conditioned areas to dry off and cool down. You’ll also want to keep your sunscreen in mind for later hours, especially if you’re sensitive.

When everything wraps up, you return to Hurghada around 3:30 pm.

Price and value: is $80 worth it for this kind of day?

At $80 per person for a 6-hour VIP-style cruise, the value comes down to what you’re getting beyond snorkeling. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, national park fees ($5), and massage beds on board. It also includes guided snorkeling support and a full BBQ buffet lunch.

Then there’s the comfort factor. Many boat trips force you to spend most of the day in sun and salt spray with limited shade. Here, the four-floor setup gives you multiple environments, including two air-conditioned salons. That’s not a small detail. It affects how enjoyable the day is when you’re tired, sun-warmed, or just want to reset.

You also get unlimited hot and soft drinks served by waiters. For a day in the Red Sea sun, that matters, and it’s often where “cheap” tours fall short.

If you’re comparing, look for the whole package: guided snorkeling time, lunch quality, drink service, and comfort on board. In this case, those elements line up well for the price point.

Two small considerations from real-world experience: some people expected a strictly adult-only atmosphere, so the age mix may not be what you picture. Also, if you’re planning anything special tied to the day, like personal notes for staff, make sure it’s communicated clearly on the day, not just at booking.

Who should book this Hurghada VIP snorkeling cruise

This is a strong match if you want Red Sea snorkeling but you also care about comfort and service. You’ll like it if you want guided safety support, a lunch that’s actually part of the experience, and a boat that doesn’t feel cramped.

It’s also a good choice if you enjoy structure: the day has clear snorkel windows and set meal time, rather than an open-ended “whenever the captain feels like it” setup.

If you dislike mixed group vibes and you need an adult-only setting, ask questions before booking. And if you’re hoping for a guaranteed dolphin sighting, treat it as a bonus rather than a certainty.

Should you book the Elite VIP Hurghada snorkeling cruise with BBQ lunch?

I’d book it if you want a well-run luxury-style boat day that pairs reef time with real onboard comfort. The included drink service, lunch buffet, air-conditioned decks, and guided snorkeling support make the $80 feel like paying for a smoother experience, not just the water access.

I’d think twice if your top priority is an adults-only, quiet atmosphere, or if you’re very strict about add-on items being delivered perfectly. For most people, though, this is the kind of day where the boat makes the snorkeling easier and the whole schedule feels manageable.

If you’re ready for guided reef time, a BBQ lunch on board, and the chance to try for dolphins, this one is worth your slot.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada Elite VIP snorkeling cruise?

The experience lasts 6 hours.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

It departs from the marina at 9:00 am and arrives back at the marina at 3:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with pickup starting around 45 minutes before departure time.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

There are three snorkeling stops at Red Sea sites during the day.

What is included with the BBQ buffet lunch and drinks?

You get an open buffet lunch on the boat (soups, salads, sides, plus BBQ chicken and Egyptian kofta, and also grilled shrimp and oven-baked fish). Waiters provide unlimited hot and soft drinks throughout the day.

Are wetsuits included in the price?

No. Wetsuits can be rented for $10 if you want one.

What should I bring for the snorkeling day?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Are the guides/instructors able to work in multiple languages?

Yes. The instructor/guides are listed as English, German, and Russian.

Can I cancel for a full refund, and is pay later available?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now & pay later is offered.