Hurghada: Elite VIP Cruise with Seafood and BBQ Buffet Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada cruise is the boat itself. You get four decks, including a sunbed-filled upper deck, shaded seating, and two air-conditioned salon and dining floors. I like the space and the clean, well-kept setting, and I like that the day combines reef time with a proper seafood and BBQ buffet rather than a quick boxed lunch.

The main consideration is price. At $78.11 per person, this costs more than a basic Red Sea boat trip, and snorkeling takes place in groups. You are paying for comfort, room to spread out, staff service, and hotel transfers, not a private boat or guaranteed wildlife sightings.

Key points to know before booking

• Four usable decks: Choose open-air sun, shade, or air-conditioned indoor seating instead of being stuck in one crowded area.
• Two guided reef stops: The snorkeling is organized with equipment and in-water guidance, though group sizes can affect how freely you move.
• Seafood and BBQ buffet: Lunch is included, along with hot drinks and sodas served during the day.
• A strong comfort choice: Clean bathrooms, warm freshwater rinses, loungers, and air conditioning make a real difference on a six-hour sea outing.
• Hotel pickup is included: The air-conditioned vehicle removes much of the hassle of reaching the harbor from Hurghada hotels.
• Weather can change the plan: Poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Why the Elite VIP boat changes the day

Many Red Sea excursions are really transportation to a reef, followed by a few hours of waiting around. This one puts more attention on the boat. The Elite VIP vessel has four floors, with an open sun deck, a shaded mid-deck, and two air-conditioned salon and dining decks.

That layout matters in Hurghada. The upper deck is the place for sunbeds, sea views, and a breeze while the boat is moving. If the sun becomes too strong, you can move to the shaded level. The indoor decks give you air conditioning and dining space, which is useful after snorkeling or during the hottest part of the day.

I also like that you are not expected to spend the entire trip in the water. You can treat the cruise as a full Red Sea outing, not only as a snorkeling transfer. The boat provides room to sit, talk, eat, and watch the coast pass by.

The vessel is described as new, clean, and professionally crewed. Several parts of the onboard service receive especially strong praise: the bathrooms, the fresh-water rinse, the friendly crew, and the polished presentation of the boat. One useful detail is that the bathrooms have been noted as particularly clean and pleasantly scented, a small point that becomes important on a six-hour excursion.

Starting at 9 a.m. with hotel pickup

The day begins around 9 a.m., with pickup offered from Hurghada hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle. The exact pickup time can vary, so you should read the confirmation carefully rather than assume 9 a.m. means the vehicle arrives at your lobby at precisely that time.

Hotel pickup is one of the better parts of the package. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the port, find a dock, or negotiate a fare before breakfast. It also helps if you are staying outside the central hotel area and would otherwise have to make your own way to the marina.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 45 people. That is not a private experience, but it is more manageable than a large public boat carrying several dozen more passengers. The number still matters at the snorkeling sites, where people enter the water in groups and gather around the guides.

Bring only what you need for the sea. The important basics are swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and any personal snacks you want. Snacks are not included, although lunch, snorkeling equipment, and the main drinks service are part of the package. If you have been told about an environmental fee, confirm the amount and payment method before setting out, since this is not clearly listed among the included costs.

The ride out across the Red Sea

Once aboard, you can choose your spot instead of being assigned to one narrow seating area. I would begin by looking at the upper deck for views and photos, then move into the shade or air conditioning later. The open deck is attractive, but six hours in direct sun can be tiring even when a sea breeze is blowing.

The boat provides waiter service for unlimited hot drinks and sodas throughout the day. That is a useful comfort feature, though it does not mean every food item is included. Snacks are specifically excluded, so pack something small if you tend to get hungry between breakfast and lunch.

The coast looks best from the moving boat, when you get a wider view than you would from a hotel beach. The trip is also a chance to settle into the rhythm of the Red Sea: open water, bright light, changing views, and the occasional anticipation of the next stop.

Do not expect a private yacht atmosphere. There are other people onboard, and the boat follows a shared schedule. The value comes from having more space and better facilities than a basic group boat, not from complete privacy.

Two guided snorkeling sessions at the reefs

The core of the day is snorkeling at two reef areas. Equipment is supplied, and guides lead the sessions. This is helpful if you are new to snorkeling or want assistance judging conditions, finding fish, and returning to the boat safely.

The underwater sights can include colorful fish and coral. Some outings have produced sightings of turtles, dolphins, moray eels, lionfish, and stonefish, along with a sea cow reported by some participants. These are possible wildlife encounters, not promised attractions, so you should book for the reef experience rather than for one particular animal.

The guides have been praised for staying in the water with the group and pointing out less obvious marine life. Mohamed is one guide named in connection with a particularly well-received snorkeling experience. The crew has also been described as reassuring with children, including a 13-year-old passenger, and as welcoming to people who also have an interest in scuba activities.

You should be honest about your swimming ability. The snorkeling is done in groups, and one account specifically notes that the activity may feel less comfortable if you are not a strong swimmer. Ask the crew about the available support before entering the water. The tour is generally suited to most participants, but it is not the same as a private session tailored to one person’s pace.

The shared format has both good and bad sides. You benefit from guidance and a sense of safety, but you may need to wait for the group and stay within the designated area. If you already snorkel confidently, you may find the pace less flexible than on a private charter.

Take the warm freshwater rinse seriously. After salt water and wind, being able to rinse off before lunch is a small luxury that makes the whole boat feel more comfortable. It also means you can dry off and sit indoors without carrying a layer of salt and sand with you.

Seafood and BBQ lunch on the dining deck

Lunch is one of the reasons this cruise costs more than a simple snorkeling trip. The meal is served as a seafood and BBQ buffet, with dining space on the boat rather than a hurried meal after returning to shore.

The food receives some of the strongest praise in the available feedback. It has been described as delicious, well served, and light enough to suit a hot day at sea. A buffet also gives you more control over how much you eat, which is useful when you plan to return to the water afterward.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a boat buffet, not a fine-dining restaurant, and the exact dishes are not specified. The appeal is a substantial meal in the middle of a sea day, with the convenience of not having to buy lunch separately.

The air-conditioned dining decks are especially valuable here. You can eat in comfort rather than balancing a plate on a sunny upper deck. After lunch, you can return to the loungers, take a seat in the shade, or remain indoors while the boat continues its route.

Service, safety, and the crew

The crew is a major part of the experience. The strongest praise is directed at friendly service, clear help during snorkeling, clean facilities, and careful attention to passengers. Captain Walled is named for being friendly and careful, while guides including Mohamed have been singled out for helping people spot marine life.

That said, service can be uneven when outside services are involved. Photography is handled separately by a third-party team on some versions of the outing, rather than by the Elite VIP cruise operator itself. If photographs are offered onboard, ask about the price and who provides the service before agreeing to buy anything.

The boat does not serve alcoholic drinks, which some people will see as a plus. It keeps the atmosphere more family-friendly and suits the focus on snorkeling and sea activities. If you want a party boat with alcohol, this is not the right choice.

The group size, maximum 45 people, is worth keeping in mind. The boat itself may feel spacious, but the water sessions can still feel organized and social. Families and first-time snorkelers may appreciate the structure, while experienced snorkelers seeking solitude may prefer a smaller charter.

Is $78.11 good value?

At $78.11, this is a premium day boat rather than a bargain excursion. The price includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and all listed fees and taxes. The boat adds the less obvious value: sunbeds, several seating levels, indoor air conditioning, waiter service, clean bathrooms, and freshwater rinsing.

I think the price makes sense if you care about comfort. Six hours on a basic boat can feel long if seating is limited, the toilets are poor, or there is nowhere to escape the sun. Here, you have several places to sit and a proper dining area, so the boat itself becomes part of the experience.

The value is less convincing if your only goal is to reach a reef as cheaply as possible. The snorkeling areas may not feel dramatically different from reefs accessible near some Hurghada and Makadi Bay hotels. One account found the underwater sights comparable to outer reefs near Makadi Bay, which is an important warning for experienced snorkelers.

You are paying for a smoother full-day package, not a secret reef or a guaranteed wildlife show. I would choose it for the combination of boat quality, food, staff, and ease rather than for the idea that it reaches a completely untouched part of the Red Sea.

Who should book this six-hour cruise?

I would recommend this boat to you if you want a comfortable, organized day on the water and do not want to arrange transport, equipment, or lunch separately. It is a good fit for couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who likes having both outdoor and air-conditioned spaces.

It also suits people who care about cleanliness. The bathrooms, boat maintenance, and warm freshwater rinse are not glamorous details, but they can decide how enjoyable the final hours of a sea trip feel.

You should think twice if you want a private outing, a quiet boat, or complete freedom at the reef. The group format means that the guides set the pace, and the snorkeling is shared. You should also leave room in your schedule because poor weather can cause a cancellation or a change of date.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Standard cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Should you book the Elite VIP cruise?

Book it if you want the Red Sea with a higher level of comfort than a basic group boat can provide. The strongest reasons are the four decks, reliable facilities, included equipment, organized reef sessions, seafood and BBQ lunch, and hotel transfer.

Skip it if you are mainly shopping for the lowest price or expect a private snorkeling adventure. The reef time is shared, wildlife is never certain, and the underwater areas may not seem far removed from snorkeling sites near some hotels.

For most people who want an easy, well-serviced sea day from Hurghada, I consider $78.11 fair value. Just think of it as a comfortable boat-and-reef package, not a luxury charter with personal service.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada Elite VIP cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and starts at 9 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup is offered, and transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What is included in the price?

The package includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, an air-conditioned vehicle, and all listed fees and taxes. Hot drinks and sodas are served during the day. Snacks are not included.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 45 people.

Does the tour visit snorkeling reefs?

Yes. The itinerary includes two guided snorkeling sessions at Red Sea reef areas. Equipment is provided, and the sessions take place in groups.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund.