Private Yacht Charter in Hurghada: trip overview
A private yacht turns the Red Sea into your own playground. There is no shared schedule: you decide when to leave, which reefs to snorkel and how long to stay on the beach, and the crew adapts the day to you.
It is a surprisingly good-value option for families and groups — divided between eight guests, a private charter often costs little more per person than premium shared trips. We can add a birthday cake, decorations or an extra snorkel guide on request, so it is also a favourite for honeymoons and proposals booked through Hurghada Day Trips.
Highlights
- Exclusive boat with captain, crew and snorkel guide
- Your choice of route: Giftun, Orange Bay, Magawish or quiet reefs
- Lunch cooked on board to your taste
- Flexible start time and duration
- Optional extras: cake, decorations, photographer
Your day, as it feels
There's a particular kind of calm that comes with a private boat. You board when you're ready, the crew greets you by name, and the captain asks a simple question: where would you like to go today?
Maybe it's a quiet reef the big boats skip, a long beach stop at Orange Bay, or an afternoon anchored in a turquoise lagoon with music playing and lunch being grilled just for you. Children nap in the shade when they need to, grandparents stay on deck, and the snorkel guide adjusts every stop to the people in your group.
For celebrations it becomes something even more special — a birthday cake at sunset, decorations on deck, or the perfect quiet moment for a proposal.
Why guests choose this trip with Hurghada Day Trips
Complete privacy
Only your group on board, with a crew focused entirely on you.
Your route, your pace
Choose reefs, beaches and timing — and change your mind on the day.
Surprisingly good value
Split between up to eight guests, it often costs little more than premium shared trips.
Made for moments
Cakes, decorations and photographers can be arranged in advance.
Itinerary, hour by hour
- Flexible
Private pickup
Your driver collects the group from the hotel at a time you choose.
- Morning
Sail and snorkel
Two or three reef stops of your choice.
- Midday
Beach and lunch
Anchor near an island beach; lunch is served on deck.
- Afternoon
Swim and relax
Sunbathe, swim off the platform, or add another reef.
- Late afternoon
Return
Private transfer back to your hotel.
Times are approximate and confirmed with your booking. Pickup times vary by hotel area — you receive yours the evening before.
Places you'll visit
On a private charter the captain plans the route with you. These are spots our guests often choose:
Giftun Kebir (Big Giftun Island)
Giftun Kebir is the larger of the two Giftun Islands, part of a protected national park about 40–50 minutes by boat from Hurghada. Its sheltered bays have white sand and shallow turquoise water, and its fringing reefs are home to corals, reef fish and sometimes turtles. Orange Bay and the Mahmya beach area are both on this island. A park fee applies, and no one is allowed to stay overnight. Full guide & map →
Orange Bay
Orange Bay is a beach on the south-west side of Giftun Kebir, known for its pale sand and a wide, shallow reef lagoon so clear it looks like a swimming pool. The lagoon is easy for beginners and children. Boats anchor offshore and guests reach the beach by small boat or by swimming. It has sunbeds and simple facilities, and an entrance fee is charged on top of the boat trip on many offers. We say clearly whether it is included. Arrive early in the day for the best light and the fewest people. Full guide & map →
Ben El Gebel
Ben El Gebel, 'between the mountains', is a reef stop in the Giftun area, sheltered by the islands. The coral gardens here are shallow and colourful, which makes it a relaxed snorkel for beginners and children, with plenty of reef fish close to the surface. Boat crews like it on windy days because the water stays calmer than in the open sea.
Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay is a snorkel stop near the islands off Hurghada named after the green turtles that come to feed on the seagrass. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the best chances are in the morning, when the water is quiet. Please keep at least a few metres away, never touch or chase them, and let them come up to breathe undisturbed.
Gotta Abu Ramada (East)
Gotta Abu Ramada, nicknamed 'The Aquarium', is a small round reef south of the Giftun islands with three main moorings: the north-west site, the Aquarium itself and the east site. Reef dives here are usually 12–15 metres deep, and the density of fish around the coral heads gives the reef its nickname. Visibility is usually excellent. Full guide & map →
Abu Ramada Island
Abu Ramada Island (Jazirat Abu Ramada) is a long, narrow island south of the Giftun islands. The main snorkel and dive reef lies off its southern tip, with table corals, giant clams and many reef fish; on calm days the colours in the shallows are spectacular. It is more exposed than the Giftun bays, so captains choose it when the sea is calm. Full guide & map →
El Fanous East
El Fanous, 'the lantern', is a pair of shallow reef sites at the northern tip of the Giftun islands. The east site has coral ridges and sandy channels with plenty of reef fish, and dolphins and turtles are seen here from time to time. Its shallow depth makes it suitable for snorkelers, introductory dives and relaxed fun dives. Full guide & map →
Abu Minqar (Paradise Island)
Abu Minqar is one of the islands closest to Hurghada and the island most boats sell as 'Paradise Island'. It has a white beach on its east side, known as Bali Beach, and wide, shallow reef flats all around, which makes it ideal for families, non-swimmers and relaxed beach days with easy snorkeling close to shore. Entrance fees and facilities differ between offers, so we confirm exactly what is included. Full guide & map →
Read more about every reef and island in our Hurghada reefs, islands & wrecks guide.
What's included
- Private return hotel transfer
- Private boat with crew for about 7 hours
- Snorkel guide and equipment
- Lunch, water and soft drinks
- Marine park fees
Not included
- Extras such as cakes or decorations
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips (optional)
Optional extras — told to you before you book
| Optional extra | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cake, decorations, photographer | quoted in advance |
| Extra hours | quoted in advance |
Your safety on this trip
- Licensed private boats with life jackets in child and adult sizes.
- A dedicated snorkel guide who stays with your group in the water.
- Routes are adjusted to sea conditions and port authority rules.
- Private door-to-door transfers — no waiting for other hotels.
What other travellers complain about — and what we do instead
We read public reviews of Hurghada excursions so you don't have to learn the hard way. Here is what goes wrong on some trips of this kind, and the standard we hold ourselves to.
Is this trip right for you?
Perfect for
- Families with young children
- Birthdays, anniversaries and proposals
- Groups of friends (up to 8 guests)
- Guests who dislike crowds
Maybe not for you if…
- Solo travellers on a budget (shared trips are better value)
Insider tips from our team
- Tell us your ideal day when booking — beach time, snorkelling or both.
- Leave earlier in the morning for the calmest water and emptiest reefs.
- Bring a playlist; most boats have a speaker.
- Mention allergies and favourite foods; the crew cooks to order.
What to bring
- Swimwear and towels
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Music playlist if you have one
Good to know
- The price covers up to 8 guests; larger boats are available for bigger groups on request.
- Routes must stay within the areas and times allowed by the port authority.
Hotel pickup areas
Pickup and drop-off are arranged from hotels in central Hurghada and from El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, Safaga. Read our pickup areas guide for typical transfer times.
Guest reviews
Reviews on this page come only from guests who booked this trip with us; we publish positive and critical ones alike. After your trip we send you a short review link.
Private Yacht Charter in Hurghada: questions & answers
Can we fish on the private yacht?
Yes, fishing lines can be added on request, and the crew can cook your catch.
Can we bring our own food or drinks?
Yes, within reason. Let us know when booking so the crew can prepare.
How many people can join?
The listed price covers up to 8 guests. Larger boats for bigger groups are available on request.
Can we choose the start time?
Yes, within port authority hours. Most families start between 08:00 and 10:00.
Can we celebrate on board?
Yes — cakes, decorations and photographers can be arranged in advance for an extra charge.
Is a deposit required?
Private charters may require a deposit to secure the boat. The terms are confirmed before you pay anything.
