Hurghada: Orange Bay & Magawish Island Speedboat with Lunch

The Red Sea saves its best work underwater. This Hurghada speedboat trip pairs a fast, exciting ride with two sandy island stops and two snorkeling sessions, giving you a good mix of action and downtime. I especially like the chance to reach Orange Bay early and the small-group feel reported by many participants. At $47 per person, including transfers, boat travel, entry fees, equipment, lunch, fruit, and drinks, it offers a lot for a half-day outing.

I also like the helpful crews. Guides including Saif, Momo, Kiko, Joo, Hassan, Karim, and Islam are repeatedly praised for helping nervous swimmers, keeping families comfortable, and making the day fun. The main caution is that Orange Bay can become crowded, the snorkeling stops last about 20 minutes each, and windy weather can make the speedboat ride bumpy.

Key things to know before booking

• Orange Bay can be wonderfully quiet early: The first arrival is timed to beat much of the crowd, though the beach may fill later.
• Two short snorkeling stops: Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, with equipment, a guide, and life jackets provided.
• Magawish brings the island atmosphere: Expect pale sand, clear water, a shaded tent, lunch, and time to relax.
• A private boat gives you more control: Private groups may be able to adjust snorkeling time and island stays.
• Parasailing is optional: Choose the relevant option for a five-minute flight over the Red Sea.
• Pickup requires precision: Be at your hotel’s main entrance by the road, and be ready on time because the boat transfer waits no more than five minutes.

Hurghada to the Red Sea by speedboat

The day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada and nearby resort areas. The exact pickup details arrive by email at 10 p.m. the night before, so check your inbox and make sure the operator has your correct hotel name, address, room number, and nationality.

You meet the vehicle at the main entrance of the hotel, by the road. This is not the reception entrance or an internal hotel pickup area. That small distinction matters in large resort compounds, where a few misplaced minutes can turn into a missed transfer.

At the harbor, the crew gives basic instructions and explains the day. Then you board the speedboat. The boat is a major part of the appeal here. It is quicker and more lively than a large tour vessel, and the ride across open water gives you a clear sense of the Red Sea’s scale.

The tradeoff is comfort. In windy weather, the ride can become quite bumpy, as Kareem and Hassan’s passengers found. If you have back problems, this trip is not considered suitable. Sit securely, listen to the captain, and keep your sunglasses and hat fastened.

Several participants praised clean, well-maintained boats and captains who drove carefully. The crew also provides life jackets, water, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, and snacks. If you are prone to seasickness, bring any usual remedy with you, though the tour information does not specify that medication is available onboard.

Orange Bay before the crowds arrive

Orange Bay is the first island stop, with roughly one hour to enjoy the beach and shallow clear water. The setting is built for classic Red Sea relaxation: white sand, bright water, sunbathing, and photographs.

The timing is one of the strongest parts of the trip. Arriving early can give you a quieter stretch of beach before other boats arrive. One private group reached Orange Bay before anyone else was there, while another found a private area despite the island’s popularity.

That said, Orange Bay is not a secret beach. It can become busy, and the amount of quiet you get depends on your departure time and the other boats operating that day. If peace and space matter most to you, choose the earliest available departure or consider a private option.

An hour passes quickly. You have time to sit on the sand, take photos, walk around, and swim, but you should not expect a long, slow beach day. Some people wished for more time here, especially when the island was particularly appealing.

Bring a towel, sun hat, sunglasses, and cash. Drinks and cocktails may cost extra at the island stops. The tour includes water and soft drinks, but cash gives you flexibility if you want something beyond the included refreshments.

Two snorkeling stops with coral and fish

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to two snorkeling locations. Each stop lasts around 20 minutes. This is not a full scuba session or a long reef expedition, but the underwater time is one of the most valuable parts of the outing.

The Red Sea is known for clear water, coral formations, and colorful fish, and the stops are chosen to show off that marine life. Participants have reported seeing many fish, coral reefs, rays, and, on some outings, dolphins near the boat. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, but they can add a memorable surprise.

The short sessions suit beginners who want an introduction without committing to a whole day in the water. Guides such as Adam, Islam, and Hassan are praised for helping people with masks, fins, and entry into the sea. Families with children also received close attention, including one family with a three-year-old who stayed safely on the boat when the child decided not to snorkel.

If you are new to snorkeling, ask for a clear demonstration before entering the water. One first-time snorkeler had trouble with water entering the nose and mouth because the equipment and technique were not fully explained at the start. A careful mask fit, slow breathing, and a quick practice while holding the boat can make a big difference.

You will have a life jacket and snorkeling gear, but comfort with open water still matters. The crew can support you, yet you should tell the guide if you are nervous, tired, or unsure. The best guides make this easy, with Adam, Saif, Momo, and others singled out for patience and reassurance.

Magawish Island and lunch by the water

Magawish Island follows the snorkeling stops and offers the most relaxed portion of the day. The island is often described as having an Egyptian Caribbean feel, with pale sand, open sea views, and a simple beach setting.

The standard plan allows about an hour here, including lunch. A shaded tent provides relief from the sun, and the boat or crew supplies a lunch box, water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit. Food quality received positive comments from several participants, though one person advised not relying on the included lunch if you have a large appetite. You can buy food at the island, or bring extra snacks if you know you will want more.

Magawish is small. That is part of its charm, but it also means the stop is less about exploring and more about sitting, swimming, taking photographs, and enjoying the setting. One person felt the allocated time was longer than needed, while another wished for more time there. Your view may depend on how much you enjoy quiet beach time.

The afternoon departure can create a special finish. One group watched the sunset with very few people still on the island, while another private group was able to stay until sunset. These options are not guaranteed on every departure, but the 1 p.m. start may give you a chance at sunset if the schedule and boat arrangement allow it.

If you want the most flexibility, ask about the private tour. A private group reported being able to choose how long to snorkel and how long to stay on each island. Shared trips follow a more fixed schedule, which is better for keeping the price down.

The optional five-minute parasail

Some booking choices include parasailing for up to five minutes. This gives you a different view of the Red Sea, from above rather than from the boat or water.

It is an add-on choice, not part of every fare, so check the selected option before paying. The supplied information does not give further details about launch procedure, age limits, or weight limits. If parasailing is important to you, confirm the exact terms during booking.

For many people, the boat ride and snorkeling already provide enough adventure. Parasailing makes sense if you want one more short activity and enjoy being above the water. It may not be worth paying extra if your main goal is a longer beach stay or more snorkeling time.

Shared or private speedboat?

The shared option is the better value for most couples, families, and solo visitors who want a structured half-day at a reasonable price. A small group can still feel personal, and one outing had only eight people onboard. You get the main stops, transport, food, gear, and crew support without paying for the whole boat.

The private option is better if your group wants control. You may be able to stay longer at a favorite island, spend more time snorkeling, or slow down for children and less confident swimmers. One private outing even continued toward sunset, though you should treat that as a possible arrangement rather than a guaranteed feature.

Private trips also help if your group has different priorities. One person can snorkel while another relaxes on the boat, and families can take breaks without worrying as much about a fixed group schedule. The price will depend on the chosen option, so compare the total cost rather than assuming private always means better value.

What the $47 price really covers

At $47 per person, this is strong value if you want several activities in one morning or afternoon. You are paying for hotel pickup and return, round-trip speedboat travel, entry to both islands, two snorkeling stops, gear, life jackets, a guide, lunch, water, soft drinks, fruit, shaded seating, and nature reserve fees.

Many comparable Red Sea outings use larger boats and devote much of the day to getting between stops. This trip gives you a quicker boat and a compact four to six-hour schedule. That is useful if you want time left for Hurghada’s restaurants, shops, or another activity.

The included lunch may be modest rather than a full restaurant meal. Drinks or cocktails on the islands are extra, and you should carry cash. Long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay is available as an additional booking choice, so the advertised price may not be your final total if you stay outside central Hurghada.

The value is strongest for first-time snorkelers, families, and anyone who wants island scenery without spending a full day at sea. Experienced snorkelers may prefer a longer reef-focused trip, since each included stop is only about 20 minutes.

Guides, safety, and the small details

The crew is central to this outing. Names praised for kindness, humor, or practical help include Saif, Momo, Kiko, Joo, Hassan, Karim, Islam, Ahmed, Captain Mo, Captain Rashid, and others. The exact team changes, but the pattern is clear: good staff make nervous swimmers feel comfortable and keep the day moving.

Some guides also take photographs, play music, explain the stops, and check on families. Communication may be easier in English or Arabic, the listed languages, though one group noted some difficulty communicating while still having a good time.

Take the pickup rule seriously. The vehicle cannot wait more than five minutes because other people need collecting. Send the requested passport copy for daily permissions, and make sure your nationality details are correct.

Pack lightly but sensibly:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Towel and swimwear
• Cash for island purchases
• Any personal seasickness remedy
• A phone or camera with suitable water protection

Pets are not allowed. The activity is not recommended for people with back problems, largely because of the speedboat ride and possible chop.

Who should book this Hurghada boat trip?

I would choose this for a first Red Sea snorkeling experience, a family day with supportive crew, or a couple wanting a mix of speed, sand, and sea. The schedule is short enough for people who do not want a full-day cruise, and the cost includes the items that often add up on water excursions.

It is also a good fit if you like variety. In one outing, you get a fast ride, two islands, two reef stops, lunch, fruit, and the optional parasailing flight. The boat itself keeps the trip lively, while Magawish gives you time to slow down.

I would think twice if you dislike speedboats, need a quiet and very stable ride, or want a long snorkeling session. Orange Bay can be crowded, Magawish is small, and the lunch may not satisfy a large appetite. For those concerns, the private option offers better control, but not necessarily a longer reef session unless you arrange it.

Cancellation is available without charge up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Hurghada plans are still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want an affordable, well-packed half-day on the Red Sea and you value friendly help in the water. The strongest reasons are the clean speedboats, attentive guides, early Orange Bay timing, clear snorkeling spots, and solid list of inclusions.

Choose the earliest departure for the best chance of a quieter Orange Bay. Choose a later departure if sunset matters more, and consider private travel if you want to set the pace. Bring cash, expect the possibility of a bumpy ride, and treat the snorkeling as two excellent short introductions rather than an all-day reef program.

For $47, it is a practical way to see Hurghada’s islands without giving up your entire day.

FAQ

How long does the Orange Bay and Magawish trip last?

The full activity lasts about four to six hours, depending on the selected departure and operating conditions.

What is included in the $47 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip speedboat travel, Orange Bay and Magawish entry fees, two snorkeling stops, equipment, lunch, water, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, a guide, shaded seating, life jackets, and nature reserve fees.

Are snorkeling and life jackets provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only when you select the option that includes a five-minute parasailing flight.

Can I book pickup from resorts outside Hurghada?

Pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay is available as an additional booking option.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and cash for purchases on the islands. You should also send the requested passport copy before the trip.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup takes place at the main entrance of your hotel’s main gate, by the road. It does not take place at the reception gate or inside the reception area.