- DurationApprox. 2 hours (1 hour sailing)
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsPickup from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
- PriceFrom $19 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
A felucca ride in Luxor is the simplest pleasure on the Nile: an hour on a traditional wooden sailing boat, with just the wind in the big white sail and the water against the hull. We collect you from your hotel, take you to the river, and your boat is yours alone, with a local captain who has sailed this stretch of the river all his life.
Most guests choose the late afternoon, when the light turns gold and the sun sets behind the Theban hills on the West Bank. From the water you see Luxor Temple, the Corniche, palm-lined islands and farmers’ fields, far from the traffic and the temple crowds. It is a relaxing way to end a day of sightseeing, and you can extend the sail to Banana Island on request.
Highlights
- Private traditional felucca with a local captain
- Sunset views over the Theban hills and the West Bank
- Luxor Temple and the Corniche seen from the water
- Quiet sailing powered only by the wind
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Option to extend to Banana Island
Itinerary
16:00 – Pickup in Luxor
Your driver collects you from your hotel or cruise boat about 90 minutes before sunset and takes you to the felucca landing on the Corniche. The exact time changes through the year, from about 15:30 in winter to 17:30 in summer. Morning sails are also possible.
16:15 – Board your felucca
Meet your captain and settle onto the cushions of your private felucca. The captain explains how the boat sails with a single lateen sail and a long tiller, then pushes off into the current. There is shade under the sail and room to stretch out.
16:20 – Sailing on the Nile
Sail for about an hour, tacking across the river with the wind. Pass Luxor Temple, small green islands with water buffalo and egrets, and the West Bank hills. As the sun sets, the sky and the river turn gold, pink and violet, the best moment for photos.
17:20 – Return and drop-off
Sail back to the landing and meet your driver for the short ride to your hotel or boat. If you would like to stay in town, we can drop you at a Corniche restaurant or the Luxor souq instead.
Good to know: Feluccas depend on the wind. On very calm days the captain may use a small motorboat to tow the felucca back, and the route can vary. Sunset times change with the season, so we confirm your pickup time the day before.
What’s Included
Included
- Private felucca with captain for 1 hour
- Pickup and drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Bottled water
- All taxes and service charges
Not included
- Extension to Banana Island (on request)
- Food and drinks
- Tips for the captain and driver
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $59 |
| 2 travellers | $32 |
| 3–5 travellers | $25 |
| 6+ travellers | $19 |
Per person in USD, private boat. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for a felucca ride in Luxor?
The hour before sunset is the most popular, with soft light and the sun going down behind the West Bank hills. Morning sails are cooler in summer and very calm. We can arrange either; just tell us which suits your sightseeing plans.
Can we go to Banana Island?
Yes. Banana Island is a small farm island a few kilometres upstream, where you can walk among banana trees, taste the fruit and have tea with the family who grow them. Sailing there and back takes around two to three hours in total, so it is quoted as an extension.
Is the felucca safe for children?
Yes. Feluccas are stable, slow boats and the captains are very experienced. Children should stay seated and away from the edge, and life jackets are available on request. Families with young children often prefer a morning sail, when the river is calmest.
Can we bring food or drinks on board?
Yes, you are welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks. Many guests bring a picnic or something sweet for sunset. Please take any rubbish back with you. If you prefer, we can arrange tea on board or a simple dinner as an extra.
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Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
