Boat trips in Cairo: a possible tourist experience?

Do boat trips in Cairo, conceived as tourist experiences, exist? It is a question that makes sense, because when we talk about ‘Nile cruises’ we quickly think of navigation in the upper section of this river, from Aswan to Luxor. But is it also possible to enjoy this type of experience in the Lower Nile, as it passes through Cairo? In this post we answer the question.

Yes, there are boat trips in Cairo

The Nile is one of the great attractions of Egypt, and also of Cairo: this immense river, as it passes through the city, serves as a natural border with the city of Giza and also forms several islands, which we have discussed in this blog. And given the tourist development of this megalopolis, with tourists eager for new experiences, there are more and more activities that can be carried out on its waters. For example, surfing its waters on a paddle board or SUP.

But to enjoy this river in a relaxed and leisurely way, there are boat trips in Cairo. And they are carried out in different types of boats: some are large boats, with capacity for dozens or even hundreds of passengers, but others are smaller, ideal for private experiences. Specifically, the traditional boats called feluccas in English, which is usually translated as falucas or faluchos.

These are small boats that have one or two masts and their respective sails. By their very nature, they offer crossings at a slower speed than motorboats, but also quieter and calmer, making them perfect for one- or two-hour tours, offering a different point of view of the two banks of this river as it passes through Cairo and Giza.

What do these boat trips in Cairo usually include

Each boat trip is different, and what the activity includes will depend on the company providing the service. It is common for this experience to be conceived simply as a simple private crossing, by a skipper-guide who can offer explanations about the boat or about the places that are in sight during the tour.

But in other cases, the service may include a gastronomic experience, such as an appetizer with a drink, a lunch or even a dinner. In these cases, lunch or dinner is usually offered with the felucca or falucho moored at its corresponding dock, for greater stability.

For this reason, many couples, both Cairenes and foreigners, think of these experiences as a romantic evening, in which to share a pleasant time in the best company and in an atmosphere different from the usual.

These experiences, when offered as a complete package, may include pick-up and return to an agreed point in the city, such as the hotel. And as for the departure dock, it will depend on each case. For example, at the Dokki pier, at the height of Zamalek Island, but already on the shore belonging to Giza.

And with regard to the route, this is an example of the itinerary that these boat trips in Cairo can complete, with the main buildings that will be in sight: Cairo Tower, Qasr El Nil Bridge, 6th of October Bridge, Zamalek Island, Cairo Opera House, Ahly Club Gymnastics Center.

In short: a different way to enjoy the Nile as it passes through Cairo and Giza, and to understand how important this river is and has been for the development of these great cities.

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