REVIEW · HURGHADA
Luxury Cruise inc. Snorkeling/Massage/Island/water sport & Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Royal Cruise Hurghada · Bookable on Viator
One boat, six reasons to love the Red Sea. This full-day Hurghada yacht trip strings together Giftun Islands views, snorkeling, water sports, and even a back massage, with upbeat guides like Hisham and Andrew keeping the day on track.
I like that your lunch is truly part of the plan (seafood buffet, BBQ, lots of sides), and I also like the included massage—it’s a rare treat built into an activity-heavy day. The main drawback to consider: if you only want light snorkeling, this can still feel like a “do more” day, and snorkeling time/equipment quality can vary.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Book This For
- One Morning, Six Activities on the Red Sea
- Orange Bay and Giftun Islands: the Island Time You’ll Remember
- Two Snorkeling Stops Plus Water Sports: What to Bring
- Scuba Try Option and Fishing Moments
- Lunch on Board: Seafood, BBQ, Juices, and Snacks
- Back Massage on a Moving Boat
- Dolphins, Weather, and the Reality Check
- Price and Practical Tips for Hurghada Pickups
- Should You Book This 6-in-1 Cruise?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- How long is the boat trip?
- Is snorkeling included?
- Do I get lunch on board?
- Is there a massage included?
- Are soft drinks and hot drinks included?
- Is there a chance to see dolphins?
- How big is the group?
- What should I do if weather cancels the trip?
Key Things I’d Book This For

- Giftun Islands National Park plus an Orange Bay stop for real island time
- Two snorkeling stops with equipment included (and a good chance to see lots of fish)
- Water sports time that can include classic rides like banana boats
- On-board buffet lunch with seafood, BBQ, salads, fruit, juices, and snacks
- Back massage for each guest to cool down after the sun and salt
- Big dolphin-spotting odds, though nature decides the final call
One Morning, Six Activities on the Red Sea

This tour is built like a full-day “greatest hits” sampler: boat ride, island breaks, snorkeling, water sports, a chance at dolphins, a proper lunch, and a back massage. It’s set up to move you around without making you think too hard—pickup gets you to the marina, the crew runs the schedule, and you just show up in swimsuit mode.
The timing is early. The stated start time is 7:30am, and some pickups run even earlier (for example, around 6:50am in past trips). The group is capped at 34 travelers, which tends to feel more manageable than those huge cattle-boat days.
If you like action-packed itineraries and don’t mind sun + salt + getting wet, this is a strong fit. If you want a slow, floating cruise with one short snorkel and nothing else, you may end up doing less than you’d hoped.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
Orange Bay and Giftun Islands: the Island Time You’ll Remember
The day focuses on Orange Bay and the Giftun Islands National Park area. Orange Bay is where you’ll get a chunk of on-island time, and it’s also where photo moments happen—people often head for well-known swing-style spots and quick “we were really there” pictures.
The Giftun Islands side is all about the Red Sea feel: bright water, marine scenery, and a sense of getting out of Hurghada and into something wilder. Even if dolphins don’t cooperate, the island scenery usually does.
A practical tip: go early in your thinking. When the boat arrives first, you spend less time waiting around and more time enjoying the beach and photo stops. That matters if you’re sharing space with other groups.
Two Snorkeling Stops Plus Water Sports: What to Bring

Snorkeling is one of the core reasons to book. You’ll do snorkeling by boat with two snorkeling stops and snorkeling equipment included. The crew and professional water-activity staff are set up to guide you, so you’re not figuring it out alone.
That said, one big consideration comes up in real-world feedback: snorkeling time can sometimes feel shorter than expected, and a couple of guests felt the gear wasn’t perfect. If you want the most comfortable fit, bring your own mask if you can. It’s an easy upgrade that prevents a lot of tiny misery.
Water sports add the adrenaline. There’s a water sport stop, and based on previous experiences, you may get inflatable-ride-style fun such as a banana boat. These rides are chaotic in the fun way, but you’ll want secure swimwear and dry clothes ready for after.
Also: bring a light jacket for the early hours. One reviewer noted it can feel chilly at the start, even though you’ll cook later in the day. And don’t assume you’ll have towels—some guests say towels are not provided, so pack one just to be safe.
Scuba Try Option and Fishing Moments

This trip is marketed as a multi-activity experience, and part of the “wow” factor is that staff help you try more than just basic snorkeling. Past descriptions include a trial scuba option with one-on-one instruction, led by an instructor (for example, Baracuda is named in reviews). If you’ve ever wanted to try scuba but felt nervous, this kind of close coaching can make a big difference.
You may also see fishing included in the mix as a try-it activity. Even if you don’t plan to catch anything, it’s one more way the day doesn’t feel repetitive.
The best advice: decide what level of participation you want before you step aboard. If you’re excited to do everything, you’ll love the pace. If you want to keep things low-key, focus on the island time and treat the water activities as optional add-ons rather than the whole point.
Lunch on Board: Seafood, BBQ, Juices, and Snacks
Here’s where the value really shows up. Lunch is included, and it’s not just one sad sandwich option. You get an open buffet with both seafood-style dishes and a BBQ-style spread.
On the menu, you’ll see:
- Seafood buffet items like vegetable soup, shrimps, and fish
- BBQ buffet items like oven chicken, beef kofta, oven potatoes, rice, and pasta
- 4 kinds of salads
- local fruits
- 2 times fresh juices
- soft drinks and hot drinks all inclusive
- snacks all inclusive
In plain terms: there’s enough variety to keep picky eaters happy, and vegetarians should be able to find choices—but seafood-heavy days are still seafood-heavy. One guest specifically didn’t love the fish focus, though they said there was enough food to keep them from going hungry.
For the best experience, fuel up before you swim. You don’t need a giant meal, but you’ll feel better once you’re back in the water again.
Back Massage on a Moving Boat
After you’ve done snorkeling, rides, and island time, the back massage is a smart “reset.” It’s included for each guest, and it turns the day from purely active into something more restorative—especially if you got sun-kissed or sore from water sport grips.
This is also where the trip differentiates itself from the basic boat-and-buffet tours. Most of the day is about the Red Sea; the massage brings your body back down to earth.
Tip: if you’re sensitive to massage pressure or timing, say something early. Like anything physical, the best sessions come from clear communication.
Dolphins, Weather, and the Reality Check
You’re booking with a big possibility to see dolphins, and the marketing even suggests strong odds. Still, dolphins are wildlife. Sometimes they show up close and fast; sometimes you get none.
One guest had the dolphin disappointment, even with the trip’s promise. That doesn’t mean the tour is bad—it means you’re choosing an ocean experience where the stars can’t be controlled.
Weather is another reality. This kind of sea trip depends on conditions. If the authorities cancel due to storms or rough weather, you should expect changes or refunds. One past cancellation happened for safety when the navy and authorities stopped sea trips for a few days.
If dolphins matter a lot to you, I’d book this with the mindset: dolphins are a bonus, not your only success criteria.
Price and Practical Tips for Hurghada Pickups
At $54 per person, this is priced like a value cruise—especially because transfers are included, plus snorkeling equipment, lunch, water sports, and a back massage. If you were paying for all those pieces separately, it would likely add up fast.
A couple of practical cost notes:
- Photos/videos from a photographer can be an extra expense. One guest said photo packages were around $35, and they felt it was steep.
- If you love “souvenir photos,” don’t assume they’re included. Ask what’s included before you buy.
For your packing list, I’d keep it simple:
- swimsuit + quick-dry clothes
- your own mask if you’re picky about fit
- sunscreen and sunglasses
- a light jacket for the early chilly start
- towel just in case
Finally, come ready for a day that runs. With up to 34 people, it’s still organized, but this is not the type of tour where you wander off and linger for hours.
Should You Book This 6-in-1 Cruise?
Book it if you want a busy, well-fed Red Sea day: islands, snorkeling stops, water sports, and a massage—without having to plan or rent a bunch of gear. It’s especially good for couples and families who like structured fun and want one ticket that covers most of the day’s highlights.
Skip it (or adjust expectations) if you want only a gentle snorkel and nothing else. A couple of reviews suggest snorkeling may not take up as much time as you’d hope, and gear comfort can be hit-or-miss. Also, if you’re vegetarian or avoid seafood, you’ll likely still find options, but the buffet leans seafood.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 7:30am.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel transfers/pickup are offered from the Hurghada area.
How long is the boat trip?
It lasts about 8 hours (approx.).
Is snorkeling included?
Yes. You get snorkeling by boat with 2 snorkeling stops, and snorkeling equipment is included.
Do I get lunch on board?
Yes. Lunch is included and served as an open buffet with seafood items and a BBQ spread, plus salads, fruits, drinks, and snacks.
Is there a massage included?
Yes. A back massage for each guest is included.
Are soft drinks and hot drinks included?
Yes. Soft drinks and hot drinks are included as part of the tour.
Is there a chance to see dolphins?
Yes. The tour offers a big possibility of seeing dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed.
How big is the group?
The tour has a maximum of 34 travelers.
What should I do if weather cancels the trip?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

























