Hurghada : Sunset & Barbecue at Magawish Island By Speedboat

Sunset looks better from open water. This private Magawish Island trip combines a fast speedboat ride with coral-reef snorkeling and a beach barbecue, all in a compact three-hour outing. I like the small private-group format and the fact that hotel pickup, equipment, island entry, food, water, and soft drinks are included. The main drawback is the pickup window, which can shift by up to 60 minutes in Hurghada and 90 minutes from farther resorts.

The afternoon plan is simple: hotel transfer, a 20-minute boat ride, 45 minutes of snorkeling, about 45 minutes for the barbecue, and time to relax before returning. I also like the calm, personal service described by past guests, especially the praise for Captain Mahmoud, guides Mahmoud and Mahmoud, and captain Momo. Keep in mind that the €5 tourist tax per person is extra, and you must be ready at the hotel entrance because the driver may wait only five minutes.

A private trip at $371 for a group of up to two is not a budget excursion, but it can make sense for a couple wanting a boat, meal, snorkeling stop, and transfers without joining a large group. If you mainly want a long beach stay or serious reef time, the short schedule may feel limiting.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to two people: The price covers a private group, making this best suited to couples or two friends who value privacy.
• Magawish Island by speedboat: The ride takes about 20 minutes from the harbor and gives you open-water views rather than a slow ferry crossing.
• Forty-five minutes of snorkeling: Equipment and life jackets are included, with coral reefs and marine life as the main attraction.
• Beach barbecue under a shaded tent: Food, seasonal fruit, water, and soft drinks are included, while the barbecue is prepared on the island.
• Pickup details require care: Confirmation arrives by email or WhatsApp at 10:00 PM the night before, and the vehicle waits at the main hotel entrance for no more than five minutes.
• Best for a short private escape: The trip runs around 2 PM to 5 PM, giving you an afternoon on the water without taking up a full day.

Why this three-hour Hurghada trip works

Magawish Island is close enough to Hurghada for a short outing, yet far enough from the hotel strip to feel like a change of scene. You leave the road and resort buildings behind, cross the Red Sea by speedboat, and spend time on an island with snorkeling, food, and open views in one package.

I like the balance here. You are not asked to spend a full day on a boat, but you still get three separate elements: the ride itself, time in the water, and a meal onshore. That makes this a useful choice if you have only one free afternoon or want to keep the morning open.

The trip is also private, which matters at this price. A group of two can set the pace more comfortably than a large boat excursion, though the schedule still has fixed pickup and return times. Private does not mean completely flexible, so plan around the stated afternoon program.

The experience is operated in English, and the activity is designed as a private group. The available rating is 4.5 from five bookings, with especially strong praise for the friendly guides, the sunset, the food, and the relaxed mood on the island.

Hotel pickup, harbor transfer, and timing

Your day begins with pickup from one of the Hurghada areas listed by the operator: Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, or Hurghada. The transfer by van takes about 25 minutes before you reach the harbor.

This part demands more attention than most visitors expect. Your exact pickup information is sent at 10:00 PM the night before by email or WhatsApp. You need to provide your nationality, hotel name, hotel address, and room number, then wait at the main entrance by the road, not inside reception or at a secondary gate.

Look for a white or black bus with the Go Shalabi logo. The pickup time can vary by around an hour for Hurghada hotels. If you stay in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga, allow a possible 90-minute variation and make sure you have paid for the long-distance pickup add-on.

The five-minute waiting rule is strict because the vehicle may collect other passengers. I would be outside early with your phone available. A missed pickup would be a poor way to begin an otherwise easy excursion.

The trip is advertised from approximately 2 PM to 5 PM, but your hotel pickup can occur earlier because of the collection route. If you have dinner reservations, airport plans, or another fixed activity, leave plenty of space after the stated return time.

The 20-minute speedboat ride to Magawish

At the harbor, the team provides the itinerary and safety instructions before you board. The speedboat journey to Magawish Island takes about 20 minutes, so the crossing is short enough to feel lively rather than tiring.

The main pleasure here is the view. You get the Red Sea from a low, open boat, with the coastline and surrounding islands appearing from the water. This is a much more scenic transfer than simply being driven to another beach.

A speedboat also makes the island feel more removed from Hurghada without requiring a long cruise. That is valuable when your entire outing lasts three hours. You spend less of the day in transit and more of it at the island.

You should bring a light jacket, especially for the ride back as the afternoon air cools. A towel is also on the suggested packing list, and cash is useful for the extra tourist tax or personal spending. Pets are not permitted.

The boat ride may feel bumpy at times, as speedboats naturally respond to the water. This is one reason the trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. Anyone prone to discomfort should consider that point before booking.

Forty-five minutes of snorkeling around the island

Once you reach Magawish, you have about 45 minutes for snorkeling. The package includes snorkeling equipment and a life jacket, so you do not need to bring your own mask, fins, or flotation aid.

The Red Sea is the star of this stop. The waters around the island are described as clear, with coral reefs and colorful marine life below the surface. You might find the conditions especially appealing if you are new to snorkeling because the water time is long enough to see the reef but not so long that it becomes exhausting.

If you already spend a lot of time snorkeling, keep your expectations measured. Forty-five minutes is a pleasant introduction, not a full reef expedition. The itinerary gives you one main snorkeling stop rather than several sites, and the overall outing is built around both the island meal and the sunset setting.

Follow the safety instructions given at the harbor and use the life jacket if you need extra support. The guides are available to assist, but the supplied information does not promise professional instruction or special equipment for advanced swimmers. You should be comfortable with the basics of being in open water.

Bring your towel for the transition back to shore. It is also sensible to protect your personal belongings, since the operator states that you are responsible for lost or damaged items.

The island barbecue and shaded rest

After snorkeling, the focus shifts from the water to lunch. A beachside barbecue is prepared for you on Magawish Island, with guides helping you grill the meal. The package also includes seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and water.

The food is one of the strongest parts of the experience. A barbecue served beside the sea feels more satisfying than a meal eaten quickly back at a hotel, especially after snorkeling. You get island views while you eat, and the relaxed setting is a big part of the appeal.

A shaded tent is provided, which is important in Egypt. Even during a late afternoon trip, shade gives you somewhere comfortable to sit and cool down. You can eat, talk, and take a break instead of spending every minute in direct sun.

There is one scheduling issue worth clarifying. The itinerary lists lunch as 45 hours, which cannot fit within a three-hour trip. The full description indicates roughly 45 minutes for lunch, and that is the only timing that fits the stated program. I would confirm the exact meal duration when booking, especially if your plans depend on a precise return time.

The island stop is not only about food. You also get time to unwind before the return ride, which helps keep the outing from feeling like a rushed swim-and-eat stop. Past praise for the generous, tasty meal and the calm atmosphere suggests that the barbecue is treated as a proper part of the experience, not just a snack between activities.

Sunset views and the return to Hurghada

The afternoon timing is designed around the changing light over the Red Sea. The precise sunset depends on the season, but the trip is marketed as a sunset outing, so the return journey should provide a pleasant closing view.

One booking from Egypt praised the sunset in particularly strong terms, along with the food and friendly, low-pressure service. That detail matters because some boat trips push activities constantly. Here, the island portion is meant to give you room to sit quietly and enjoy the surroundings.

After the island visit, you return by speedboat to the marina. The drive back to your hotel follows by transfer van, with drop-off listed for Hurghada, Hurghada 1, or Hurghada 2.

The return timing can depend on the other pickups and the road transfer. I would not schedule a tight evening commitment immediately afterward. The advertised end is around 5 PM, but hotel drop-off will come later.

What the $371 price really buys

At $371 per group of up to two, this is a high-priced short excursion. For two people, that works out to $185.50 each before the tourist tax, assuming both places are filled. It is best judged against the privacy and inclusions rather than compared with the cheapest shared boat trip.

The price includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the standard Hurghada service area
• Round-trip speedboat transportation
• Magawish Island entry
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets
• The snorkeling stop
• Beach barbecue
• Water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit
• A shaded tent
• An English-speaking guide

That is a strong bundle for a private half-day-style outing, even though the advertised duration is only three hours. You are paying for the boat to be reserved for a small group, not simply for access to an island.

The value drops if you are traveling alone, since the group price does not become inexpensive for one person. It also drops if you stay outside the standard Hurghada area and need to add long-distance pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga.

Add the €5 tourist tax per person, paid on the day. Since that charge is not part of the headline price, include it in your budget from the start.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to a couple who wants a private Red Sea outing with a clear structure. You get a scenic ride, a manageable snorkeling session, and a meal without committing an entire day to a boat.

It also suits first-time snorkelers who want equipment provided and guides nearby. The 45-minute water stop gives you a chance to try the reef without turning the whole afternoon into a demanding swim.

The outing may appeal to anyone celebrating a special occasion, too. A private speedboat, island barbecue, and sunset setting create a more personal atmosphere than a standard group excursion.

I would be more cautious if you need a long time in the water, dislike fixed pickup windows, or have back problems. Pregnant women should not book it, and the operator does not permit pets.

You should also think about your hotel location. Standard Hurghada pickup is included, but the farther resort areas require an add-on. If you are staying in one of those areas and do not select the extended transfer, payment may be due at the harbor, and cancellation is not available after 6 PM the day before.

Practical preparation for a smoother afternoon

Have your passport copy details, nationality, hotel information, and room number ready when you book. Check your email or WhatsApp at 10 PM the night before, then save the pickup message on your phone.

Wear clothes that can handle sea spray and bring a jacket for the boat. Pack a towel, cash, and only the personal items you need, since you remain responsible for your belongings.

Arrive at the main entrance early. Do not wait at reception, and do not assume the driver will come inside the hotel grounds. The five-minute waiting limit makes punctuality important.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your schedule is still moving, but they do not remove the need to confirm extended-area transport before the final deadline.

The company advertises an express security check at the harbor, which may reduce waiting before boarding. Still, the useful advantage here is the organized transfer and short route to the island, not a guarantee that every part of the day will run to the minute.

Should you book the Magawish sunset trip?

Book it if you want privacy, scenery, and a complete short outing rather than the lowest possible price. The strongest features are the private speedboat, the island barbecue, the shaded rest area, and the friendly service associated with Captain Mahmoud, guides Mahmoud and Mahmoud, and captain Momo.

Skip it if your priority is a long snorkeling session, a very low-cost boat ride, or a flexible schedule. The pickup window can be wide, the standard trip lasts only three hours, and the €5 tax plus any extended-area transfer cost needs to be added.

For two people staying in Hurghada, this is a polished way to spend an afternoon on the Red Sea. Just confirm the pickup details, bring a jacket and towel, and treat the $371 price as the cost of a private experience, not a basic beach transfer.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island trip last?

The advertised duration is 3 hours, generally from around 2 PM to 5 PM. Hotel pickup and drop-off can make the total time away from your hotel longer.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the standard service area, round-trip speedboat transport, Magawish Island entry, snorkeling, equipment, a life jacket, barbecue, seasonal fruit, water, soft drinks, and access to a shaded tent.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is described as a private group experience, with the price covering a group of up to two people.

How much does the activity cost?

The listed price is $371 per group of up to two people. A tourist tax of €5 per person is paid separately on the day.

How long is the speedboat ride?

The boat ride from the harbor to Magawish Island takes about 20 minutes.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The planned snorkeling time is about 45 minutes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

Is food provided?

Yes. A beachside barbecue is included, along with seasonal fruit, water, and soft drinks. The guides can assist with grilling the meal.

Where should I wait for hotel pickup?

Wait at the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance or inside the hotel. Look for a white or black bus with the Go Shalabi logo.

When will I receive the pickup information?

Pickup details are sent by email or WhatsApp at 10:00 PM the night before the trip. You should provide your nationality, hotel name, address, and room number.

Can I book pickup from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, or Soma Bay?

Yes, long-distance pickup from those areas is available as an add-on during checkout. The extended pickup window can vary by about 90 minutes, and the add-on must be arranged in advance.