FAQ

The Red Sea is a year-round destination. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spot: warm water, calm days and fewer boats. Summer is very hot on land but the water is at its warmest, and winter is mild and sunny, with cooler water and more wind in the north.

No. Many reefs start right under the swim platform, so snorkellers see the same corals and fish as divers. Beyond the reefs there are dolphins, sandy islands, kitesurfing around El Gouna and trips into the desert and the Sinai mountains.

It works the same way, only private: your group has the whole yacht, sleeps on board and moves from reef to reef, but the route, the pace and the menu are yours. Many yachts can bring a dive guide or instructor for guests who want to dive.

Most charters start in Hurghada, El Gouna, Sharm el Sheikh or Port Ghalib near Marsa Alam. Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and Marsa Alam all have international airports with direct flights from much of Europe, and Cairo connects to everywhere else.

Yes. The Saudi Red Sea coast has opened up to yacht charter in recent years, and a few superyachts now spend part of the winter there. Tell us your dates and your broker will check which yachts are cruising Egypt or Saudi Arabia that season.

APA is the Advance Provisioning Allowance: a deposit paid on top of the charter fee, usually around 25 to 35% of it, that the captain uses for fuel, food, drinks, harbour fees and other running costs during your week. You receive a full account at the end, and any balance is refunded.

Tipping is customary on crewed charters when the crew has looked after you well. Many guests leave around 10 to 15% of the charter fee, handed to the captain on the last day to share among the crew. It is always your decision.

Once you choose a yacht, your broker sends a charter contract, usually on the MYBA terms used across the industry. A deposit secures the dates, and the balance and APA are due before the charter starts. Your broker handles the paperwork with the yacht's central agent.

Yes. Your broker and the captain plan the route around your group, the weather and what you want to see. Nothing is fixed: a crewed charter can change course day by day.