Catamaran Sailing Tour

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the chance to spend a relaxed half-day on the Red Sea, not packed into a crowded harbor excursion. The Ocean Diva catamaran gives you room to stretch out in sun or shade, then stops at two sites for swimming and snorkeling among fish, coral, and possibly dolphins.

I like the included snorkel equipment and lunch, since you can pack light and avoid fussing with extra gear. I also like the simple pace: cruise, swim, eat, and cruise again. The main drawback is that the boat may feel fuller than the advertised maximum of 25 people, and one pickup has reportedly run late.

Key points to know before booking

• Two water stops: Expect one reef stop and another area where dolphins may be seen, although sightings are never guaranteed.
• Ocean Diva catamaran: You get both shaded seating and open sun space during the cruise.
• About five hours afloat: The stated schedule runs from 9:00 AM until about 2:00 PM.
• Lunch is included: Expect soup, salad, wraps, fruit, and soft drinks rather than a full restaurant meal.
• Bring a towel and cash: Towels and alcohol are not included, and beer has been sold for about 3 euros.
• Small-group aim, but confirm: The stated limit is 25 people, though the boat has reportedly carried more.

Setting out from Hurghada toward El Gouna

The Ocean Diva leaves the marina at the Ocean View Hotel at 9:00 AM and returns to port around 2:00 PM. That gives you roughly five hours for the cruise, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and time simply sitting on deck.

The route follows the Red Sea coastline near El Gouna. You are not signing up for a packed sightseeing program with a long list of land stops. This is mainly a water day, which makes it a good fit if you want a break from Hurghada’s streets, hotel pools, and organized beach activities.

Pickup is offered, and an air-conditioned vehicle is included. The exact pickup arrangement matters, so check the meeting point and hotel coverage when you book. One person had a late driver, and that can make a morning start more stressful than it needs to be.

The marina departure point is listed at the Ocean View Hotel. Another location connected with the outing is Planet Spa at Casa Cook, so confirm where your vehicle will collect you and where the boat actually departs. Clear instructions are especially useful if you are staying outside central Hurghada or near El Gouna.

What the Ocean Diva catamaran feels like

A catamaran is a sensible choice for this kind of trip. The two-hull design generally provides a broad, stable platform, and the Ocean Diva offers both shaded areas and places to sit in direct sun. You can move between them as the day changes.

I like that the boat itself is part of the experience. You are not simply being ferried to a beach and left there. The time underway gives you open views of the Red Sea, a breeze, and a quieter rhythm between the swim stops.

The stated maximum is 25 people, which suggests a more personal outing than a large party boat. Still, keep expectations practical. One account described more than 25 people onboard, so the actual sense of space may depend on the date and departure. If having plenty of room is important to you, ask for the expected group size before paying.

Bring a cover-up, sunglasses, and sunscreen, but do not overpack. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment, and the boat provides shade. You will need to bring your own towel. A waterproof bag for phones and small valuables is also sensible, though the provided information does not specify storage arrangements.

First snorkel stop: coral and clear water

The first water stop is described as a coral reef site with clear water and many fish. This is likely the most reliable snorkeling portion of the day because it does not depend on wildlife appearing.

You can expect the crew to handle the route and organize the stop while you use the supplied mask and snorkel. The appeal is straightforward: cool off, look below the surface, then return to the catamaran when you are ready. The supplied equipment means you do not need to rent a set before departure.

The reef stop also gives you a useful test of the water conditions. If you are not a confident swimmer, use the first stop to decide how much time you want to spend in the water. The information says most people can participate, but it does not promise flotation aids, a lifeguard, or special instruction. If you have concerns, ask the crew before entering the water.

The Red Sea is known for clear water and colorful fish, but visibility can change with weather and sea conditions. That is one reason I would treat the snorkeling as a major possibility, not a guaranteed underwater spectacle. On a calm, clear day, this part may be the strongest value in the outing.

Second stop: dolphins and open-water excitement

The second snorkeling stop is associated with dolphins. One account described seeing dolphins while snorkeling, which is a memorable possibility. Still, dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled performance, so you should book this for the sea time rather than for a promised encounter.

The distinction matters. If dolphins appear, you may see them from the boat or in the water, depending on the conditions and the crew’s decisions. If they do not, the stop still gives you another chance to swim and use the snorkel gear.

This second stop adds variety to the day. The first focuses on a reef and fish. The second brings the possibility of marine wildlife and a more exciting sense of open water. I would keep your phone ready for a quick sighting, but do not let the hope of dolphins overshadow the rest of the cruise.

The crew controls the route and swim locations. That is convenient because you do not need to plan the sites yourself, but it also means the exact stops can change with weather and sea conditions. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Lunch on deck, with simple expectations

The included meal is a light lunch of soup, salad, different types of wraps, and fruit. Soft drinks are included as well. This is enough to make the five-hour schedule easier, especially after time in the water, but it is best understood as a casual boat meal rather than a large buffet.

I appreciate the practical design. You do not have to leave the boat to find food, and you can keep your day moving between the swim stops. A light meal also suits a morning on the water better than something heavy.

Alcohol is not included. Cash is useful if you want to buy a drink, with beer reported at about 3 euros. The information does not specify which payment methods are accepted, so cash is the safer choice.

If you have dietary restrictions, ask before departure. The meal description gives the general menu but does not identify vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-specific choices. Do not assume that a wrap or salad will meet your needs without checking.

Is $64.79 a fair price?

At $64.79 per person, the price covers a substantial half-day package: an approximately five-hour catamaran cruise, pickup offered, air-conditioned transport, snorkeling equipment, two water stops, lunch, and soft drinks.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the snorkeling gear and eat onboard. Buying or renting equipment separately would add another task, while paying for food and drinks during a boat trip can quickly push up the total. The catamaran’s shaded and sunny areas also make the cruise itself part of what you are paying for, rather than just a transfer to a reef.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a short boat ride or prefer to spend the day on land. You are paying for time at sea and the chance to snorkel, so people who dislike swimming or who need a highly structured sightseeing schedule may not get as much from it.

The advance booking pattern, about 31 days on average, suggests that dates can fill ahead of time. You do not need to book that far out for every departure, but I would reserve early if your holiday dates are fixed. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time, which gives you some flexibility. After that point, the amount paid is not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

Group size, timing, and the small practical catches

The stated group maximum is 25 people, and that is a useful number to ask about before you go. A catamaran with 25 people can still feel comfortable if everyone spreads out. A larger group may mean more waiting at the swim ladder, less choice of seating, and a livelier deck.

The 9:00 AM departure and 2:00 PM return give the day a clear shape. You should not book another fixed activity immediately afterward, since boat timing and the return drive can vary. The total experience is described as five to six hours, so leave a little breathing room around the port schedule.

Most people can participate, but the supplied details do not describe accessibility arrangements or swimming support. Ask the provider if you have mobility concerns or need assistance getting into the water. The experience requires suitable weather, and a cancellation for poor conditions brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

The provider is Egyptian Touristic Service, also identified as E.T.S. A response to customer feedback is signed by Akram Abdou, but the available information does not identify him as the onboard guide or captain. Use the provider’s current contact details to confirm pickup and departure instructions rather than assuming a named person will meet you.

Who will enjoy this Red Sea cruise?

I would recommend the Ocean Diva to you if you want a low-effort water day with the main pieces already arranged. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like a mix of deck time, swimming, snorkeling, and a simple lunch.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in Hurghada and want to see the coast near El Gouna without organizing a private boat. The supplied equipment helps if you did not pack snorkeling gear, and the shade matters if you want a break from direct sun.

You should think twice if you need a strict schedule, dislike shared boats, or expect a guaranteed dolphin encounter. The group may exceed the advertised 25-person limit, and pickup delays are possible. You should also plan around the fact that towels and alcohol are extra.

What to pack for the Ocean Diva

Keep your bag small and useful:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Dry clothes for the ride home
• Cash for alcohol or other onboard purchases
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• Any personal medication and special snacks you require

The boat supplies snorkeling equipment, lunch, and soft drinks. You do not need to carry a full picnic or rent a mask before the trip unless you prefer using your own.

Should you book the Ocean Diva?

Book it if you want a straightforward Red Sea cruise with two chances to snorkel, a catamaran with sun and shade, and food included. The possible reef viewing, colorful fish, and dolphin sighting give the day some real appeal, while the five-hour format keeps it from taking over your whole holiday.

I would book with three checks in mind: confirm your pickup point, ask how many people are expected onboard, and bring a towel plus cash. If those details suit you, $64.79 is a reasonable package price for a half-day at sea near El Gouna. If you want guaranteed wildlife, a private boat, or a very quiet deck, choose something more tailored.

FAQ

Where does the Ocean Diva cruise depart?

The boat leaves the marina at the Ocean View Hotel at 9:00 AM. Pickup is offered, so confirm your exact collection point when booking.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately five to six hours. The stated schedule runs from 9:00 AM until about 2:00 PM.

Is the cruise near El Gouna?

Yes. The route follows the Red Sea coastline near El Gouna.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The light lunch includes soup, salad, different types of wraps, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks are included. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided as part of the experience.

How many people can join the cruise?

The stated maximum is 25 people. The actual number may be higher, so confirm the expected group size if space is important to you.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation for personal reasons is available up to 24 hours before the start time.