PRIVATE! | Full Day Charter Boat Trip| Up to 14 | Snorkeling and Islands tour

A private boat day in the Red Sea.

This private charter from Hurghada Marina is built for flexibility: you get guided snorkel stops at coral reefs, time around the Giftun Islands, and a day that can be adjusted to your group’s vibe. Marine life is the headline here, with manta rays and colorful fish showing up around the reefs, and dolphins sometimes joining the route.

I especially love the personal attention. With your group only on board, the captain can work the day like a route planner, not a schedule, so you spend your time where the water (and sightings) are best. I also really like the food and drinks onboard: lunch plus coffee or tea, snacks, bottled water, and plenty of fruit to keep you energized between snorkel sessions.

One consideration: the island part can cost extra if you want the beach club style stops. Eden Island, Orange Bay, and Paradise Island are listed as optional with entry fees, so decide up front if you want beach time beyond the included Giftun stop, then plan your budget accordingly.

Key things that make this charter worth your attention

• Private boat, your group only: no waiting around for other people, and the crew can adapt the day.
• Snorkeling time at multiple reef zones: you’ll have set time at both Omo Gamaar and Carless Reef.
• Marine life you can actually recognize: clownfish, Picasso fish, morays, eels, and manta rays are all mentioned as possible sightings.
• Onboard lunch is part of the deal: coffee or tea, snacks, lunch, and bottled water come with the trip.
• Giftun Islands include one stop, plus optional beach add-ons: Eden Island, Orange Bay, and Paradise Island have separate entry fees.
• A bigger-boat feel helps with comfort: one guest described a roomy 22-metre boat with space to shift between sun and shade.

Hurghada private boat energy: why this beats big group cruises

A big group boat can feel like a moving bus. This one feels more like a day you own.

First, it’s private. Your group stays together, and you’re not sharing your attention with dozens of strangers. That matters when snorkeling depends on conditions and when you want the crew to slow down for photos, adjust for comfort, or take a second look at a reef.

Second, the day is set up for flexibility. A captain will plan the route, but the vibe is not rigid. One review described how the captain started at a farther end and worked back, which is exactly the kind of captain thinking that can help you find quieter snorkel moments. Another guest also said short-notice route changes were possible, which is a huge win when you’re trying to match the day to dolphins, shade, or your group’s comfort level.

Finally, the crew structure makes it feel personal. You might meet a captain who’s focused on navigation and sightings, plus staff dedicated to onboard cooking and snorkeling support. Names you may hear include crew members like Yousuf and Ayad, and snorkeling help credited to Samir, with a cook referenced as Regyep in one account. When the staff roles are clear, the day runs smoother.

Getting to Hurghada Marina and what the 8 hours actually feel like

The day starts at Hurghada Marina, where you board and get your bearings fast. The tour runs about 8 hours, and the timing is built around short reef stops plus optional beach time.

If you want hotel pickup, you may need to pay extra depending on where you’re staying. Inside Hurghada is listed at 15 euros, Sahl Hasheesh at 20 euros, and Makadi or Gouna at 25 euros. That’s useful because it means you can budget for it like part of the trip, rather than being surprised later.

On board, you’ll find practical basics that keep the day from feeling stressful. The trip includes a restroom on board, and you’ll have bottled water plus coffee or tea and snacks. You also get snorkeling equipment, so you’re not stuck hunting for gear last minute in a tourist shop.

One small detail I appreciate: you get a mobile ticket. In busy port areas, anything that reduces paperwork helps.

Snorkeling at Omo Gamaar and Carless Reef: what you should expect

This is a snorkeling-focused day, and the reef stops are where the magic is supposed to happen.

Stop at Omo Gamaar: coral and colorful fish

You’ll spend about 30 minutes at Omo Gamaar. This stop is listed as a reef area with coral and fish like:

• blackback butterfly fish
• Picasso fish
• Red Sea clownfish

There’s also mention of animals you might spot, including morays and eels, and manta rays are listed as possible. Dolphins are also mentioned as sometimes showing up. The big takeaway? This isn’t just a generic swimming stop. It’s a reef target.

Stop at Carless Reef: longer snorkel time, ticket included

Then you get about 45 minutes at Carless Reef, and this one includes the admission ticket. The fish list overlaps because these reefs sit in the same general ecosystem, but the extra time is a clear signal: this is one of the main snorkeling moments of the day.

In real-world terms, that longer window is what lets you do it comfortably. You can go in, look around, come back for air, then go back in without feeling like you’re racing the clock.

Gear and support make a difference

Because snorkeling equipment is provided, the crew can spend less time on gear-fitting drama and more time on getting you into the water safely. In one account, a guide named Samir supported a snorkeler who had anxiety about going in. That’s exactly the kind of situation where calm coaching is worth more than any fancy reef.

Tip if you’re bringing kids or first-timers: one guest suggested practicing in a pool first so kids feel confident. It’s a smart move. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, it reduces stress when you hit open water and a current.

Also, bring along your own comfort items if you’re picky. A well-fitting mask matters more than most souvenirs.

Giftun Islands: the included stop plus the beach add-ons

Giftun Islands time is where the trip can swing from reef viewing to full beach relaxation.

The included Giftun Islands stop

You’ll have a 30-minute stop at the Giftun Islands, with admission ticket included. The key is that it’s not automatically the same “beach club” experience people picture from brochures.

One operator clarification you should take seriously is this: the included beaches on the Giftun area can be different from the optional beach stops. An included shallow sandbank option was referenced as Abu Minqar, while Orange Bay, Paradise Island, and Eden Island are described as optional add-ons with separate entry fees.

So if your priority is just calm water and a reef-adjacent hang, the included stop may be enough. If your priority is beach lounging at specific named spots, you’ll likely want to add one.

Optional beach stops: Eden Island, Orange Bay, Paradise Island

These are optional, each with about 2 hours of time, and each has the same entry-fee structure:

• Eden Island Hurghada: 10 euros per adult, 5 euros per child
• Orange Bay: 10 euros per adult, 5 euros per child
• Paradise Island: 10 euros per adult, 5 euros per child

What’s the difference in feel?

• Eden Island is described as a top beach experience with comfort-focused facilities, good for couples and families, with restaurants and bars nearby.
• Orange Bay is described as a shallow-water lake-like setting with music and services, plus massage and bar options.
• Paradise Island is described as eco-tourism focused with virgin-blue waters and a white sand beach, with fine food and a fun crowd.

If you like having options, this setup is great. If you want everything included with zero extra planning, it can feel like a second decision process once you’re already on the water.

Lunch, drinks, and onboard touches that keep the day easy

A snorkeling day can turn into chaos if food is an afterthought. This one treats food like a real part of the schedule.

Included onboard you get:

• Lunch
• Coffee and/or tea
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• A fridge with drinks is mentioned by a guest who described it as huge

People also talk about how the lunch is fresh and satisfying. One guest described the lunch as superb and freshly prepared on board by the cook Regyep. Another account credited a captain and chef team for a first-class lunch, and there’s mention of fruit platters with mango and sweets.

Even small onboard extras help. One review mentioned speakers on board, which can keep the day feeling lively without needing to shout over engine noise.

Practical advice: eat early enough that you’re fueled for the second snorkel or island time. Then reapply sunscreen before you go back in, because time on the water adds up fast even when the air feels fine.

Price and value: is $324.41 per group a good deal?

The listed price is $324.41 per group (up to 8), and the charter is described as up to 14 on the boat. That matters because you should confirm the exact per-person cost logic for your group size. If you’re traveling with a larger party, this private format can become very cost-effective compared with paying solo for individual spots.

Here’s how I judge the value:

• You’re paying for time control. Instead of waiting in line, you’re on the water with your own crew attention.
• You’re paying for snorkeling support and gear. Equipment and coaching reduce friction, especially for first-timers.
• You’re paying for an included meal. A good lunch onboard can save money and time compared to trying to find food later.

Now add the potential cost of optional island beaches. Eden Island, Orange Bay, and Paradise Island come with extra entry fees of 10 euros adult and 5 euros child. If you add all the optional beaches, your total day costs rise fast. But if you pick one beach stop and focus on reef time, it stays predictable.

So the real question for value is simple: how many people are in your group, and do you want optional beach add-ons? If you’re splitting the charter cost and you’ll only add one island lounge, this tends to land in the “worth it” category.

Weather, sea conditions, and how to plan your day smartly

This experience requires good weather. That’s not just legal wording. Snorkeling depends on sea conditions, and the ability to enjoy a calm, safe water day affects everything from comfort to visibility.

If weather cancels the trip, you should expect a different date option or a full refund. That’s the kind of safety net you want for an 8-hour water day.

In your own planning, I’d do two things:

• Schedule a backup day if you can, so you’re not stuck making hard decisions if the sea turns messy.
• Pack for sun and splash. Even if it clouds up, you’re still in strong Red Sea sun.

Who should book this private charter, and who might feel disappointed

This is a great fit if you want a private day on the water, you care about snorkeling quality, and you like having your time handled by a competent captain and crew.

It also works well for:

• families with kids who need patience and support in the water
• couples who want beach time without sharing it with a crowd
• small groups who want to plan the day around their energy level, not a mass schedule
• anyone who feels nervous about snorkeling and wants staff help

One caution based on an unhappy experience: if you expect a full “island tour” with beach lounging at the named locations as part of the base price, you could feel blindsided. The optional beach stops are clearly separate add-ons, and in at least one case, a guest felt the day leaned more toward snorkeling than island lounging because the optional parts were not what they expected. If islands are your top priority, ask which Giftun beach option is included versus optional before you go, and decide early.

Should you book this private boat tour or skip it?

Book it if you want a calmer, more flexible day than big-group cruises, and you’re excited about coral reefs and colorful fish. The combination of private charter, included snorkel gear, reef time at Omo Gamaar and Carless Reef, and lunch onboard is a strong package for a Red Sea day.

Skip it or choose a different style if you want the day to be mainly beach clubs at Eden Island, Orange Bay, and Paradise Island, with no extra fees or decisions. In that case, you’ll probably spend time thinking about add-ons while you’re on the boat.

My practical checklist before booking:

• Confirm which Giftun Islands stop you’ll get and whether it will feel like beach time or sandbank time.
• Decide if you want Eden Island, Orange Bay, or Paradise Island, then budget the entry fee for each.
• If you need pickup, verify the transfer cost for your exact area (inside Hurghada versus Sahl Hasheesh versus Makadi or Gouna).
• If anyone in your group is nervous about snorkeling, tell the crew early. The support style can make the difference between avoiding the water and having a dream day.

If you match those priorities, this is the kind of outing that can become the highlight of your Hurghada trip.

FAQ

What does the tour include for food and drinks?

Lunch is included, along with coffee and/or tea, snacks, and bottled water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I have to pay for the national park ticket?

No. There are no hidden fees for the national park ticket, and it is included.

Are Eden Island, Orange Bay, and Paradise Island included?

They are optional. Each has an entry fee listed as 10 euros per adult and 5 euros per child, and each includes about 2 hours of time.

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts from Hurghada Marina.

Is hotel transfer included?

Transfers are not included for the full group. If you want pickup, the listed additional cost depends on area: 15 euros inside Hurghada, 20 euros for Sahl Hasheesh, and 25 euros for Makadi or Gouna.

What if the weather is poor?

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