Hurghada Boat Trip Guide: What to Bring, What to Expect on the Red Sea

A Red Sea boat trip is the highlight of most holidays in Hurghada, but a great day on the water starts on land. This is the full traveler guide we send our guests before every trip: what to pack, what to wear, what's already on board, and what to leave at the hotel.

Which island are you going to?

The Hurghada coast sits in front of the Giftun archipelago, a protected marine park made up of several reef-fringed islands. Each one feels different:

• Orange Bay, the postcard one. A long white sandbar surrounded by turquoise shallows and two reef gardens. ~90 minutes from the marina by traditional boat. Best for a full beach day with snorkeling.
• Hula Hula Island, quieter, reached only by speedboat in ~25 minutes. Small groups, fewer crowds, two snorkel stops on the way.
• Ozirea Island, the newest of the Giftun islands and the most polished day trip. Egypt's first infinity pool right at the water, open-buffet lunch, sunbeds with towel service. ~60-75 minutes from the marina.
• Dolphin House, not an island: a snorkel-only trip to the sheltered reef where wild spinner dolphins rest. The captain picks the reef each morning.

All of these are part of the Red Sea Marine Protected Area. Park fees and crew are already included in every Yala Hurghada boat trip price.

The Red Sea boat trip packing list

Most of what you'll need is already on board (see the next section). What you need to bring with you from the hotel is short:

• Swimsuit, worn under your clothes. There are changing areas on board but it's easier to arrive ready.
• Towel, one beach towel per person. Hotel pool towels work; you'll be wet for most of the day.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 30+ minimum. Reef-safe matters: ordinary chemical sunscreens damage coral. Look for "non-nano zinc oxide" on the bottle.
• Sunglasses with a strap, the open water glare is intense. A strap is cheap insurance against losing them overboard.
• Hat or cap, ideally wide-brimmed. You'll be in direct sun for hours.
• A light long-sleeve cover-up, sunburn on the shoulders happens fast at midday. A thin cotton shirt works.
• Cash for tips, 5 to 10 EUR per person at the end of the day for the crew is generous and appreciated. Not mandatory.
• A small dry bag if you have one, for phone, wallet, hotel key. Not essential; the boat has lockable storage.
• Underwater camera or GoPro if you want your own footage. We also offer an optional photo package if you'd rather not bring electronics in the water.

What's already on the boat

You do not need to bring any of these. They're included in the price of every Yala Hurghada boat trip:

• Snorkeling mask, fins and life vest, sterilized between groups
• Drinking water and soft drinks, unlimited
• Hot tea and coffee in the morning
• A cooked lunch served on board: grilled chicken or fish, rice, salad, fruit, bread
• Vegetarian and lactose-free options on request (please let us know when you book)
• A bilingual snorkeling guide who stays in the water with first-timers
• Round-trip hotel transfer from anywhere between Sahl Hasheesh and El Gouna

What to wear on the boat

The boat is open air with a shaded top deck and a covered lower cabin. Mornings can be cool (especially November-March), midday is hot, afternoons can be breezy.

• Morning: swimsuit + a light jacket or hoodie for the 45-minute boat ride out.
• Midday on the island: swimsuit + cover-up + hat.
• Afternoon return: dry clothes are nice; pack a light change in a small bag.
• Footwear: flip-flops or sandals you don't mind getting wet. Closed shoes are unnecessary.

What to leave at the hotel

To make the day easier:

• Jewelry and valuables. Leave them in the hotel safe.
• Big bags. One small daypack per couple is plenty.
• Laptops and books. Not the kind of day for either.
• Glass bottles. Glass on a boat is a safety issue. We have plenty of water on board.

If it's your first time snorkeling

You don't need to know how to swim. Every guest gets a snorkeling vest and our guide enters the water with first-time snorkelers. A few tips:

• Try the mask on the boat first to check the seal. The crew will swap it if it leaks.
• Breathe through your mouth only. If water gets in the snorkel, lift your head and blow it out sharply.
• Don't touch the coral, even gently. Coral is alive. It also stings.
• Look down, not forward, while floating. The fins do the work.
• If you get tired, just float on your back. The vest holds you up.

Children on the boat

All our boat trips are family-friendly. We carry life jackets in children's sizes. A few specific notes for parents:

• Under 6 join for free, 6-11 pay 50%, 12+ pay full price.
• Pack a small toy or a book for the journey out and back.
• Ozirea is the most family-friendly of the new Giftun day trips: shallow lagoon, an infinity pool, sunbed service and a proper buffet on the island.
• Bring sun shirts for kids; their skin burns faster than yours will.

Seasickness

The Red Sea is famously calm, especially the inner Giftun area. Most travelers have no issue. If you know you get motion-sick:

• Take a tablet (cinnarizine / dimenhydrinate) 30 minutes before pickup.
• Sit on the open back deck, not in the cabin.
• Look at the horizon, not at your phone, for the first 20 minutes.

Weather and the right time of year

Hurghada is a year-round destination but the boating experience changes:

• October to April: air 22-28°C, water 22-25°C. Perfect snorkeling temperatures. Some days are windy, we'll WhatsApp you the night before with conditions.
• May to September: air 32-40°C, water 26-29°C. Very warm. Early morning departures are coolest.

If the marina closes for safety on your booked day, we rebook you for free or refund in full. No questions.

Ready to book?

Pick your day, your trip and your hotel, we handle the rest. Every Yala Hurghada boat trip includes free round-trip hotel transfer, lunch, snorkeling gear and a professional crew. Browse all boat trips or message us on WhatsApp if you'd like a recommendation for your group.