Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing – hurghada

A Red Sea day with plenty to do. This package combines a boat ride to Paradise Island, two snorkeling stops, a banana boat ride, and a seven-minute parasailing flight for $32 per person. I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and water sports are bundled together.

I also like the setting. Paradise Island is described as less commercial than Orange Bay, with more than an hour to swim, play games, or relax on the island. The main caution is organization: pickup problems, schedule changes, extra transfer charges, and a crowded boat have all been reported, so confirm the details before departure.

The day runs about eight hours, beginning around 8:00 am, and is suitable for families and first-time snorkelers aged eight and above. National park admission costs $5 extra per person, while longer-distance hotel transfers can add another $5 to $10 each way depending on your resort.

Key points before you book

• Two snorkeling stops last about 45 minutes each, giving you more water time than a quick swim from the beach.
• Seven-minute parasailing flight is included, which is a major reason to choose this package over a basic island cruise.
• Paradise Island time lasts about two hours, with more than an hour set aside for swimming, games, or sunbathing.
• Lunch and drinks are included, including bottled water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and an open bar.
• The standard price is $32 per person, but national park fees and some resort transfers are extra.
• The boat can hold up to 30 people, so this is a shared group outing rather than a quiet private cruise.

Why this Hurghada boat trip offers good value

At $32 per person, this is an unusually activity-packed day. You are not paying only for a ride to an island. The price includes hotel transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an approximately eight-hour boat trip, snorkeling gear, two snorkeling stops, lunch, drinks, a banana boat ride, and parasailing.

That bundle matters in Hurghada, where separate charges can quickly turn a cheap-looking excursion into a costly day. Here, the national park fee is clearly listed as $5 per person. Transfer supplements are also listed for several resort areas: $5 from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Al Ahia, and $10 from Safaga or El Gouna.

I would treat the advertised $32 as the starting price, not the final amount for everyone. Check your hotel area, ask about the national park charge, and confirm whether any tax or other local fee applies. One booking problem involved a pickup driver asking for an unexpected $10 per person, so pricing should be confirmed in writing before you go.

The value is strongest if you plan to use every part of the package. If you only want a peaceful island visit, the boat, snorkeling, and water sports may feel like too much. If you want several activities in one day, the cost is attractive.

The morning pickup and trip to the boat

The published start time is 8:00 am, with pickup from Hurghada hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle. The exact pickup time can vary by hotel, and one report described a late pickup. That is not unusual for a shared sea outing, but it is worth leaving extra time in your morning plans.

The driver takes you through Hurghada to the departure point, where the boat crew takes over. The day is operated by Sea Memories, and the boat group can reach a maximum of 30 people. That size keeps the excursion social and manageable, but it does not promise a quiet or spacious deck.

One account described the boat as somewhat full, while also praising the friendly crew and good coordination once the trip was underway. I would expect a practical group boat rather than a luxury yacht. Bring patience during boarding and listen closely for instructions, especially when several activities are being arranged at once.

The crew provides snorkeling equipment, and no previous snorkeling ability is required. The stated minimum age is eight, making this a reasonable choice for families with older children. You still need to be comfortable in the water and follow the crew’s safety guidance.

The Red Sea snorkeling stops

The route includes two snorkeling locations, with about 45 minutes at each stop. The description also refers to anchoring at three prime snorkeling locations, so you may have an additional stop or swimming area during the boat journey. The clearest promise is two dedicated snorkeling sessions.

This format is useful because you get a second chance if the first site is not your favorite. Water conditions, visibility, and marine life can change from one location to the next. One report found the reef disappointing, while other parts of the outing received much warmer praise, so keep expectations sensible. This is an affordable group excursion, not a specialist reef safari.

You can snorkel, swim, or stay on deck and sunbathe while the boat moves between locations. That flexibility helps families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while anyone less confident can remain aboard.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from packing or renting your own equipment. Still, inspect the mask and fins before entering the water and tell the crew if anything does not fit. No special talent is required, but comfort matters more than skill.

The repeated 45-minute sessions give you enough time to get used to the mask, look around, and take a break before the next stop. I like this better than an itinerary that promises one short photo stop and calls it a snorkeling day.

Paradise Island and the two-hour beach stop

Paradise Island is the central setting for the second half of the trip. The schedule allows about two hours on the island, with more than an hour intended for swimming, games, or relaxing on the beach and deck areas.

The island is presented as less commercial than Orange Bay, which may appeal if you prefer a simpler stop with fewer distractions. Do not expect a full beach holiday, though. Two hours passes quickly once you disembark, organize your belongings, swim, and prepare to return to the boat.

One person specifically wanted more beach time. That is the main trade-off here: the package gives you snorkeling and motorized water sports, but those activities reduce the amount of time available for simply sitting on the sand.

Families may find Paradise Island particularly easy to enjoy. The combination of shallow-water play, swimming, games, and a clear time limit keeps the stop straightforward. Beginning snorkelers also have an island setting where they can relax between boat activities.

The island portion is best approached as a pleasant break in a busy sea day, not as the sole reason to book. If your priority is a long, quiet beach stay, choose a beach-focused trip instead.

Parasailing for seven minutes above the sea

The included seven-minute parasailing flight is one of this package’s strongest selling points. You are lifted above the water while attached to the boat, giving you a wide view of the Red Sea and the surrounding islands.

Seven minutes may sound short, but parasailing is a focused activity rather than an all-day sport. The flight gives you the main experience without taking too much time away from snorkeling and Paradise Island.

One person chose this excursion specifically because parasailing was included and described the flight as spectacular. That makes sense if you want one memorable thrill alongside the gentler snorkeling stops.

Keep in mind that the exact wait for your turn depends on the group. With up to 30 people and several activities running during the same day, you may spend time watching others take their flights. Use that time to sit on deck, swim if permitted, or take photos.

The package also includes a banana boat ride. This adds a second burst of speed and fun, especially for families and groups of friends. The supplied information does not give a separate duration for the banana boat, so do not assume it lasts as long as the parasailing flight.

Lunch, drinks, and the open-bar setup

Food is included, along with bottled water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and an open bar. That is practical on an eight-hour boat trip, since buying drinks separately at sea can be inconvenient.

Lunch is described as freshly prepared, but no menu is provided. If you have dietary restrictions, ask the operator before departure rather than assuming special meals are available. The listed inclusions support a standard shared meal, not a custom dining service.

The drinks provision is a real advantage. Hurghada’s sun, wind, and repeated time in the water can leave you tired before the day is over. Regular water and a meal make the schedule easier to manage.

Bring sun protection, a towel, and any personal medication you need. These items are not listed as included. You may also want a waterproof phone pouch, although the supplied information does not confirm that one is available onboard.

A note about filming is important. One person disliked constant filming by a crew member followed by attempts to sell the video. If you do not want to appear on camera, say so clearly and early. You should not have to spend the day avoiding a lens while trying to relax.

Crew service and the risk of uneven organization

The strongest praise goes to the White Star crew, who were described as helpful, friendly, and willing to assist. The response also indicates that service is intended to be a major focus of the operation.

That positive impression is balanced by a few practical warnings. One booking involved a driver who did not arrive, and the customer reported difficulty reaching support. Another booking was confirmed for 10:30 am, then moved to a 2:00 pm departure because the earlier time was full. The customer felt pushed into the change rather than offered a clear choice.

These reports do not mean every departure will go badly. The overall rating is 4.7 from 47 reviews, and several people described the day as excellent or good value. Still, the problems point to a simple rule: confirm your departure time, pickup arrangement, and final price the day before.

A quick message to the operator can prevent confusion. Confirm your hotel name, room number, pickup time, number of people, resort surcharge, and national park fee. Keep the confirmation available on your phone.

Who will enjoy this excursion most

I would recommend this trip to families, first-time snorkelers, couples who want several activities in one day, and anyone who wants parasailing without arranging separate bookings. The age guidance begins at eight, and the mix of swimming, beach time, and rides works well for a group with different interests.

It also suits people who value convenience. Hotel pickup and drop-off remove the need to arrange a taxi, while lunch and drinks reduce the number of small decisions you need to make during the day.

This is less suitable for a quiet, private escape. The boat can carry up to 30 people, the schedule includes several activities, and the island stay is limited. It may also disappoint serious snorkelers looking for exceptional reef conditions at every stop.

If you dislike sales pitches for photos or videos, mention that before boarding and avoid agreeing to photography unless you want it. If your hotel is outside central Hurghada, calculate the supplement before comparing prices with other tours.

Booking, cancellation, and weather details

Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refundable.

The trip depends on suitable weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful for a sea excursion, since wind and rough water can affect snorkeling, parasailing, and boat safety.

The excursion allows service animals, and most people can participate. The information does not provide detailed accessibility arrangements, so anyone with specific mobility needs should ask the operator before booking.

Should you book the Paradise Island sea trip?

Book it if you want a busy, good-value Red Sea day with snorkeling, parasailing, a banana boat ride, lunch, and hotel transportation in one package. The parasailing inclusion, two long snorkeling stops, and less commercial feel of Paradise Island make it more appealing than a basic island transfer.

Skip it if you want a slow beach day, a private boat, or highly specialized snorkeling. The boat may feel full, beach time is limited, and the reef experience can vary.

My practical verdict is positive, with conditions. At $32, the package offers a lot for the money, especially for families and first-time visitors to Hurghada. Confirm every extra charge and your pickup details before the morning of departure, then enjoy the day for what it is: a lively, activity-filled trip rather than a silent escape at sea.

FAQ

Where does the Paradise Island sea trip take place?

The excursion departs from Hurghada and cruises to Paradise Island in the Giftun Islands.

What time does the tour start?

The published start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The full excursion lasts approximately eight hours.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included, and each is scheduled to last about 45 minutes.

How long do you stay on Paradise Island?

The itinerary includes approximately two hours on Paradise Island, with more than one hour available for swimming, games, or relaxing.

Is parasailing included?

Yes. The package includes a seven-minute parasailing flight.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch, bottled water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and an open bar are included.

What extra charges should I expect?

National park admission costs $5 per person. Transfers add $5 per person from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Al Ahia, and $10 per person from Safaga or El Gouna.