Hurghada:Eden Island Full-Day Trip with Water sports & Lunch

Hurghada’s Eden Island boat trip mixes a Red Sea cruise, reef snorkeling, beach time, and a banana boat or sofa ride into one busy day. You get 1.5 hours on the island, lunch on board, drinks, equipment, and hotel pickup from Hurghada. It is aimed at you if you want several holiday activities in one booking rather than a quiet beach day.

I like the easy all-in-one setup, especially the included transfers, national park fees, snorkeling gear, lunch, and soft drinks. I also like the choice between gentle island time and faster water sports, with a guide available during the snorkeling stops. The main caution is value: one experience included complaints about poor food and costly snacks, and another noted a journey lasting as long as eight hours.

Key points at a glance

• Eden Island time is limited to 1.5 hours, so expect a short beach stop rather than a full day on the sand.
• Snorkeling is the strongest reason to book, with masks, fins, snorkels, and a guide included.
• Banana boat or sofa rides add a proper shot of fun for families, couples, and groups of friends.
• Lunch and drinks are included, but food quality and service may not be perfectly consistent.
• Parasailing and massage need checking before you book, since they are mentioned in the general description but not in the included services.
• Transfers outside Hurghada cost extra, including pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga.

A Red Sea day built around several short activities

This is not a slow, empty-calendar sort of boat trip. The plan packs a lot into one outing: a cruise from Hurghada, snorkeling stops, a water ride, lunch, beach time, and the return journey.

I see the appeal. If you have only a few days in Hurghada, this gives you a taste of the Red Sea above and below the water without arranging separate bookings for transport, equipment, food, and island access. You can spend part of the day moving around and part of it doing very little, which is a good holiday balance.

The trade-off is pace. Each activity has a set slot, and the island visit is only 1.5 hours. You should book this for variety and easy planning, not for hours of quiet solitude on Eden Island.

The trip is operated by FTS Travels and is offered in English, German, and Arabic. One guide named Sherif received particular praise for his work with children and for explaining Egyptian history and pyramid myths in a clear, creative way. That feedback relates to the guide experience rather than every departure, so I would not assume Sherif will be on your boat, but it shows the value of having a strong guide on a family outing.

Leaving Hurghada for Eden Island

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada. That is useful in a spread-out resort town, where arranging your own way to the marina can add cost and fuss. Transfers from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga are available for an extra charge, so check the pickup price before comparing this with another boat trip.

The boat carries you across the Red Sea toward Eden Island. The crossing is part of the experience, not just a transfer. You get open water, sun, and a changing view of the coast, though the exact sailing time is not provided.

Bring your passport or identity card, or a copy, because it is required for boat trips in Egypt. Keep it somewhere dry and secure. You will also want sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and cash. Towels are not supplied, and cash is useful for personal purchases.

One practical issue is the total length of the day. The advertised experience is a full-day outing, but an individual account described the journey as taking eight hours. That may refer to the full schedule and transport rather than eight hours on the water, but you should leave most of your day free. This is not a quick morning excursion.

Snorkeling stops on the Red Sea

Snorkeling is the heart of the trip for me. The Red Sea is known for clear water, coral formations, and colorful fish, and the boat makes stops so you can see marine life rather than simply looking at the island from the beach.

The crew provides a mask, fins, and snorkel, with an experienced snorkeling guide joining the activity. That matters if you are new to snorkeling or want help finding the best places to look. One participant especially enjoyed the snorkeling, while another praised one-to-one support during a water activity. The available feedback suggests that the crew can be helpful when a guest needs extra attention, though that level of personal support may depend on the group and the day.

Take your own equipment if you already have a well-fitting mask. Rental gear is convenient, but a familiar mask can make a big difference. A poor fit means you spend your time clearing water instead of watching fish.

You should also be realistic about the sea. Conditions can change, and the trip is subject to weather. If the operator cancels because of conditions, you receive an alternative date or a full refund. People with back problems or heart problems should not book, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant women or anyone with limited mobility.

The snorkeling stops will suit you if you want an easy introduction to Red Sea sea life. If your main goal is a long, specialist reef session, you may want a dedicated snorkeling or scuba trip instead. This outing has several activities competing for the same day.

Banana boat or sofa ride for a burst of speed

After or around the snorkeling portion, you get a water sports activity: a banana boat or sofa ride. Both are group rides designed for fun rather than technical skill.

The banana boat usually gives you a bouncy ride behind a boat, while the sofa ride places you on a wider inflatable. The supplied information does not specify how long the ride lasts or whether you can choose freely between the two, so ask the crew when you arrive.

This is a good addition if you are traveling with friends or older children who want more than swimming. It also breaks up the quieter snorkeling and beach portions. If you dislike rough movement, have back trouble, or simply want a calm day, you may prefer to skip this part.

Parasailing is mentioned among the experience highlights, and the general description also refers to a massage. Neither appears in the list of included services. That is important. I would confirm the current program and any extra charge before booking if parasailing or a massage is a major reason for choosing this trip. Do not assume they are included in the $65 price.

Lunch on board, with a few things to watch

A buffet lunch is served on board, with soft drinks and mineral water available throughout the day. This is a useful inclusion because a full-day boat outing can become expensive when you have to buy every meal and drink separately.

Eating on the boat also keeps the schedule moving. You do not need to leave the island to find food, and you can return to the beach portion without arranging another stop. The meal is best viewed as practical tour food, not a reason to choose this experience on its own.

Food quality may be uneven. One account described receiving the wrong food several times and found the meal disappointing, with old, dry fruit. The same account also objected to the price of snacks, including a €9 bag of chips. That does not prove every departure has poor food, but it is a fair warning to keep expectations modest.

Bring a little cash for personal expenses, but do not assume every purchase will feel good value. If you have dietary needs, ask FTS Travels before booking. No special menu information is provided.

Eden Island and the 1.5-hour beach stop

Eden Island is the visual reward of the trip: pale sand, turquoise water, and a chance to dry off after the water activities. You can swim, sit in the sun, or simply look out across the Red Sea.

The catch is the clock. With only 1.5 hours of free time, you will need to choose. You can take a swim and sit on the beach, but you may not have time for a long walk, an extended lunch, and relaxed photography all at once.

Some people will find the island too crowded or too commercial for the price. One account called Eden Island overrated and complained about stones in the sea and weak service. That is useful advice if you picture a flawless, soft-sand beach with no rough patches. Wear suitable water shoes if you have sensitive feet, though water shoes are not listed as provided.

I would treat Eden Island as one attractive stop within a wider boat day, not as the sole reason to visit Hurghada. The island works best when paired with snorkeling and the water ride. If you want several hours on a beach, this schedule is too short.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, the price includes quite a lot of the day’s basics:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada
• Boat transport to Eden Island
• Snorkeling equipment and a guide
• Banana boat or sofa ride
• Buffet lunch
• Soft drinks and mineral water
• Island and national park entrance fees
• 1.5 hours of island time

That package can be good value when you use most of it. Transport alone can be a nuisance to arrange, and the included park fees, equipment, lunch, and drinks reduce the small add-on costs that often appear on boat trips.

The value drops if you mainly want the island beach. You are paying for the cruise, snorkeling, water sports, food, and organized transport as a bundle. It is also less attractive if you are staying outside Hurghada and must add a transfer fee.

The food and service warning matters here. A reasonable price can feel expensive if the meal is poor and snacks cost far more than expected. I would compare the full price, including any out-of-area transfer, with similar Red Sea boat trips before booking.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it most to active families, couples, and groups of friends who like changing activities throughout the day. Children may enjoy the banana boat, snorkeling, and the island, while a guide such as Sherif can make the day more engaging for younger visitors when that guide is assigned to the group.

It also works for first-time Red Sea visitors who want a simple introduction to the area. You do not need to arrange equipment, lunch, boat transport, or entrance fees separately.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet luxury outing, a long beach stay, or a carefully planned food experience. The schedule is busy, the island stop is brief, and service may vary. It is also unsuitable for people with back or heart problems, pregnant women, and people with limited mobility.

The trip is weather-dependent. That is normal for a sea excursion, but it means you should avoid placing it on the final day of a tight holiday if missing it would leave you without another chance. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a weather cancellation brings an alternative date or full refund.

Should you book Eden Island with Blue Bomba?

Book it if you want a full Red Sea activity day for $65, with transport, snorkeling, a group water ride, lunch, drinks, and island access handled in one package. The snorkeling and easy logistics are the strongest reasons to go.

Think twice if you want an uncrowded beach, a long island stay, or guaranteed high-quality food. Confirm the status and price of parasailing and massage, ask about pickup charges if you are outside Hurghada, and bring your own towel and snorkeling mask if you prefer familiar gear.

My call: this is a solid choice for variety and convenience, especially on a first Hurghada visit. Just book it as an active group outing with a short beach stop, not as a polished private-island escape.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hurghada. Transfers from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga are available for an extra charge.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $65 per person. Extra pickup charges may apply for hotels outside Hurghada, and personal expenses are not included.

How long can I stay on Eden Island?

The included island free time is 1.5 hours. You can use it to relax on the beach, swim, or enjoy the scenery.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask, fins, and snorkel are provided, and an experienced snorkeling guide accompanies the snorkeling stops.

What food and drinks are included?

A buffet lunch is served on board. Soft drinks and mineral water are included throughout the day.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is mentioned in the general experience description, but it is not listed among the included services. Confirm availability and any extra cost with FTS Travels before booking.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, cash, and your passport or identity card. A copy of your passport or ID is accepted for the boat trip.