Foreign Commercial Yachts Now Free to Cruise Egyptian Waters for Leisure

Cairo, Egypt – May 2025 – Egypt has officially opened its waters to foreign commercially registered yachts for leisure cruising, marking a significant milestone in the country’s yachting tourism. As of May 2025, international yachts can now explore Egypt’s stunning coastline without the previous restrictive regulations, enjoying open access to both the Red Sea’s pristine islands and the Mediterranean’s iconic shores.

This initiative follows months of persistent advocacy and close collaboration between Seal Superyachts Egypt and local authorities as well as key maritime industry stakeholders, playing a key role in navigating the regulatory landscape. The strategic decision was driven by the increasing demand from global yacht owners seeking to experience Egypt’s unparalleled maritime offerings.

This initiative comes after months of dedicated advocacy and close collaboration between Seal Superyachts Egypt, local authorities, and key stakeholders in the maritime industry, all working together to navigate and overcome regulatory challenges. This decision was strategically influenced by the growing demand from our international clientele, eager to explore Egypt’s maritime offerings freely.

Seal Superyachts Egypt, with its extensive expertise and long-standing relationships with local authorities, was at the forefront of facilitating the regulatory changes. These new guidelines will enable foreign commercial yachts to move freely across Egyptian waters, enhancing the country’s appeal as a premier yachting destination. “This is a transformative moment for yachting tourism in Egypt. By easing regulations and unlocking the entire coastline to foreign commercial yachts, we are opening the door to a new era of exploration in the Red Sea and beyond. It’s a significant step towards positioning Egypt as a top yachting destination,” said Bahi Naguib, Red Sea Operations Director of Seal Superyachts Egypt.

While the Suez Canal is Egypt’s most famous maritime landmark, there’s so much more to discover beyond just a transit. Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera offers an array of cruising spots from the luxury marinas and resorts of El Gouna and Hurghada with exclusive beach clubs, golf courses, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife to quieter experiences like the islands of Giftun and Tawila and more. This decision is set to attract more global yachting enthusiasts to Egypt and boost yachting tourism through providing unmatched access to Egypt’s breathtaking coastlines and world-class marinas. With this new freedom, commercial yacht owners can now navigate the region experiencing Egypt’s exceptional blend of nature and rich history.

An essential requirement must be met which is your maritime agent must provide official confirmation to local authorities that no commercial activities will take place in Egyptian waters. That’s where Seal Superyachts Egypt comes in with decades of expertise and a strong track record of liaising with local authorities, ensuring yachts a seamless journey across the region while handling all the logistics, paperwork all while complying with local regulations.

Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Egypt for detailed information about cruising around Egypt, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.

Principle agent Bahi Naguib is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Egypt and the surrounding area.

Bahi Naguib
Phone: +20 120 000 1124
Email: egypt@seal-superyachts.com