Hurghada: Magawish Island Speedboat W Snorkelling & Lunch

White sand, clear water, fast boat. This four-hour Hurghada trip combines a lively speedboat ride with two Red Sea snorkeling stops and a long pause on Magawish Island. I like the small private-group format and the easy hotel transfer, which keeps the day simple. I also like that you get time on a real sandy island instead of spending every minute aboard the boat.

The main consideration is the price: $196 for up to two people is fair for a private outing, but less attractive if you expected a full meal, since the included food is listed as seasonal fruit, while lunch details are not clearly spelled out. Pickup times can also shift by 60 to 90 minutes, so keep your morning flexible.

Key points at a glance

• Two separate snorkeling stops: Shaab Eshta kebir and Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra, each allow about 20 minutes in the water.
• Magawish Island time: You get roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on sandy beaches with turquoise water.
• Speedboat rather than a large cruise boat: The ride feels quicker and more direct, with scenic views along the Red Sea.
• Optional five-minute flight: Select the parasailing option for a brief view of the sea from above.
• Hotel pickup is included in core areas: Hurghada and its listed districts are covered, while longer transfers may cost extra.
• Useful guide names: Hassan received strong praise for his guiding, and Captain Momo was described as kind and considerate.

Why this Hurghada boat trip works well

I see this as a compact Red Sea day for people who want several experiences without giving up an entire day. In four hours, you ride a speedboat, snorkel at two sites, spend a good block of time on Magawish Island, and return to your hotel.

That pace is one of the tour’s best features. A full-day boat excursion can feel tiring if you mainly want a swim and some sun. Here, the schedule stays focused. You are not committing to a long open-water outing, yet you still get enough time to see coral, relax on sand, and enjoy the view from the boat.

The speedboat is also a better fit if you like movement and open air. The ride itself is part of the fun. You have an onboard shaded area, stereo system, mineral water, soft drinks, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment. The shaded section matters more than it might seem in Egypt, especially when you have already spent time in the sun.

The trip is described as a private group, although the general description also refers to a shared or private speedboat. I would confirm the exact boat arrangement before paying, particularly if privacy is important to you. The listed rate covers a group of up to two people, so couples and friends traveling together get the clearest value.

Hotel pickup: plan around the timing

Pickup is included from Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga in the listed route details. At the same time, the booking information says long-range transfers from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, and the Soma Bay area may need to be added at checkout.

That creates one point worth checking carefully: Safaga appears both as a pickup area and as a possible paid long-range transfer. Ask the provider to confirm the exact price and pickup coverage for your hotel before you book.

Your final pickup details are sent by email at about 10 pm the night before. Give the operator your correct nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy if requested. Meet at the main entrance by the road, not at the reception entrance or an interior hotel gate.

Be ready at the stated time. The driver can wait no more than five minutes because other pickups follow. The scheduled pickup may shift by 1 to 1.5 hours, so do not plan a tight breakfast, airport transfer, or other morning appointment around it.

The van ride to the harbor takes about 25 minutes. That is a modest transfer, and hotel pickup removes the usual hassle of arranging a taxi before sunrise or finding a marina on your own.

Speeding across the Red Sea

Once you reach the harbor, you receive instructions before boarding. The cruise to the snorkeling areas offers the first look at the Red Sea from the water, with open views and the feel of a quick-moving boat rather than a slow sightseeing vessel.

You should expect spray, sun, and a brisk ride. Bring a light jacket, as requested, especially if you are sensitive to wind. The boat has life jackets and a shaded area, but you will still want sun protection and a towel.

The boat’s stereo system may appeal to you if you like a lively outing. If you prefer quiet sea time, the music is a small factor worth keeping in mind. The experience is designed more as an upbeat excursion than a silent nature trip.

Shaab Eshta kebir: your first 20 minutes of snorkeling

The first water stop is Shaab Eshta kebir. You have about 20 minutes for snorkeling here, with equipment supplied and a guide available to help you get into the water and follow the site.

Twenty minutes is enough for a focused look, but it is not a long reef session. I would use the first stop to check your mask, get comfortable with the fins, and look closely at the coral rather than rushing from one fish to another.

The strongest praise for this outing centers on the snorkeling. One visitor described the coral reefs as excellent, and another specifically recalled seeing many beautiful fish. Those comments match the tour’s purpose: this is not just a beach transfer with a token swim. The underwater stops are a major part of the value.

Still, sea conditions affect visibility and comfort. The supplied information does not promise a particular species, reef condition, or water temperature. Treat the underwater scenery as a key possibility, not a guaranteed aquarium.

Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra

The second stop is Aruk Talata, also known as Shaab Pytra. Again, you get about 20 minutes to snorkel, giving you a second chance to see coral and fish in a different setting.

The two-stop plan is useful. If the first site feels crowded, choppy, or less clear on the day of your visit, the second gives you another opportunity. It also breaks up the boat ride and keeps the morning active.

A guide is included for snorkeling, which helps if you are not fully confident in open water. Life jackets are provided as well. If you have back problems, this trip is not recommended, and pregnant women should not join. Those restrictions make sense for a fast boat and repeated entries into the sea.

If you are a strong swimmer, you may find the 20-minute sessions a little short. If you are new to snorkeling, the length is more manageable and leaves you with energy for the island stop.

Magawish Island and its Caribbean-style beach

After the snorkeling stops, the boat takes you to Magawish Island. The planned visit lasts about 1.5 hours, and it may stretch closer to two hours depending on the day’s timing.

This is the part of the experience that changes the mood. Instead of watching the coastline from a boat, you can walk on sandy beaches, swim in turquoise water, and sit in the sun. The beach is presented as having a Caribbean feel, which is a fair shorthand for the white sand and bright water, though you should not expect a full resort island with endless facilities.

The island stop gives you room to slow down. After two short snorkeling sessions and a quick ride, that pause matters. You can dry off, take photos, swim again, or simply sit with a cold soft drink.

Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are included. One account also indicates that food and drinks can be found on the island, but the precise lunch arrangement is not clear in the supplied details. The title refers to lunch, yet the inclusions list does not specifically promise a full meal. If lunch is important to you, confirm exactly what is served, where it is served, and whether any island food costs extra.

That is the biggest practical gap in the description. I would not book this expecting a substantial included lunch without checking first. Pack cash, as requested, for anything outside the stated inclusions.

The optional five-minute parasailing flight

You can add a parasailing adventure lasting up to five minutes. This gives you a quick view of the Red Sea from above, adding a second angle to the snorkeling below.

Five minutes is brief. Think of it as a memorable extra rather than a full aerial activity. The appeal is variety: you see the water underwater, from the speedboat, and from the air.

The option is not automatically included in the base package. Select it when booking if you want it. If you are uneasy with heights, pregnant, or dealing with back problems, skip the add-on and enjoy the boat and beach instead.

Returning to Hurghada

After the island stop, you board the speedboat for the final cruise back to the harbor. The listed scenic portion lasts about 10 minutes, followed by your return transfer to the hotel.

This short final leg keeps the whole outing within four hours. It also means the tour is easy to fit into a longer Hurghada holiday. You could spend the rest of the day at your hotel, visit a restaurant, or plan another light activity without losing an entire afternoon.

The exact return time can change with sea conditions, pickup delays, and how long the island stop takes. I would leave a buffer before any reservation.

The $196 price: who gets good value?

At $196 per group of up to two, the price works best for a couple or two friends who want a private outing and value convenience. You are paying for hotel transfers, the speedboat, equipment, two snorkeling stops, a snorkeling guide, island entry, drinks, fruit, and the option to add parasailing.

Compared with arranging separate transport, boat access, snorkeling gear, and island entry, the package is practical. The private-group format is especially useful if you want a more personal day than a large boat with many passengers.

The value is weaker if you are traveling alone, mainly want a long snorkeling session, or expect a full lunch to be included. The 40 minutes of planned snorkeling is split into two short sessions, and the meal details need confirmation.

The activity has a 4.7 rating from 30 recorded bookings, with especially strong praise for the coral, fish, transport, and staff. Hassan is singled out as an excellent guide, while Captain Momo is praised for being friendly and considerate. Those details matter because the guide and captain shape the experience more than a glossy beach photo does.

What to bring for a smoother morning

Pack a towel, a light jacket, and cash. The jacket is useful on the moving boat, while cash covers possible purchases on the island or other extras not listed as included.

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can get in the water without fuss. Bring sun protection, though the required packing list only specifically names the towel, jacket, and cash. Keep valuables to a minimum because this is an active boat and beach outing.

Be especially careful with your documents and booking details. The provider asks for your nationality, hotel information, room number, and passport copy. Send accurate information and check your email at 10 pm the night before for the pickup message.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and first-time Hurghada visitors who want a short Red Sea outing with several parts. You get more variety than a simple beach transfer and less time commitment than a full-day cruise.

It suits people who enjoy a fast ride, short snorkeling sessions, white sand, and a little optional adventure. The shaded boat area, supplied equipment, guide, drinks, and hotel transfer also make it easier for you to manage the day.

I would be more cautious if you have back problems, are pregnant, dislike speedboats, or want a quiet, slow-paced swim. It is also not ideal if your main goal is hours of underwater exploration. In that case, seek a trip built around longer reef stops.

Remember that pets are not allowed. Confirm your pickup zone, the private versus shared boat setup, and the lunch arrangements before booking.

Should you book the Magawish Island speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a neatly packed four-hour Red Sea outing with two coral stops and a proper island break. The best parts are the short transfer, quick speedboat ride, attractive beach time, and strong praise for the snorkeling and crew.

I would book the parasailing option only if seeing the Red Sea from above adds real appeal for you. Otherwise, the core trip already offers enough variety.

Before you pay, confirm three points: whether your hotel requires a transfer add-on, whether the boat is fully private, and what lunch actually includes. If those details suit your plans, $196 is a reasonable price for two people who want convenience and a lively half-day on the water.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island trip last?

The activity lasts about four hours, including the hotel transfer, boat ride, snorkeling stops, island visit, and return journey.

Where can pickup and drop-off take place?

The listed pickup and drop-off areas are Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Transfers from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and the Soma Bay area may require a paid add-on, so confirm your hotel before booking.

How long do the snorkeling stops last?

There are two snorkeling stops. Each is planned for about 20 minutes, at Shaab Eshta kebir and Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a snorkeling guide, and life jackets are included.

Is parasailing included?

A five-minute parasailing adventure is included only if you select that option when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, jacket, and cash. Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.