Canals and short cuts
Suez Canal and the Red Sea passage
A lock-free desert canal from Port Said to Suez, the gateway between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
7 episodes on the chart
- Length
- 193.3 km (120 mi), about 104 nm
- Locks
- None (sea-level canal)
- Opened
- 17 November 1869
- Transit time
- Usually 2 days for yachts with a night at Ismailia (pilot aboard throughout)
- Depth
- Up to about 20 m draft for ships (far more than any yacht needs)
- Operator
- Suez Canal Authority (Egypt)
The Suez Canal opened in 1869 and runs 193 km through Egypt from Port Said to Suez. It is sea-level with no locks, and the Suez Canal Authority of Egypt runs it.
Yachts need a canal pilot for the whole transit, and sailing boats must motor. Yachts are normally not allowed to transit at night, so the passage is usually split into two days with an overnight stop at Ismailia. An agent is recommended and in some cases required, notably when starting from Suez. Port and canal fees change often, so confirm current costs with an agent.
The canal is flat, straight and shared with ships. You pass Ismailia, the Great Bitter Lake and desert banks on both sides. Red Sea note: the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb have had serious security concerns in recent years. Conditions change, so cruisers must check current advisories (MARAD, UKMTO, Noonsite and flag-state guidance) before committing to the passage.
Highlights
- Africa to Asia short cut with no locks
- Night stop at Ismailia
- Desert scenery beside big ships
- Gateway to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean
Watch out for
- Yachts are not normally allowed to transit at night, so plan on two days
- Agent fees, clearance and canal charges change often, so confirm before arrival
- Security conditions in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden change, so check current advisories
- Pilots' yacht-handling experience varies, and unauthorised departures can bring heavy penalties
Episodes on this route 7
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E238 – The Final Leg – Cairo, The Pyramids & The Suez Canal
Suez Canal Egypt
In this bumper episode, we get an early-morning wake-up call from the Suez Canal Authority as our transit time is suddenly brought forward to 5am.
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KAA SAILING TRIP PART 4 (SUEZ CANAL TO CRETE,GREECE)
Crete Greece
SAILING FROM SUEZ CANAL TO CRETE Join us on another unforgettable sailing adventure as we journey from the historic Suez Canal in Egypt to the beautiful island of Crete, Greece.
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The mighty Suez Canal. The Med to Red Sea, Egypt
Crossing the Mighty Suez Canal | Mediterranean to the Red Sea Join me for an incredible journey through one of the world's most vital waterways: The Suez Canal.
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The major choke point of all trade to Europe, Suez Canal, Egypt
Suez Canal Egypt
We are officially entering one of the most significant maritime passages in the world—the Suez Canal in Egypt.
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We Entered the Red Sea — And Things Escalated Quickly
Gulf of Suez Egypt
Leaving the Suez Canal behind, we sail into the Red Sea — and immediately feel the shift. The heat is relentless, nerves are high, and this stretch of water demands attention. In these first miles, we’re not pushing limits yet…
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Sailing Through the Suez Canal | Full Transit by Sailboat
Suez Canal Egypt
Sailing through the Suez Canal is unlike any other passage on Earth. In this full-length episode, we enter the canal at Port Said and navigate one of the world’s most important and tightly controlled waterways by sailboat.
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From Crete to the Suez: The Voyage Changes Here
Suez Canal Egypt
Crete was more than just a stop — it was a turning point.
Crews on this route
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A summary for learning and dreaming, not for navigation. Rules, fees, seasons and security advice change: check current official sources before you go.