Reviewed · LUNCH EXPERIENCES
Paradise Island With Water Sports and Lunch Sea Trip, Parasailing – hurghada
Red Sea thrills without much planning. This Hurghada day trip packs Paradise Island, two snorkeling stops, a banana boat ride, and a seven-minute parasail into one organized outing. I especially like the easy hotel pickup and the chance to combine calm island time with several water activities instead of booking each one separately.
I also like that lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and round-trip transport are included in the advertised price of $32 per person. The main caution is unclear extra charges: national park admission costs $5, and some hotel zones require another $5 to $10 for transport. Pickup reliability and boat crowding have also been uneven.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you book
- A full Red Sea day from your Hurghada hotel
- Boarding the boat and settling into the group
- Two snorkeling stops, about 45 minutes each
- Parasailing gives the day its extra lift
- Banana boat rides for a livelier change of pace
- Paradise Island offers more than a quick photo stop
- Lunch, drinks, and what the price really covers
- Crew service, filming, and the small irritations
- Who will get the most from this trip
- Booking, weather, and cancellation details
- Should you book the Paradise Island sea trip?
- FAQ
- What is included in the Paradise Island sea trip?
- How much does the experience cost?
- Are hotel transfers included?
- What time does the trip start?
- How long does the tour last?
- How long are the snorkeling stops?
- How much time is spent on Paradise Island?
- Is previous snorkeling experience required?
- How many people can join the boat trip?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key points to know before you book

- Paradise Island feels quieter than Orange Bay: One strong account found it less commercial than Orange Bay farther along the Giftun coast.
- Two snorkeling stops last about 45 minutes each: You can swim, use the gear, or stay on deck if you prefer not to enter the water.
- Seven minutes of parasailing is included: This is a main reason to choose this package over a basic snorkeling cruise.
- The $32 price covers plenty: Lunch, water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, equipment, transport, and water sports are included.
- Allow for additional fees: National park admission is $5 per person, with zone-based transfer supplements for some hotels.
- The group can reach 30 people: That keeps the price low but may make the boat feel busy.
A full Red Sea day from your Hurghada hotel

The day begins with an advertised 8:00 am start and pickup by air-conditioned vehicle. You are collected at your hotel and driven through Hurghada toward the boat departure point, which removes one of the more tiresome parts of arranging a sea trip yourself.
I like this setup for families and first-time visitors. You do not need to find a marina, arrange a taxi, or carry snorkeling equipment across town. Still, I would confirm your pickup time and total transport cost before the morning of the trip. One booking was confirmed for 10:30 am, then changed to 2:00 pm because the earlier departure was full. Another customer reported that the driver failed to arrive at all.
That does not mean every pickup goes wrong, but it does mean you should keep your phone available and confirm the details with the operator. If you are staying in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Ahia, the extra transfer charge is listed as $5 per person. From Safaga or El Gouna, it is $10 per person.
A few more Hurghada outings to price up
- Hurghada: Luxury Cruise Trip to Orange Bay with Lunch
★ 4.9 · 5,451 reviews - Hurghada: Orange Bay Island Boat Trip w/ Breakfast and Lunch
★ 4.9 · 5,345 reviews - Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch
★ 4.7 · 4,609 reviews
Boarding the boat and settling into the group

Once you reach the boat, the crew provides snorkeling equipment and explains the day’s activities. The advertised maximum is 30 people, so this is a shared group excursion rather than a quiet private cruise.
A group of this size can be a fair trade for the low price. You get more activities for less money, and the crew has experience handling a mix of swimmers, sunbathers, families, and beginners. On the other hand, one account found the boat somewhat full. If you prefer plenty of personal space, a private charter would suit you better, but this package is priced for a different kind of day.
You can swim at the stops or stay on deck and sunbathe while the boat is underway. That flexibility matters. A non-swimmer or a family member who wants a break from the water can still enjoy the cruise without feeling forced to take part in every activity.
Snorkeling requires no previous experience, and the minimum age stated for it is eight. The experience is therefore aimed at beginners, not only strong swimmers. You should still be comfortable in the sea and follow the crew’s instructions.
Two snorkeling stops, about 45 minutes each
The boat visits two snorkeling locations, with about 45 minutes at each stop. The crew also describes three prime anchoring locations during the sea trip, so the exact order and number of stops may depend on the day’s plan.
For many people, these stops will be the heart of the outing. You have enough time to get used to the mask and fins, look beneath the surface, and return to the boat without being rushed after only a few minutes. The Red Sea is known for clear water and marine life, but you should keep expectations sensible. One account praised the day but felt the reef did not fully match expectations.
I would choose this trip for the chance to see underwater life without needing special skills, not as a dedicated marine wildlife expedition. Conditions, visibility, and the quality of the reef can change. If snorkeling is your only reason for booking, ask the operator what conditions are expected on your date.
The equipment is included, which helps keep the cost down. You do not need to arrive with your own mask, snorkel, or fins. If you use prescription lenses or have strong preferences about fit, bringing personal equipment may still be more comfortable, although that is not required by the tour details.
Parasailing gives the day its extra lift

The package includes a seven-minute parasailing flight. You are lifted above the water while attached to the boat, giving you a short aerial view of the Red Sea and the surrounding island area.
Seven minutes is not a long flight, but it is enough to make this different from a standard snorkeling cruise. One person chose this trip specifically because parasailing was included and described the experience as spectacular. I can see why: the flight adds a clear highlight without requiring you to spend extra time arranging a separate activity.
You should think of parasailing as a featured add-on, not the main event. The day includes several activities, so the flight itself is brief. If you want a long parasailing session, this package may feel limited. If you want one memorable flight alongside snorkeling and island time, seven minutes is a useful inclusion.
Same base, a completely different sort of day:
- From Hurghada: Cairo and Giza Highlights Full-Day Tour
★ 4.5 · 6,014 reviews - Hurghada: Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise with Snorkel Stop
★ 4.4 · 4,637 reviews - Hurghada or Makadi: Discover the Magic of Dolphin House
★ 4.8 · 4,198 reviews - Sindbad Submarines – Hurghada (Egypt) – 2 Hours
★ 5.0 · 3,985 reviews
Banana boat rides for a livelier change of pace

The water sports package also includes a banana boat ride. This gives the day a more playful, fast-moving break between snorkeling and relaxing on the island.
The activity will appeal most to families, friends, and anyone who enjoys a bit of harmless chaos on the water. It may be less appealing if you want a quiet cruise with long stretches of peace. The trip gives you the option to sunbathe and swim, but the schedule is built around activity as well as rest.
The supplied details do not specify the exact ride time or how many people use the banana boat at once. I would ask the crew on arrival if timing matters to you.
Paradise Island offers more than a quick photo stop

The boat spends about two hours at Paradise Island. That is a useful amount of time because you are not simply stepping ashore, taking a picture, and leaving again.
You can swim, play games, or relax on the island. The setting is described as particularly suitable for families and beginning snorkelers. One especially positive account found Paradise Island less commercial than Orange Bay, which may appeal if you want a simpler island stop rather than a heavily developed beach setting.
Still, the exact balance between beach time and activities is worth noting. One person enjoyed the trip but wanted longer on the beach. Since the day also includes two snorkeling stops, parasailing, and a banana boat ride, Paradise Island is only one part of a full schedule.
I would book this with the expectation of a varied sea day, not a slow beach holiday. If your perfect day means sitting on sand for hours, the two-hour island stay may feel short. If you want to keep moving and sample several activities, the timing makes sense.
Lunch, drinks, and what the price really covers

At $32 per person, this package offers strong value on paper. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, an eight-hour boat trip, two snorkeling stops, equipment, parasailing, water sports, about two hours on Paradise Island, lunch, bottled water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
That is a lot to arrange independently. Even before counting the boat, an island visit, equipment hire, meals, and transport, the package saves you the work of coordinating several separate services.
The advertised price is not the final figure for everyone. National park admission is $5 per person. Transfer supplements apply to certain hotel areas, including $5 from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and Ahia, and $10 from Safaga or El Gouna. I would calculate the full cost before booking, especially for a large family or group.
There was also an account of a driver requesting $10 per person at pickup, which came as a surprise to the customer. That may have involved a transfer supplement or a communication problem, but it points to a practical rule: confirm every extra charge in writing before you travel.
Lunch and drinks are included, though the details do not specify the menu. Tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks are provided, so you should not need to buy basic refreshments during the day. If you have dietary needs, ask ahead because no special meal information is provided.
Crew service, filming, and the small irritations

The crew has received strong praise for being friendly and helpful. One family of 11 found that the full range of activities delivered excellent value, and another account praised the White Star crew after taking two boat trips with them.
That kind of service matters on a busy water day. You need clear directions when moving between snorkeling, parasailing, the banana boat, lunch, and the island. A friendly crew can make beginners feel more at ease.
There are also two issues worth keeping in mind. Pickup has been late for some people, and the boat may feel crowded. Delays are frustrating when an eight-hour day already has a fixed schedule.
A separate complaint concerned a crew member filming people repeatedly and then offering the video for sale. If you do not want to be recorded, tell the crew clearly at the start and ask them not to film you. Video sales are not listed as part of the price, so treat them as an optional extra rather than something included.
Who will get the most from this trip
I would recommend this outing to families with children aged eight or older who want several activities in one day. It also fits first-time snorkelers, couples who want both relaxation and excitement, and groups trying to keep costs under control.
It is a good match if you like variety. You can snorkel, fly above the water, ride the banana boat, eat lunch, and spend time on an island without making separate bookings.
I would be more cautious if you want a private boat, a quiet beach day, a highly focused reef experience, or complete control over departure times. The group may reach 30 people, the boat can feel full, and the schedule has several moving parts.
The activity is listed as suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. The snorkeling age requirement is eight, but the information does not provide further medical, swimming, or mobility guidance. Ask the operator directly if you have specific needs.
Booking, weather, and cancellation details
Confirmation is provided at booking, and mobile tickets are available. Free cancellation applies when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.
The trip requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is helpful for a sea activity, where wind and water conditions can affect snorkeling, parasailing, and the boat ride.
I would avoid scheduling this on your final day in Hurghada if a missed outing would ruin your plans. Weather and transport delays are easier to handle when you have another day available.
Should you book the Paradise Island sea trip?
I would book it if you want a good-value activity day with several included experiences. Paradise Island, two long snorkeling stops, a seven-minute parasail, a banana boat ride, lunch, drinks, and transport create a generous package for $32, even after adding the $5 park fee.
Before paying, confirm your hotel pickup, departure time, and any zone-based transfer supplement. Also decide if you are comfortable with a group boat that may carry up to 30 people.
This is not the trip for perfect scheduling or a secluded beach. It is a practical Hurghada day out that works best when you value variety, convenience, and a friendly crew more than privacy. For families and first-time snorkelers, it is an appealing way to get a broad taste of the Red Sea in one outing.
FAQ
What is included in the Paradise Island sea trip?
The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle, an eight-hour boat trip, two snorkeling stops, snorkeling equipment, a seven-minute parasailing flight, water sports, about two hours on Paradise Island, lunch, bottled water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
How much does the experience cost?
The listed price is $32 per person. National park admission costs an additional $5 per person.
Are hotel transfers included?
Round-trip hotel transfers are included from Hurghada hotels. Extra charges apply from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and Ahia at $5 per person, and from Safaga or El Gouna at $10 per person.
What time does the trip start?
The stated start time is 8:00 am.
How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts approximately eight hours.
How long are the snorkeling stops?
Each of the two main snorkeling stops lasts about 45 minutes.
How much time is spent on Paradise Island?
The schedule provides about two hours on Paradise Island.
Is previous snorkeling experience required?
No. The activity information says that snorkeling requires no previous experience or special skills. The stated minimum age for snorkeling is eight.
How many people can join the boat trip?
The maximum group size is 30 people.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel for a refund?
You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.
Newly listed around Hurghada
- Viva Egypt hurghada Hula Hula Island & Lunch & Water sports 3*1★ 5.0 · 54 reviews
- Hurghada Full Day Desert Tour★ 5.0 · 51 reviews
- Private Transfers Hurghada Airport to Hurghada, Safaga, Soma Bay★ 5.0 · 19 reviews
- Hurghada to Luxor: Private Transfer & Dendara optional★ 5.0 · 27 reviews
- Full Day Luxor Excursion★ 5.0 · 16 reviews
- morning quad bike★ 5.0 · 22 reviews
- Parasailing Ride in Hurgada single&double with private Transfer★ 5.0 · 16 reviews
- Snorkeling and Swimming at Orange Bay Island★ 5.0 · 19 reviews
Lunch Experiences, compared.

Orange Bay Island Boat Trip w/ Breakfast and Lunch
Read our review →
3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch
Read our review →
Grand Egyptian Museum, Pyramids, Sphinx Tour & Lunch
Read our review →
Speedboat Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling with Lunch
Read our review →
Hula Hula Cruise with Lunch, Massage, & Snorkeling
Read our review →


