Hurghada Pirates sailing boat to Orange bay & Buffet Lunch

A wooden pirate ship in the Red Sea is a fun way to do Hurghada snorkeling, and the whole trip has a clear family rhythm. I love the ship itself, twin masts, lots of deck space, and air-conditioned salons that feel like a themed little floating home base. I also like that you get two guided snorkel stops plus a proper on-board buffet lunch, not just a quick dip and a rushed return. One thing to consider: snacks are not included, so if you get hungry between lunch and the next swim, plan ahead.

This tour is built for you if you want a half-day outing that keeps kids busy without turning it into a chore for you. Pickup and hotel transfer are included, and the group size is capped at 45 travelers, which helps the day feel manageable. The main drawback is practical, not dramatic: the schedule depends on the day of the week, and it runs only if weather conditions are suitable.

Overall, the experience has a strong track record, with a 4.7 rating from 78 reviews and 91% recommending it. If you want a pirate themed sail plus real water time, this is a great fit. Just be ready for a weather-dependent outing and bring more than you think you need for snack time.

Key Points Before You Go

• Pirate ship style with real comfort: upper sun deck for relaxing, lower salons are air-conditioned and pirate-themed
• Two snorkel opportunities with guides: each stop runs about 1 hour and is guided
• Orange Bay break: time to relax after snorkeling stops on route
• Included buffet lunch: seafood soup, multiple salads, rice and pasta plus fish, shrimp, calamari, chicken, kofta, and fruit
• Door-to-door Hurghada transfer: air-conditioned vehicle pickup is part of the package
• Limited group size: maximum 45 travelers, so it does not feel like a cattle boat

Pirate Ships, Sun Decks, and a Day That Moves

This is not a typical glassy, no-personality cruise. You’re on a twin masted, wooden ship designed around the sailing romance of old ships, but with modern comfort where it counts. There is a big upper sun deck for views and shade hunting, and two lower deck salons that are fully air conditioned and decorated in a pirate theme.

What that means for you is simple. When the boat is traveling, you can spread out instead of being pressed into a single viewing corner. When you need a breather from sun or salt air, you can retreat downstairs without losing the vibe of the day.

I also like the way the meal fits the trip. Lunch is served in the salon as an open buffet, so you’re not stuck eating on deck while the boat keeps rocking. It makes the meal feel like a real break, not a rushed stop.

Your Hurghada Pickup, Timing, and What the 5.5 Hours Really Feels Like

The trip is listed at about 5 hours 30 minutes. The actual pace is built around sailing out, spending a long stretch in the water, eating, then heading back. Transfers are included, so you’re not managing taxis or finding a marina at 9 am feeling half awake.

Timing changes a bit by day:

• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: about 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Saturday and Wednesday: about 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm

So if you’re trying to plan around other activities, pick your day carefully. Morning tours are easier for full-day planning, while afternoon tours can work nicely if you want a later start, especially if you’re already tired of early heat.

This tour also uses a mobile ticket, and you’ll get confirmation at booking time. And yes, it depends on weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Sailing Out for Snorkeling: How the Day Is Structured

The basic flow is straightforward and well paced. You sail for about one hour toward snorkeling sites, then you have two snorkel stops of about one hour each, both fully guided. After that, you eat, then return to the marina.

Here’s why that structure matters. Two separate snorkeling windows mean you are not stuck betting the day on one single spot. It also gives you a built-in rhythm. You rest, gear up, go in with guidance, come back, reset, and do it again.

Also note that the snorkels are described as optional. That’s good for you if you’re traveling with kids or non-swimmers who still want to be part of the boat day. You can enjoy the deck time and the Orange Bay break even if you skip one of the water sessions.

The Two Guided Snorkel Stops: What to Expect and How to Make It Better

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not hunting for masks and snorkels in a shop the night before. Each snorkeling stop is guided and lasts about an hour. That guidance is where your confidence comes from, especially in a busy place like the Red Sea where currents, depth, and entry points can vary.

What you should do to get the most out of it:

• Bring your own sunscreen if your skin burns easily. You do not want to guess.
• If you can, wear a rash guard. It makes long water time feel easier.
• Keep your snorkel sessions relaxed. The best view comes from steady breathing, not sprinting around.

You’ll likely see better results if you treat both stops as separate opportunities rather than one long effort. Even if the first stop is your favorite, the second can still be worth it because you have another chance to find the right area and focus.

Orange Bay: Your Relaxation Time After the Water

Orange Bay is where the pace softens. After the guided snorkeling windows, you get time to relax at Orange Bay. This is valuable because boat days can get intense if every hour is about activity.

Think of Orange Bay as your chance to:

• dry off slowly
• take photos without rushing
• let kids reset after being geared up and excited

If you want a calmer moment in the middle of the adventure, this is the part that gives it balance. It also helps you avoid the common travel feeling of always being in motion with no time to just breathe.

The Buffet Lunch That Actually Holds Up

The on-board buffet lunch is one of the most practical reasons this tour works. You’re not paying extra for food later, and the menu is broad enough to cover different tastes.

Lunch includes:

• Sea food soup
• 3 types of fresh salad
• Rice, pasta, potatoes
• Shrimp, calamari, fish
• Chicken and kofta
• Seasonal fresh fruit

A trip like this can go sideways if the food is limited or mostly basic sides. Here, you get multiple protein options and the standard carbs that help you feel human again after saltwater and sun.

One heads up: snacks are not included. So if you want something extra between lunch and the next swim, bring it with you or plan to eat outside the tour before you head back.

Kids and Family Fun Without the Chaos

This is a family-friendly pirate-style sail, and the ship is built to keep kids entertained while adults enjoy the ride. There are organized activities such as treasure hunts and kid-focused games. That kind of structure is underrated, because it reduces the amount of managing you have to do.

If you’re traveling with children, this matters. Kids can burn energy while you stay relaxed on deck. If you’re not traveling with kids, you’ll still enjoy the atmosphere, just don’t expect a quiet, adult-only spa day. It’s more playful by design.

The best part is that it does not feel like an add-on. It’s part of the pirate theme, and it supports the family-friendly schedule rather than fighting it.

Ship Comfort: Air-Conditioned Salons for the In-Between Hours

The ship has two lower deck salons that are fully air conditioned. That’s a big deal in Hurghada sun, especially when you have a boat day that includes gear time and long stretches outside.

Why it’s worth caring about:

• You can cool down after snorkeling.
• You can eat in comfort.
• You can rest without losing the sense of being on a special vessel.

It is one of those details that changes how the day feels, even if you do not notice it right away. You’ll notice it when the sun is doing its thing and you want a break.

Price and Value: Is $78.11 a Smart Deal?

At $78.11 per person, this tour is priced like a solid mid-range boat experience in the Hurghada area. For the money, you get door-to-door hotel transfer, a guided two-stop snorkeling schedule, included snorkeling equipment, and a full buffet lunch.

To judge value, look at what you would have to pay if you did it on your own:

• transport to a marina and back
• boat fare
• snorkeling gear rental
• a meal after snorkeling
• and the guided support

This package bundles those pieces, which is why it can make sense even if you already have snorkeling experience. You also get the pirate-themed ship, which is not a small detail for a half-day outing. It adds to the experience rather than just being a marketing label.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour fits best if you:

• want a family-friendly day with organized kid activities
• want guided snorkeling at two sites without managing gear yourself
• prefer a boat with comfort, not just open-deck heat

You might choose something else if:

• you want a totally quiet, adult-only cruise
• you hate the idea of weather-dependent operations
• you expect snacks to be part of the deal, since snacks are not included

If you’re a strong swimmer and love snorkeling, you’ll still enjoy having two guided opportunities. If you’re traveling with mixed abilities, the optional nature of the snorkels helps keep everyone included in the day.

Practical Tips So the Day Feels Smooth

The tour is simple, but a few smart moves help:

• Bring a small dry bag for phones and valuables.
• Wear a swim shirt or use reef-friendly sunscreen.
• If you get motion sick easily, consider what usually helps you on boats.
• Pack a towel or something to handle wet gear, since you will be snorkeling twice.

Also, have a plan for snacks. Lunch is included, but you may want something small for the gaps, especially if you’re traveling with kids who get hungry fast.

Should You Book This Pirate Sail to Orange Bay?

I’d book it if you want a pirate themed boat day that actually delivers on snorkeling time, comfort, and a real lunch. The combination of two guided snorkel stops, Orange Bay relaxation, and a ship designed with air-conditioned space makes it feel well put together for a half-day outing.

Don’t overthink it. Just match it to your travel style. If you’re bringing kids, it’s a strong match because the activities are built in. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, it still works because it is guided, organized, and you get two chances to see the Red Sea, not just one.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada Pirates sailing boat to Orange Bay?

It runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What are the tour times by day?

From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Saturday and Wednesday it runs from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Hurghada?

Yes. Hurghada hotel transfers are included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. You get use of snorkeling equipment.

Are the snorkel stops guided?

Yes. You have two guided snorkeling stops, each lasting about 1 hour.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes, brunch is included. The buffet lunch menu includes seafood soup, several salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Do I need to bring snacks?

Snacks are not included, so you may want to bring your own.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 45 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.