Private Speed Boat to Magawish Island’s Hidden Wonders – Hurghada

Catch dolphins in the wild. This Hurghada speed-boat trip combines Dolphin House, Magawish Island, coral reefs, beach time, lunch, and water sports in one outing. I like the hotel pickup and the chance to snorkel at two stops, and the $70 price is fair if the boat really remains private. The main catch is that dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, and the experience can feel crowded or disorganized if group numbers rise.

I also like the relaxed mix of activities. You can swim, snorkel, rest on the sand, ride a banana boat, enjoy a short massage, and watch an Oriental show rather than spend five straight hours doing one thing. Just note the extra €5 national park fee, the possible €10 transfer charge from some resort areas, and the need to confirm the exact duration before you pay.

Key points at a glance

• Wild dolphins at Dolphin House: You may see dolphins from the boat and possibly enter the water with a guide, but sightings and swimming time are not guaranteed.
• Two snorkeling stops: Equipment, a guide, and a snorkeling instructor are included, with coral and colorful Red Sea fish to look for.
• Magawish Island beaches: The island adds quiet beach time, clear water, and a change from the open boat.
• $70 per person: The price includes pickup, a private speed boat, lunch, soft drinks, water, snorkeling, and water sports, but not every transfer or the park fee.
• Noon departure: The planned duration is about five hours, though the wider description calls it a full-day outing and some bookings have lasted six hours.
• Mixed operational record: Dolphin encounters and friendly guides receive strong praise, while late pickup, crowded boats, booking errors, and uneven organization are real concerns.

Magawish Island by Speed Boat

Hurghada’s coast is best appreciated from the water. From a speed boat, the resort strip quickly gives way to open Red Sea views, low islands, pale sand, and water that shifts between blue and green as the bottom changes.

The boat heads toward Magawish Island, a popular stop for swimming and snorkeling. The appeal is simple: you get away from the hotel pool and spend time in the sea itself. The ride also makes the island feel more remote than it really is.

The word private matters here. This is sold as a private activity for your group, not merely a reserved place on a large shared excursion. That should mean more control over pace and stops. Yet one account describes 35 people on the boat, so I would confirm the boat arrangement directly if privacy is important to you. A private boat is valuable for couples, families, and small groups, but much less so if the boat is filled beyond what you expect.

The listed start time is 12:00 p.m. The stated duration is about five hours, although the main description presents it as a full-day outing and one account refers to a planned seven-hour schedule that lasted six hours. Those details do not line up neatly. Ask for the expected return time before booking, especially if you have a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or another evening plan.

The Ride Out From Hurghada

Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle. That removes one of the usual hassles of a sea excursion, especially if you are staying away from the marina or do not want to arrange a taxi.

The pickup service has not always run to schedule. One account reports a 50-minute delay, so I would keep your morning flexible and avoid planning anything tightly before the noon departure. The trip starts at midday, making it useful for people who prefer a slower hotel morning, but it also means the outing occupies much of the afternoon and early evening.

If you stay in El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh, an additional €10 per person is payable in cash on the spot. That is easy to overlook when comparing the headline price. The €5 national park fee is also paid in cash, so carry enough Egyptian currency or euros as accepted by the operator.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, a small but worthwhile comfort in Hurghada. You will spend much of the activity outside, on the boat and island, so the cool transfer helps you arrive in better shape.

Dolphin House: Wild Dolphins, Not a Guaranteed Show

The central draw is Dolphin House, an area of the Red Sea associated with wild dolphins. Seeing these animals in their own environment is far more memorable than watching a scheduled performance, but it also means nature sets the timetable.

You might spot dolphins from the boat, as several accounts describe. You might also have a chance to enter the water with a guide and swim near them. The opportunity can be brief, and it is not suited to everyone. One account specifically warns that rough water and fast-moving dolphins made the swim realistic only for strong swimmers.

That is the most important expectation to set: this is dolphin watching, not a guaranteed swim. The boat may find dolphins and still be unable to offer a long water encounter. Weather, sea conditions, animal behavior, and the number of people trying to enter the water all affect what happens.

I would treat the dolphin sighting as a bonus rather than the entire reason for paying. If you see them, the day may feel extraordinary. If you do not, the snorkeling, island, lunch, and water sports still need to justify the cost.

The crowded-boat complaint deserves attention. If 35 people enter the water at once, the experience can become hurried and chaotic, with limited personal space. Ask how many people will be on your boat and how the dolphin stop is managed. A guide is included, but you should still follow instructions carefully, particularly if the sea is rough.

Two Snorkeling Stops in the Red Sea

Snorkeling is likely to be the most dependable highlight. The trip includes two guided stops, snorkeling equipment, and a snorkeling instructor. You can expect coral areas with colorful fish and the possibility of seeing sea turtles or other marine life listed in the tour description.

The exact sites are not named, so you should not expect a fixed reef itinerary. The captain chooses the stops, and conditions may influence the plan. That flexibility can be useful, but it also means the quality of the two swims may vary.

The guide is there to help you use the equipment and keep the activity organized. This matters if you are new to snorkeling or want help understanding what you are seeing. It does not remove the need for basic swimming confidence. One account describes snorkeling near coral as excellent, while another calls the stop hectic because organization was weak.

For the best experience, keep your expectations practical. You are not booking a specialist reef expedition. You are booking a mixed sea day that includes two chances to snorkel. If the coral is clear and the water calm, the stops can be the strongest part of the trip. If the boat is busy, you may spend more time getting in and out of the water than quietly observing fish.

A small personal tip is to focus on the reef rather than trying to chase every animal. The supplied equipment makes this easy, and you will enjoy the stop more if you give yourself time to float, look down, and let the sea life appear.

Magawish Island Beach Time

Magawish Island offers the change of pace that keeps the outing from becoming an endless boat ride. After snorkeling, you can swim near shore, sit on the sand, rest under palm trees, or simply enjoy the quiet.

The island is described as having secluded beaches and sheltered coves. The exact level of seclusion may depend on other boats and the day’s schedule, so I would not picture an untouched private island. Still, a beach stop gives you a chance to dry off, stretch your legs, and take a break from salt water.

The turquoise water is the star here. You can use the island as a calm pause between active sections of the trip. For couples, that may be the most pleasant part of the day. Families may appreciate the room to change activities, although the tour still includes open-water swimming and should be judged according to each person’s comfort in the sea.

Because the stop includes sun exposure, bring suitable protection. The supplied information confirms water and soft drinks, but it does not promise towels, sunscreen, or shaded seating for everyone. Those details are worth checking before departure rather than assuming they are provided.

Lunch, Massage, Banana Boat, and the Oriental Show

The outing adds several extras: a buffet lunch on board, a short massage, a banana-boat ride, soft drinks, water, and an Oriental show. This broad program explains why the experience may appeal to people who want more than snorkeling.

Lunch on the boat is convenient. You do not have to leave the water to find a restaurant, and a buffet makes it easier for a mixed group to eat at its own pace. The menu is not specified, so anyone with strict dietary needs should ask what food is available before booking.

The short massage is a pleasant extra, but I would not book the trip as a spa experience. The wording suggests a brief treatment, not a full massage session. Think of it as a small comfort after swimming rather than a major part of the day.

The banana boat adds a burst of fun and may suit families or groups of friends. It can feel like a filler activity if you prefer quiet beach time, but the choice of several activities is useful when people in your group have different interests.

The Oriental show gives the trip a cultural performance element. The details of the show are not provided, so I would keep expectations modest. It is part of the boat entertainment, not a substitute for a dedicated evening cultural program in Hurghada.

What the $70 Price Really Includes

At $70 per person, this can be good value if the promised inclusions are delivered. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned transfer, a private speed boat trip, two guided snorkeling stops, equipment, an instructor, water sports, soft drinks, water, and lunch.

That is a lot in one package. A separate boat hire, snorkeling trip, island visit, meal, and transfer could cost more, particularly for a small private group. Group discounts may improve the calculation for families or friends booking together.

The price becomes less attractive if you are mainly paying for a guaranteed dolphin swim. No wild-animal outing can promise that result, and the dolphin stop may be brief. The value is stronger when you see the day as a complete Red Sea outing with several chances to enjoy yourself.

Remember the add-ons. The €5 park fee is paid in cash, and the €10 transfer charge applies per person from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh. Those fees do not destroy the value, but they make the final cost higher than $70.

Where the Experience Can Fall Short

The strongest positive pattern is clear: dolphin sightings, swimming opportunities, good snorkeling, convenient pickup, and a relaxed day on the water. One person also described going alone, meeting friendly people, and enjoying the sea, with the guide and his daughter Reem making the day feel social and welcoming.

The weak points are just as practical. Pickup may be late. The actual schedule may be shorter than expected. Booking may produce an error, especially for a large group, and the boat may not feel private if too many people are placed aboard.

Organization can vary between guides and days. One account describes hectic snorkeling because the guide struggled with coordination. That does not mean every departure will be poorly run, but it is a reason to ask clear questions before you leave the hotel.

There is also a serious personal-conduct complaint involving a host. The provider said it could not identify the booking and asked for more details to investigate. I cannot establish what happened, but the allegation should not be ignored. If any guide makes you uncomfortable, tell the tour lead immediately and report the matter to the provider and booking company.

The overall score is 4.7 out of 5, with 90 percent recommending the experience. That is strong, but the low ratings point to a familiar issue with popular sea trips: the basic idea is excellent, while timing, crowd control, and staff performance determine the actual day.

Who Will Enjoy This Hurghada Boat Trip

I would choose this for a couple, family, or small group that wants a varied afternoon at sea. It is especially suitable if you like the idea of snorkeling but also want beach time, lunch, a banana boat, and entertainment.

It also works for a solo participant who enjoys meeting people, provided the private-group arrangement is confirmed. The included pickup is helpful if you do not have a car or want to avoid arranging transport to the marina.

I would be more cautious if your priority is a quiet private cruise, a long professional reef session, or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. Strong swimmers may be better placed for the dolphin-water opportunity, particularly if the sea is rough. Anyone who dislikes uncertain schedules should confirm the return time and boat capacity first.

The cancellation terms are reasonable: you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should You Book It?

Book this Magawish Island trip if you want a multi-activity Red Sea day and can accept that wildlife sightings and exact timing are uncertain. At $70, the combination of transport, lunch, snorkeling, island time, and water sports is appealing, especially for a group.

Before booking, ask three direct questions: How many people will be on the boat? What time will you return? What happens if sea conditions prevent swimming with dolphins? If the answers are clear and the boat is genuinely private, this is a good-value choice.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed dolphin encounter or a tightly timed, uncrowded outing. The best reason to go is not one animal sighting. It is the full mix of open water, coral, island sand, food, and easy transport, with dolphins as the thrilling possibility.

FAQ

What is included in the $70 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, a private speed boat trip to Magawish Island, two guided snorkeling stops, snorkeling equipment, a professional guide and snorkeling instructor, water sports, soft drinks, and water.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch on board is included.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The trip visits Dolphin House, an area known for wild dolphins, but sightings and swimming with dolphins cannot be guaranteed.

Can I swim with the dolphins?

You may have the chance to enter the water with a guide if dolphins are present and conditions allow. The experience may be brief and is more suitable for strong swimmers, particularly in rough water.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two guided snorkeling stops are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and the services of a snorkeling instructor are included.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 12:00 p.m.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is approximately five hours. The wider description calls it a full-day outing, and some reported schedules have lasted six hours, so you should confirm the expected return time.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. A €5 national park fee is paid in cash on the spot. A €10 per-person transfer charge applies for pickups from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with an air-conditioned vehicle used for the transfer.