Hurghada Sunset Cruises Compared: 10 Real Trip Options

Quick Summary: Hurghada’s Red Sea destinations sunset cruises range from cheap felucca sails to full-on dinner yachts and private speedboats. This guide compares 10 common options with real per-person prices, then gets into what the evening actually feels like, how to get to the marina, when to go (Oct–Apr), and the scams you’ll run into if you book blindly.

The Red Sea destinations turns into a sheet of gold at sunset, and the cleanest way to watch it is from the water. Hurghada has everything from big yachts with dinner service to stripped-back sails on a felucca, and the difference between “worth it” and “tourist trap” usually comes down to what’s included, how crowded it is, and how honestly it’s sold.

Why This Guide Exists

Hurghada sellers push sunset trips hard because they’re easy to sell and hard to compare on the spot. This is a straight comparison using the actual options people book (yachts, feluccas, catamarans, speedboats, dolphin trips, semi-submarines, glass-bottom boats), plus the numbers you’ll care about: $20 to $60 per person for most shared trips, and $150 for a private speedboat (priced per boat). Expect the standard “snorkel stop + sunset + dinner” pattern on many trips, with upsells like photos and “all-inclusive” wording that can mean almost nothing.

The Landscape & Context

Hurghada sits on the Red Sea destinations, where calm water nearshore and reef areas make it common for cruises to add a snorkeling tours stop before the sun drops. The typical flow is: marina departure, sea breeze as the air cools, colors shifting into orange/purple/pink on the water surface, then stars becoming visible once you’re away from city lights. On many boats, dinner is simple and direct: grilled fish or chicken with Egyptian salads and bread.

Most trips start at the main marina. Confirm pickup time and the exact dock, not just “marina area.”

Part 2: The Options (Comparison)

Here’s what these 10 options actually mean when you’re choosing a sunset cruise Hurghada-style, not just reading marketing copy:

• 1) VIP Cruise to Orange Bay — $45 per person: pitched as luxury and all-inclusive; typically best for couples and small groups who want less hassle.
• 2) Classic Felucca Sail — $20 per person: traditional and relaxed; good if you care more about silence and sailing than buffets.
• 3) Pirate Ship Adventure — $35 per person: themed, loud, built for families with kids; you’re paying for entertainment as much as the sea.
• 4) Catamaran Sunset Sail — $50 per person: modern, lively, usually more “party energy” than a felucca.
• 5) Private Speedboat Sunset — $150 for the boat: exclusive and romantic; price makes sense if you’re splitting it (and want control over pace and photos).
• 6) Dolphin House Sunset Trip — $40 per person: wildlife angle plus adventure; the ethical quality depends entirely on the operator.
• 7) Semi-Submarine Sunset Tour — $30 per person: a different format (viewing without snorkeling tours); good for non-swimmers and families.
• 8) Bedouin Dinner & Stars — $55 per person: more cultural framing; sold to people who want dinner plus stargazing.
• 9) Luxury Yacht with Dinner — $60 per person: upscale positioning; best if dinner matters and you want a “special occasion” feel.
• 10) Glass-Bottom Boat Sunset — $25 per person: casual and scenic; designed to keep it accessible for all ages.

Orange Bay trips often sell “all-inclusive.” Ask what drinks are included and whether snorkeling tours time is actually scheduled.

Many cruises include a snorkeling tours stop before sunset. Bring your own mask if you’re picky about fit.

Part 3: The Logistics (How to Do It Right)

Getting to the marina: Taxi is the easy move. From most hotels in Hurghada to the main marina, expect 120–160 EGP. From the airport, expect a similar price. Agree on the fare before you get in, or use Uber/Careem for a fixed price. Minibuses (white vans) run the main roads for around 5–10 EGP, but they’re chaotic: no fixed stops and you’ll need to tell the driver where you’re getting off.

Best time to go: October to April is the sweet spot for a Hurghada boat trips at sunset because the weather is warm without the heavy summer heat.

Taxi: 120–160 EGP from most hotels to the marina. Minibus: 5–10 EGP if you can handle the lack of fixed stops.

Insider Tips & Scams to Avoid

This is where people lose money or waste an evening:

• Haggling is key: beach-vendor pricing is rarely the real price. Negotiate or walk.
• “All-inclusive” isn’t always: confirm what’s included. Sometimes it only means soft drinks, and everything else is extra.
• The photo scam: onboard photographers often push overpriced prints at the end. You can say no.
• Tipping: common expectation. For a boat trips, 50–100 EGP for the crew is appreciated, based on service.
• Fake beach sellers: unlicensed sellers can put you on a low-quality trip or nothing at all.

Safety & Ethics

Not negotiable:

• Safety first: check for life jackets and basic safety equipment before you leave the dock.
• Dolphin watching: choose operators that don’t chase or feed dolphins. If a crew is aggressively following them, that’s your signal you picked wrong.
• Protect the reef: don’t touch or stand on coral. If you can, use reef-safe sunscreen.

Dolphins: look for operators that keep distance and don’t feed. If they’re chasing, that’s not ethical.

Booking & Logistics

Many operators and online agencies now offer “Pay Cash on Arrival”. It reduces online payment risk and gives you leverage if the boat, inclusions, or timing don’t match what you were promised. Hotels can book for you too, but they may add commission. If you want a ready-made starting point, Routri lists sunset options you can compare before you commit: Hurghada: 3-Hour Sunset Yacht & Snorkelling Cruise.

FAQs

These are the questions that come up every time someone books a Red Sea destinations cruise out of Hurghada.

What should I wear on a sunset cruise?

Light, comfortable clothing. Bring a light jacket or sweater—once the sun drops, the air on the water cools fast.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Not necessarily. You can stay onboard and still get the sunset experience. If you plan to snorkel, you should be a confident swimmer, even with a life jacket available.

Are children allowed on sunset cruises?

Most are family-friendly, but check the specific boat—party-style catamarans and themed trips can be louder and less relaxed.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Depends on the cruise. Some “all-inclusive” boats don’t allow outside items; others don’t care. Ask before you pay.

What is the best way to book a sunset cruise?

Book online in advance during peak season, and prioritize operators offering “Pay Cash on Arrival” for flexibility and lower risk.

Is it safe to book a cruise from a beach vendor?

Usually not. You can’t reliably verify licensing or quality, and if something goes wrong you have little recourse. Use a reputable company instead.

The best sunset cruise is the one that matches your real goal: quiet sailing, snorkeling tours time, dinner quality, or privacy. Pick based on inclusions and crowd level, not the sales pitch, and you’ll get the colors on the water, the cooler air after sunset, and the night sky without paying extra for nonsense.

Further reading on Routri:

• Hurghada: 3-Hour Sunset Yacht & Snorkelling Cruise
• Hurghada: Red Sea Luxury Cruise with Snorkelling & Dive
• Hurghada: Sunset Red Sea cruise & desert horse ride
• Red Sea tours & activities on Routri
• Top tours & activities on Routri (browse)
• Best sunset cruises in Hurghada (Routri travel inspiration)
• Hurghada sunset cruises: yachts, feluccas, catamarans
• Choosing Red Sea boat tours: local pricing guide
• Top Hurghada island trips for families and couples
• Best Hurghada boat tripss 2026 (family-friendly)