Best Cairo Boat Docking Options For Sailors

Cairo, a city steeped in ancient history and culture, is a popular tourist destination. The Nile River, which runs through Cairo, offers a plethora of boat tours and docking options. From luxurious Nile cruises with belly dancing and dinner to private felucca sailboat rides, there are numerous ways to experience Cairo by boat. The standard felucca hire rate is 60 Egyptian pounds per hour, but prices vary depending on the type of boat and duration of the trip. The Nile-side Cairo suburb of Maadi, which means ferries in Arabic, is a popular location for renting traditional lateen sailboats. Cairo boat tours provide a unique perspective on the city and its ancient wonders, such as the Pyramids of Giza.

Docking a boat in Cairo for a Nile River dinner cruise

Boat Options

You can choose to rent a boat for your dinner cruise, with options such as a yacht, a felucca (traditional lateen sailboat), or even a houseboat. If you are looking for a more unique experience, you can also book a stay on a houseboat or boat hotel, some of which are docked on the Nile and offer dinner cruises.

Locations

A popular location for docking a boat in Cairo for a Nile River dinner cruise is the Nile-side suburb of Maadi. Here, you can find felucca docks lining the Corniche El Nil just north of the TGI Friday restaurant. The standard rate for hiring a felucca is around 60 Egyptian pounds (or $8.75) per hour, but you should negotiate the price before embarking.

Things to Keep in Mind

When planning your dinner cruise, keep in mind that most boat captains are used to passengers bringing alcoholic beverages on board. To be polite, it is a good idea to also bring soft drinks so that you can offer a non-alcoholic option to the crew, who expect a small tip. Additionally, you may want to time your sail to catch the sunset and bring a light jacket as it can get cooler in the evening.

Booking Options

There are many companies that offer Nile River dinner cruises in Cairo, with options to book online or in person once you arrive in Cairo. You can find a variety of packages and prices to suit your needs, with some cruises offering additional activities such as belly dancing, live music, and tours of Cairo's top attractions.

Docking a boat in Cairo for a 2-hour River Nile cruise with meals

Boat Docking in Cairo

There are several options for docking a boat in Cairo, depending on your preferences and budget:

• Commercial boat rentals: You can rent a partial or entire commercial boat, yacht, or houseboat that remains docked during your stay. Some companies offering this service include 247 Tours And Travels and Hathor Dahabiya Cruise.
• Nile River docks: You can find docks along the Nile River, particularly on the Corniche Nile in Maadi, where small boats and feluccas are parked. Descend the stairs to the river and negotiate an hourly rate with the boat operators.
• Private boat tours: Many companies offer private boat tours that include meals and entertainment. These boats typically dock at specific locations along the Nile River, such as the Nile Pharaoh Dinner Cruise Cairo.

2-Hour Nile River Cruise with Meals

A 2-hour Nile River cruise is a popular way to experience Cairo and enjoy the river. Here are some details to consider:

• Timing: Cruises typically depart in the evening, with options for 5 pm to 7 pm, 7 pm to 9 pm, or 9 pm to 11 pm departures.
• Entertainment: Cruises often feature live entertainment, including belly dancing, folk dance, and traditional Tanoura performances. Some cruises also offer live music.
• Meals: A buffet dinner is usually included, featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine. Some cruises may also offer lunch. Drinks are typically not included but can be purchased separately.
• Transfers: Many cruises offer round-trip transfers from your hotel in Cairo or Giza. Air-conditioned vehicles are commonly used for transportation.
• Pricing: Prices for a 2-hour Nile River cruise with meals can vary, but they generally start at $14, with potential discounts available.
• Cancellation: Most cruises offer flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

By docking a boat in Cairo and embarking on a 2-hour Nile River cruise with meals, you can enjoy a unique perspective of the city, immerse yourself in Egyptian culture, and create memorable experiences.

Docking a boat in Cairo for a 1-hour felucca ride on the Nile

Cairo, a city steeped in ancient history, is a popular destination for tourists wanting to explore the majestic Nile River. Docking a boat in Cairo for a 1-hour felucca ride on the Nile is a unique and memorable experience. Here is some information to help you plan your trip:

Where to Dock

The Nile-side Cairo suburb of Maadi, named after the Arabic word for "ferries," is one of the best locations to rent a felucca, the traditional lateen sail boat. Felucca docks line the Corniche El Nil, just north of the TGI Friday's restaurant. The standard hire rate is around 60 Egyptian pounds per hour, but you should negotiate the price before embarking.

Booking Options

Several tour companies offer 1-hour felucca rides on the Nile, with prices starting from $8.75 per person. You can book these tours online or in person at the docks. Some companies also offer private tours, which can be customised to your preferences.

What to Expect

A felucca ride on the Nile offers a relaxing escape from the bustling city of Cairo. As your captain pulls away from the shore, you'll drift downriver with the current, passing reeds and islands. Time your sail to catch the sunset, and don't forget to bring a light jacket as it can get chilly after dark.

Additional Tips

• You can purchase food and drinks for your picnic on or near Maadi's Road Nine, where you'll find sandwich shops, snack shops, and supermarkets.
• Most felucca captains are accustomed to passengers bringing alcoholic beverages on board. As a polite gesture, offer a soft drink to the crew as well, and don't forget to tip them about 10% of the final price.
• If you're looking for a longer excursion, many companies offer multi-day Nile cruises that include meals, entertainment, and visits to popular attractions like the Pyramids of Giza.

So, whether you're looking for a short sunset sail or a multi-day exploration of the Nile, docking a boat in Cairo for a felucca ride is a wonderful way to experience the beauty and history of this ancient river.

Docking a boat in Cairo for a 3-day Nile cruise with a hot air balloon ride

Boat Docking in Cairo

There are several options for docking your boat in Cairo. One popular area is the Nile-side suburb of Maadi, named after the Arabic word for "ferries." Felucca docks line the Corniche El Nil just north of the TGI Friday restaurant, and the standard hire rate for a felucca is typically 60 Egyptian pounds (or $8.75) per hour. Another option is to rent a docked boat, yacht, or houseboat for your stay, with meals and additional services sometimes available.

Nile Cruise and Hot Air Balloon Options

Once you have docked your boat, you can book a 3-day Nile cruise with a hot air balloon ride through a tour company. Several companies offer this combination, with prices starting at around $300 for a 3-night cruise. These tours typically include a hot air balloon ride over Luxor, a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, and visits to ancient sites such as the Valley of the Kings and the temples of Abu Simbel. The cruises usually include meals and accommodation on board, with drinks available for purchase.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your trip, consider the time of year and the temperature. It can get quite cool in the evenings, so bring a light jacket or shawl. Also, be prepared to haggle over prices, as bargaining is common in Egypt. Finally, remember to bring some small change to tip your crew, with 10% of your final price being considered a polite amount.

Docking a boat in Cairo for a 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor

A 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor is a great way to explore ancient Egypt and see the sights along the Nile River. Here is some information on docking a boat in Cairo for this cruise.

Finding a Docking Location

To dock a boat in Cairo for the 4-day Nile cruise, you can start by looking for docking locations along the Nile River in Cairo. There are several docks along the river where boats can be moored, including commercial boat docks and those for private boats or yachts. Some popular docking locations in Cairo include:

• The Korniche: This is a popular area with stairs leading down to small boat docks.
• Maadi: On the opposite side of HSBC bank on the Corniche Nile, there is a small feluka dock.

Booking a Dock in Advance

If you want to ensure a smooth docking process, it is recommended to book a dock in advance. There are several companies that offer boat docking services in Cairo, and you can contact them to inquire about availability and rates. These companies often provide additional services such as meals and accommodations.

The 4-Day Nile Cruise Itinerary

The 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor typically includes visits to various ancient sites and temples along the Nile River. Here is a sample itinerary:

Day 1:

• Flight from Cairo to Aswan
• Aswan day tour: Visit the High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk
• Board the Nile cruise for the night

Day 2:

• Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo
• Sail to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus and the Cross Esna Lock
• Sail to Luxor and spend the night on board

Day 3:

• Visit the West Bank of Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• Return to the ship for lunch
• Free time in the afternoon
• Dinner and overnight on the cruise

Day 4:

• Check out after breakfast
• Visit the East Bank of Luxor, including the Karnak Temples Complex and the Temple of Luxor
• Fly back to Cairo

The cruise usually includes domestic flights between Cairo and Aswan, meals, an Egyptologist guide, and entrance fees to most sights. However, it is important to note that entry to certain sites, such as the Tomb of Tutankhamen at the Valley of the Kings, may require an additional fee.

Frequently asked questions