What to Wear and Bring on a Boat Trip in Hurghada

What should you wear on a Hurghada boat trip?

Wear swimwear under light, comfortable beach clothes, and bring a hat, sunglasses and a towel. Our trip pages list exactly this for the island, snorkeling and private boat trips. The sun on deck and in the water is the main issue, so a T-shirt or rash vest helps.

A rash vest is a close-fitting water top that covers the shoulders and back. Our snorkeling trip page lists "a T-shirt or rash vest for sun protection in the water". The other trip pages do not list it, but nothing stops you bringing one.

Our snorkeling page also says that in winter a warm layer for the ride back, and a short wetsuit if you have one, makes the day more comfortable. For month-by-month sea temperatures, see our best time to visit Hurghada guide.

What should be in your day bag?

The list depends on the trip. The table below is built only from the "what to bring" lists on our own trip pages, so it shows what we ask for, not a generic packing list. A dash means the page does not list that item for that trip.

How much sun protection do you need on a boat?

Plan on covering up and using sunscreen on whatever stays exposed. The NHS recommends SPF 30 or higher with at least 4-star UVA protection, and says to reapply straight after being in water, even if the product is water resistant. The WHO says clothing and shade protect better than sunscreen.

• Amount: the NHS (page read 5 October 2026) says adults should aim for around 6 to 8 teaspoons to cover the whole body.
• Clothing and hat: the NHS lists a wide-brimmed hat that shades face, neck and ears, a long-sleeved top and wraparound sunglasses. The AAP adds that tightly woven clothing carrying a UPF label (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) protects best.
• Reapplying: the AAP says to reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or drying off with a towel.
• Babies under 6 months: the AAP says to keep them in shade and use sunscreen only on small areas if clothing and shade are not available.

The NHS figures are UK public-health guidance, and the WHO and AAP pages are general. None of them is advice about Egypt specifically.

Is reef-safe sunscreen required in Hurghada?

We found no Egyptian rule requiring it in the sources we opened. What exists is a recommendation. A Reef-World Foundation and Chamber of Diving and Watersports press release (21 November 2019) says oxybenzone and octinoxate may harm coral reefs and advises reef-safe sunscreen. Our trip pages ask for reef-safe sunscreen "if you have it".

Check the ingredient list for oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two substances the release names. The same release advises covering up with clothing in strong sun. A rash vest does that without any product on the water. Do not skip sun protection because you cannot find a reef-safe brand; bring your usual sunscreen and cover up as well.

What if you get seasick?

Prepare before you board. Following NHS advice, sit in the middle of a boat, look at the horizon, get fresh air, and avoid heavy or spicy meals and alcohol shortly before or during travel. A pharmacist can recommend tablets or patches.

The NHS adds that dissolvable tablets are available for children, patches can be used by adults and children over 10, and acupressure bands do not work for everyone. Ask a pharmacist which product suits you, especially for children. If you are prone to seasickness, tell us when you book. The glass boat or semi-submarine is a shorter, calmer outing.

Do you need cash on a boat trip?

Only some trips list it. Orange Bay lists "some cash for personal extras" and Paradise Island lists "some cash for drinks or extras on the island". No other trip lists cash. Personal expenses, photos and videos are excluded from every sea trip on our site. Ask us what to expect on your date.

Our Orange Bay page mentions drinks from the island beach bar as personal extras. Separate environmental or marine fees may apply on some trips; we confirm any fee after booking, so you do not need to guess an amount.

Should you bring a waterproof phone case?

Yes, if you want photos in or near the water. Our island, snorkeling and private speedboat pages list a waterproof phone case or camera. The glass-boat page asks you to switch the flash off against the glass. Photos and videos are not part of the trip price.

A waterproof case is a sealed pouch or housing that keeps the phone dry. Photos and videos are excluded from the trip price, so bring your own device.

What should you pack for kids and non-swimmers?

Pack the same list, with extra attention to sun cover. Children are welcome on our sea trips with age-based prices, and non-swimmers can use a vest or float. Tell the guide before anyone enters the water. Our kids and non-swimmers guide covers readiness and safety.

For small children, the AAP says to choose a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 15, and to look for sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection. If you are choosing between islands for a family, see our island trip comparison.

What do we provide, and how does Divers Trips handle this?

Our trip data lists what is included, so you know what to leave at home. On the island and snorkeling trips we include snorkeling equipment, a guide, lunch on board and soft drinks. Prices are €45 per person, with child prices on request. Hotel pickup is included and confirmed after booking.

• Orange Bay and the snorkeling trip: €45 per person, snorkeling equipment included.
• Full-day diving: €60 per person, with diving equipment, tanks and weights, two dives, lunch and soft drinks.
• Private speedboat: €250 per boat, with life jackets and snorkeling equipment. Lunch is not included unless your package says so.
• Glass boat or semi-submarine: from €30, with other inclusions confirmed on booking.

Dress norms at the port and on board are not in our trip data, so we do not state a rule. Ask us on WhatsApp or the contact page, or book online.