REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH
2 Hours Private Speedboat with Hotel Transfer – Sharm El Shaikh
Book on Viator →Operated by Bella Trips · Bookable on Viator
A private boat makes the Red Sea feel personal. This experience pairs hotel transfer (if you choose it) with a private speedboat ride right off Sharm el Sheikh, so you spend more time on the water and less time hunting for directions.
Two things I really like: the trip is captain-led so you can lean toward snorkeling spots or a calmer cruise, and the crew is described as friendly and professional (Omar handles things smoothly, and Ahmed adds plenty of fun). One consideration: there’s a 5 euros national park fee per person that you pay in cash, so don’t show up empty-handed.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll feel fast
- Private speedboat time with pickup: value and what you really pay
- Getting from your hotel to the dock: the main-road entrance tip
- Captain-led route off Sharm: snorkeling stops versus a relaxed cruise
- What the boat ride includes: safety gear, onboard snacks, and comfort
- The Sharm coastline views you get from the water
- The one extra cost: 5 euros national park fee (cash required)
- Weather and ride conditions: how likely is it to run?
- Who this private speedboat suits best
- Should you book the 2-hour private speedboat with hotel transfer?
- FAQ
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- How long is the speedboat portion?
- Is this tour private or shared?
- Do I need to pay any extra fees?
- Are drinks and snacks included?
- Where does pickup happen?
- How will I receive my ticket?
- Is there any special cancellation protection?
- What if the weather is bad?
- Who runs the experience?
Key highlights you’ll feel fast

- Private boat for your group: no mixing with strangers on the speedboat experience
- Hotel pickup and drop-off option: convenience matters when you’re short on time
- Captain-tailored route: you can shift between sheltered swims and relaxing deck time
- Snacks and drinks onboard: helpful for a short outing, with no need to run out for food
- On-water views of Sharm’s coastline: mountains and clear water you can enjoy even without snorkeling
Private speedboat time with pickup: value and what you really pay
For $33.36 per person, you’re buying something pretty specific: a private speedboat outing in Sharm el Sheikh, plus the option to simplify your day with hotel transfer. That price can feel surprisingly fair for a private boat, especially if you’re used to paying more for full-day tours or group snorkeling trips.
The total experience time is around 3 hours, but the speedboat portion is typically 1 or 2 hours depending on your choice. That’s a smart setup for people who want a Red Sea boat experience without turning it into a half-day (or whole-day) commitment.
Do note the trade-off: there’s no included lunch. You’ll get drinks and light onboard snacks, which keeps the ride comfortable, but you still need to plan food outside the boat portion if you’re hungry.
Also, this is run by Bella Trips, and you’ll get a mobile ticket at booking. That matters in Egypt because it cuts down on back-and-forth.
Getting from your hotel to the dock: the main-road entrance tip

If you select the option, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm. Practically, that’s the biggest day-saving piece—especially if you don’t want to figure out where the speedboat departs or how to get there on time.
One detail to keep in mind: the pickup point for most hotels is from the main road entrance. That’s common in busy areas where vehicles can’t drive to every building gate. So when you’re ready for pickup, step out at the main entrance (not the far end of the property) so the driver doesn’t waste time locating you.
The pickup is also described as being near public transportation, which is good backup if your hotel pickup option isn’t selected or doesn’t work as smoothly as planned.
Captain-led route off Sharm: snorkeling stops versus a relaxed cruise

Here’s the heart of the experience: you’re on a private speedboat with a skilled captain, and the route can be adjusted based on what you want. The goal isn’t just to take you somewhere by default. It’s to let the day match your mood.
If you want snorkeling, you’ll likely spend time near sheltered spots with strong snorkeling results. One account highlights that the captain brought the boat to protected areas where snorkeling was amazing. That’s exactly the kind of planning you want in open water: calm, protected zones usually make it easier to swim and see what’s around.
If you’d rather keep things easy, you can treat this as a cruise. You get time on the deck, cool sea air, and the kind of Red Sea visuals you can enjoy even without getting in the water.
What I’d tell you to decide ahead of time is your priority:
- If snorkeling is first, choose the longer speedboat option (if available in your booking).
- If you want mostly views and comfort, the shorter option may be plenty.
Either way, the captain’s flexibility is the value you’re paying for. It turns the day from a rigid checklist into something closer to what you actually want to do.
What the boat ride includes: safety gear, onboard snacks, and comfort
A private boat only feels worth it if the ride itself is comfortable. Here, you’ll board a speedboat equipped with safety gear and amenities for a more relaxed trip. Even if you’re a confident swimmer, having proper safety equipment onboard keeps the whole outing calmer.
On a roughly 1–2 hour speedboat segment, food and drink matter more than you’d think. You’ll have complimentary beverages and snacks onboard, which helps you stay comfortable while you’re out on the water.
Just set your expectations: this isn’t sold as a meal cruise. The setup is more like drinks and light bites at sea, with the rest of your food handled back on land.
The Sharm coastline views you get from the water

Even if you’re not snorkeling, the boat time itself is a big reason to go. As you leave shore, you’ll get sweeping looks at the Red Sea’s clear water and Sharm’s coastline, with mountains rising along the shore.
That combination is one of the best parts of Sharm-by-boat: the scenery looks different from the deck than it does from a street viewpoint. You also tend to get fewer crowds while moving along the waterline, which makes the whole ride feel more like your own private outing (because, well, it is).
If you’re taking photos, the moving coastline shots are often your best bet—especially when the light hits the water and turns it reflective rather than flat.
The one extra cost: 5 euros national park fee (cash required)
Your booking includes the main boat and transfer pieces, but there’s an additional 5 euros national park fee per person. The important detail: it’s paid in cash.
This fee is easy to handle if you plan ahead. It’s not “optional,” so the worst-case scenario is arriving thinking everything is covered and then scrambling for money at the last minute. Bring small bills if you can, or at least enough cash to handle each person in your group.
There’s also mention that the admission ticket is free, but the national park fee still applies. So treat it like: your boat activity is included, and the park fee is the only on-the-spot add-on.
Weather and ride conditions: how likely is it to run?

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t suitable, the tour can be canceled, and you’ll either be offered a different date or a full refund.
That’s a practical detail for Sharm. When weather turns, small boats can feel rough, and operators often protect passengers by adjusting plans instead of forcing it. If you’re traveling with a tight schedule, it’s worth booking with some flexibility if you can.
As always with sea days, I’d plan your day so you’re not stuck doing nothing if the boat slips to another time. Even a short delay can ripple into meal plans.
Who this private speedboat suits best
This is a strong fit if you want:
- A private experience without the hassle of coordinating multiple boats or schedules
- A captain-led outing where your day can tilt toward snorkeling or toward relaxation
- A short, manageable time commitment (about 3 hours total) with a clear turnaround back to your hotel
It’s also described as suitable for most travelers, which makes it appealing for couples and small groups who don’t want a long, complicated day.
Where you should think twice: if you’re the type who wants a full-day snorkeling plan with lots of fixed stops and a big onboard itinerary, this may feel short. You’re buying quality time and flexibility, not an all-day excursion.
If your main goal is simply to be out on the water with minimal stress, though, it’s right in the sweet spot.
Should you book the 2-hour private speedboat with hotel transfer?
I’d book it if you match the vibe: you want a private boat, you like the idea of captain flexibility, and you’d enjoy Red Sea views even if you don’t make every moment a snorkeling moment. The compliments about smooth coordination (Omar arranging smoothly) and a fun, friendly vibe (Ahmed) are exactly what you hope for in a short sea outing.
Skip it or think hard first if cash fees are a problem for you, or if you can’t handle weather-related changes. And remember the main-road pickup entrance detail so you don’t lose time waiting.
If you want a clean, efficient way to do Sharm by water, this is one of the more straightforward options to get right.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the option for hotel transfer.
How long is the speedboat portion?
You can choose one or two hours on the private speedboat, and the full experience is about 3 hours including transfers.
Is this tour private or shared?
This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.
Do I need to pay any extra fees?
Yes. There is a 5 euros national park fee per person, paid in cash.
Are drinks and snacks included?
You get complimentary beverages and snacks onboard, but lunch is not included.
Where does pickup happen?
The pickup point for most hotels is from the main road entrance.
How will I receive my ticket?
You’ll have a mobile ticket.
Is there any special cancellation protection?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund.
What if the weather is bad?
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Who runs the experience?
The provider is Bella Trips.
If you want, tell me your group size and whether you’re choosing 1 hour or 2 hours on the boat, and I’ll help you decide the better fit for snorkeling versus pure cruising time.





