Magawish Island By Private Speedboat with Snorkeling – Hurghada

Clear water, quick boat rides, and a private island day. This Hurghada outing combines a private speedboat, time on Magawish Island, and a snorkeling stop without the feel of a large excursion boat. I like the small-group format and the chance to set your own pace with a captain and guide. I also like that hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, snacks, fruit, water, and soft drinks are included.

The main caution is the advertised $5 price, which does not cover everything. You must pay a €5 national park fee in cash, and transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay cost an extra €10 per person. The activity includes only one scheduled snorkeling stop, so this is better for a relaxed half-day on the water than for a full reef program.

• Magawish Island stop: Expect clear water, pale sand, and roughly two hours at the island according to one detailed account.
• Private speedboat: Only your own group takes part, with a captain and crew assigned to you.
• Snorkeling included: Equipment and one snorkeling stop are part of the package.
• Afternoon timing: Pickup and departure are set for 1:30 pm, making this easy to fit around a slower morning.
• Strong family appeal: Children enjoyed the boat, island, and water activities, though swimming ability and safety equipment deserve attention.
• Wildlife is possible: Fish and turtles are regular hopes, while dolphins have also been seen on some outings.

A Four-Hour Escape From Hurghada

This is a compact Red Sea outing built around speed, sunshine, and a change of scene. The full experience lasts about four hours, beginning with pickup by an air-conditioned vehicle and ending with a return transfer to your hotel.

The 1:30 pm start is useful if you prefer not to sacrifice the morning. You can have breakfast, visit Hurghada, or simply sleep off the heat before heading out. The trade-off is that you get less time for a long sunset or evening on the island, since the tour is planned as an afternoon trip.

The private setup matters more than the word luxury in the description. You are not joining a large boat packed with unrelated groups. Your group has the speedboat, captain, and guide, which gives the day a more personal feel and makes it easier to ask for help, adjust your pace, or spend more time doing what your group enjoys.

That said, private does not mean unlimited. The schedule still includes one snorkeling stop, a visit to Magawish Island, and a return to Hurghada within the four-hour window. Think of it as a focused introduction to the coast, not an all-day marine expedition.

Hotel Pickup and the Run to the Coast

Pickup and drop-off are included when you stay in Hurghada. The transfer is by air-conditioned vehicle, a welcome detail in Egypt’s heat and an important part of the value. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the marina or work out where to meet the boat.

The transport surcharge applies to several resort areas outside Hurghada. If you are staying in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, or Soma Bay, expect to pay €10 per person in cash on the spot. Check your hotel area carefully before booking, since the low headline price looks very different once this charge is added.

The stated start time is 1:30 pm. Your confirmation should provide the practical pickup details, and confirmation is sent at booking. I would still keep your phone available that afternoon in case the operator needs to coordinate the exact pickup point.

Racing Across the Red Sea by Private Speedboat

The speedboat is the heart of this trip. It gets you to Magawish Island faster than a slower group boat and gives the ride a sense of occasion without requiring a full day at sea. You can sit back, watch Hurghada recede, and enjoy the open water before the island comes into view.

A private boat is especially useful for couples, families, and small groups who do not want to spend the afternoon following a large crowd. Parents can keep children close, couples get a quieter setting, and friends can enjoy the ride without negotiating space with strangers.

There is one practical point to keep in mind. A detailed account of the trip described a boat that felt a little tight for six people plus crew. That does not mean every group will have the same boat or comfort level, but it is a fair reason to ask about capacity if your party is large. A private ride is most appealing when everyone has enough room to sit safely.

The ride can also be lively. A speedboat is not the smoothest way to cross the water, particularly if conditions are choppy. If you are prone to motion sickness, have a light meal, carry water, and choose a seat that feels stable. The included water and soft drinks help, but they are not a substitute for any medication you normally use.

Two Hours on Magawish Island

Magawish Island is the visual payoff. The water is described as remarkably clear, with pale sand and turquoise shallows that have led some visitors to compare it with the Egyptian Maldives. You can walk along the beach, swim, sunbathe, or simply sit near the water and enjoy the quiet.

One detailed account allowed about two hours on site. That is enough time to feel that you have reached a real island rather than merely stopped for a quick photograph. It is not enough for endless wandering, but the limited time keeps the outing manageable and leaves room for snorkeling.

The island entrance is included, but the national park fee is not. You must pay €5 per person in cash on the spot. Keep small notes or exact change handy if possible. This is the most important cost detail to remember when comparing the advertised price with the final amount.

Descriptions of the island repeatedly focus on clear water, white sand, and a peaceful setting. The promise of an empty private beach should be treated with care because conditions and island traffic can change, but the private boat does give your group a more independent arrival than a large shared excursion.

Bring sun protection. The island offers open sand and water, so shade may be limited or may depend on where you are placed. A hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cover-up will make the two-hour stop much more comfortable.

One Snorkeling Stop, With Good Marine-Life Potential

Snorkeling equipment is included, as are water sports. The package specifies one snorkeling stop, usually after or around the island visit depending on the crew’s timing and sea conditions. You can expect a chance to see Red Sea fish and coral in clear water.

Past outings have included sightings of many fish, turtles, and dolphins. Dolphins are never guaranteed, and neither are particular animals, but the reports show that the water can offer more than a simple swim. One trip also included a stop near a wreck, where fish and coral added another point of interest. The wreck is not listed as a guaranteed stop, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than a promise.

The equipment has received praise for being clean and well maintained. That is good news for a short snorkeling trip, when poorly fitting masks can waste much of your time. Still, check your mask and fins before entering the water. If something does not fit, tell the guide at once.

There is an important safety concern. One account specifically noted that no life jacket was available on board for weaker swimmers. The supplied information does not confirm whether this was a one-off problem or a general rule, so I would ask about flotation equipment before departure if anyone in your group is not a confident swimmer.

The crew has generally been described as friendly, helpful, and good with children. Captain Snoopy, also written as Snopy, is singled out by name in several comments, while Amr is praised as a guide on one outing. Names and crew assignments can change, but these details suggest that the human side of the trip can be a real strength.

Snacks, Drinks, and the Small Details

Fruit, snacks, bottled water, and a soft drink are included. This is not a full lunch, so eat beforehand if you need a substantial meal. The food is best viewed as a useful refreshment during a sunny afternoon rather than a dining experience.

The included supplies matter because island prices can be higher than mainland prices, and you may not want to spend your limited beach time searching for food. Still, bring anything specific you need, especially if you have dietary requirements. No special menu is described.

Use of snorkeling gear and water sports is included. The exact water activities are not listed, so ask the operator what is available on your date if a particular activity is important to you. The package wording confirms access, but not the full range of equipment or how long each activity lasts.

The $5 Price and What You Really Pay

At $5 per person, this sounds almost too cheap for a private speedboat, island entry, transfers, equipment, and refreshments. The price should therefore be read as a starting rate, not the complete cost for every person in every location.

For a Hurghada hotel, add the €5 national park fee. If you stay in one of the listed resort areas outside Hurghada, add €10 per person for the transfer, paid in cash on the spot. Currency conversion can make the final price harder to judge, so work out the total before you commit.

Even after the extra fees, the package can offer strong value for a small group. A private boat, hotel transport, island access, equipment, snacks, and a guide would usually cost more than a basic shared beach transfer. The value is strongest when your group wants privacy and can share the boat experience together.

The value is weaker if your only goal is extended snorkeling. You get one snorkeling stop within roughly four hours. If you want several reefs, a longer time in the water, or a full-day boat program, another excursion may suit you better.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend this outing to families who want a simple sea day with a short transfer and plenty of visual appeal. Children have enjoyed the boat and island, and the private format lets parents manage the pace more easily than on a crowded group trip.

Couples can also make good use of it. The afternoon timing, private boat, clear water, and island beach create a pleasant break from hotel pools and busy resort areas. You can enjoy the scenery without committing to a long day offshore.

Small groups of friends get perhaps the clearest value. Sharing a private speedboat makes the cost easier to justify, and the boat ride itself becomes part of the fun.

I would be more cautious if you are a weak swimmer, need guaranteed flotation gear, or want a detailed reef-focused program. Ask about life jackets, boat capacity, and the exact snorkeling location before you pay. The activity is open to most participants, and service animals are allowed, but the available information does not promise special accessibility arrangements.

Booking Advice for a Smoother Afternoon

The experience is often booked about 10 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible during busy periods. Mobile tickets are accepted, and confirmation arrives at the time of booking.

Plan to carry cash for the €5 national park fee. If you are staying outside Hurghada in one of the listed areas, carry the additional €10 per person transfer charge as well.

Wear swimwear under light clothing and pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a dry bag for phones. The operator provides water and snacks, but you are responsible for personal items and any extra food you may need.

The cancellation terms are fair but strict near departure. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Should You Book the Magawish Speedboat Trip?

Book it if you want a short, private Red Sea outing with beautiful water, a memorable island stop, and a real chance to see fish or turtles. The boat format, helpful crew, clean equipment, and family-friendly pace are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Before booking, confirm the final cost, the boat’s capacity, and life-jacket availability. If those details work for your group, this is an easy way to add sea, sand, and snorkeling to a Hurghada stay without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The tour takes place in Hurghada, Egypt, with a speedboat trip to Magawish Island and a snorkeling stop in the surrounding Red Sea waters.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 1:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are included for the covered Hurghada area.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private tour or activity.

Is the Magawish Island entrance included?

Yes. Entrance to Magawish Island is included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and water sports are included.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The package includes one snorkeling stop.

Are food and drinks included?

Fruit, snacks, water, and a soft drink are included.

Are there extra charges?

Yes. A €5 national park fee per person must be paid in cash on the spot. Transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay cost an additional €10 per person in cash.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.