In Arabic, a ‘Dahabeya’ literally means the golden one. And we think the name truly represents the experience and the mood it sets. Dahabeyas take you on a journey to the charm of an old era of tranquility, when people in Egypt used to cruise and enjoy the beauty of the Nile every winter.
Generally, a Dahabeya is a two-masted sailing boat, bigger than a felucca, but smaller than a commercial Nile cruise. Because they work with no engines, you get to enjoy the sound of the water and the birds chirping above you while you take a break from the bustling city noise. Dahabeyas were more common during ancient Egypt and the monarchy, as leaders, officials, and the country’s wealthiest people would used them as a mode of transport and leisure.
Scroll down for some of the best dahabeyas in Egypt.
Abercrombie & Kent
via Abercrombie&Kent 
via Abercrombie&Kent
As per their website, this is the first dahabeya built according to international luxury standards. It has a refreshing pool, an Arabic-style sundeck, replicas of Egyptian artifacts, and panoramic windows. You wouldn’t want to miss that!
Dahabeya Sandrine
With Dahabeya Sandrine, you’ll get a glimpse of the beauty of Arabesque design, unwind on the sundeck jacuzzi, and get pampered in a luxurious cabin of your choice. The starting price, per night, for the Deluxe cabin is from $530, and for the Deluxe suite from $760. Bonus points: They have vegan and vegetarian buffets, in addition to halal and continental food.
Nile Dahabiya
Built by local craftsmen in Esna, the Nile Dahabiya has only five or six cabins on board allowing a maximum of twelve people on board at the same time. There are four different options, that all travel from Esna to Aswan and vice versa: The Orient, Zekrayaat, Loulia, and Nora; each with a unique style, some more elegant or traditional than others. Yet, they all include the guidance of an Egyptologist.
Eyaru Dahabiya
via Memphis Tours 
via Memphis Tours
This luxurious Dahabiya is one that stands out among many others. It’s the only Dahabiya that goes back to back from Luxor to Aswan, and offers you a chance to visit unique sites that aren’t available on other cruises, such as El Batekh Island, El Kab Temple, El Kab village. Its premium feature is the large air-conditioned pergola and its shaded sundeck, allowing you to enjoy the view and the weather. The starting price per charter for an 8-day cruising experience is $29995.
Nour El Nil Dahabiya
For over ten years, three partners, Enrique, Eleanore, and Memdouh, have been providing their guests with exclusive and unique Nile experiences. They have a number of boats, Adelaide, Malouka, Assouan, Meroe, among others, as well as spacious and beautifully designed rooms. More so, they often stop by secluded beaches for guests to take a dip in the Nile, and they let you visit sites that are usually missed by large Nile cruise ships.
Nubia by Eklego
via Eklego Design 
via Eklego Design
This award-winning Cairo-based architecture, interior, and furniture design firm didn’t stop at creating successful commercial and residential projects. Inspired by the villages of Upper Egypt, they blended contemporary style with Nubian design and made a one-of-a-kind Dahabiya called Nubia, that takes you on a journey in the charming river banks.
Dahabeya Asiya
via Trips in Egypt 
via Trips in Egypt
The 8 luxurious cabins are air-conditioned, and include an English, Spanish or French Tour Guide. Due to its limited capacity, you’ll get a more personal, and definitely memorable, Nile cruise tour. For five days and four nights, the starting price is $840.
Nebyt Dahabiya
via Memphis Tours 
via Memphis Tours
Nebyt is one of the most luxurious dahabeyas you’ll ever come across. With its shaded sundeck and hot tub, it’s designed to make you enjoy the calmness and tranquility of cruising by the Nile, while getting to visit unique historical sites between Luxor and Aswan. and chaise lounges. The starting price, per person, for a double room for 6 days is $1140.
Princess Donia
With professional crew members, a resident chef, and all the cabins have three large windows for you to experience the beautiful Nile view, while enjoying the privacy of your own room. This 36m ship also has a spacious deck, with areas to sunbathe, and will take you on an unforgettable journey from Luxor to Aswan. They have great reviews too!
Amoura Dahabiya
via Luxor & Aswan 
via Luxor & Aswan
They have six large, air-conditioned double cabins with panoramic windows, so you can enjoy the attractive scenery, in addition to a suite with a private terrace. The starting price $729 includes an Egyptologist guide, and entrance fees to all sites between Luxor and Aswan. So it’s enjoyable, and definitely an experience worth taking!