Egypt Opens Waters to Foreign-Flagged Charter Yachts in Major Policy Shift

By Anna Ingles 21 May 2025

Egypt has officially opened its territorial waters to foreign-flagged, commercially registered yachts for leisure cruising, a pivotal move that signals new opportunities for the global charter market.

This long-anticipated policy change allows Red Sea yacht charters to explore Egypt’s entire coastline—from the untouched reefs to the ancient harbors of the Mediterranean—without the regulatory constraints that previously hindered access.

The decision follows engagement between maritime industry players and local authorities, with the Felix Maritime Agency playing a leading role in lobbying for reform. “This is a big win,” said Bahi Naguib, Operations Director at the Felix Maritime Agency. “Opening Egypt’s waters to foreign-flagged commercial yachts is a long-overdue move that puts us on the map as a serious charter destination.”

Green foliage and a sea view along Egypt coastline

Motor yacht charter in bay with parasols on beach

The policy shift responds to growing demand from international yacht owners, brokers, and charter guests seeking new and culturally rich cruising grounds. Egypt’s combination of world-renowned dive sites, archaeological treasures, and expanding marina infrastructure makes it a natural fit for high-end Red Sea charter itineraries.

However, Naguib cautions that the groundwork is still being laid. “There’s still a lot to sort out from customs and crew handling to basic marina infrastructure,” he said. “We also need to grow our domestic charter scene and invest in marine protection—especially through mooring systems that prevent anchor damage to our reefs. This is a strong first step. Now the real work begins.”

It remains to be clarified whether foreign-flagged motor yacht charters can conduct charter operations originating within Egypt or if such activity is restricted to yachts operating from abroad. Regardless, the development is widely seen as a signal of Egypt’s intention to embrace the charter industry.

International collaboration played a key role in shaping the policy. “Exposure to global best practices through forums like the Gulf Superyacht Summit helped shape the conversation,” Naguib noted. “The benchmarks set in the Summit report gave us a powerful tool to show what’s possible when governments support yachting as a growth industry.”

With its unparalleled natural and cultural assets, Egypt is now poised to attract more charter activity from the East Mediterranean, the Middle East, and beyond, offering charter guests an experience that blends luxury, adventure, and history in one of the world’s most compelling cruising regions.

Marina Developments Poised to Transform Egypt’s Charter Landscape

Complementing the policy shift, Egypt is experiencing a surge in marina developments aimed at bolstering its appeal to the global yacht charter market:

SouthMED Resort: Talaat Moustafa Group is spearheading the $21 billion SouthMED project along the Mediterranean coast. Spanning 23 million square meters west of Alexandria, this development will feature luxury villas, a marina, retail outlets, restaurants, golf courses, and other amenities, positioning it as a premier destination for international motor and sailing yacht charters.
Ras El Hekma Megaproject: An ambitious waterfront development is underway in Ras El Hekma, situated between Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh. This expansive project will include luxury resorts, golf courses, an international airport, a cruise terminal, and high-speed rail links, aiming to transform the area into a major winter sun destination.

Marina 8 and New Marina Developments: In New Alamein City, the government is advancing projects like Marina 8, a tourist village encompassing 179 feddans with chalets, villas, and a cultural hub. Additionally, the New Marina lake project includes an underwater tunnel, lake systems, and residential units, enhancing the region's tourism infrastructure.
Ismailia Yacht Marina: Situated on Al Temsah Lake along the Suez Canal, the Ismailia Yacht Marina is undergoing expansion to increase its capacity from 12 to 65 berths. The development aims to serve as a key stopover for charter yachts transiting between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, supporting Egypt's nautical tourism ambitions.
Marina El Alamein Yacht Port: Al-Ahram General Contracting is constructing the Marina El Alamein Yacht Port on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Designed to accommodate superyacht charters, this facility is part of the nation's efforts to establish itself as a global maritime and tourism hub.

These developments signify Egypt's commitment to enhancing its maritime infrastructure, aligning with its vision to become a leading Red Sea destination in the global yacht charter industry alongside Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

To find out more about exploring this iconic destination, contact your preferred yacht charter broker today for the latest availability and details on yacht charter costs.

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