Boat trips are the easiest way to reach the Red Sea’s best reefs without diving: a comfortable boat, a snorkel guide, lunch on board and several stops at coral sites you cannot reach from the shore. This guide compares our boat trips from Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh — Tiran Island, the half-day reef trip and private boat hire — so you can choose the right day at sea.
Boat Trips Compared
| Trip | From | Start | Duration | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Day Boat Trip | Dahab | 09:00 or 12:30 | Half day | $35 per person |
| Tiran Island by Boat | Sharm El Sheikh | 08:00 | About 8 hours | $45 per person |
| Tiran Island by Boat | Dahab | 08:00 | Full day | $100 per person |
| Private Boat Hire | Dahab | 09:00 | Half or full day | $700 per boat |
| Private Boat Hire | Sharm El Sheikh | Flexible | Half or full day | $750 per boat |
Tiran Island: The Classic Red Sea Boat Trip
Tiran is a large crescent-shaped island at the entrance of the Straits of Tiran, where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aqaba. Its reefs — Gordon, Jackson, Thomas and Woodhouse — are separated by deep channels and are known for spectacular live corals, rich marine life and old shipwrecks, which makes them a favourite for snorkelers and divers.
Tiran from Sharm El Sheikh
Pick-up is at around 08:00 and the boats leave from the Naama Bay jetty, where you can also hire snorkel equipment. The sail to Tiran takes about an hour; lunch is prepared on board and the trip lasts around 8 hours. Transfers, lunch, drinks and an English-speaking guide are included.
Tiran from Dahab
You are picked up in Dahab at 08:00 and driven about 90 minutes to the jetty. On the way to Tiran the boat stops at the Blue Lagoon, where the shallow water is good for beginners and children. The Dahab trip includes a snorkel mask, a snorkel guide, lunch, drinks, hotel pick-up and entrance fees.
Half Day Boat Trip from Dahab
If you only have a morning or an afternoon, the half-day trip visits two of Dahab’s most interesting snorkeling sites. Choose the morning trip (09:00 to 12:00) or the afternoon trip (12:30 to 16:15).
- Napoleon Reef: a large lagoon closed by a long, wide tongue of coral, with a pinnacle at its tip surrounded by tropical fish.
- The Islands: a fun site of swim-throughs and narrow coral channels that open onto sandy-bottomed coral pools.
A snorkel mask, the boat, a snorkel guide, lunch and drinks are included.
Private Boat Hire
For families and groups of friends, a private boat gives you the whole day on your own terms: choose to sail north or south, stop where you like and swim at your own pace. Full-day hire includes lunch cooked by the chef on board, soft drinks, snorkel equipment and a snorkel guide. From Sharm El Sheikh, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included too.
Tips for a Day on the Boat
Tip: Bring your own fins — on most trips only a mask is included.
Tip: Take seasickness tablets before departure if you are sensitive; the open sea towards Tiran can be choppy.
Tip: Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear a rash vest; there is little shade in the water.
Tip: Groups of 8 people or more can contact us for a special price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Tiran Island from Dahab?
Yes. The Tiran trip from Dahab includes a 90-minute drive to the jetty and a stop at the Blue Lagoon on the way to the island.
Is a boat trip suitable for non-swimmers or children?
The Blue Lagoon stop on the Tiran trip from Dahab is shallow and good for beginners and children. Non-swimmers can stay on board and enjoy the views, or choose a glass-bottom boat instead.
What is the cheapest boat trip?
The Half Day Boat Trip from Dahab, from $35 per person, including lunch and drinks.
How many people fit on a private boat?
The private boats are large and comfortable; the price is per boat, so contact us with your group size and we will confirm the details.
