Pirate theme meets Red Sea reefs on a three-masted sailing yacht. I like the mix of a relaxing cruise, guided snorkeling with planned reef time, and an onboard air-conditioned salon where lunch is served without suffering in the heat. One thing to think about is that the advertised kids pirate entertainment can be hit-or-miss, and snorkeling rules can be strict about masks.

You’ll spend most of the day on the water, with a professional guide taking you to places meant for coral and marine life. If you get the extra-care vibe people praise from Mr. Antar and the team, the whole day feels smoother and more personal. The possible drawback: the schedule is tight, so White Island is more of a quick stop than a long beach break.

Key things I’d bookmark before you go

• Ras Mohamed National Park snorkeling with a guide, split into two reef stops of about 45 minutes each
• White Island visit timed around about 45 minutes, with boarding and landing that can eat into your time
• Air-conditioned lunch room on a three-deck pirate-themed ship, plus an open buffet with seafood, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fruit
• Kids pirate program promise, but plan for the reality that not every sailing is equally dressed up or staffed
• Snorkel gear is extra, so if you want to avoid surprises, bring your own mask or rent early

Pirate-ship comfort: how the yacht changes the whole day

This isn’t a bare-bones speedboat outing. You’re riding a wooden, three-masted pirate-style sailing ship with three decks, where the upper sun deck is the place to catch the breeze and the two main indoor salons are there when the sun gets heavy.

The biggest practical win for me is the air-conditioned lunch area. After time in the water, that kind of indoor comfort helps you reset, eat properly, and not turn the day into a sweaty survival contest. The ship is also themed all the way through, including a lower-deck space that’s set up for kids animation when it’s running.

One detail worth knowing: the pirate theme is visual, and in some cases the kids entertainment has looked lighter than what the marketing leads you to expect. So if your main goal is full pirate-costume action for little kids, I’d treat that as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Getting from Sharm El-Sheikh to the Red Sea: transfers and timing

Pickup is from Sharm El-Sheikh, and the whole experience lasts about 7 hours, usually running from a 9:00 am departure to about 4:00 pm return. You should plan for a pickup time roughly an hour before the trip starts, and you’ll get your exact pickup window via WhatsApp about 24 hours ahead.

This timing matters because it shapes how much of your day is truly on the water. The plan includes sailing time along the Sinai coastline, then reaching Ras Mohamed, then moving on to White Island and a second snorkeling stop before heading back.

The group rhythm is part logistics, part experience. You’ll spend time boarding, snorkeling, and switching locations, and those transitions are where your stamina and patience get tested. If you’re prone to getting motion-sick, it helps to arrive with a calm plan, water ready, and sunscreen already on.

Ras Mohamed National Park: the reef stop that drives the trip

Ras Mohamed National Park is the big name in this day. The route includes sailing out first, then a dedicated window for snorkeling with a professional guide to help you see coral and marine life at the reef.

You get about 45 minutes in the water at this first snorkeling stop. That’s long enough to enjoy the sights, but it’s not so long you end up rushing or getting cold. The guide role is important. Even if you’re an experienced snorkeler, someone pointing out what’s worth watching saves time and keeps you from accidentally hovering in the wrong spot.

A practical note from real-life snags: one person was denied entry to the water because they didn’t have a mask. The tour information doesn’t spell out mask rules, but I’d follow the safest approach anyway. Bring your own snorkeling mask, and if you rent gear, get it confirmed before you’re standing at the water edge.

White Island: why it’s fun, and why it’s short

White Island is the name that brings people in, and the trip includes a visit of about 45 minutes. This is your island break, usually with a chance to look around and enjoy the scenery before heading back toward the snorkeling.

Here’s the honest tradeoff: the landing and re-boarding process can take time, so the clock on the island can feel shorter than you hoped. Some people felt they spent more time getting on and off than actually enjoying the island itself.

If you love a quick photo stop, a little walking, and a taste of the island setting, this time works. If your main fantasy is a long beach hang with lots of lounging, you might feel slightly rushed. I’d treat White Island as a highlight between water moments, not the whole point of the day.

Second snorkeling stop: more reef time, more chances to spot fish

After the White Island visit, the itinerary turns back toward the Red Sea for a second snorkeling stop, also about 45 minutes. The point is simple: you get more shots at coral, more time to settle into your rhythm, and a better chance to spot the variety that makes the Red Sea famous.

This second stop is also where you can benefit from what you learned in the first water session. You’ll have a feel for the current, the pace, and how to breathe steadily. And if you were nervous at the start, the second stop is often when things click.

Just keep the mask issue in mind again. If you don’t want a day-stealing problem, make sure you’re fully equipped before anyone expects you to enter the water. If your child needs a mask to join you or a guide, confirm it early so nobody ends up waiting.

Lunch on board: what’s included, where you eat, and how it actually feels

Lunch is served on the ship in the air-conditioned salon, which is a big deal. The open buffet is prepared onboard, and you get soft drinks with the meal.

The menu includes items like sea food soup, multiple fresh salads, rice, pasta, and potatoes. For hot mains, you can expect shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta, plus seasonal fresh fruit. The buffet setup is the practical style you want on a boat trip: you eat quickly, you eat enough, and you’re not stuck waiting for a plated order in a moving environment.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of the most reliable parts of the day. There’s usually something approachable on the buffet, and the indoor seating helps when you want everyone calm before the water time.

Kids pirate entertainment: the promise versus the day you might get

The ship advertises a kids entertainment programme, and you’ll see it described as pirate-themed, with kids moved to the lower deck while adults enjoy the upper deck and sea views. That sounds great on paper, and for many families, it’s exactly what makes the pirate theme worth it.

But there are also mixed experiences. Some people reported that there was no pirate-costume dressing or that the kids entertainment was not really happening as expected during their sailing. Another complaint said the kids activities were not present, and the family felt the pirate element was mostly limited to photos.

So here’s the way I’d approach it: if you’re booking for snorkeling first and pirate theme second, you’ll likely still be happy. If pirate character interaction is the main reason you chose this tour, I’d consider messaging ahead to confirm what kids activities look like on your exact departure date.

Price and value: what your $80 covers and what costs extra

At about $80 per person, this tour includes a lot that can add up on your own: hotel pickup and drop-off, Ras Mohamed National Park entry fees, life jackets, a buffet lunch, and a kids entertainment programme (as listed). The tour also includes the guide-led snorkeling structure, which is part of the value.

What’s not included is snorkeling gear, listed at €5 per piece, and wetsuits at €10 per item. That means your real total depends on whether you already own gear and how cold you feel in the water. Also, plan your day so you don’t end up renting only after you’re already at the boarding stage.

There’s also a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 euros per person if you select add-ons, paid upon arrival or sometimes prepaid. This is one of those “check it once” costs that can be forgotten if you only look at the headline price. Add it in your budget so you don’t feel surprised once you get there.

Who this pirate cruise fits best

This is a strong match if you want:

• Red Sea snorkeling with guided help and scheduled reef time
• A boat day with comfort built in, especially the air-conditioned lunch stop
• Families who can handle a structured day with multiple short activity blocks

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re booking primarily for a long White Island beach session
• Your child’s entertainment needs to be consistently pirate-themed the whole time
• You want zero rule risk about water entry, since you should bring a mask and be ready to follow staff directions

Should you book the Sharm Pirates Sailing Boat cruise?

Yes, with a smart checklist.

Book it if you want the convenience of transfers plus lunch, you like the idea of Ras Mohamed-focused snorkeling, and you’re happy with White Island as a short stop. The ship comfort, especially the air-conditioned salon and the buffet layout, makes the day feel easier than many other boat tours in the region.

Before you go, do two things:

• Bring a snorkeling mask that fits well, or rent gear early so there’s no last-minute problem.
• If kids pirate entertainment is a must, verify what’s included for your departure, not just what’s advertised in general.

If you do those, this pirate cruise is a practical way to enjoy Sharm El-Sheikh and the Red Sea without turning your day into a logistics puzzle.

FAQ

How long is the Pirates Sailing Boat cruise from Sharm El-Sheikh?

The duration is listed as 7 hours, with departure from the marina at about 9:00 am and returning around 4:00 pm.

What snorkeling time do you get on the Red Sea?

You get two snorkeling stops, each for about 45 minutes, with a professional guide.

Is lunch included, and where is it served?

Yes. Lunch is included as a buffet served onboard in the fully air-conditioned salon.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, national park entry fees, life jackets, buffet lunch, and a kids entertainment programme are included.

What does snorkeling gear cost if I need to rent it?

Snorkeling gear is listed at €5 per piece, and wetsuits are listed at €10 per item.

Are there any extra fees to pay on the day?

There is a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 euros per person if you selected add-ons, paid upon arrival or potentially prepaid from add-ons.

What time is pickup and how do I know the exact time?

Pickup happens roughly 1 hour before the trip, and you will be contacted about 24 hours prior via WhatsApp with your exact pickup time.

What should I bring for the trip?

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

Is the tour wheelchair accessible, and what languages are available?

Wheelchair accessibility is listed as available. Instructor languages listed are English, German, and Russian.