Hurghada: Snorkelling Trip by Speedboat with Hotel Pickup

The Red Sea gets better at speed. This four-hour Hurghada trip combines three snorkelling areas, a fast boat ride, and hotel pickup for $37 per person. I like the small-group feel and the chance to reach several sites without spending all day on a large tour boat. I also like that fruit, soft drinks, water, equipment, and nature reserve fees are included.

The main drawback is timing. Pickup can be much earlier than the advertised departure, and the ride from your hotel may vary by an hour or more. Afternoon departures can also feel rushed, especially if you want long swims at every stop.

Key points before you book

• Three Red Sea areas in four hours: The route includes Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and Abu Mingar, with the exact number of snorkelling stops able to vary.
• Small speedboat groups: Groups can be as small as six, which means less waiting and more personal help in the water.
• Dolphin sightings are possible: Several trips spotted dolphins, but they are wild animals and not a guaranteed part of the outing.
• A wreck may be included: Some departures visit a shipwreck as well as coral reefs, giving you more variety than a reef-only trip.
• Pickup needs careful planning: You wait by the main hotel entrance, not reception, and the vehicle waits only five minutes.
• Good value at $37: Hotel transport within Hurghada, a guide, gear, drinks, fruit, boat travel, and reserve fees are covered.

Why the speedboat changes the day

The biggest reason to choose this trip is simple: speed. A small boat can move between snorkelling areas much faster than the large day boats that fill Hurghada’s marina. That gives you more variety during a half-day outing and leaves your afternoon or evening free.

The speedboat is also part of the fun. You get open views, Egyptian sunshine, and the feeling of skimming across the Red Sea rather than sitting in a crowded cabin. There is a shaded area called a Taneda, so you can get out of the sun when needed. A stereo system, life jackets, and a captain are also provided.

Small groups make a real difference in the water. With six people on one trip, the guide can keep a closer eye on the group and point out sea life as you swim. One guide helped a person who could not swim by pulling them along, which shows the value of having someone in the water with you. Still, you should be comfortable entering the sea and tell the guide clearly about your swimming ability.

The boat may feel less spacious if it is filled beyond a small group. One person found it comfortable with only four passengers, but thought it could feel tight with more people. That is a fair warning for anyone who expects a roomy sun deck.

Getting from your hotel to Hurghada’s marina

Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels. The exact collection time can be awkward, since the vehicle may arrive up to an hour or more before the scheduled activity. Extended areas can involve even longer windows, up to about 90 minutes.

The pickup message is sent at around 10:00 PM the night before by email or WhatsApp. It gives you the vehicle details and meeting instructions. You need to provide your nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a copy of your passport information as requested by the operator.

Wait at the main entrance of the hotel, beside the road. Do not wait at the reception entrance or inside the lobby. Look for the white or black vehicle marked with the GoShalabi logo, and be ready on time because the driver can wait only five minutes while collecting other people.

This system works well when you follow it closely. One person was collected at the exact place and time, while another chose to make their own way to the marina because the proposed pickup was much earlier than needed. If your hotel is only a short distance away, check the final pickup message before deciding how to get there.

Pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay is available as a paid add-on. If you arrive from one of those areas without booking the extra service, you may need to pay at the harbor. Cancellation is not available for that transport after 6:00 PM the previous day.

Magawish Island and the first coral stop

Magawish Island is usually the first major area on the route. This is where you can expect clear Red Sea water, coral, and many small fish. The first snorkelling stop is often the strongest part of the outing, since the water gives you an immediate look at the underwater life that makes Hurghada famous.

The guide stays with the group and points out things you might miss while swimming alone. That matters because a reef can seem like a blur of color until someone directs your attention to a fish, coral formation, or other sea life.

You receive snorkelling equipment, but bring your own mask if you are particular about fit. The supplied gear is included, yet a well-fitting mask makes the whole experience easier. Sunglasses and a towel are on the recommended packing list, and cash is useful for any personal spending.

The water can remain comfortable even in December, though you should still consider how long you plan to stay in it. The tour provides life jackets, and the guide can assist less confident swimmers, but this is not a substitute for basic caution.

Giftun Island, reefs, and the possible wreck

The route continues toward Giftun Island, another well-known Red Sea setting. Here, you may stop at a second reef, a nearby bay, or a wreck depending on the day’s route and sea conditions.

The wreck is a special addition when it is included. It gives you a change from coral and open water, and it was a favorite part for one participant. The exact wreck location and condition are not specified, so you should treat it as a possible stop rather than a fixed promise.

Some outings have included two reefs and one wreck. Others have stopped at four bays with five snorkelling points. This variation is worth understanding before you book. The advertised route names three main areas, but the crew may divide those areas into several swim locations.

That flexibility can work in your favor. If one site is crowded or less interesting, the captain can move on. On the other hand, a flexible route means you cannot assume every departure will include the exact same reef, wreck, or number of swims.

Dolphins have also appeared during the boat ride between sites. The crew may slow down or stop when a pod is spotted, and several outings included close views from the small boat. This is a lucky extra, not a scheduled wildlife encounter. It is also worth remembering that following dolphins with several boats can feel uncomfortable from an animal-welfare point of view.

Abu Mingar and the shallow-water finish

Abu Mingar adds a different setting to the day, with mangroves at the water’s edge. It is less about racing from one reef to another and more about enjoying a calm coastal stop.

The final beach or sandbar stop is useful for anyone who wants a break from wearing a mask and snorkel. You can swim in shallow water, take photographs, and enjoy the setting without having to keep your attention on coral below you. One outing included a ray in the shallows, though this is another possible sighting rather than a guarantee.

This stop is sometimes described as the Egyptian Maldives. The name is promotional, but the appeal is easy to understand: pale sand, shallow water, and a pleasant place to stretch your legs after several swims.

The timing can be the weak point. One person felt rushed during an afternoon departure and had little time to snorkel. If you want long, slow swims, a full-day boat outing may suit you better. If you prefer a compact trip with several quick stops, the four-hour format is more efficient.

Guides, food, and the feel on board

The crew is central to the experience. Guides named in the feedback include Yusuf, Wissam, Ibrahim, Sayeed, Ahmed, and Khaled. Their roles can vary, but the strongest service comes from guides who stay near the group, explain what you are seeing, and help less confident swimmers.

Sayeed was especially helpful with children, while Yusuf was praised for spotting good underwater areas. Ahmed was noted for handling the boat well and for helping locate dolphins. These details matter because a snorkelling trip is not only about the reef. Good instruction and calm supervision make the water more enjoyable.

Fresh seasonal fruit, mineral water, and soft drinks are included. This is a modest touch, but it is useful after swimming in the sun. You do not need to arrange a meal for a four-hour trip, though the supplied food should be treated as light refreshments rather than lunch.

The boat has shade and a stereo system. Bring sun protection, but do not forget that wind and spray are part of a speedboat ride. Keep personal belongings secure. You are responsible for anything you bring, and the operator does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Is $37 good value?

At $37, this is strong value if you want a short Red Sea outing rather than a full-day cruise. The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, the speedboat, a captain, an English-speaking guide, snorkelling equipment, life jackets, fruit, drinks, and nature reserve fees.

The small-group format gives the price extra appeal. You are paying more than you might for a very large group boat, but you get faster transfers between sites and potentially more direct help in the water. You also avoid spending an entire day on the sea.

The comparison changes if you stay outside Hurghada. The long-range pickup fee is extra, and the extended transfer can take a significant part of the day. Check the add-on price before booking so the final cost does not surprise you.

A private option or small group is available. A private trip may make sense for families, couples, or people who want more control over the pace. If you are happy to share the boat, the standard small-group arrangement is likely the better bargain.

Morning or sunset departure?

The trip is offered in the morning and around sunset. Morning departures are the safer choice if your priority is snorkelling time and clear planning for the rest of your day. You can get on the water early, visit the sites, and return to Hurghada with time left for dinner or another activity.

The sunset option may suit you if you want softer light and a later start. Keep in mind that the pickup may still be well before the listed departure time. Confirm the exact schedule the night before rather than planning another fixed activity too close to the return.

A four-hour duration sounds precise, but transport can add several hours to your day. Pickup windows vary, and the marina transfer may begin earlier than you expect. Build in extra time, especially if you have a flight, dinner reservation, or another excursion afterward.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this trip if you want to see several Red Sea sites without committing to a full day. It suits couples, families with older children, confident swimmers, and anyone who prefers a small boat to a large group cruise.

It is also a good fit if you care more about snorkelling than onboard entertainment. The crew stays focused on getting you to reefs, bays, and possibly a wreck, rather than filling the day with long stops and extra activities.

You should think twice if you have back problems. The speedboat ride can be lively, and the activity is not suitable for people with back issues. Anyone who dislikes fast boat travel, has limited swimming ability, or needs a very predictable schedule should ask questions before booking.

Children can enjoy the trip, especially with a helpful guide such as Sayeed, but the sea conditions and boat movement still require close adult attention. Non-swimmers may receive help, including flotation support, but the supplied information does not promise a dedicated swimming lesson or private lifeguard.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

• Keep your phone and valuables in a secure waterproof bag.
• Wait at the road-facing main entrance, not the reception area.
• Check email or WhatsApp around 10:00 PM the night before.
• Bring a towel, sunglasses, cash, and any preferred snorkelling gear.
• Wear sun protection and use the shaded area when you need a break.
• Do not plan another important activity immediately after the stated end time.
• If you stay outside Hurghada, price the long-range transfer before confirming.
• Tell the guide about your swimming ability before entering the water.
• Treat dolphins and rays as lucky sightings, not guaranteed stops.

Should you book the Hurghada speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a lively, compact Red Sea outing with several snorkelling areas, a small group, and useful hotel transport. The $37 price is attractive because it includes the major extras, and the speedboat lets you cover more ground than a slow, crowded boat.

Skip it if you want long, unhurried swims, a guaranteed wreck or dolphin encounter, or a perfectly fixed schedule. For everyone else, this is a practical way to sample Hurghada’s reefs, shallow beaches, and island waters in half a day. Just confirm your pickup time, arrive at the correct hotel entrance, and leave room in your schedule for the day to run early or late.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada speedboat snorkelling trip?

The boat activity lasts four hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off add extra time, and the pickup may be scheduled one to one and a half hours before the listed start.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $37 per person. Long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay requires a paid add-on.

Which places does the boat visit?

The planned route includes Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and Abu Mingar. The crew may divide these areas into several bays or snorkelling points.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for Hurghada hotels. Pickup from the extended areas must be added separately.

Where should I wait for pickup?

Wait at the main entrance of your hotel by the road. Do not wait at the reception entrance or inside the reception area.

When will I receive the pickup details?

Pickup information is sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before the trip.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are included.

Are food and drinks included?

Fresh seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are included. The information does not describe a full meal.

Is the trip suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with back problems.