Catamaran Sailing Tour

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the chance to trade the resort strip for open Red Sea water. On the Ocean Diva catamaran, you can stretch out under shade, sit in the sun, and stop twice for swimming and snorkeling around coral and fish. One particularly lucky outing even included dolphins in the water.

I like the easy half-day length and the fact that lunch, soft drinks, and snorkel gear are included. I also like the boat’s mix of sunny deck space and covered seating, which lets you choose between a tan and a break from the heat.

The main caution is that the boat may feel busier than the advertised limit of 25 people. Pickup can also run late, so leave some slack in your morning plans and bring cash if you want to buy beer or other alcoholic drinks.

Key points to know before you book

• Two water stops: Expect a coral reef snorkel stop and another stop where dolphins may be seen, though wildlife is never promised.
• Ocean Diva catamaran: You get space in the sun and under cover, with the crew handling the route and swim stops.
• About five hours on the water: The published schedule runs from 9:00 AM until about 2:00 PM.
• Lunch is included: Soup, salad, wraps, fruit, and soft drinks are provided.
• Bring your own towel: Snorkel equipment is supplied, but towels and alcohol are not.
• Pickup is offered: Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle, though one reported pickup delay is worth keeping in mind.

Setting out from Hurghada toward El Gouna

This cruise gives you a simple way to see the Red Sea without arranging a private boat or spending a full day at sea. The Ocean Diva leaves the marina at the Ocean View Hotel at 9:00 AM, with the outing running until about 2:00 PM. That puts the experience in the useful middle ground between a quick boat ride and an exhausting full-day excursion.

The route takes you along the coast near El Gouna. From the deck, the focus is less on sightseeing from shore and more on the changing water around you. You are there to sit back, watch the sea, and wait for the crew to choose places suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

Pickup is part of the package, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. That matters in Hurghada, where a short transfer in a hot car can make the morning feel longer than it should. Still, allow extra time. A report of a late driver suggests that the transport side may not always run to the minute.

The marina departure is listed at the Ocean View Hotel, while the experience information also refers to Planet Spa at Casa Cook. Because those names appear in the meeting details, check your exact pickup point and confirmation carefully before the day. The booking confirmation is issued when you reserve, so keep it handy.

Life aboard the Ocean Diva catamaran

The boat is the heart of the outing. A catamaran gives you more room to move than a small single-hull craft, and the Ocean Diva has both open sun areas and shaded seating. I like that arrangement because Red Sea trips can change mood quickly. You may want the full warmth of the sun during the sail, then welcome cover after snorkeling.

The crew takes care of the route and decides where to stop. That removes the need for you to know the coast or judge the water conditions. You can simply settle into the rhythm of the boat and watch for fish, reefs, and perhaps dolphins.

The advertised maximum is 25 people, which would make for a reasonably social but not overly crowded boat trip. However, one report said the boat felt busier than that number. I would not book this expecting a private-boat atmosphere. It is a shared cruise, and your experience may depend on how many people are aboard that day.

You should also think about where you sit. The shaded area is the practical choice for anyone sensitive to heat, while the sun deck is better for those who want a clear view and a place to dry off. Since seating preferences can be popular, arriving on time for pickup and boarding is sensible.

The first snorkel stop, coral and clear water

The first water stop is described as a coral reef area with clear sea and many fish. This is likely the strongest part of the trip for anyone who wants a straightforward Red Sea snorkeling experience without a long or technical swim.

You do not need to pack your own mask and fins because equipment is included. That saves room in your luggage and makes this an easy add-on to a Hurghada stay. If you already own a mask that fits well, you may still prefer to bring it, but the supplied gear means you can come prepared with very little.

The coral stop is also a good reason to keep your expectations sensible. The outing is built around a pair of casual swim breaks, not a specialist marine-life expedition. You will have a chance to see fish and reef areas, but the amount of marine life and water clarity can vary with conditions.

Give yourself time to get comfortable before swimming away from the boat. The crew chooses the stop, but you remain responsible for judging your own comfort in the water. If you prefer not to snorkel, the boat’s deck gives you another way to enjoy the stop, with sun and shade available.

The second stop and the chance to see dolphins

The second snorkeling stop is linked with dolphins. One outing had dolphins close enough to be seen while snorkeling, which is an exceptional bonus for a half-day cruise. If that happens, it can turn a pleasant boat ride into a memorable morning.

Still, dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled attraction. The responsible way to book this is to treat a sighting as luck rather than a promise. You should be happy with the coral reef and fish even if no dolphins appear.

This stop may appeal most to families and casual snorkelers who like the possibility of wildlife alongside the reef. It is also a good moment to keep your camera ready, though no underwater camera or photography service is listed as part of the package.

The crew controls the timing and location of both stops. That is convenient, but it also means you do not get to choose a particular reef or stay in the water as long as you might on a private charter. The trade-off is a simpler, more affordable outing with the main decisions already made for you.

Lunch, drinks, and what to pack

A light lunch is included. The meal consists of soup, salad, different kinds of wraps, and fruit, with soft drinks served along the way. This is not a formal meal, but it is enough to keep the cruise from turning into a hungry wait for the return transfer.

The food also suits the basic nature of the outing. You can eat without leaving the boat or arranging a restaurant stop, so more of the half-day stays focused on the sea. If you have strict dietary needs, the supplied details do not explain how those are handled, so ask before booking rather than assuming substitutions are available.

Pack lightly, but do not forget the things the boat does not provide. Most important is a towel. Snorkel equipment is included, but towels are not, and you will want one after each swim stop.

You should also bring sun protection and any personal items you normally need for a day on the water. The available information confirms sun and shade areas, but it does not specify the full range of onboard facilities, so keep your packing practical rather than treating this like a luxury yacht day.

Alcohol is not included. One report put a beer at about 3 euros and advised bringing cash for drinks. That price may change, but the useful point is simple: carry money if you want alcohol, and do not expect it to be covered by the tour price.

Is $64.79 good value for five hours?

At $64.79 per person, this is priced as an organized shared cruise rather than a bare boat transfer. You are paying for transport, the catamaran, crew service, snorkel equipment, two water stops, lunch, and soft drinks. For a visitor who wants a ready-made Red Sea morning, that bundle is sensible.

The value improves if you would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to a marina, rent snorkeling equipment, and buy lunch. The included air-conditioned vehicle is especially useful if you are staying away from the departure point.

The value is weaker if you want privacy, complete control of the route, or a quiet boat with lots of personal space. A private charter would likely offer more freedom, but that is a different type of purchase and is not what this outing promises.

The price also makes sense for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can stay on deck, and everyone can share the same lunch and return schedule. You do not need to be an experienced swimmer or dedicated snorkeler to find something to do.

The tour is booked, on average, about 31 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially if you want to fit the cruise into a short Hurghada stay. Confirmation is provided at booking, which gives you the details needed to check pickup and timing.

Timing, group size, and the small print

The experience lasts about five to six hours, with the published schedule showing a 9:00 AM departure and a 2:00 PM return to the port. That makes it easy to pair with an evening meal, a relaxed afternoon, or another activity later in the day.

Do not plan something with a strict start time immediately after the cruise. Boat schedules can shift with sea conditions, loading, and transport, and the late-pickup report is a reminder that the day may not run with perfect precision.

Most people can take part, according to the activity information. The description does not set out special accessibility details, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the provider before reserving. You will need to manage the boat, deck, and swim stops in a way that suits your abilities.

The normal cancellation rule is generous if your plans change. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Weather matters here. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of people is not reached. That protection is useful for a sea outing, where conditions are part of the experience rather than a minor detail.

Who will enjoy this Red Sea cruise most?

I would recommend the Ocean Diva trip to you if you want a simple, social way to get on the water from Hurghada. It fits first-time snorkelers, couples, families, and anyone who wants a taste of the Red Sea without committing to a full day.

It is especially suitable if you value included transport and food. You can leave the planning to the crew, use the provided gear, and spend the morning between the deck and the water.

It may not suit you if you dislike shared group outings or need exact timing. The possibility of a fuller boat and a delayed pickup should be part of your decision. Strong swimmers who want long, quiet periods at one reef may also prefer a more specialized trip.

The dolphin stop adds excitement, but it should never be your only reason to book. Think of the trip as a catamaran cruise with coral, fish, swimming, and a chance of dolphins. That is a fair description of what you are buying.

Should you book the Ocean Diva?

Book this tour if you want good basic value in a half-day Red Sea outing. The included lunch, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and air-conditioned pickup keep the planning easy, while the two stops give the morning real purpose beyond simply riding on a boat.

I would book it with three small adjustments to my expectations: bring a towel, carry cash for alcohol, and allow extra time in case pickup is late. I would also accept that the boat may feel more crowded than the stated 25-person limit.

If your priorities are coral, fish, a comfortable catamaran, and the possibility of dolphins, this is a practical choice. If your priorities are privacy, quiet, and complete control over the route, spend more on a private option instead.

FAQ

How long does the Catamaran Sailing Tour last?

The tour lasts about five to six hours. The published schedule has the Ocean Diva leaving at 9:00 AM and arriving back at the port around 2:00 PM.

Where does the Ocean Diva depart?

The Ocean Diva leaves from the marina at the Ocean View Hotel. The activity information also refers to Planet Spa at Casa Cook, so check your confirmation for the exact meeting or pickup details.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle. One report noted that the driver arrived late, so allow some extra time in the morning.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. A towel is not provided, so you should bring your own.

What food and drinks are included?

The light lunch includes soup, salad, different kinds of wraps, and fruit. Soft drinks are included. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund.