Catamaran Trips on the Red Sea: A Smoother Day on the Water

If the rocking of a regular boat puts you off a day at sea, there's a smoother option worth knowing about: the catamaran. With two hulls instead of one, a catamaran rides the water more steadily, offering a more stable, spacious, and often more stylish day out. For families, those prone to seasickness, or anyone who simply wants comfort, a catamaran trip can be the most relaxing way to enjoy the Red Sea. Here's why.

The short answer: catamarans have twin hulls that make them more stable and spacious than single-hull boats, meaning less rocking, more deck space, and a smoother, more comfortable day — great for families, seasickness-prone travellers, and relaxed cruising.

What makes a catamaran different

A catamaran's defining feature is its two parallel hulls, connected by a wide deck. This design gives it several advantages over a traditional single-hull boat:

• Stability. The twin hulls reduce rocking and rolling, giving a steadier ride — a big plus for comfort and seasickness.
• Space. The wide deck between the hulls means generous, flat space for lounging, sunbathing, and moving around.
• Comfort. More room, often comfortable seating and sunbathing areas (including the famous netting between hulls to lie on over the water), and a relaxed, stylish feel.
• Smooth cruising. A catamaran tends to glide rather than bounce, making the journey itself pleasant.

Why choose a catamaran trip

A catamaran suits travellers who prioritise comfort and stability:

• Seasickness-prone travellers benefit from the steadier ride.
• Families enjoy the space and stability for kids.
• Relaxation-seekers love the lounging space and smooth cruising.
• Groups and special occasions appreciate the stylish, spacious setting.
• Anyone wanting a calmer day than a bouncy speedboat offers.

Catamaran trips typically still include the Red Sea essentials — snorkelling stops, beautiful beaches, swimming, and lunch — just delivered in a more comfortable, spacious package.

What to expect

A catamaran day usually follows the familiar boat-trip rhythm — cruising to reef and beach stops, snorkelling, swimming, relaxing, and lunch — but with the added comfort of the stable, roomy vessel. You'll have plenty of space to spread out, sunbathe (including on the deck netting over the water), and enjoy the smooth ride between stops. Some catamaran trips lean upscale or are offered as sunset cruises, adding a touch of style to the experience.

How to choose a good catamaran trip

• Confirm the itinerary — snorkelling stops, beaches, duration — matches what you want.
• Check inclusions — lunch, drinks, snorkel gear, transfers.
• Read recent reviews for comfort, service, and the boat's condition.
• Match the trip type — relaxed day cruise, family trip, or sunset cruise — to your plans.
• Book through reputable operators for quality and safety.

Practical tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and a light cover-up, plus small cash for tips. Even on a stable catamaran, bring a seasickness remedy if you're very prone, though you'll likely need it less. Bring or rent a well-fitting mask for snorkelling, and use a vest if nervous. Enjoy the lounging space — the netting and decks are part of the fun. And go early for calm water and quieter stops.

A catamaran trip is the Red Sea at its most comfortable — steadier, roomier, and more relaxed than a standard boat. If you value a smooth, spacious day on the water, especially with family or a sensitive stomach, it's a wonderful way to enjoy everything the coast offers without the rocking.

Want the smoothest day on the water? Find catamaran trips and cruises on packnplan, and enjoy the Red Sea's reefs and beaches from a stable, spacious, stylish deck.