REVIEW · HURGHADA
Hurghada Pirates sailing boat to Orange bay & Buffet Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Egypt Sunmarine Fleet · Bookable on Viator
A pirate boat day beats a standard cruise. I like the wooden twin-masted pirate-style ship and the way it stays comfortable with both deck time and air-conditioned space. I also love that you get two guided snorkeling stops with gear included, so the water time feels “handled,” not guessy.
One thing to plan for: snacks aren’t included, so if you get peckish between lunch and the return, bring a little extra.
In This Review
- Quick hits
- A pirate-style masted ship is the main event
- Pickup, timing, and how the day actually flows
- Two guided snorkeling stops: what you should expect
- Orange Bay break: relax without rushing
- On-board buffet lunch in the pirate-themed salon
- Ship comfort tips: shade, air-con, and where to sit
- Value for money: what $78.11 really covers
- Who this Pirate cruise is best for
- Should you book this Hurghada Pirates sailing boat to Orange Bay?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Hurghada Pirates sailing boat tour to Orange Bay?
- What times does the tour run?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Are snorkeling stops and equipment included?
- What’s included for lunch, and are snacks provided?
- What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?
Quick hits
- Pirate-themed ship with kid-focused entertainment (treasure hunts and games)
- Air-conditioned lower decks plus a big upper sun deck for views
- Two guided snorkeling stops with snorkeling equipment provided
- Orange Bay downtime to relax after the swim time
- Buffet lunch served on board in the pirate-themed salon
A pirate-style masted ship is the main event
If your idea of a “cruise” is sitting quietly on a boat, this one is different. The vessel is built to feel like the golden age of sailing: twin masts, wooden styling, and pirate-theme details you can see as soon as you step on board. You’ll spend most of your time outdoors, but you also get proper indoor options.
I especially like having both extremes covered. The huge upper sun deck is where you’ll want to be for Red Sea sun and horizon views. When it gets hot or you just need a break, the two lower-deck salons are air conditioned. That means you’re not stuck sweating through the afternoon waiting for the next stop.
It’s also family-forward. Kids get organized activities such as treasure hunts and other games, which takes pressure off parents who’d rather not manage boredom on a long water day.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Hurghada
Pickup, timing, and how the day actually flows
This tour runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes, and the schedule depends on the day of the week. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, the run is 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. On Saturday and Wednesday, it’s 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. That matters because it determines when lunch lands, and how much midday heat you’ll face.
You also get pickup offered with door-to-door Hurghada hotel transfers, plus a mobile ticket. That’s a big practical win. Hurghada can be spread out, and a boat day goes smoother when you don’t have to time your own taxi and hope traffic behaves.
The usual flow goes like this: you’ll sail out for about an hour toward snorkeling areas, then you’ll do two guided snorkeling stops (each planned for about an hour). Lunch happens on board, and you’ll also have relaxation time at Orange Bay before the ride back to the marina.
Group size stays moderate, with a maximum of 45 travelers. That typically means less crowding than the biggest catamarans, and it’s easier to find space on deck when you want a quick photo or a calmer spot to watch the water.
Two guided snorkeling stops: what you should expect
Snorkeling is the core of this trip, and the tour is designed to take the stress out of it. You get snorkeling equipment included, and the snorkeling is guided at two stops, each scheduled for about an hour.
Also note the tour describes the snorkels as optional, even though they’re part of the plan. So if you want the boat and Orange Bay but don’t want to snorkel both times, you can usually choose your comfort level. The guide-led structure is what you’re paying for: you’re not floating around hoping you picked the right patch of water.
A practical tip: treat snorkeling time like a workout. If you’re going in both times, pace yourself on the boat between sessions. Use the air-conditioned salon when you need to cool down, and keep water intake steady. (The tour includes lunch, but it doesn’t mention snacks.)
If you’re new to snorkeling, the guided setup helps you get your bearings faster. If you’re an experienced snorkeler, you’ll still appreciate the plan and the fact that you’re being taken to local snorkeling sites instead of wandering.
Orange Bay break: relax without rushing
After the snorkeling time, you’ll have time to relax at Orange Bay. This is the part I think most people underestimate when they book a boat day. Snorkeling is active, even with guidance. Orange Bay is where you shift gears.
Expect it to be your “slow down” segment: time to sit out on deck, enjoy the sea air, and cool off whenever you want. If you snorkel both sessions, Orange Bay is a nice chance to just float, swim lightly, or take a break from gear.
The main drawback here is simple timing: the day is paced, so you won’t get a half-day shore program with long land excursions. But for most people—especially families—this works. You’re getting water time, lunch, and a proper break, without turning your day into a multi-stop tour.
On-board buffet lunch in the pirate-themed salon
Lunch is served on board in the pirate-themed salon, and you’re eating as part of the onboard routine, not racing off the boat. That’s important in practice. It saves time, reduces waiting, and keeps the schedule feeling controlled.
The buffet menu includes:
- Sea food soup
- Three types of fresh salad
- Rice, pasta, and potatoes
- Shrimps, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta
- Seasonal fresh fruit
This is a lot of options for a boat lunch. I like that you’re not trapped with one or two basic items. You can build a plate that matches your appetite that day: seafood and salads if you feel light, or go heartier with rice/pasta/potatoes and the hot mains.
One more practical note: the tour states lunch is included (listed as brunch), but snacks are not. If you know you snack constantly, plan accordingly. If you prefer three solid meals and you’ll be busy on deck, you’ll likely be fine.
A few more Hurghada tours and experiences worth a look
Ship comfort tips: shade, air-con, and where to sit
This tour gives you a useful balance of sun and shelter. The upper deck is for open-air viewing and sun time. The lower salons are air conditioned and styled with pirate theme finishes. Use that for reset time, especially if your group has mixed comfort levels—kids may want to run outside, adults may want a cool-down between sessions.
The boat also includes snorkeling gear, which reduces the hassle of packing your own set. Still, you should check your comfort: if you’re sensitive to fit, you’ll want to take a moment when gear is issued and make sure it feels right before you head into the water.
A small strategy I recommend: pick a “home base.” Assign one person to watch bags and keep an eye on belongings while others float around. With families, it’s easy for stuff to drift. A quick plan on deck helps the whole day feel calmer.
Value for money: what $78.11 really covers
At about $78.11 per person, this isn’t a throwaway excursion. You’re paying for a full Red Sea half-day experience: boat time, two guided snorkeling stops, snorkeling equipment, an on-board buffet lunch, and Hurghada hotel transfers.
If you’ve priced snorkeling tours before, you know the big cost drivers are often transport and guidance. Here, the transfer is bundled, and the snorkel stops are guided. That’s where the value comes from. Even though the boat day is “only” about 5½ hours, you’re getting multiple activities packed into one outing, without needing to coordinate your own transport or separate excursions.
The other value factor is the size and feel. With a maximum of 45 travelers, you’re not just on a cattle-car cruise. It’s a pirate-themed day with a bit of structure: kids games, scheduled snorkeling, lunch at a set time, and then Orange Bay downtime.
And the vibe seems to land well: the overall rating is 4.7 with 91% recommending it, which usually means the day runs as promised—beautiful boat, staff attention, and snorkeling that feels special.
Who this Pirate cruise is best for
This is a strong fit if you want a Red Sea day that feels fun, not stiff.
- Families with kids: the pirate-style ship and organized activities like treasure hunts make it easier to keep younger travelers engaged.
- People who want guided snorkeling: two snorkel sessions plus equipment means you’re not building the plan yourself.
- Travelers who like a mix of sun and comfort: you get deck time and air-conditioned indoor space.
It’s also a good option if you’re staying in or around Hurghada and want a straightforward half-day. Door-to-door transfer is included, and the day is planned around snorkeling and relaxing at Orange Bay.
Where it may not be ideal: if you want an all-out beach day with lots of time on land, this is more of an on-water experience with a relaxation stop. The schedule is tight enough that you’ll feel it.
Should you book this Hurghada Pirates sailing boat to Orange Bay?
I’d book it if your must-haves are simple: a memorable pirate-themed ship, two guided snorkeling sessions, and a real buffet lunch without extra planning. It’s priced fairly for what’s included, and the overall feedback points to smooth execution: staff that keeps things running, a beautiful boat, and snorkeling that delivers.
Skip it if you’re sensitive to timing and want lots of extra free time on land, or if you snack constantly and hate the idea of packing your own extras.
Bottom line: this is a well-structured half-day on the Red Sea that feels like a themed adventure while still being practical—especially with hotel pickup and snorkeling handled for you.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Hurghada Pirates sailing boat tour to Orange Bay?
The tour lasts about 5 hours 30 minutes.
What times does the tour run?
On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday it runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. On Saturday and Wednesday it runs from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup is offered, and door-to-door Hurghada hotel transfers are included.
Are snorkeling stops and equipment included?
Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment and two guided snorkeling stops. The snorkels are described as optional.
What’s included for lunch, and are snacks provided?
Lunch is included as an on-board buffet. The menu includes sea food soup, multiple salads, rice/pasta/potatoes, shrimp/calamari/fish/chicken/kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit. Snacks are not included.
What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re going with kids or snorkel-experienced adults. I can help you pick the best departure time and plan how to pace the day.
