Hurghada: Afternoon Sailing cruise to orange bay with Lunch

If you’re seeking a relaxing way to spend an afternoon along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, this sailing cruise to Orange Bay offers a charming mix of calm waters, scenic views, and good food. It’s a tour designed to feel like a leisurely escape—think wooden ships reminiscent of a golden age of sailing, topped with a hearty seafood buffet, and topped off with a stunning sunset.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply want a peaceful afternoon on the water, this trip has a few things going for it—and a few considerations to keep in mind.

Two things we really like about this experience are the beautiful, fully-equipped wooden yacht and the delicious buffet lunch served aboard. The boat’s spacious upper deck offers great views and plenty of space to relax, while the seafood buffet hits the right notes for fresh, satisfying fare. The second highlight is the kid-friendly entertainment program on Orange Bay, which makes this tour a good option for families.

A potential drawback? The sailing isn’t quite what some might expect—it’s more of a scenic cruise than a true sailing adventure, as noted by some reviewers. Also, drinks on board are limited, with extra beverages available for purchase. This tour is best suited for those looking for a laid-back, scenic experience with good food and opportunities for snorkeling and relaxation.

It’s particularly appealing to families, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy a peaceful day on the water without too much emphasis on vigorous activity.

Key Points

• Relaxed sailing experience with scenic views of the Red Sea and sunset.
• Spacious, beautifully decorated boat with both sun deck and air-conditioned salons.
• Family-friendly activities on Orange Bay, including a treasure hunt and kids’ entertainment.
• Delicious seafood buffet lunch with a variety of fresh options.
• Snorkeling at top reefs with provided gear and guided support.
• Pickup and drop-off included, simplifying logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Boat: A Nostalgic Wooden Yacht

The vessel used for this cruise is a twin-masted, wooden ship that echoes the era of classic sailing ships. Its large upper sun deck is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying panoramic views of the Red Sea, while the air-conditioned lower decks provide a comfortable space for those who prefer shade or want to escape the heat. Decorated in a Pirates theme with marble and wood accents, the yacht feels both elegant and charming.

Some reviews mention that the boat is clean and spacious, making it suitable for groups or families with children. The fact that the lunch is served in the air-conditioned salon means you can enjoy your meal comfortably, regardless of the outside weather. This setup is especially appreciated during hot summer months or if you simply prefer a cooler environment while dining.

The Itinerary: A Relaxed Afternoon on the Water

The trip departs around 1 PM and lasts until roughly 6:30 PM, making it a manageable half-day activity. Once underway, the first stop is at a prime snorkeling site, about an hour from the marina. Guided by onboard experts, you’ll have approximately an hour to explore the reefs, which are praised for their beauty and clarity.

The cruise then continues to Orange Bay, a sandy island with shallow waters and inviting beaches. Here, you’ll typically stay for around an hour. While adults can relax on the beach, kids will enjoy the animation program, which includes a treasure hunt and other activities. Some travelers mention that the children’s program is brief—lasting about two minutes in some cases—so parents should manage expectations if their kids are particularly eager for more structured entertainment.

Lunch: Seafood Feast with Variety

Lunch is a major highlight, especially for seafood lovers. The buffet features seafood soup, fresh salads, and a selection of shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta. Side dishes include rice, pasta, potatoes, and seasonal fruit. The menu is designed to cater to diverse tastes and offers generous portions, making it good value for the price of around $64 per person.

Reviews consistently praise the deliciousness and variety of the food. One reviewer described it as a “really delicious lunch,” and another noted the large, clean, and beautifully decorated boat as enhancing the experience. The buffet setup also allows for a relaxed, self-serve style, so you can eat at your own pace.

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Snorkeling and Reefs

The snorkeling experience is well-regarded, with the crew providing gear and guidance. The reefs near Hurghada are known for their vibrant marine life, and the guided aspect helps even beginners feel more comfortable exploring underwater. The reefs’ beauty is frequently highlighted, making this a worthwhile stop for snorkelers.

Sunset and Return

As the day winds down, the yacht sails back toward Hurghada’s marina, with the sunset views giving a postcard-perfect end to the trip. Many reviews mention how beautiful the scenery is during this time, with some noting it as the highlight of the experience.

Additional Notes on Logistics

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, easing transportation worries. Entry fees for the national park are also included, and you’re encouraged to bring essentials like swimwear, sunscreen, and towels.

The trip runs on Saturdays and Wednesdays, with the option to reserve and pay later, offering flexibility. If you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Travelers Say

Reviews paint a generally positive picture. One traveler called it a “successful trip with good food,” despite a driver arriving late. Another praised the friendly staff, spacious boat, and delicious food. The kid-friendly activities and the stunning views on the water are often highlighted as the best parts.

However, some reviewers felt the sailing itself was more of a scenic cruise rather than a true sailing adventure. The drinks on board are limited, with extra beverages available for purchase, which might be a consideration if you’re expecting an open bar experience. A guest expressed annoyance at the constant photography and sales pitches, which may detract from the relaxation for some.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic afternoon with opportunities for snorkeling and beach time. It’s ideal for families with kids, as the island activities are kid-friendly, and the boat’s spacious layout accommodates all ages comfortably. Couples seeking a peaceful outing with lovely sunset views will enjoy the cruise, especially if they’re seafood enthusiasts.

Those wanting a true sailing experience might find the trip a bit tame, as the vessel is more of a cruise ship than a sailing boat. Budget-conscious travelers will find the value good, given the included hotel transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear, and park fees.

Summary

This Hurghada afternoon sailing cruise offers a calm, scenic escape with the chance to snorkel, relax on a sandy island, and feast on a seafood buffet—perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a gentle day on the water. The beautiful boat, delicious food, and kid-friendly activities make it a solid choice for a half-day adventure, especially if you’re looking to avoid overly commercialized tours.

While it isn’t a sailing expedition in the strictest sense and drinks on board are limited, the overall experience delivers value, comfort, and memorable views. Keep your expectations in check about the entertainment for kids and the sailing aspect, and you’ll likely find this trip a peaceful, enjoyable outing in Hurghada.

FAQs

How long is the cruise?
The tour departs at 1 PM and returns around 6:30 PM, making for a relaxing half-day experience.

What’s included in the price?
Your fare covers hotel pickup and drop-off, national park entry fees, a buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and kids’ entertainment programs.

Can I snorkel at the reefs?
Yes, the trip includes about an hour of guided snorkeling at the best local reefs, which are praised for their clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Is there entertainment for children?
There is a kids’ animation program featuring activities like treasure hunts. However, reviewers note it’s brief—lasting around two minutes in some cases—so manage expectations accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and any personal items you might need for a beach day or snorkeling.

Are drinks available on board?
Limited drinks like coffee, tea, or soft drinks are included, but additional beverages are for sale onboard.

This Hurghada sailing cruise balances scenic beauty, good food, and family fun, making it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a relaxed day at sea with plenty of memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby