Sharm El Sheikh Boat Trip with Lunch: What to Expect

If you are planning a sharm el sheikh boat trip with lunch, you can expect a full 7-to-8-hour day out on the Red Sea, usually running from 8:00 AM hotel pickup to 4:00 PM drop-off. Lunch is served buffet-style on board around 12:30 PM, right between your morning and afternoon snorkeling stops while the boat is anchored in calm, sheltered water. All you need to bring is a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, swim clothing, and your original passport for coast guard clearance. We have been running excursions across these waters since 1990, and in this guide, we break down exactly what food is served, how dietary requests are handled, and how the day unfolds.

What Is Served on a Red Sea Boat Trip?

Red Sea boat lunches are cooked fresh right in the galley below deck by full-time boat chefs. Because the kitchen is at sea, the food focuses on wholesome, freshly cooked Egyptian and Mediterranean staples that keep well in warm weather and satisfy hungry swimmers.

A standard lunch buffet on our day trips includes:

• Proteins: Freshly grilled chicken breast or kofta skewers, along with fried fish fillets or calamari.
• Carbohydrates: Egyptian-style rice with vermicelli, pasta served with homemade tomato sauce, and freshly warmed flatbreads (aish baladi).
• Salads & Dips: Freshly chopped green salad (cucumber, tomato, parsley), cabbage coleslaw, and local tahina (sesame dip).
• Dessert: Fresh seasonal fruit, such as chilled sliced watermelon, oranges, or sweet local melon.
• Drinks: Soft drinks, mineral water, black tea, and Egyptian coffee are available continuously throughout the day at the boat bar.

Lunch is enjoyed at shaded tables on the main deck or inside the air-conditioned dining lounge, giving you relief from the midday Sinai sun.

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Special Dietary Options

Egyptian cuisine is naturally welcoming to plant-based diets, so vegetarians and vegans always have plenty of options on board without needing to make special arrangements weeks in advance.

• Vegetarians & Vegans: You will find generous portions of spiced Egyptian rice, tomato pasta, mixed chopped salads, traditional tahina, and flatbread. On most charters, we also serve roasted vegetables or cumin-seasoned potatoes.
• Gluten-Free: Grilled meats (cooked without breadcrumb fillers), plain steamed rice, tahina, and fresh salads provide a complete, safe meal.
• Allergies & Halal: All meat served on local boats is 100% Halal. If you have severe nut or shellfish allergies, please inform our team when booking so the chef can prepare dedicated utensils and plates before cooking.

Typical Boat Trip Schedule

While every route varies slightly depending on wind conditions and whether you head toward Ras Mohamed or Tiran Island, a standard day follows this timeline:

• 08:00 - 08:30 AM: Air-conditioned minibus pick-up from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel.
• 09:00 AM: Departure from the marine jetty after quick Coast Guard clearance.
• 10:15 AM: First snorkeling stop at a pristine reef site (such as Yolanda Reef or Gordon Reef).
• 12:30 PM: Freshly prepared hot buffet lunch served on board while anchored.
• 01:30 PM: Second snorkeling stop or beach landing at the White Island sandbar.
• 03:30 PM: Relaxing cruise back to the harbor with afternoon tea and fruit.
• 04:30 PM: Return transfer back to your hotel resort.

Note: If your itinerary enters the protected marine area, there is a mandatory $5 per person national park entrance fee collected for nature conservation.

Our Recommended Boat Trips with Lunch

Depending on your group size, budget, and preference for quiet luxury versus traditional group cruising, here are three tailored options from our fleet:

1. VIP Ras Mohamed, White Island Snorkeling & Lunch (Sina Dream)

For guests looking for an elevated experience, our flagship tour aboard the Sina Dream—a double-masted wooden sailboat—offers spacious sunbeds, hammock netting over the water, and an upgraded seafood and BBQ buffet lunch. It combines luxury cruising with stops at Ras Mohamed National Park and the popular White Island sandbar. (Note: The $5 per person national park entrance fee applies here).

2. Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkeling, Diving & Lunch

Our classic, full-day motorized yacht cruise is the most popular choice for families and mixed groups of snorkelers and introductory scuba divers. You enjoy two distinct snorkeling sessions, a visit to White Island, and a hearty hot buffet lunch cooked fresh by our chef. It offers exceptional value while maintaining full safety standards.

3. Full Day Boat Charter Rental in Sharm El Sheikh Aboard Sina Dream

If you are traveling with family, celebrating a wedding, or managing a private corporate group, renting the entire vessel gives you full control over the day. Our private charter includes a custom-designed itinerary, private marine guides, and a tailored VIP lunch buffet served strictly for your party.

Practical Tips for Dining at Sea

• Dry off before lunch: Sitting in wet swimwear inside the air-conditioned cabin can make you feel cold quickly. Bring an extra dry towel or light wrap for mealtime.
• Motion sickness precautions: If you tend to suffer from seasickness, take your medication 30 minutes before leaving the jetty. The meal is served while anchored in protected bays to ensure smooth dining.
• Stay hydrated: Sea breeze can mask how fast you lose water. Take advantage of the unlimited mineral water throughout the morning rather than waiting until lunch.