A pirate theme is fun, but the snorkeling is the real flex. On this 7-hour Red Sea cruise from Sharm El Sheikh, I like the two guided reef stops and the fully air-conditioned salon lunch. One thing to consider: the kids pirate entertainment can feel inconsistent, so it’s smart to set expectations and confirm what will be happening for your children.

You’ll start with hotel pickup, ride to the marina, then sail out past the Sinai coastline before you hit Ras Mohammad National Park and White Island. The day runs at a relaxed cruise pace, with about 45 minutes per snorkeling stop, then food and time onboard before heading back around mid-afternoon.

Key points before you go

• Pirate-boat feel with air-conditioned comfort: three-deck, wood-and-marble themed vessel, with a sheltered place to eat and cool off
• Two guided snorkeling stops: professional guidance plus time to see coral and fish at major Red Sea sites
• White Island as a change of pace: a visit between snorkeling stops, not just a quick pass-by
• Lunch is onboard and included: open buffet lunch served in the main salon
• Kids entertainment happens on the lower deck: great when it’s running, but you should verify details for very young kids
• Snorkeling gear isn’t included: bring your own mask if you can, and rent fins if you want

The vibe: a pirate-boat day that still centers the reef

This is marketed as a pirate experience, and there’s definitely a themed ship feel: a pirate-character style boat, decor, and a dedicated kids area on the lower deck. But the day is built around the Red Sea underwater—so if snorkeling is your priority, you’re in the right place.

The boat itself matters more than you’d think. You’re not just standing around on a deck in the heat waiting for the next stop. You’ve got a cool, air-conditioned salon for lunch and breaks, with marble-and-wood finishes that make the whole day feel more like a proper outing than a basic speedboat hop.

Price and what you actually get for $80

At about $80 per person for a 7-hour outing, you’re paying for more than “a boat ride.” This price is tied to a full day package: hotel pickup and drop-off, Red Sea stops, national park entry fees, lunch onboard, and life jackets. That combination is where the value comes in.

The parts that can add up (and are worth planning for):

• Snorkeling gear rental: listed as €5 per piece
• Wetsuit rental: listed as €10 per item
• Mandatory marina entrance fee: €5 per person, paid upon arrival or potentially prepaid via add-ons

If you already own a good snorkel mask (and ideally fins), you’ll likely feel the value most. If you don’t, budget a little extra so you’re not rushing to rent last-minute.

The day in order: Sharm pickup, Ras Mohammad, White Island, back to lunch

Hotel pickup and the ride to the marina

You’ll get pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. The general rule is that the pickup timing is about 1 hour before the trip, and you should expect confirmation about the exact time in the day beforehand via WhatsApp. There’s also a coach segment of about 25 minutes, so plan for a small travel buffer before you’re on the water.

Practical tip: bring a towel and sunscreen early. Once you’re out on the boat, you’ll be living on a schedule.

Ras Mohammad National Park sailing plus first snorkeling stop

You’ll sail along the Sinai coastline and then reach Ras Mohammad National Park. The sailing leg to the park is roughly 2.5 hours, which gives you time to settle in, take photos, and get oriented.

Once you arrive, you get a guided snorkeling session of about 45 minutes. This stop is the core reef experience, and it’s guided, which helps if you want to feel confident in what you’re seeing and how to move in the water.

What you’ll appreciate here:

• you’re not guessing where to look
• the guide helps make the snorkeling time count
• life jackets are provided for safety comfort

White Island: the 45-minute break from the water

After the first snorkeling, you switch gears for White Island, with a visit time of about 45 minutes. This is your “change of scenery” moment—more resting, walking, and photos than reef work.

The main drawback for some people is timing: 45 minutes disappears quickly if you’re enjoying the views or want a longer soak on shore. If you’re the type who likes to linger, don’t assume this stop will feel long.

Second snorkeling stop on the Red Sea

Then it’s back into the water for the second guided snorkeling stop, again about 45 minutes. The pacing usually works best if you treat each snorkeling window as its own mini-mission: get your buoyancy right, slow down, and let your eyes adjust.

Small but important note: snorkeling gear isn’t included, so your comfort depends on what you bring or rent. If you only have a mask you’re unsure about, test it before you head into the water.

Lunch onboard: open buffet, air-conditioned comfort

Lunch is served onboard in the main salon. It’s an open buffet and included, with soft drinks noted as part of the onboard offering.

The lunch menu is listed as:

• Sea food soup
• 3 types of fresh salad, plus rice and pasta and potatoes
• Shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta
• Seasonal fresh fruit

You’ll get about 1 hour for lunch, which is enough time to eat well without feeling rushed back to snorkeling prep. Also, because the main salon is air-conditioned, you can cool off before or after the water time, rather than just sweating it out on deck.

What the boat design means for comfort

This is a three-deck, wooden pirate-styled ship with:

• a spacious upper sun deck
• two air-conditioned salons
• a lower deck area with space for kids animation

What I like about this setup is simple: it prevents the day from becoming a nonstop “outside only” experience. You’ll want sun for photos, but you also want shade and cool air at key moments. The onboard layout makes that easy.

And if you’re traveling with kids, the lower deck is where the kids-focused activities are meant to happen. That can turn the trip from a battle of attention spans into a smoother family rhythm—when the kids program is fully running.

Snorkeling reality check: gear, timing, and what to bring

This tour includes life jackets, which is a big comfort factor. But snorkeling gear is not included, and rentals cost extra. If you’re serious about snorkeling, bringing your own mask is the smartest move.

Based on what’s been reported with this style of operation, there can be strict expectations about having the right gear for entering the water. So even if the rules aren’t always obvious, you should come prepared. At minimum:

• bring or rent a snorkel mask that fits comfortably
• bring a towel for after the water
• wear sunscreen before you get moving

Wetsuits can be rented (€10 per item). You might not need one depending on the conditions that day, but it’s worth considering if you get cold easily.

Kids and the pirate theme: fun when it lands, verify for younger kids

The boat is described as offering a pirate-themed experience and a kids entertainment programme. The practical concern is whether your specific sailing has the same level of pirate-costume theatrics and kid-led activities you’re hoping for.

Here’s what you can do to reduce disappointment:

• If you’re counting on pirate dressing-up or active kids entertainment, ask ahead about what will be happening for the children’s age group on your departure date.
• Pack low-key backup activities for the boat ride and waiting times, because the day is still driven by snorkeling timing.

If your kids are happy with a “boat day plus snorkeling watching” vibe, you’ll probably feel fine. If they need constant structured pirate play, plan to manage expectations.

Transfers, timing, and how to avoid the common stress points

This trip is about a 7-hour commitment, with departure around 9:00 am and return around 4:00 pm (give or take based on pickup timing). That means you’ll want a full day mindset, not a quick half-day plan.

The biggest stress points usually come from:

• being underprepared with snorkeling gear
• not accounting for the early pickup window
• expecting shore time to feel longer than it is

For an easy day, I suggest:

• be ready for pickup the night before
• bring essentials in a small bag you can grab quickly at the marina
• keep your towel and sunscreen accessible

Who this cruise is best for

This pirate-boat cruise works especially well if you:

• want two reef snorkeling sessions with a guide
• like the idea of an onboard lunch in comfort, not a rushed snack
• enjoy a themed boat day but still want the underwater to be the highlight
• are traveling as a couple or small family who can handle a structured day

It’s also a reasonable pick if you’re new to snorkeling, because having a guide at the stops helps you understand what to do and where to look.

Who should think twice

If you’re booking mainly for the pirate spectacle—dressing up, big kids animation, constant theme-based entertainment—then it’s worth verifying what’s included and how it’s handled for your age group. The boat can deliver a good family vibe, but the schedule is still anchored to snorkeling windows.

Also think ahead about gear. If you need to rent everything, your total cost rises. And if you’re picky about mask fit, bring your own.

Should you book the Pirates Sailing Boat cruise in Sharm?

Book it if your top priority is Ras Mohammad snorkeling plus White Island, and you like the idea of a proper onboard lunch in air-conditioned comfort. The overall value is strong when you show up ready with your snorkel kit (or budget for rentals) and you’re happy with two focused snorkeling sessions rather than all-day water time.

Skip it or choose another option if you’re booking primarily for a guaranteed, high-energy pirate show for young kids. In that case, confirm the kids entertainment details for your exact departure date first, or plan a backup plan so your day stays good even if the pirate theme feels lighter than expected.

If you want a Red Sea day that feels fun on the surface and serious under the water, this one makes sense.

FAQ

What places does the cruise visit?

You’ll visit Ras Mohammad National Park for sailing and snorkeling, and you’ll stop at White Island for a shore visit. You also have a second snorkeling stop in the Red Sea.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 7 hours.

How many times will I snorkel?

There are two guided snorkeling stops, each lasting about 45 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and served onboard as an open buffet in the air-conditioned salon.

What is on the lunch menu?

The menu lists sea food soup, several salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear is not included. You can rent snorkeling gear for €5 per piece, and wetsuits cost €10 per item.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes, life jackets are included.

Is there a marina entrance fee?

There is a mandatory marina entrance fee of €5 per person, paid upon arrival or potentially prepaid via add-ons.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel and sunscreen, and bring your passport (a copy is accepted).

Are the guides available in multiple languages?

Yes. The instructor/guides are listed as speaking English, German, and Russian.