The Best Boat Rentals in Hurghada

Expect shared full‑day boat tours with snorkeling and an island stop to run roughly $40–$90 per person, typically including hotel transfers, a captain and crew, snorkeling gear, soft drinks, and lunch. Private speedboats for a half day generally start around $150–$300 total, while private mid‑size motor yachts for a day are commonly $400–$1,200 depending on size and season. Premium yachts and liveaboards can range from about $1,500 up to $5,000+ per day. Inclusions often cover crew, fuel for a standard route, safety gear, and non‑alcoholic beverages; add‑ons like island entry fees, national‑park taxes, photos, specialty equipment, or alcoholic drinks are usually extra and shown on each listing before you book.

You’ll find fast private speedboats for quick island hops, comfortable motor yachts for groups and celebrations, sailing catamarans and classic sailboats for a relaxed cruise, purpose‑built dive and snorkeling boats for reef days, glass‑bottom boats and semi‑submarines for viewing marine life without getting wet, and larger crewed yachts for multi‑day trips. Most options are captained, with sizes ranging from intimate 2–6 passenger boats to party‑friendly vessels hosting large groups.

Visitors usually book captained or crewed charters, which require no license from you. If you want to operate a boat yourself, availability is limited and you’ll be asked for recognized skipper credentials and recent experience; local approvals may also apply. For the smoothest experience, most trip planners choose a captained rental and focus on the fun while the local crew handles navigation and safety.

The main departure point is Hurghada Marina (often called New Marina or Marina Boulevard) off Sheraton Road in the city center. Many trips also leave from Abu Tig Marina in El Gouna to the north, as well as from resort piers in Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh to the south. If you’re staying in Soma Bay or Safaga, operators can arrange transfers or depart from local marinas and then route to Hurghada’s reefs and islands.

Classic routes cruise to the Giftun Islands for stops at Orange Bay, Paradise Island, or Mahmya’s beach club, where the water is shallow and turquoise. Nearby island spots like Magawish and Abu Minqar offer sandbars and clear lagoons, while reef stops often include coral gardens around Abu Ramada and other local sites. With a bit of luck, you may spot wild dolphins at Shaab El Erg (often called Dolphin House), along with sea turtles and schools of colorful reef fish.

Yes—family trips are the norm in Hurghada. Captains provide life jackets and a safety briefing before departure, and many boats carry child‑size vests; some can provide infant vests if you note ages in advance. Snorkeling gear is commonly included, and crews are used to helping first‑timers. If you’re traveling with young children, choose a morning departure for calmer seas, bring sun protection, and confirm shaded seating on board.

On shared tours, lunch and non‑alcoholic drinks are typically included and outside food may be limited. On private boats, most captains are happy for you to bring snacks, cakes, or preferred beverages; glass containers are discouraged and coolers can be arranged. Beach clubs on Giftun (such as Orange Bay or Mahmya) sell food and drinks, and some boats can cater onboard—just message the owner about dietary needs or special celebrations.

Pet policies vary by vessel. Many shared tours do not allow pets, while some private charters will consider small, well‑behaved dogs with advance approval. If permitted, bring a pet life vest, plan shade and fresh water, and avoid sensitive reef and beach areas. Always confirm the policy on your specific listing before you book.

The Red Sea is sunny year‑round. Spring and autumn bring warm, comfortable conditions; summers are hot and often breezy; winter days are mild with cooler evenings. Morning departures are usually calmer, and occasional wind or visibility changes can lead captains to adjust routes for comfort and safety. Each listing shows its cancellation rules; many offer free cancellation up to a set window, and trips are typically rescheduled or refunded if the captain calls off a day due to weather.

Yes—Hurghada is popular for group celebrations. When you request to book, share your date, headcount, preferred departure time, budget, and any extras like a cake, decorations, a photographer, or a private sandbar stop. Many boats have sound systems for playlists, and crews can arrange touches like fruit platters, mocktails, or a sunset timing so you can relax while everything is set up for you.

Great boating happens year‑round, but the sweetest weather for most travelers is March–May and September–November. July and August are hottest yet still popular for swimming and snorkeling, while December–February brings mild days and quieter marinas. U.S. boating holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day don’t affect Egypt; instead, expect higher demand around Christmas/New Year, spring’s Sham El‑Nessim, and the Eid holiday periods. For smoother seas and fewer crowds, pick weekday mornings; Fridays and Saturdays are the local weekend and book up faster.

If your schedule is flexible, choose a weekday morning. You’ll typically enjoy gentler conditions, quicker check‑ins at the marina, and more space at popular swim stops. Weekend afternoons are livelier and suit groups who prefer a later start or a sunset return; just reserve early during peak months and holiday weeks.

Two local favorites are island‑hopping days to Orange Bay and Mahmya on the Giftun Islands, with powder‑soft beaches and shallow, blue lagoons, and wildlife‑focused cruises toward Shaab El Erg, where wild dolphins are often seen in open water. Closer to town, quick private speedboat runs to Magawish and Abu Minqar are perfect for a half day with postcard‑clear snorkeling and sandbar time. Tell your captain if you’d like a quiet cove, reef photography, or a sunset beach stop, and they’ll tailor the route.