Egypt Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Egypt

Egypt’s Red Sea coastline is one of the world’s great undiscovered charter frontiers. Stretching over 800 kilometres along the western shore of the Red Sea, from the Sinai Peninsula in the north to Marsa Alam in the south, this is a cruising ground that delivers year-round warmth, underwater visibility that regularly exceeds 30 metres, and coral reefs so vivid they make the Caribbean look muted. The water temperature rarely drops below 22°C even in January, climbing to a bath-like 28–30°C through summer, and the arid desert climate means rain is virtually non-existent – you can plan a charter here with near-total confidence that the sun will show up.

What sets the Egyptian Red Sea apart from more established Mediterranean or Caribbean charter grounds is the sheer concentration of marine life within easy reach of comfortable, well-serviced marinas. Jacques Cousteau famously declared Ras Mohammed’s reefs among the finest on earth, and the intervening decades have only reinforced his judgement. From the dolphin-rich waters of Sha’ab El Erg to the sheer coral walls of Tiran Strait, from the legendary wreck of the SS Thistlegorm to the pristine offshore reefs of the Brothers Islands, the Red Sea offers underwater experiences that rank alongside the Maldives and the Great Barrier Reef – but with significantly shorter transfer times from Europe and a fraction of the charter traffic. Hurghada International Airport receives direct flights from more than 60 European cities, and the ride from the runway to your yacht at El Gouna’s Abu Tig Marina takes barely 30 minutes.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend exploring the reefs off El Gouna, a week-long voyage south to the remote dive sites around Marsa Alam, or an ambitious crossing from the Sinai to the Brothers Islands, this guide covers every region in detail – seasons, distances, marine highlights, and the yachts best suited to each route. Start planning your Egypt charter with Boatcrowd and let our team match you to the perfect yacht and itinerary.

Why Charter a Yacht in Egypt

World-Class Diving and Snorkelling on Your Doorstep

The Red Sea is home to over 200 species of hard and soft coral and more than 1,100 species of fish, many of them endemic. Visibility routinely reaches 30–40 metres – on a calm morning you can see the seabed from your swim platform in 15 metres of water. The headline sites read like a diver’s bucket list: Ras Mohammed National Park, with its sheer walls dropping hundreds of metres into the deep blue; Tiran Island, where four named reefs guard the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba and manta rays cruise the current channels; the Brothers Islands, two volcanic pinnacles 60 nautical miles offshore surrounded by forests of fan coral and visited by hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetips and thresher sharks. Even non-divers are rewarded – the shallow reef flats at Giftun Island and Sha’ab El Erg teem with clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and the occasional hawksbill turtle, all visible with nothing more than a mask and snorkel.

Year-Round Sunshine and Warm Water

Egypt’s Red Sea coast receives virtually no rainfall. Summer air temperatures run 33–37°C (91–99°F), while winter settles into a pleasant 22–26°C (72–79°F) – warmer than most Mediterranean destinations in peak season. Water temperatures follow suit: 28–30°C in summer, 22–24°C in winter. The prevailing northerly winds are strongest from May to September but rarely exceed 15–20 knots inshore, and the coast’s fringing reef systems create natural breakwaters that keep most anchorages calm. For charter guests, this translates to a genuine year-round season – there is no ‘off’ period, just different strengths: peak diving visibility in spring and autumn, warmest water in summer, and the mildest topside temperatures from October to April.

Proximity and Value

Hurghada is a 4–5 hour direct flight from most European capitals – closer than the eastern Mediterranean and dramatically closer than the Maldives or the Seychelles. Charter pricing in the Red Sea sits well below comparable Mediterranean destinations, offering exceptional value for the calibre of yacht, crew and experience delivered. Egyptian e-visas are available online for around $25 USD (single entry), and the process takes minutes. For guests accustomed to the Balearics or the Côte d’Azur, an Egyptian charter feels refreshingly uncomplicated and remarkably affordable without any compromise on luxury.

Ancient History Within Reach

No other yacht charter destination on earth puts you within day-trip distance of 4,500-year-old temples and pharaonic tombs. From Hurghada or El Gouna, a private car or helicopter transfer covers the 290 km to Luxor in roughly four hours – long enough for your crew to prepare a gourmet lunch on the aft deck while you explore the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple (the largest religious complex of the ancient world), and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Your captain holds position at the marina, and you return to a chilled towel, a sundowner and a chef-prepared dinner as the desert sky turns from gold to violet. It’s the kind of contrast – pharaonic grandeur by day, floating luxury by night – that simply isn’t available anywhere else.

Uncrowded Waters and Genuine Discovery

The Egyptian Red Sea receives a fraction of the charter traffic that clogs the Greek islands or the Amalfi Coast in summer. Outside Hurghada’s inshore waters, it is entirely possible to anchor at a pristine reef and see no other vessel for hours. The southern stretches below Safaga – towards Marsa Alam, Hamata and the offshore Fury Shoals – remain genuinely remote, accessible only by yacht or liveaboard, and offer coral gardens and wall dives that rival anything in the tropics. For guests who have ‘done’ the Mediterranean and want something different without sacrificing comfort, Egypt’s Red Sea is the answer.

Top Destinations Along Egypt’s Red Sea

• El Gouna – A purpose-built resort town 25 km north of Hurghada, spread across more than 20 man-made islands connected by lagoons and canals. Often called the ‘Venice of the Red Sea’, El Gouna is the most polished charter base on the Egyptian coast, with Abu Tig Marina accommodating yachts up to 60 metres, waterfront dining, beach clubs, and world-class kitesurfing. The dolphin reef of Sha’ab El Erg lies barely an hour offshore.

• Hurghada – The Red Sea’s largest resort city and main yachting hub, with a 200-berth marina managed by Camper & Nicholsons that can accommodate vessels up to 80–00 metres. Hurghada is the gateway to Giftun Islands National Park, the wreck-strewn reefs of Abu Nuhas, and the offshore dive sites of Umm Gamar and Sha’ab Abu Ramada. Direct flights from over 60 European cities make it the easiest point of arrival.

• Sharm el-Sheikh – Sitting on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm is the northern anchor of any Red Sea charter. Ras Mohammed National Park – Egypt’s first marine reserve, established in 1983 – lies just 12 km south, with vertical walls plunging into hundreds of metres of blue. The Tiran Strait, 8 nautical miles offshore, is home to four spectacular named reefs: Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon. Sharm’s marinas and waterfront infrastructure rival anything in the Mediterranean.

• Ras Mohammed National Park – The crown jewel of Red Sea diving. This protected headland where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba features some of the most biodiverse reefs on the planet. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef offer sheer walls that drop to over 800 metres, draped in soft coral and patrolled by grey reef sharks, barracuda, and giant trevally. Anemone City, at roughly 12 metres, is a shallow garden of bubble-tip anemones alive with clownfish – perfect for snorkellers from the swim platform.

• Tiran Island – Four major reefs – Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon – mark the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, creating a natural corridor for pelagic species. Manta rays, eagle rays, dolphins and the occasional whale shark pass through the current channels, while the reef walls are festooned with soft coral, gorgonian fans and schools of anthias in every shade of orange and pink. Accessible as a day trip from Sharm el-Sheikh (8 nautical miles) or as a waypoint on a longer Sinai route.

• Giftun Islands – A national marine park roughly 45 minutes by yacht from El Gouna or Hurghada. The islands’ shallow reefs are ideal for snorkelling – expect clownfish, parrotfish, lionfish and Napoleon wrasse in crystal-clear shallows – while the sandy beaches on the western side make a perfect lunch stop. Popular with families and groups who want an easy, beautiful day on the water.

• The Brothers Islands – Two volcanic pinnacles rising from the deep roughly 60 nautical miles offshore from El Quseir. Big Brother (400 metres long) and Little Brother (200 metres) are sheer-sided towers surrounded by some of the richest marine life in the Red Sea: forests of black coral and gorgonian fans, schools of hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, and thresher sharks at depth. Accessible only by liveaboard or extended yacht charter – a genuine bucket-list destination for serious divers.

• Marsa Alam – The quiet southern stretch of the Egyptian Red Sea, roughly 143 nautical miles south of Hurghada. The reefs here are pristine and largely untouched by mass tourism. Marsa Alam is one of the best places in the world to encounter dugongs (sea cows) and dolphins in the wild, and the offshore reef systems of Fury Shoals and Elphinstone Reef offer wall dives with regular sightings of oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerheads.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in Egypt

Prime Season: March to May and September to November

The shoulder months are the sweet spot for Red Sea chartering. Air temperatures sit comfortably between 25–32°C (77–90°F), water temperatures range from 24–28°C, and underwater visibility peaks at 30–40 metres. Winds are lighter and more predictable than in summer, making offshore passages to sites like Tiran and the Brothers Islands more comfortable. March and April bring the best conditions for spotting hammerhead sharks at the Brothers, while October and November offer warm water, calm seas and the return of large pelagic species to the northern reefs. These are the months that experienced Red Sea charterers book first.

Summer Season: June to August

The hottest months, with air temperatures pushing 35–37°C (95–99°F) and water temperatures at a luxurious 28–30°C. The northerly thermal winds are at their strongest (15–20 knots), which creates excellent conditions for kitesurfing off El Gouna but can make longer offshore passages less comfortable. Visibility remains good at 25–30 metres. Summer is peak season for watersports enthusiasts and for guests who want to combine a yacht charter with beach-club life in El Gouna. Charter rates are competitive, and the longer daylight hours – sunrise before 6 a.m., sunset after 7 p.m. – mean more time on the water.

Winter Season: December to February

Winter on the Red Sea is warmer than most Mediterranean destinations in summer, with air temperatures of 20–25°C (68–77°F) and water temperatures of 22–24°C. Northerly winds can be stronger and more persistent, occasionally limiting access to exposed offshore sites, but the inshore reefs and sheltered anchorages remain calm and diveable. Visibility is excellent at 30+ metres. Winter is popular with European guests escaping cold weather and with divers targeting specific species: manta rays at cleaning stations and large schools of barracuda at Ras Mohammed. Charter rates are at their most favourable.

Signature Experiences

• Dive Ras Mohammed’s Shark Reef – Descend along a sheer coral wall that drops from 5 metres to over 800, with grey reef sharks circling below and schools of barracuda spiralling above. Your yacht anchors in the national park’s designated mooring area while your dive guide leads you along one of the most celebrated reef systems on the planet. Even snorkellers on the surface can spot reef sharks, giant trevally and Napoleon wrasse in the crystal shallows above the drop-off.

• Swim with Dolphins at Sha’ab El Erg – This horseshoe-shaped reef east of El Gouna is home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins who rest in the sandy shallows during the morning before heading out to hunt. Your captain times the arrival for early morning, cuts the engines at a respectful distance, and your crew provides snorkelling gear. Slip into the water and drift quietly – the dolphins are accustomed to swimmers and often approach with curiosity. It’s one of the most magical wildlife encounters in the Red Sea.

• Explore the SS Thistlegorm Wreck – A British Merchant Navy ship sunk by German bombers in 1941, rediscovered by Jacques Cousteau in the 1950s and listed by The Times as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. The wreck sits upright in 30 metres of water in the Strait of Gubal, her holds still packed with wartime cargo: motorcycles, trucks, rifles, rubber boots and railway carriages. The hull is encrusted with coral and patrolled by enormous Napoleon wrasse. A genuinely unforgettable dive, accessible as a day trip from Sharm el-Sheikh or a waypoint on a multi-day charter.

• Day Trip to Luxor – Leave your yacht at El Gouna or Hurghada in the morning and transfer by private car or helicopter to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Walk through 3,500-year-old burial chambers painted in colours that still glow, stand beneath columns 23 metres tall in the Hypostyle Hall, and return to your yacht by evening for a chef-prepared dinner under the stars. No other charter destination offers this kind of contrast between ancient history and modern luxury.

• Sunset Dinner on the Aft Deck off Giftun Island – Your chef prepares a feast of grilled Red Sea prawns, ful medames with tahini, koshary and freshly caught fish as the sun sinks behind the desert mountains, turning the sky from amber to deep rose. The water beneath the hull is glass-calm, the reef below glows with bioluminescence as darkness falls, and the only sound is the gentle clink of glasses. This is the Red Sea at its most serene.

• Kitesurfing off El Gouna – El Gouna’s shallow lagoons and reliable thermal winds (May to September) have made it one of the world’s premier kitesurfing destinations. Your yacht serves as a floating base camp while you launch from the flat-water lagoons with 1.5 km of waist-deep water – perfect for beginners and freestylers alike. Your crew has cold drinks and lunch waiting when you paddle back.

• Night Dive at the Coral Gardens – After dinner, your dive crew kits you up for a night dive on the house reef. The transformation is extraordinary: sleeping parrotfish wrapped in mucus cocoons, hunting lionfish fanning their venomous spines, octopus colour-shifting across the reef flat, and the eerie blue glow of bioluminescent plankton in the water column. A torch beam reveals a hidden world that is invisible by day.

Yacht Types Available

• Luxury Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – The ideal choice for Red Sea exploration. These crewed vessels typically accommodate 6–10 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins, with a crew of 3–5 (captain, chef, steward/ess, deckhand and dive instructor where required). Cruising speeds of 18–25 knots cover the 48 nautical miles from Hurghada to Sharm el-Sheikh in under three hours. Modern flybridge motor yachts carry a full complement of water toys – jet ski, seabobs, paddleboards, full diving equipment – and offer the flexibility to reach offshore reefs and remote anchorages in a single day. Weekly charter rates in the Red Sea typically start from around $25,000–$45,000 depending on season, yacht and inclusions.

• Superyachts (100’+) – For guests who want the ultimate in space, privacy and on-board luxury, superyacht charters in the Red Sea deliver a floating five-star experience against a backdrop of desert mountains and turquoise reefs. Accommodation for 8–12 guests in lavish staterooms, crews of 6–15+, expansive deck areas with jacuzzis, outdoor dining and sun lounges, and a full arsenal of water toys and dive equipment. Superyachts on MYBA terms typically command a base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance of 25–30% covering fuel, food, beverages and dockage. Weekly rates for 100’–130’ superyachts start from approximately $70,000–$150,000; the largest vessels command $200,000+ per week.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Premium power catamarans from builders like Sunreef and Lagoon (55’–80’) offer exceptional stability, generous deck space and a shallow draft ideal for nosing over the Red Sea’s shallow reef flats and anchoring close to shore in protected lagoons. Catamarans in this range typically sleep 6–10 guests in spacious cabins and carry a crew of 3–4. Their twin-hull design virtually eliminates rolling – making them the most comfortable option for families with young children and guests prone to seasickness. A Sunreef 60 in the Red Sea starts from approximately $28,000–$40,000 per week depending on season. Most operate all-inclusive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Egypt cost?

Charter pricing depends on yacht size, type, season and inclusions. As a broad guide, crewed motor yachts in the 78’–99’ range start from around $25,000–$45,000 per week, often on an all-inclusive basis. Superyachts (100’–130’) typically start from $70,000–$150,000 per week on MYBA terms – the base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (usually 25–30%) covering fuel, food, drinks and dockage. The largest superyachts can reach $200,000–$400,000+ per week. Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) start from roughly $28,000–$40,000 per week all-inclusive. Compared to the western Mediterranean, Red Sea charters typically offer 20–40% better value for equivalent yacht quality and service. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote based on your dates, group size and preferences.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in Egypt?

Yes. Boatcrowd’s Red Sea fleet includes a growing selection of premium power catamarans and crewed catamarans from builders like Sunreef and Lagoon in the 55’–80’ range. These vessels are superbly suited to Red Sea conditions: their shallow draft allows access to reef-top anchorages and lagoon shallows that deeper-keeled motor yachts cannot reach, and their exceptional stability makes them the most comfortable platform for families, multi-generational groups, and guests who want to step straight from the swim platform onto a reef flat. Most luxury catamarans come fully crewed with a captain, chef and steward/ess, and operate on an all-inclusive basis.

Can I charter a yacht in Egypt for a film or TV production?

Absolutely. Egypt’s Red Sea has a growing reputation as a production location, with the Red Sea International Film Festival raising the region’s profile on the global stage. The combination of year-round sunshine, dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes, and underwater scenery that rivals any tropical location makes the Red Sea a compelling choice for film crews, commercial shoots and documentary productions. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with yachts that accommodate camera crews, lighting rigs and talent, and our team coordinates with local port authorities for filming permits, drone permissions and logistical support. The 15+ hours of daylight in summer and near-zero rainfall create ideal shooting conditions.

Is Egypt a good destination for a celebration or milestone event?

The Red Sea is an extraordinary setting for proposals, honeymoons, milestone birthdays and multi-generational reunions. Imagine a sunset proposal on a deserted reef island with champagne chilling on the aft deck, or a 50th birthday dinner under the stars with the desert mountains silhouetted against a sky thick with constellations. Your crew orchestrates every detail – from rose-petal turndowns in the master stateroom to a private beach barbecue on a sandy spit accessible only by tender. The combination of warm water, world-class diving, ancient history and genuine seclusion makes an Egyptian yacht charter a celebration that guests remember for decades. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion when you enquire and we’ll ensure every moment is unforgettable.

Can the whole family come, including grandparents and young children?

Multi-generational family charters are perfectly suited to the Red Sea. Yachts and catamarans are available in configurations that sleep 8–12+ guests, with flexible cabin layouts for grandparents, parents and children. Crews are experienced with guests of all ages: children get age-appropriate snorkelling instruction over shallow reefs teeming with clownfish, while grandparents appreciate calm anchorages, attentive service and the extraordinary warmth of the water. The sheltered lagoons around El Gouna and the shallow reef flats of Giftun Island are among the safest and most family-friendly snorkelling grounds in the Red Sea. Catamarans are especially popular for families – the stability, wide beam and easy swim-platform access make life aboard relaxed for every generation.

Can I combine multiple Red Sea destinations in one charter?

Yes, and it’s one of the great advantages of chartering here. A popular one-week route departs El Gouna, cruises south to the reefs around Safaga, continues to the remote dive sites near Marsa Alam, and returns north via the Brothers Islands (weather permitting). Alternatively, a northbound route from Hurghada to Sharm el-Sheikh (roughly 48 nautical miles, under three hours on a motor yacht) opens up Ras Mohammed and Tiran before returning south. On a 10-day charter, you could comfortably cover the full stretch from Sharm in the north to Marsa Alam in the south. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will design a multi-destination route that maximises variety and minimises wasted passage time.

Do I need a visa to charter a yacht in Egypt?

Most nationalities can obtain an Egyptian e-visa online in minutes for around $25 USD (single entry) or $60 USD (multiple entry). The e-visa is valid for air, sea and land entry. Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and many other countries can also obtain a visa on arrival at Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh airports. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Boatcrowd’s charter team can advise on the latest requirements for your nationality when you enquire.