Review · HURGHADA
PRIVATE! Speedboat to Magawish Island from Hurghada
The Red Sea rewards a quick escape. This private speedboat trip to Magawish Island gives you a fast ride from Hurghada, 1.5 hours on the island, and time to snorkel among coral reefs. I like the privacy and the simple setup: your own boat, snorkeling gear, water, snacks, fruit, and an ice box. The main drawback is the short island stay, plus the extra €5 cash entrance and national park fee per person.
I also like the choice of pickup. You can add hotel transport from Hurghada, or meet the boat at a designated point. That flexibility helps keep the price at about $52.71 per person, though the final value depends on whether you want a private outing or a longer group cruise.
Key points to know before booking
- Private speedboat ride: Only your group takes part, so you are not tied to a large boat schedule.
- About 1.5 hours on Magawish Island: Expect a compact island visit rather than a full beach day.
- Snorkeling equipment included: The trip is built around the Red Sea reefs and marine life.
- Pickup may be added: Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included only if you select that option.
- €5 extra fee: Bring cash for the Magawish Island entry and national park charge.
- Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.
The fast run from Hurghada to Magawish Island
The appeal starts before you reach the island. A speedboat cuts down the time spent getting there, leaving more of the roughly four-hour outing for the Red Sea itself. You get the excitement of a brisk ride without committing to a full-day cruise.
Your day begins with hotel pickup if you selected that option. If not, you go to the stated meeting point. Since pickup is not automatic for every booking, check your selected option carefully before paying. A small misunderstanding here can turn an easy morning into a scramble.
The boat is private, which matters most if you want control over the pace. You are not sharing the outing with a large mixed group, and only your own party takes part. That makes the trip a good fit for couples, families, or friends who prefer a quieter outing and do not want to spend the day following someone else’s timetable.
Still, private does not mean unlimited flexibility. The advertised duration is about four hours, and the included island stay is 1.5 hours. The rest of the time covers transport, snorkeling, and the return to Hurghada. Think of this as a short sea excursion with an island stop, not a lazy full-day island holiday.
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What makes Magawish Island worth the stop

Magawish Island is presented as a natural island setting surrounded by coral reefs. Its main draw is the contrast between the dry, sandy shore and the life below the water. You can choose how active you want to be once the boat arrives.
If you like snorkeling, this is the heart of the trip. You receive snorkeling equipment and have the chance to look beneath the Red Sea surface at coral and marine life. The exact water conditions and wildlife sightings can vary, so it is best to treat the snorkeling as an opportunity rather than a guarantee of a particular animal or reef scene.
One useful detail comes from an outing handled by Walid. He listened to what the group wanted and got them near dolphins within about 20 minutes. That is a nice sign that the private format can allow some response to your interests. It does not mean dolphins are promised, but it suggests you should speak up early if seeing marine life is a priority.
If you would rather stay dry, Magawish offers a softer pace. You can sit on the sandy beach, walk along the shoreline, or simply enjoy the Red Sea views. The island visit is short, so you probably will not have time to do everything at length. Pick your priority before you arrive: snorkeling first, beach time first, or a mix of both.
The snorkeling stop and what to expect
The included equipment removes one common barrier. You do not need to arrange a separate rental before reaching the water, and the trip is designed to let you snorkel during the island visit. A bottle of water, snacks, and fruit are also included, which is useful during a warm morning on the sea.
The description does not provide the equipment sizes, the type of mask, or details about changing facilities. If you are particular about fit, bring your own mask if you have one. If not, the supplied equipment keeps the outing straightforward for most people.
The Red Sea is the reason to choose this trip over a basic beach transfer. You are not just being taken to a sandy island for photographs. The coral reefs and marine life give the stop a clear purpose, and the private boat gets you there quickly.
At the same time, do not book this expecting a specialist snorkeling expedition. The tour lasts about four hours, and the island time is fixed at 1.5 hours. If you want several reef stops, long water sessions, or a full day at sea, you should compare it with a longer cruise.
Beach time, shade, and the short island schedule

The beach portion is simple and appealing. You can stretch out on the sand, take a shoreline walk, and enjoy a quieter setting away from Hurghada. The island’s value comes from that change of scene. You leave the resort strip and spend time in a more open Red Sea setting.
The tradeoff is the clock. One and a half hours passes quickly once you have arrived, found your place, handled the equipment, and decided what to do. If your ideal island day includes a long swim, a leisurely meal, and hours on the beach, this trip will feel too brief.
The supplied snacks and fruit help, but there is no stated full meal. You should view the food as light provisions, not lunch. The ice box is a practical touch for keeping drinks and fruit cool during the boat ride and island stop.
The short schedule can actually suit you if you have limited time in Hurghada. You can enjoy the sea without giving up an entire day. It also works well alongside a packed holiday plan, provided you leave enough room around the four-hour estimate.
Same water, a different kind of day:
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Why a private boat changes the value
At $52.71 per person, the price is reasonable if you value privacy and speed. You are paying for a private boat, not simply a seat on a shared vessel. For a small group, the cost can make more sense because the party shares the experience without strangers on board.
The value is less clear if you are traveling alone or as a very small party and do not care about privacy. A shared trip could cost less, though no shared alternative is included here for direct comparison. The private format is the main reason to pay this price.
You also get snorkeling equipment, water, snacks, fruit, and an ice box. Those inclusions reduce small extra costs, but remember the €5 admission and national park fee per person. That charge is not included in the advertised price and must be paid in cash on the day.
The pickup option also affects the calculation. Hotel transport from Hurghada is included only when you choose that option. If you select a meeting point instead, you will need to arrange your own way there, so read the booking choice closely.
Who will enjoy this four-hour outing
I would recommend this trip most strongly to people who want a private Red Sea experience without spending all day on a boat. It is a good match for:
- Couples wanting a quieter boat trip
- Families who prefer their own schedule
- Friends splitting the cost of a private boat
- First-time snorkelers who want equipment included
- People staying in Hurghada for a short visit
- Anyone who prefers a beach stop with a clear return time
The tour can also suit you if you enjoy making small choices during the day. You can focus on snorkeling, look for marine life, or stay on the sand. Walid’s dolphin outing suggests that explaining your priorities may help the crew shape the trip around what you want, though no specific wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
I would be more cautious if you dislike speedboat rides, need a long island stay, or want a detailed underwater program. The trip gives you a taste of Magawish rather than an extended stay. You should also consider the weather. The experience requires good conditions, and poor weather can cancel the trip.
The activity is listed as suitable for most people, and it is near public transportation. Still, the information does not give detailed accessibility guidance. If you have mobility needs or concerns about boarding a speedboat, ask the provider before booking.
Practical details that can make the day easier

Bring cash for the €5 per-person fee. This is the easiest detail to miss, and the charge covers entry to Magawish Island and the national park. Keeping the amount ready avoids a last-minute search for money.
Pack sun protection and anything you prefer for personal comfort. Water and light snacks are supplied, but the information does not list towels, a meal, or extra drinks. If you plan to spend your 1.5 hours on the beach, you will want to prepare for sun and heat.
Check whether your reservation includes hotel pickup. The tour offers pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels only if that option is selected. If you choose the meeting point, confirm the location and timing so you do not lose part of the short outing.
The mobile ticket is useful for keeping your booking details at hand. Confirmation is provided when you book. Since the experience runs on local time, pay attention to the stated start time and any cutoff details in your confirmation.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. If weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.
How this compares with a standard island cruise
The private format is the central difference. A regular cruise usually places you on a set schedule with other people, while this outing keeps the group limited to your own party. You gain privacy and a faster transfer, but you also have a shorter program built around one island stop.
The trip is not trying to be a long maritime day with many activities. Its strength is efficiency. You get from Hurghada to Magawish quickly, have time for snorkeling and beach relaxation, and return within about four hours.
That makes the experience easy to fit into a holiday schedule. You can enjoy the Red Sea in the morning or around another planned activity, assuming the available start time works for you. The downside is that the short duration leaves little room for delays or a slow, unhurried pace.
I like this kind of outing for people who know what they want. If you want a private boat, a reef stop, and a little beach time, the plan is clear. If you are hoping to discover the coast with several stops and no fixed rhythm, this may feel too limited.
Should you book the Magawish speedboat?
Book it if you want a private, compact escape from Hurghada with snorkeling, sandy beaches, and a fast boat ride. The strongest reasons are the private group setting, the included equipment and refreshments, and the chance to use your island time as you prefer.
Skip it if you want a full-day beach stay, a large meal, or an extensive program of several reef locations. The 1.5-hour island visit is the key limitation. Also budget for the extra €5 cash fee and confirm whether hotel pickup is part of your chosen option.
For a small group that values privacy, $52.71 per person offers a fair package. For a solo visitor focused only on the lowest price, it may not be the best fit. Either way, bring cash, check the pickup choice, and tell the crew what matters to you. That is the best way to make this short Red Sea outing count.
FAQ
How long does the Magawish Island speedboat trip last?
The experience lasts approximately four hours, including the boat journey, snorkeling, island time, and return to Hurghada.
How long do I stay on Magawish Island?
The included island stay is 1.5 hours.
Is the boat private?
Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.
Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off from a Hurghada hotel are included only if you select that option when booking. Otherwise, you go to a designated meeting point.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
What food and drinks are included?
You receive a bottle of water, snacks, fruit, and use of an ice box.
What extra fee must I pay?
Magawish Island entry and the national park fee cost €5 per person. This must be paid in cash on the day.
What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.
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