Nile River Felucca Cruises in Aswan

Traditional wooden sailing vessels known as feluccas have been a fixture on the Nile River for centuries. Board a felucca from Aswan, one of the best places to take a Nile cruise with its scenic shoreside landscapes and fascinating ancient sites. Before you set sail, read below to find out your options for felucca cruises in the city.

Half-Day Cruises

On a half-day felucca cruise from Aswan, you can expect to float past palm-topped islands and riverside settlements. Some half-day cruises stop at Elephantine Island, a mostly rural island that is home to the ancient ruins of Abu. Other half-day cruises make stops at Kitchener's Island, the site of Aswan Botanical Gardens, and Soheil Island, where you can learn about the Nubian lifestyle. To see the river at its most glorious, opt for a sunset tour.

Full-Day Cruises

On full-day felucca cruises, you’ll have more time to truly relax as you float languorously down the Nile, passing some of the river’s cataracts (rocky stretches that create small rapids). Full-day cruises typically stop at a Nile River island, where participants either have free time to explore or can take a guided tour. Most full-day cruises include lunch on board, and the unhurried pace means visitors have the chance to chat with their guide about the history and culture of the surrounding area.