Unlock Aswan's Hidden Secrets with Boat Rentals
Active
1h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Aswan’s enchanting Nile aboard your private felucca, where centuries of sailing tradition meet personal comfort. Your Nubian captain guides you through calm waters past Elephantine Island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum, sharing stories passed down through generations. Unlike busy tour boats, your traditional wooden sailboat offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Perfect for photographers seeking golden hour shots, couples wanting peaceful moments, and families creating lasting memories. Relax on soft cushions while enjoying freshly brewed Nubian tea and watching local birds soar overhead. Your captain knows secret spots where the river views are most stunning and when to pause for the perfect sunset photos.
This private rental lets you experience the authentic Nile, away from tourist crowds. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, history enthusiast, or family looking for quality time together, your journey adapts to match your interests.
Available options
Nile Heritage Journey
Duration: 3 hours: Extended sailing past multiple temples and landmarks. Enjoy refreshments while your captain shares stories of the river’s <br/>Pickup included
Classic Sunset Sail
Duration: 2 hours: Our most popular duration. Glide past Luxor’s riverside monuments with tea service while experiencing magical sunset colors <br/>Pickup included
Nile Taster Cruise
Duration: 1 hour: Brief introduction to traditional felucca sailing. Perfect for busy travelers seeking authentic Nile views with minimal time <br/>Pickup included
Grand Nile Explorer
Duration: 4 hours: Ultimate felucca experience with ample time to see all riverside attractions. Includes traditional tea, perfect sunset photo <br/>Pickup included
What's included
Traditional Egyptian hospitality with fresh mint tea and water bottles .
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Traditional Sailing Boat , comfortable cushioned seating area , Life Jackets and Safety Equipment
Flexible rental duration & Choice of sailing times - morning, afternoon, or magical sunset journeys
Experienced Nubian Captain - Local expert with deep knowledge of the Nile’s currents and hidden gems
All Fees and Taxes
Photo Opportunities , Elephantine Island, Botanical Gardens, the Agha Khan Mausoleum
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Hotel Departure & Nile Introduction
Begin your journey with a convenient pickup from your Aswan hotel. Your experienced Nubian captain will welcome you aboard your private traditional wooden felucca. As you settle onto comfortable cushions, enjoy panoramic views of Aswan’s waterfront while your captain prepares the iconic triangular sail. This initial sailing segment offers perfect photo opportunities of Aswan’s famous Corniche and cityscape as you gently drift away from shore.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Sail around Aswan’s largest Nile island, home to ancient temples, archaeological sites, and vibrant Nubian villages. Witness the ruins of Abu Temple dedicated to the ram-headed god Khnum, guardian of the Nile’s source, dating back to the New Kingdom. The island’s northern tip offers excellent views of the Nilometer, an ancient structure used to measure flood levels for thousands of years. Your captain will navigate close to the shoreline, allowing unobstructed photography of colorful Nubian houses contrasting against the island’s granite formations.
3
Kitchener’s Island (Botanical Gardens)
Continue to this lush paradise, transformed in the 1890s when Lord Kitchener imported exotic plants from across Africa and Asia. From your felucca, admire the island’s dense palm groves, flowering trees, and bird sanctuaries. The western side offers particularly stunning views where tropical foliage meets ancient granite boulders. During spring months, the island’s blooming jacaranda trees create purple canopies visible from the water, making for exceptional photography.
4
Sailing Past the Tombs of the Nobles
Your journey continues along the West Bank where dozens of rock-cut tombs from the Old and Middle Kingdoms are carved into the cliffsides. These final resting places of Aswan’s ancient governors and dignitaries feature facades with columns and hieroglyphic inscriptions visible from the river. This unique vantage point offers perspectives few tourists experience, with afternoon light creating dramatic shadows across the tomb entrances. Your captain will identify key tombs including those of Sirenput I and II.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Agha Khan Mausoleum Viewpoint
Reach the perfect position to admire the hilltop Mausoleum of Agha Khan III, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims until 1957. The elegant pink granite structure with its distinctive dome presents a magnificent sight from the river. This location offers the most photogenic views of this architectural marvel, especially in late afternoon when golden sunlight bathes the tomb. Your captain will share the romantic story of the Agha Khan’s connection to Aswan and his wife’s daily tradition of placing fresh roses at his tomb.
6
Stop 6
Sunset Return to Hotel
Complete your journey with a tranquil sunset sail back to your starting point. As the sun descends behind Aswan’s western desert, the Nile waters transform with golden reflections. This final leg offers unmatched photography opportunities of feluccas silhouetted against the colorful sky. Your captain will navigate to optimal sunset viewing positions before returning you to your hotel refreshed and enriched by Aswan’s unique riverside heritage.
Available languages
Guide guide
HI
DE
PS
PT
FIL
HR
HU
HAK
UK
UR
ML
MR
MS
EL
EN
IT
MY
ES
AR
VI
JA
FA
RO
NL
NO
HSN
FI
RU
CMN
YUE
JV
BN
FR
ZH-TW
WUU
SK
SR
SV
KO
KU
TA
MNP
GU
CS
TE
PA
TH
ZH-CN
PL
HE
DA
TR
Audio guide
EN
AR
Written guide
EN
AR
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.0
1 reviews
5★
0
4★
1
3★
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2★
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1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Aswan
Aswan is a charming city on the Nile River, known for its rich history, ancient temples, and stunning Nile landscapes. It offers a more relaxed and authentic Egyptian experience compared to the bustling cities of Cairo and Luxor.
Top Attractions
Philae Temple
A stunning temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island due to the Aswan High Dam.
Historical
2-3 hours
EGP 180
Aswan High Dam
A massive dam on the Nile River, built to control flooding and generate hydroelectric power.
Historical
1-2 hours
EGP 10
Abu Simbel
A magnificent temple complex built by Ramses II, featuring colossal statues of the pharaoh.
Historical
Full day
EGP 300 (including transport)
Elephantine Island
An island in the Nile River with ancient ruins and a rich history dating back to the Old Kingdom.
Historical
2-3 hours
EGP 100
Nubian Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Nubian people, featuring artifacts and exhibits.
Museum
1-2 hours
EGP 100
Must-Try Local Dishes
Ful Medames
A traditional fava bean dish, often served with falafel and tahini.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Grilled Nile Fish
Fresh Nile fish grilled and served with garlic sauce and vegetables.
Dinner
Gluten-free
Koshari
A popular street food made with rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy onions, topped with tomato sauce.
Lunch
Vegetarian
Basbousa
A sweet semolina cake soaked in syrup, often flavored with coconut or rosewater.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Nile cruises
Fishing on Lake Nasser
Quad biking in the desert
Boat trips on the Nile
Spa treatments
Sunset cruises
Visiting Philae Temple
Exploring the Nubian Museum
Best Time to Visit
October to April
This period offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Time Zone
EET (GMT+2)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Aswan is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid scams and petty theft.
Important Precautions:
- • Bargain for prices in markets and taxis.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or tours.
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Getting there
By air
- Aswan International Airport • 10 km from city center
By train
Aswan Railway Station
By bus
Aswan Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport, connecting major areas within the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Corniche El-Nil
Souq Area
West Aswan
Day trips
Abu Simbel
280 km • Full day
A stunning temple complex built by Ramses II, featuring colossal statues of the pharaoh.
Lake Nasser
50 km • Half day to full day
A vast artificial lake created by the Aswan High Dam, offering scenic views and water activities.
Kom Ombo
50 km • Half day
A temple complex dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, offering insights into ancient Egyptian history.
Festivals
Aswan International Festival of Nubian Arts • February
Aswan Film Festival for Nubian Arts • October
Ramadan • Varies (Islamic calendar)
Pro tips
- Visit the Nubian villages for an authentic cultural experience.
- Take a felucca sailboat ride on the Nile at sunset for stunning views.
- Bargain for prices in markets and taxis to get the best deals.
- Carry small denominations of Egyptian pounds for tips and small purchases.
- Dress modestly and respect local customs, especially in religious sites.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
