Hurghada: Magawish Island Speedboat W Snorkelling & Lunch

The Red Sea feels best from a fast boat. This four-hour Hurghada outing combines a lively speedboat ride, two snorkeling stops, and up to two hours on Magawish Island. I especially like the short, focused itinerary and the chance to see coral reefs without spending a full day at sea. The white sand and clear water offer a fine change from hotel pools.

I also like that hotel pickup, gear, water, soft drinks, fruit, and a guide are included. Hassan has earned praise for his guiding, while Captain Momo has been singled out for being friendly and careful. The main drawback is the pickup window, which can shift by 1 to 1.5 hours, and the advertised lunch needs clarification because the included items list fruit and drinks rather than a full meal.

Key points to know before booking

• Two reef stops keep the four-hour trip moving: You snorkel at Shaab Eshta Kebir and Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra, for about 20 minutes at each site.
• Magawish Island gets the longest stop: You have 1.5 to 2 hours for swimming, beach time, and a break on the pale sand.
• The speedboat is the main attraction: You get open Red Sea views and a quicker ride than a large excursion boat.
• The parasailing option is short but memorable: If selected, you fly above the water for up to five minutes.
• Pickup requires precision: Be at the hotel’s main entrance by the road, not the reception entrance, and do not expect the driver to wait more than five minutes.
• The price works best for two people: At $196 per group of up to two, the effective cost is about $98 each before any long-distance pickup add-on.

A fast start from Hurghada to the harbor

The day begins with hotel pickup from Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, or Safaga, depending on the option you choose. The van ride to the harbor takes about 25 minutes. That transfer is included for the standard pickup areas, but longer rides from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or the Soma Bay area require an added fee.

Pickup is the one part of the trip that needs careful planning. Your exact time arrives by email at about 10 pm the night before, and it may differ from the scheduled activity time by 1 to 1.5 hours. I would check your email before bed, confirm your hotel details, and set a reminder.

Meet at the main entrance by the road. The pickup is not at the reception gate or inside the hotel grounds. Since the vehicle may be collecting other people, the driver can wait no more than five minutes. This is not the morning for a leisurely search through a large resort.

At the harbor, you receive instructions before boarding. The boat has a shaded area, life jackets, and a stereo system. The shaded section matters because four hours on bright Red Sea water can feel much longer than four hours on land. Bring a light jacket too, since the speedboat ride can be breezy even in warm weather.

Shaab Eshta Kebir offers the first coral stop

The first boat stop is Shaab Eshta Kebir, with about 20 minutes set aside for snorkeling. This is a good opening stop because you can get used to the water, mask, fins, and boat routine before the longer island visit.

The guide provides snorkeling equipment and stays with the group. The supplied guide language is English, and the guide snorkeling service is included. You should expect the stop to be active rather than leisurely. Twenty minutes gives you enough time to look around the coral and spot fish, but it is not a long reef session.

Recent trip feedback places the coral reefs among the strongest parts of the outing. One booking described the snorkeling as excellent, with beautiful coral reefs, while another noted seeing many fish. That makes the reef stops more than a quick swim between beach visits.

Water conditions, visibility, and fish activity can change, of course. The trip promises two snorkeling locations, not a guarantee of a particular species or perfect visibility. Still, the combination of two sites gives you a better chance of seeing something worthwhile than a single brief stop.

Aruk Talata adds a second chance underwater

The second snorkeling stop is Aruk Talata, also known as Shaab Pytra. It lasts about 20 minutes and gives you another look at the Red Sea below the surface.

I like the structure here. If the first stop is crowded, the water less clear than hoped, or your mask takes time to adjust, the second site gives you another opportunity. You are not relying on one short encounter to make the entire water portion worthwhile.

The total snorkeling time is about 40 minutes. That is enough for a taste of reef life, especially for a first-time snorkeler, but anyone seeking a full marine excursion may find it brief. The tour is built around variety: boat ride, two reef stops, island beach time, and an optional flight above the water.

You should listen closely to the guide before entering the water. Life jackets are included, and the guide is there to help with the snorkeling stop. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the guide early rather than waiting until you are already in the water.

Magawish Island gives you up to two hours on the sand

After the reef stops, the boat heads to Magawish Island. This is the longest part of the day, with about 1.5 to 2 hours to swim, relax, and enjoy the sandy beach.

The island is presented as a Caribbean-style break, with white sand and turquoise water. That comparison is about the setting, not the facilities of a large resort. The appeal is simple: step off the boat, slow down, and enjoy open beach time after the movement of the morning.

You can use this stop in different ways. I would spend some time in the water, then find a comfortable place on the sand before the sun gets too strong. If your group has children or mixed interests, the island stop also provides more freedom than a tightly timed snorkeling session.

Food deserves a careful note. The experience title refers to lunch, and one part of the practical information says you can eat and drink on the island. However, the included items specifically list seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water, not a clearly defined full lunch. I would confirm the meal arrangement before booking, especially if you need a substantial midday meal.

Bring cash because it is listed among the recommended items. That is useful if you want to purchase food or drinks on the island, though the exact available choices and prices are not specified. Do not assume every meal or island purchase is covered by the tour price.

The optional five-minute flight changes the view

You can add a parasailing session lasting up to five minutes. It gives you a look at the Red Sea from above, balancing the underwater views from the snorkeling stops.

Five minutes is short, so I would treat this as a fun extra rather than the main reason to book. The experience may suit you if you want a quick burst of height and a few broad views of the water. If you dislike heights or prefer more beach time, the standard boat and snorkeling program already has plenty to offer.

The parasailing option must be selected when booking. It is not listed as part of the basic package. Check the final price and the exact option before paying so there is no confusion at the harbor.

Pregnant people and anyone with back problems should not book this activity. That warning is especially important for the speedboat ride and optional flight. If you have another medical concern, ask the provider before committing.

The return ride is short but part of the fun

After the Magawish Island stop, you return by speedboat toward the harbor. The final section includes about 10 minutes of scenic views on the way back, followed by the van transfer to your hotel.

The boat ride is not just transport. It is one of the more enjoyable parts of the outing, especially if you like the rush of open water and the contrast between the quick ride and the slow island stop. The shaded area remains useful on the return, when sun and wind may have caught up with you.

Hotel drop-off is offered in Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. As with the morning transfer, the exact timing depends on the group and the road journey. The published duration is four hours, but pickup and return transport mean the full time away from your room can be longer.

What the $196 group price really buys

The listed rate is $196 per group of up to two people. For two people, that works out to $98 each. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the standard service areas, the speedboat, snorkeling equipment, two reef stops, a snorkeling guide, island entry, fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, life jackets, and the shaded boat area.

That is a fair price if you value a private group format and a faster boat. You are paying for a compact day with several parts, not simply a beach transfer. For two people who want a private outing without joining a large boat excursion, the arithmetic is reasonable.

The value is less clear if you are alone, mainly want a long beach day, or expect a full restaurant lunch to be included. The trip is only four hours, and snorkeling time is limited to two 20-minute sessions. A longer boat program may suit you better if reef time is your top priority.

Pickup from distant resort areas costs extra. Add that amount before comparing this trip with other Hurghada excursions. A low headline price can look different once a long transfer is added.

The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Red Sea plans are still shifting, but I would still verify the pickup details and meal arrangement before the final booking window.

Who will enjoy this Red Sea outing most

I would recommend this trip to couples, friends, and small families who want several experiences in one half-day outing. You get the speedboat ride, reef snorkeling, beach time, and an optional flight without committing to a full-day cruise.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a private group. The activity is described as a private group experience, although the general description also refers to shared or private speedboat choices. Confirm the exact boat arrangement at checkout if privacy matters to you.

The outing suits people who want a simple snorkeling introduction. Equipment is provided, a guide is present, and the two-stop design lets you see more than one reef area. It may not satisfy strong snorkelers who want hours in the water or a detailed marine tour.

I would be cautious about booking if you have back problems, are pregnant, dislike fast boat rides, or need a guaranteed full lunch. I would also avoid it if you cannot reliably reach the hotel entrance at the assigned time. The five-minute waiting limit is firm for practical reasons, but it leaves little room for delay.

Practical packing advice for a smoother morning

Bring a towel for the snorkeling and island stop. A light jacket belongs in your day bag because the speedboat ride can feel cool with wind, even when the beach is hot.

Pack cash for possible purchases on Magawish Island. The tour supplies mineral water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit, but the information does not clearly confirm a full meal. If lunch matters to you, carry something suitable or confirm what is available before you leave.

You should also bring your passport copy if requested during the booking process and provide your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number. The provider asks for these details to organize pickup. Pets are not allowed.

Use reef-friendly common sense around the coral. Listen to the guide, wear the supplied life jacket when instructed, and avoid standing on or touching coral. The snorkeling stops are short, so a well-adjusted mask and calm attention will help you make the most of them.

My verdict on Magawish Island by speedboat

I would book this excursion if I wanted a brisk, well-packed Red Sea morning with a strong beach component. The best features are the two coral snorkeling stops, the quick boat ride, and the generous 1.5 to 2 hours on Magawish Island. The positive feedback about the reef, the clear water, and guides such as Hassan and Captain Momo adds confidence to the human side of the experience.

I would not book it without checking the lunch details. The included fruit and drinks are useful, but they do not automatically mean a full lunch. Also check the pickup surcharge if you are staying outside central Hurghada.

For two people, the $196 group rate can be good value, especially if you want a private group and the optional parasailing flight. Book it for variety and convenience, not for a long technical snorkeling session. Show up early at the correct hotel entrance, pack a towel and cash, and you should be set for a lively half-day on the Red Sea.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island speedboat trip last?

The activity lasts about four hours. The listed schedule includes a 25-minute van ride to the harbor, two snorkeling stops, 1.5 to 2 hours on Magawish Island, and the return journey.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the standard service areas, a speedboat cruise, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, a snorkeling guide, island entry, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, life jackets, and a shaded area on the boat.

Is lunch included?

A full lunch is not clearly listed among the included items. Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are included, and food and drinks may be available on Magawish Island. Confirm the meal arrangement before booking.

Can I add parasailing?

Yes. You can choose an option that includes a parasailing flight lasting up to five minutes. It is an optional add-on, not part of the basic package.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup takes place at the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance or inside the hotel grounds. The exact pickup details are sent by email at about 10 pm the night before.

Who should not take this activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant people or people with back problems. Pets are also not allowed.