Islands & Snorkeling Private Tour in Hurghada

Three islands, one fast half-day. This private Red Sea trip combines speedboat travel with easy snorkeling, white sandy beaches, and time in the sun around Magawish, Giftun, and Abu Minqar. I like the freedom of having your own boat and the fact that snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, life jackets, fresh water, showers, and national park fees are included. The main consideration is that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and wind or cold weather can limit time in the water.

I also like the flexible group setup. Up to eight people can share one speedboat, while groups of nine to 15 use two boats that stay together. The strongest praise goes to the captains, including Ahmed, Ali, and Saied, who are described as friendly, careful, and willing to adjust the day around snorkeling and photographs.

Five things to know before you book

• Three island stops in about four to six hours: Magawish, Giftun, and Abu Minqar give you a quick taste of Hurghada’s offshore waters.
• Private boats keep the day flexible: Your group is not mixed with strangers, and the captain can focus on your preferred balance of swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.
• One speedboat holds up to eight people: Groups of nine to 15 use two boats that travel together.
• The $50 price covers useful extras: Equipment, bottled water, soft drinks, fruit, snacks, showers, life jackets, and national park fees are included.
• Weather matters: Cold or strong wind can make swimming unpleasant, even when the boat trip itself can continue.
• Bring your own transport plan: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though the meeting area is near public transportation.

Why a private speedboat makes sense in Hurghada

Hurghada has many boat trips, but this one is aimed at people who want a smaller, more personal outing rather than a large shared cruise. You get across the Red Sea quickly, then spend the limited half-day at islands and snorkeling areas instead of sitting on a large boat with a full crowd.

The private setup matters most for couples and families. If one person wants to snorkel while another prefers a sandy beach, the group can usually shape the pace more easily than on a fixed group excursion. You can also ask for extra time for photographs or swimming, although the final route depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment.

The boat capacity is worth checking before you pay. One speedboat takes up to eight people. For nine to 15 people, the operator uses two boats, which remain together throughout the outing. That means a larger group is split physically, but nobody is sent off on a separate route.

The boats are described in the feedback as clean, fast, and comfortable, with good seating and music. Speed is not just for fun here. It helps the tour reach several offshore locations in a short period, giving you more variety than a single-island trip.

Leaving Hurghada for Magawish Island

The trip begins in Hurghada, where you board the speedboat and head toward Magawish Island. The ride gives you open Red Sea views and a useful change of scene from the city and resort strip.

Magawish is the first major chance to swim and snorkel. The appeal is the mix of clear water, coral, and brightly colored fish. The tour is presented as suitable for all snorkeling levels, so you do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part. Life jackets are included, which is helpful for children, nervous swimmers, and anyone who wants to float comfortably while looking below the surface.

I would treat this first stop as your chance to settle into the water. Put on the provided mask and fins, test the fit, and get used to the current and visibility before spending too much energy. Snorkeling is more enjoyable when you take it slowly and keep your breathing calm.

Do not expect the same conditions every day. Water visibility and comfort can change with wind, temperature, and sea movement. One outing was affected by cold, windy weather, with too much chill for a proper swim. That was not presented as a service problem, but it is a useful reminder that a Red Sea trip still depends on the weather.

Coral and fish around Giftun Island

The route continues to Giftun Island, one of the best-known island areas near Hurghada. Here, the focus remains on swimming, coral, fish, and time in the sun.

The underwater scenery is the main reason to book this experience. You are not simply riding a boat past islands. You are given time to enter the sea and look for coral formations and fish in their natural setting. The included equipment keeps the cost down and saves you from arranging a separate rental.

The private boat also gives the captain room to choose a suitable location. Feedback about captains Ahmed, Ali, and Saied repeatedly highlights their care, safe handling, and attention to what each group wanted. One captain was praised for arranging good photo opportunities, while another was credited with taking the group to quieter snorkeling places.

That personal approach can be especially useful if your group has mixed ability. A confident swimmer may want to spend longer in the water, while a child or first-time snorkeler may need a gentler introduction. Tell the captain what you want early in the day.

Sightings of dolphins are possible, and several people described swimming near dolphins during their trips. Still, dolphins are wild animals, so you should regard this as a lucky possibility, not a promised part of the program. The guaranteed appeal is the boat ride, island scenery, snorkeling equipment, and planned island stops.

Abu Minqar and its mangrove-fringed shore

The third island is Abu Minqar, described as having mangrove-fringed areas and a more natural feel. After coral and open-water snorkeling, this stop adds a different kind of scenery.

Mangroves are a welcome change from the usual sand-and-sea view. They give the route some visual variety and make the final island stop feel distinct from Magawish and Giftun. You can expect time to swim, enjoy the beach, and take photographs, depending on the day’s schedule.

The word private is most useful here. A large boat tour may need to move on according to a strict timetable, while a private outing can make small adjustments. It is still a half-day trip, so you will not have unlimited time at every island. The more time you spend snorkeling at the first two stops, the less time may be available for a long beach stay later.

The supplied schedule lists four hours, while the wider duration is given as four to six hours. I would plan around the full advertised range rather than assuming an exact finish time. Sea conditions, the chosen boat, and the balance of stops can affect the final length.

Finishing at Hurghada’s new marina

The route finishes at Hurghada’s new marina. This gives the trip a clear ending rather than returning to an undefined beach location.

The marina finish also makes practical planning important. Hotel transportation is not part of the price, so you need to arrange your own way to the starting point and back to your accommodation. The meeting area is near public transportation, which helps, but you should confirm the exact meeting instructions after booking.

A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. If you are arranging the tour close to your departure date, keep the confirmation easy to access on your phone.

The tour is often booked around 49 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially if you want a particular captain, boat type, or morning departure. The operator notes that boat choice depends on group size, with specific speedboats available through other products if you have a strong preference.

What is included in the $50 price

At $50 per person, the value is strongest for small groups that would otherwise pay separately for a boat, snorkeling gear, refreshments, and park access.

The price includes:

• Bottled water
• Soft drinks
• Fruit and snacks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets
• Fresh water and a shower
• National park fees

That list covers the practical costs of a day on the water. You do not need to rent basic snorkeling equipment or budget separately for protected-area charges. Drinks and snacks are simple but useful, particularly after swimming in the sun.

The price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. This is the chief extra expense to allow for. The tour offers group discounts, which may improve the value for families or friends booking together, but the exact discount is not provided, so check it before committing.

For two people, $100 total buys a private boat experience rather than a standard shared outing. For a group of eight, the per-person cost looks even better if you value privacy and flexibility. Solo visitors may find the price less compelling unless they particularly want a private boat.

Captains, safety, and the feel onboard

The people running the boat are a major part of the experience. Ahmed is praised for his boat handling and friendly service. Ali receives strong credit for listening to requests, helping with photographs, and making passengers feel safe. Saied is described as a good captain who added humor and helped make the day enjoyable.

One account also describes Saied as pointing out underwater life during the snorkeling portion. That is useful because coral gardens can look like a jumble of color if you do not know where to look. A captain who pays attention to the group can help turn a simple swim into a more rewarding visit.

Life jackets are included, and the boats are described as well maintained. You should still listen closely to the captain’s instructions, especially when moving around a fast boat or entering the water. Speedboats can feel exciting, but the ride may also be less gentle than a slow cruising vessel for anyone prone to seasickness.

The boat is private, but the captain remains in charge of the route and safety decisions. If wind rises or water conditions change, you may spend less time swimming than expected. That is a fair trade for a responsible operation.

Who will enjoy this Hurghada tour most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, and small groups who want a private day at sea without committing to a full-day cruise. It also suits people who care more about snorkeling and island scenery than onboard dining or a long entertainment program.

It is a good fit for:

• First-time snorkelers who want equipment and flotation support
• Families seeking a private boat
• Couples looking for a quieter outing
• Groups of up to eight who want the best per-person value
• Larger groups willing to use two boats that stay together
• Anyone who wants several island settings in one half-day

It may be less suitable if you need hotel transfers included, dislike fast boat rides, or want a guaranteed dolphin encounter. It is also not the best choice for someone hoping to spend an entire day on one beach. The appeal here is variety and movement.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied information, and the experience is near public transportation. Still, you should consider your own swimming comfort and mobility before booking, since the core activity involves boarding a boat, entering the sea, and moving between island stops.

Practical advice for making the day better

Book with the weather in mind. The cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Changes made inside 24 hours are not accepted, so avoid leaving this activity until the last day of your holiday if the sea is central to your plans.

Ask about payment before departure. One outing had a problem because cash was preferred but that had not been made clear in advance. The issue was resolved with a card payment, but you can avoid the awkward start by confirming accepted payment methods before you arrive.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a phone or camera with a secure case. The tour provides water and snacks, but no hotel transfer is included, so carry only what you need. If photographs matter to you, tell the captain at the start. Ali and other captains have been praised for paying attention to photo requests.

I would also ask about the precise speedboat if that matters to you. The assigned boat depends on passenger numbers, and the operator offers separate products for people who want a specific boat. That small question can prevent disappointment.

Should you book the Islands & Snorkeling Private Tour?

I would book it if your priority is a personal Red Sea outing with several stops, easy snorkeling, and a fast boat ride. The included gear, snacks, drinks, showers, life jackets, and park fees make $50 per person a fair price, particularly for a small group sharing the boat.

I would hesitate only if you need transfers, have fixed plans that cannot handle weather changes, or want guaranteed wildlife sightings. For everyone else, this is a strong half-day choice in Hurghada, with the captains and private format adding real value. Reserve ahead for set dates, confirm transport and payment, and let the captain know whether snorkeling, beaches, dolphins, or photographs matter most to you.

FAQ

How long does the private speedboat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four to six hours. The listed itinerary gives four hours, but the wider duration range allows for differences in conditions and timing.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and Abu Minqar. It begins in Hurghada and finishes at Hurghada’s new marina.

How many people can use one speedboat?

One speedboat can hold up to eight people. Groups of nine to 15 use two speedboats, and the boats stay together during the tour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, fresh water, and a shower are included in the price.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting area is near public transportation.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins.