Yacht Charter Egypt

For bareboat charters in Egypt’s Red Sea, you’ll need a recognised sailing qualification such as RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104, or ICC (International Certificate of Competence). You should also demonstrate recent sailing experience—most charter companies require at least 2 weeks of bareboat experience within the last 3 years. Egyptian waters require careful navigation due to coral reefs and restricted military zones. If you’re unfamiliar with reef navigation or want local expertise on the best dive sites, consider a skippered charter where an experienced captain can enhance both safety and your overall experience.

Egypt’s Red Sea offers excellent sailing year-round, but the best time is October to May. Winter months (November-March) provide comfortable temperatures (20-26°C), good winds, and excellent diving visibility. Summer (June-September) is hot (30-40°C) but offers lower prices, calm seas, and warm water perfect for diving. Spring and autumn are ideal with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The Red Sea rarely experiences severe weather, though northerly winds can be strong in summer. For divers, March-May and September-November offer the best combination of marine life, visibility, and comfortable temperatures.

Yacht charter prices in Egypt offer excellent value compared to Mediterranean destinations. A basic 38-40ft monohull bareboat starts from around USD $2,400/week in summer up to USD $4,200/week in peak winter season. Catamarans typically cost 60-80% more. Skippered charters add USD $140-180/day, whilst fully crewed luxury charters start from USD $8,500/week. Budget for extras: fuel (USD $200-400), provisioning (USD $60-100/person), Egyptian cruising permits (USD $100-150), marina fees (USD $30-60/night), national park fees (USD $20-40), and dive equipment rental if needed (USD $30-50/day).

Standard yacht charters typically include: the yacht itself, standard equipment and safety gear, bed linen and towels, final cleaning, and dinghy with outboard motor. Not included are: fuel, food and beverages, Egyptian cruising permits, marina and mooring fees, national park entrance fees, skipper/crew (unless booked), dive equipment rental, and optional extras like fishing gear. Many charterers combine sailing with diving, so discuss dive equipment needs when booking. Always check your charter contract for specific inclusions.

Yes, sailing in Egypt’s established Red Sea charter areas (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam) is very safe. These resort regions have well-developed tourism infrastructure, modern marinas, and good security. The sailing areas are well-charted and frequented by many charter vessels. However, you must respect restricted military zones (clearly marked on charts) and avoid sailing outside designated areas. Navigation requires attention due to coral reefs—charts must be followed carefully, and it’s advisable to sail only in good daylight. The Egyptian tourism industry is welcoming and professional, and millions of tourists visit safely every year. Follow your charter company’s guidelines and standard maritime precautions.

Absolutely! Egypt’s Red Sea is one of the world’s premier diving destinations, and combining sailing with diving is extremely popular. Many charter companies offer dive packages or can recommend dive operators. You can either bring your own dive equipment or rent it locally. Famous dive sites like Giftun Island, Ras Mohammed National Park, and numerous wrecks near Hurghada are easily accessible by yacht. A skippered charter is highly recommended if diving is your primary focus—your captain can position the yacht at the best dive sites, handle anchoring near reefs safely, and provide local knowledge. Remember to factor in dive permit fees for national parks and always follow safe diving practices, especially regarding flying after diving.