Yacht charter

The types of boats to charter in Hurghada

Depending on your sailing plans and the size of your group, several types of boats are available departing from Hurghada and the Red Sea:

• Chartering a crewed catamaran is the most popular option in the Red Sea. Its spacious cabins and stability make it the ideal platform for swimming, snorkeling and diving, with family or friends.
• Chartering a motor yacht prioritizes comfort, luxury and fast travel between sites. A dedicated crew looks after every moment of your stay on board.
• The diving cruise: board a boat designed to explore the reefs, with a dive guide on board and stops as close as possible to the finest spots in the Red Sea.

The services offered for your yacht charter in Hurghada

Here are the different options we offer for sailing in the Red Sea:

• Chartering a boat with a skipper: a professional skipper takes charge of the sailing. Their knowledge of the channels between the reefs and the best anchorages guarantees you a safe and serene cruise.
• Chartering a boat with a crew: generally included on yachts and large catamarans. A typical crew comprises a captain, a cook and a hostess, entirely dedicated to your comfort. For a catamaran charter in Egypt, the crew is offered depending on the model and size of the boat.
• The cabin cruise: you charter a cabin on a human-scale cruise boat, shared with other passengers. A professional crew handles the sailing, meals and onboard service. It is the ideal choice for traveling alone or as a couple, without chartering the entire boat.

Please note: in the Red Sea, sailing is done with a skipper or with a crew. Bareboat chartering (without a skipper) is not offered, owing to Egyptian regulations and the density of the reefs, which requires a perfect knowledge of the area.

How much does a yacht charter in Hurghada cost?

In the Red Sea, boats are chartered with a crew, by the week. A crewed catamaran is for example available from $19,500 per week departing from Hurghada. Rates depend mainly on the model, size, equipment and age of the boat, and not on the season. The following table gives you an estimate for a yacht charter in Egypt.

For a cabin cruise, the rate is calculated per person and not for the whole boat. It is the most affordable option for discovering the Red Sea as a couple or solo. Contact us to find out the prices depending on the boat and the duration.

The price includes: the yacht charter, the professional crew and the main equipment on board (bedding, dishware, tender, onboard equipment).

The price does not include: provisioning and drinks, fuel, port and mooring fees, crew tips, transfers, as well as extras (guided dives, equipment rental, kayak, paddleboard...).

If you are interested in chartering a yacht in Egypt, we encourage you to contact us directly to access our price list. Prices can vary greatly depending on the yacht model. Our advisors will send you the available rates depending on the model and the period.

We recommend opting for our cancellation insurance when you book your yacht charter in Hurghada. This insurance protects all members of the crew, unlike individual cancellation insurance or that offered by your bank card, which only covers the holder.

Where to sail in the Red Sea departing from Hurghada?

From watching dolphins in the Shaab El Erg lagoon to the crystal-clear waters of the Giftun Islands, by way of the unspoiled reefs of the south, every stop promises wonderful discoveries. Between swimming, snorkeling and diving, the Red Sea lends itself to every program. To find out where to go in Egypt beyond the sea, and for a turnkey cruise, also discover our Egypt cruise offer.

Several sailing areas are accessible from Hurghada:

• The islands of Hurghada. Giftun, Abu Ramada and the Shaab El Erg lagoon (nicknamed Dolphin House) offer spectacular seabeds and sites accessible to all, a short sail away.
• El Gouna. A seaside resort and modern marina located around twenty kilometers north of Hurghada, it is a comfortable and well-equipped departure point.
• Safaga and Soma Bay. South of Hurghada, these bays renowned for their wind and the quality of their reefs appeal to lovers of water sports and diving.
• The south and Marsa Alam. Wilder and more unspoiled reefs, ideal for watching dolphins and abundant wildlife, for sailors seeking tranquility.
• The offshore reefs. Reserved for diving cruises and accessible only by boat, the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone are among the most legendary dive sites in the Red Sea.

To prepare for your trip, take inspiration from our sailing itinerary in Egypt.

Sailing conditions in the Red Sea

The prevailing wind in the Red Sea blows from the north and northwest. It is steady, generally between 15 and 25 knots, and strengthens in the afternoon. In summer, it can exceed 25 to 30 knots on certain routes, particularly in the northern part.

Sailing is done on sight, between numerous and sometimes surfacing reefs. It requires a good knowledge of the area, which explains the systematic presence of a skipper or crew on board.

Thanks to its desert climate, the Red Sea can be sailed all year round. The water stays warm (above 70°F even in winter) and the sunshine is exceptional, with more than 300 days of sun per year.

Distances vary according to your program: the sites around Hurghada can be reached in a few hours, whereas the reefs of the south involve longer sailing, reserved for diving cruises.

When to sail in the Red Sea?

Hurghada's climate is a desert one: very hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters. Sailing is possible all year round. Spring (from March to May) and fall (from September to November) offer the most pleasant conditions, with temperatures between 77 and 91°F and warm water. These same months are also the most suitable for an Egypt river cruise on the Nile, combining sea and river in a single trip. Summer remains ideal for swimming despite the high temperatures, and winter charms with its mildness.

Here is an average of the temperatures recorded over recent years in Hurghada:

Formalities for sailing in the Red Sea

In the Red Sea, since sailing is done with a skipper or crew, no boat license is required from the client. The charter company and the crew take charge of the sailing authorizations and compliance with regulated areas.

To enter Egypt, you must have a passport valid for at least six months after the return date, as well as an Egyptian visa (e-visa or visa on arrival). For diving cruises, a certification level and a dive log may be required depending on the sites visited.

Useful information for your yacht charter in Hurghada

What language is spoken in Egypt?

The official language is Arabic. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas such as Hurghada, and French is understood in many establishments.

What currency should I use in Egypt?

The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Euros and dollars are often accepted in the tourist sector, and bank cards can be used in major hotels and shops.

How to get to Hurghada?

Numerous direct flights and charters connect the main European cities to Hurghada International Airport (HRG). El Gouna is about 25 minutes' drive to the north, while Safaga and Soma Bay are to the south, around an hour away.

Do you need a boat license to sail in the Red Sea?

No. In Egypt, sailing is necessarily done with a skipper or crew: no license is required from the client. The charter company and the crew handle the sailing authorizations.

How long does it take to reach the Giftun Islands from Hurghada?

The Giftun Islands are around 11 km from Hurghada, that is 45 minutes to an hour by a standard boat, and 20 to 30 minutes by a fast boat.

Can you watch dolphins during a cruise in Hurghada?

Yes. The Shaab El Erg lagoon, nicknamed Dolphin House, is renowned for its long-beaked dolphins. Sightings nevertheless remain dependent on the presence of the animals and are never guaranteed.

What is the underwater visibility in the Red Sea?

The Red Sea offers some of the best visibility in the world, generally 20 to 30 meters, and able to exceed 30 meters on the offshore reefs in good conditions.

How do I finalize the booking of my boat in Hurghada?

As soon as we receive your charter request, one of our advisors will call you to discuss your cruise plans. They will then send you boat suggestions by email. Once the boat has been chosen, you can pay a deposit via your client area to confirm the booking.

Do you need a diving level for a cruise in the Red Sea?

It all depends on the sites. The reefs around Hurghada (Giftun Islands, Shaab El Erg) are accessible to beginners and for snorkeling. The offshore reefs such as the Brothers, Daedalus or Elphinstone, however, require experience and a good diving level.