REVIEW · HURGHADA
PRIVATE! | Full Day Charter Boat Trip| Up to 14 | Snorkeling and Islands tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Egyptboats & Privatehurghada.com · Bookable on Viator
Your own Red Sea schedule.
This private full-day charter from Hurghada Marina mixes snorkeling with island hopping, with coral-rich reefs where you might spot manta rays and colorful reef fish. I love how the day is built around flexibility, so you’re not stuck watching a rigid group plan.
Two standouts are easy to spot: the included lunch and drinks plus snacks/tea/coffee, and the provided snorkeling gear so you can get in the water without extra hassle. One thing to keep in mind is that some of the island beach stops (like Eden Island, Orange Beach, and Paradise Island) are optional and cost extra.
In This Review
- Quick take on what makes this trip special
- Private charter from Hurghada Marina: why this feels worth it
- Price and value: what $324.41 includes (and what to watch)
- Optional island fees can change your total
- Stop-by-stop: Omo Gamaar and Carless Reef snorkeling time
- Omo Gamaar: coral and reef fish in a 30-minute slot
- Carless Reef: the longer snorkeling moment (45 minutes)
- Eden Island, Orange Beach, and Paradise Island: how to use the optional beach time
- Eden Island Hurghada
- Orange Beach (Big Giftun area)
- Paradise Island
- One important expectation check
- Giftun Islands stop: short, scenic, and ticket-covered
- What the crew experience usually feels like on the water
- On-board comfort: lunch, snacks, and the small things that matter
- Transfers and getting to the marina without wasting your energy
- Who should book this private charter (and who should think twice)
- Should you book this private boat trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the private boat trip?
- Where does the trip start?
- Is this a private tour?
- How many people can the boat accommodate?
- What snorkeling gear is included?
- What food and drinks are included?
- Are national park fees included?
- Are the island beach stops included in the price?
- What are the transfer costs if I want hotel pickup?
- What kind of marine life might you see?
- Does weather affect the trip?
Quick take on what makes this trip special
- Private boat, your group only: no crowd shuffle, no waiting on strangers.
- Snorkel-focused itinerary: reef time at Omo Gamaar and Carless Reef, plus optional beach stops.
- Marine life chances: manta rays, clownfish, Picasso fish, eels, morays, and sometimes dolphins.
- Included food and water: lunch, beverages, coffee/tea, snacks, and bottled water on board.
- Park fees handled: the national park ticket is included in the price.
- Route can be tailored: you can request changes on the fly if you want to adjust the vibe.
Private charter from Hurghada Marina: why this feels worth it

The first big difference with this kind of day is the control. You start at Hurghada Marina and then you’re not stuck in “sit, follow, repeat” mode. On a private boat, the crew can pace the day around what you want most: more time in the water, a calmer break, or a stop that’s better aligned with your group’s energy.
I also like that the trip is set up to work for both snorkelers and non-snorkelers. Even if you’re not in the water the whole time, you still get island scenery and time to relax. And because you’re limited to your group, you can actually hear the captain and crew when they explain what you’re looking at underwater.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
Price and value: what $324.41 includes (and what to watch)

The price shown is $324.41 per group (up to 8), and the boat is described as able to take up to 14. That capacity detail matters, because if your group is larger than 8, you’ll want to confirm how pricing works for your exact headcount.
Here’s why the value can make sense: the trip bundles the stuff that usually adds up on Red Sea boat days.
- Lunch and beverages are included
- Coffee/tea and snacks are included
- Bottled water is included
- Snorkeling gear is included
- National park ticket is included
- There’s a restroom on board
So you’re not paying separately for basic day necessities. The common add-ons mostly come from the optional beach island stops, where entry fees apply.
Optional island fees can change your total
Eden Island, Orange Beach, and Paradise Island each have an entry fee listed as 10€ per adult and 5€ per child, and each stop is optional (about 2 hours). That’s the main “gotcha” to plan around: if you want beach time at these locations, budget for it.
Stop-by-stop: Omo Gamaar and Carless Reef snorkeling time
This is where the day earns its keep. You’ll spend dedicated reef time at two classic points.
Omo Gamaar: coral and reef fish in a 30-minute slot
Omo Gamaar is a 30-minute stop aimed at getting you into the action. The plan is focused on coral reef viewing and fish life. The marine life listed for this area includes Picasso fish, Red Sea clownfish, blackback butterfly fish, and blue spotted manta rays (not guaranteed, but possible). You may also see animals like morays and eels.
The short time window is actually useful. Reef snorkeling works best when you’re not overthinking it. You get a targeted water session, then move on while the day still feels fresh.
Carless Reef: the longer snorkeling moment (45 minutes)
Carless Reef is scheduled for about 45 minutes, and it’s the stop where the admission ticket is included. This is likely your best chance to settle into the water and really look around. The same kind of reef life is listed: clownfish, Picasso fish, manta rays (again, not a promise), plus morays and eels.
If you’re a first-time snorkeler, I like that the reef time is long enough to build confidence. And based on real-world experiences shared with this operator, the crew often helps people who feel nervous in the water.
Eden Island, Orange Beach, and Paradise Island: how to use the optional beach time

The itinerary includes beach options that let you trade some snorkeling for sand-and-shade time. Each one runs about 2 hours, and each one has that 10€ adult / 5€ child entry fee.
Eden Island Hurghada
Eden Island is described as a top beach setup with services through restaurants and bars, plus a focus on comfort. It’s positioned especially well for couples, but it also fits families looking for a fun break between snorkel spots.
If your group wants the “pretty beach postcard” moment, Eden Island is usually the easiest choice because it’s clearly framed as a relax-and-hang-out destination.
Orange Beach (Big Giftun area)
Orange Beach is listed as in a national park area on Big Giftun Island, about 40 minutes by boat from Hurghada. It’s described with shallow waters, plus amenities like music, massage service, and a bar.
This is a good pick if your group includes mixed snorkel ability. The shallow-water vibe can help some people feel more comfortable, while others snorkel when they’re ready.
Paradise Island
Paradise Island is another eco-tourism-style beach stop with a white sand area and virgin blue-water scenery. It’s also described with fine food, great music, and a fun crowd.
I’d choose Paradise Island if your group wants a more energetic island day rather than quiet beach time.
One important expectation check
One negative experience highlighted a mismatch: the trip can include snorkeling as the main event, while island beach stops like Paradise can be optional and paid separately. So if you want beach time, I’d make your priorities crystal clear before you set off.
Giftun Islands stop: short, scenic, and ticket-covered

The Giftun Islands stop is about 30 minutes, and this part lists an admission ticket included. The Giftun area is split into two islands:
- Giftun Kebir (Big Giftun), closer west to Hurghada
- Giftun Soraya (Little Giftun), farther east
The trip treats this as a quick scenic break rather than a full all-day island hang. If you’re the kind of person who loves getting a taste without losing the whole day, that timing can feel just right.
What the crew experience usually feels like on the water
For me, the strongest recurring theme is attention. People consistently describe the captain and crew as friendly and professional, with a focus on keeping everyone taken care of.
Some examples of roles and names you may run into include:
- Samir helping with snorkeling
- Regyep preparing the on-board lunch
- Captains described with names like Mohammed
- Extra crew support like Yousuf and Ayad on some trips
- An owner mentioned as Mark
You’ll also see a theme of personalization. One experience noted the captain arranged the route in a way that avoided crowding at snorkel sites, working from the farthest end back toward the start. Another highlighted that the crew helped them track dolphins and adjust the day to what the group wanted.
If you have someone in the group who gets anxious in open water, that’s worth saying upfront. In past experiences shared with this operator, the captain helped nervous snorkelers directly.
On-board comfort: lunch, snacks, and the small things that matter

This trip stands out for how much food and drink you get for the day length. You’re not just getting a sandwich and a shrug.
Included:
- Lunch with food prepared on board
- Beverages
- Fruits/snacks (mentioned in experiences)
- Coffee/tea
- Bottled water
- Restroom on board
- Snorkeling equipment provided
One practical note from a larger group experience: the boat setup included room to move around depending on whether someone wanted sun or shade. That matters because it keeps the day comfortable even if the mood shifts from active to relaxed.
Transfers and getting to the marina without wasting your energy
The trip offers pickup on request, but transfers are not always included by default for the whole group. The listed costs are:
- 15€ inside Hurghada
- 20€ for Sahl Hasheesh
- 25€ for Makadi or Gouna
If you’re already staying near the marina, it can be less painful to arrange your own ride to reduce last-minute searching. One tip from a past booking: Uber is mentioned as available in the Hurghada area and can be cheaper than a hotel shuttle.
The best approach is simple: confirm pickup timing and the pick-up point location before the day starts, so you’re not guessing at the gate.
Who should book this private charter (and who should think twice)
This trip fits best if you want:
- A private boat day rather than a large group cruise
- Snorkeling as the headline, not just a quick swim
- A crew that tends to help people feel comfortable in the water
- Included lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear without extra bill surprises
It’s especially good for couples, families, and friend groups who care about pacing. People also describe it as a hit for larger groups (within the private booking structure), because you can keep moving between spots without feeling trapped.
Think twice if:
- Your main goal is a full island-hopping beach day at specific resorts
- You expect every beach island to be included without extra entry fees
- Your group wants a totally fixed route with no flexibility
Should you book this private boat trip?
If your ideal Hurghada day includes reef snorkeling plus a chance at dolphins, this charter is an easy “yes” to consider. The combination of included meals, gear, park ticket, and multiple reef-and-island moments makes it feel more complete than many bargain cruises.
I’d book it if you’re clear about priorities up front—especially whether you want Eden Island, Orange Beach, or Paradise Island. If beach time is a must, budget the optional entry fees and ask the crew to match your plan to your group.
On the other hand, if your expectation is that all island stops are included by default, set that straight before departure. The snorkeling-focused parts are definitely built in; the beach islands are the flexible extras.
In short: this is a strong choice for a customized, crew-led day on the water where snorkeling is taken seriously and comfort is handled.
FAQ
How long is the private boat trip?
It’s listed as 8 hours (approx.).
Where does the trip start?
All trips start from Hurghada Marina.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s described as a private tour restricted to your group.
How many people can the boat accommodate?
The tour description says up to 14. The price is shown as $324.41 per group (up to 8), so confirm the exact pricing for groups over 8.
What snorkeling gear is included?
You get use of snorkeling equipment included.
What food and drinks are included?
The trip includes lunch, beverages, coffee and/or tea, and snacks, plus bottled water.
Are national park fees included?
Yes. The national park ticket is included (no hidden fees).
Are the island beach stops included in the price?
Some are optional and not included. Eden Island, Orange Beach, and Paradise Island each have an entry fee listed as 10€ per adult and 5€ per child.
What are the transfer costs if I want hotel pickup?
Transfer service on request is listed as 15€ inside Hurghada, 20€ for Sahl Hasheesh, and 25€ for Makadi or Gouna.
What kind of marine life might you see?
The tour listing includes possible sightings of manta rays, clownfish, Picasso fish, morays, eels, and dolphins sometimes, depending on conditions.
Does weather affect the trip?
Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

























