Hurghada: Magawish Island Speedboat W Snorkelling & Lunch

Turquoise water, coral reefs, and a quick boat ride. This four-hour Hurghada outing packs two snorkel stops and about 1.5 to 2 hours on Magawish Island into a neat half-day trip. I like the direct route, with no long day spent at sea, and I like that the package includes hotel transport, equipment, drinks, fruit, and a guide to help at the snorkel sites. The main point to check is lunch: the experience title mentions lunch, but the included items list seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water rather than a full meal.

I also like the option to add up to five minutes of parasailing, giving you a view of the Red Sea from above. The speedboat makes this feel livelier than a large cruise boat, though anyone with back problems, anyone pregnant, or anyone who dislikes a fast ride should choose another outing.

Key Details at a Glance

• Two separate snorkel stops: Spend about 20 minutes at Shaab Eshta Kebir and another 20 minutes at Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra.
• A proper island pause: Magawish Island gives you 1.5 to 2 hours for white sand, swimming, and time away from the boat.
• A small-group feel: The experience is listed as a private group, with the option described as shared or private depending on the booking choice.
• Optional five-minute parasailing: Add a short flight over the Red Sea if you want more than time in the water.
• Hotel pickup is included: Pickup times can shift by 1 to 1.5 hours, and you must wait at the hotel’s main entrance by the road.
• Strong recent feedback: The experience holds a 4.7 rating from 30 reviews, with special praise for the coral, fish, captains, guides, and punctual transport.

Why This Four-Hour Trip Works

Hurghada has plenty of boat excursions, but many turn a short Red Sea outing into a full-day commitment. This one keeps the schedule tight. A van ride of about 25 minutes takes you from the pickup area to the harbor, followed by the boat trip, two snorkel stops, island time, and the return transfer.

That timing suits you if you want a taste of the Red Sea without giving up an entire day at your hotel. It also works well for a short Hurghada stay, when every free hour matters. The tradeoff is simple: you get a brisk sample of several activities rather than long, unhurried time at each one.

The setup is also practical for couples and small parties. The price is listed as $196 per group of up to two, not per person. For two people, that can be reasonable when you count the speedboat, hotel transfer, equipment, island entry, guide, fruit, and drinks. For a solo visitor, the same group price is less attractive unless privacy or the boat arrangement matters a great deal.

One detail needs careful attention. The description presents the outing as shared or private, while the activity information labels it a private group. Check the exact option before paying so you know what kind of boat arrangement you are booking.

Pickup From Hurghada and the Ride to the Harbor

Pickup is offered from Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. The van ride is listed at about 25 minutes, though your total morning may be longer because the vehicle collects other people and pickup times can vary by 1 to 1.5 hours from the scheduled time.

The night before, pickup information is sent by email at about 10 pm. You need to provide your nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy if requested. Read the meeting point closely: you should wait at the main entrance by the road, not at the reception entrance or an interior hotel area.

This is not a minor detail. The driver can wait no more than five minutes because other pickups follow. I would be at the stated entrance early, with a towel, jacket, cash, and phone ready. A jacket is useful even in warm weather because a fast boat can feel cool once it gets moving.

Pickup from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and parts of the Soma Bay area requires an added fee selected during checkout. Safaga appears among the regular pickup and drop-off locations in the schedule, but the information also says long-range transfers may require an add-on. If you are staying outside central Hurghada, confirm the exact transfer cost before booking.

Speedboat Views Across the Red Sea

Once at the harbor, you receive instructions and board the speedboat. This is the part that gives the outing its character. A speedboat covers water quickly, creates a strong sense of movement, and offers open views rather than the slower, more crowded feel of a large excursion vessel.

There is a shaded area onboard, along with a stereo system, life jackets, mineral water, and soft drinks. The shade matters during a four-hour trip, especially after time in the water. I would still use sun protection and bring a towel, since the schedule moves between open boat, sea, and beach.

The ride is not designed as a quiet sightseeing cruise. You should expect wind, spray, and a lively pace. That will appeal to you if you like a little speed between stops. If you prefer a calm boat with plenty of room to stretch out, a larger vessel may be more comfortable.

The captain’s role matters here. A recent booking gave special praise to Captain Momo for being friendly and considerate. Another singled out Captain Hassan and the captain for making the day run well. Names can change by departure, of course, but these comments point to the human side of the trip: a careful captain and a helpful guide make a noticeable difference on a small boat.

First Snorkel Stop at Shaab Eshta Kebir

The first water stop is Shaab Eshta Kebir, with about 20 minutes set aside for snorkeling. That is enough time to get a good look at the reef and nearby fish, but it is not a long reef session.

You receive snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, and help from a guide. The guide can be especially useful if you are new to snorkeling or need help getting comfortable in the water. The coral is the star here. One recent booking described the coral reefs as the best part of the experience, while another highlighted the number of fish seen.

Twenty minutes goes quickly. I would have your mask adjusted before entering the water and listen carefully to the instructions. Bring your attention to the reef instead of expecting a long swim. The value of this stop is variety: it gives you a first look at Red Sea marine life before the second site.

As with any reef stop, the exact underwater view can vary with sea conditions and visibility. The supplied feedback is encouraging, with coral and fish receiving the strongest praise, but no snorkeling trip can promise identical sights every day.

Second Snorkel Stop at Aruk Talata

The second stop is Aruk Talata, also known as Shaab Pytra. It also allows about 20 minutes for snorkeling. Having two sites is useful because the conditions at one location may not be the same as at the other.

The second stop keeps the water portion from feeling like a single quick look. You can compare the two reef areas and enjoy another chance to see fish and coral. The schedule remains tight, though, so you should treat this as a short guided snorkel rather than an extended reef expedition.

If you are a confident swimmer, the main limitation will be time. If you are less experienced, the 20-minute period may feel more manageable. The guide, equipment, and life jackets give the stop a practical structure, and the boat’s shaded area provides a place to recover afterward.

The strongest praise for this experience focuses on the underwater sights. That is where I would place the greatest weight when deciding if it suits you. If your main goal is to spend hours exploring reefs, choose a longer snorkeling trip. If you want two compact water stops combined with a beach visit, this format makes sense.

Magawish Island and Its White Sand Beaches

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Magawish Island. You get about 1.5 to 2 hours here, which is the longest single stop and the part that slows the day down.

The island is presented as a place of white sand and turquoise water, with a beach feel that recalls the Caribbean. You can swim, sit on the sand, and enjoy a break from the boat’s movement. This is where the outing becomes more than a snorkeling transfer. You have enough time to dry off, take photos, and settle into the beach rather than simply stepping ashore for a quick look.

The island stop also gives you control over your pace. You can spend the whole visit swimming, stay on the sand, or divide the time between both. The included island entry fee removes one extra cost.

Food needs a little caution. One booking specifically noted that food and drinks were available on the island, while the package includes seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. Since a full lunch is not clearly listed among the included items, ask before departure whether lunch is included in your chosen option or whether you should carry cash for food.

That is why I would bring cash even if you expect to eat at the hotel later. It is also listed among the recommended items to bring. Do not count on the word lunch in the title alone.

The Optional Five-Minute Flight

You can select an option that includes up to five minutes of parasailing. This gives you a short view of the Red Sea from above, adding a second perspective to the snorkeling below.

Five minutes is brief, but parasailing is not the main activity here. Think of it as an extra burst of excitement, not a full aerial excursion. If you want to try parasailing without committing to a long session, the add-on may be appealing.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. Those restrictions matter even more when considering a fast boat and optional parasailing together. If you have any physical concern, choose the basic boat and beach program only if it is appropriate for you, or ask the provider before booking.

What Is Included, and What You Still Need

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat cruise, snorkeling equipment, two snorkel stops, a snorkeling guide, island entry, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, life jackets, and an onboard shaded area.

Bring:

• A towel
• A jacket
• Cash

Pets are not allowed. You should also be ready with the requested hotel and identity details before the pickup message arrives. Since pickup is strict, leave enough time to reach the main hotel entrance and do not wait inside reception.

The cancellation policy is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada schedule may change.

Is $196 Good Value for Two?

At $196 for a group of up to two, the cost works best for a couple or two friends. You are paying for a private or small-group style boat experience, rather than only paying for access to a large shared cruise. The transfer, equipment, guide, island fee, fruit, and drinks add useful value.

The price is harder to justify for one person because the advertised rate covers up to two. It also becomes higher if you need a long-range pickup from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or the Soma Bay area, or if you add parasailing.

I would compare this with what matters most to you. If you value a short schedule, fast transport between sites, two reef stops, and a beach hour on Magawish Island, the cost can be fair. If you mainly want the cheapest possible way to reach a beach, a larger shared boat may cost less. If you want a full meal, confirm that separately before treating lunch as part of the value.

The rating of 4.7 from 30 reviews supports the idea that the main ingredients work well. The most praised points are the coral, fish, beautiful water, friendly crew, and dependable transport. One piece of feedback referred to a Luxor day trip, which does not match this Red Sea outing, so I would not use that comment to judge the Magawish schedule. The more relevant feedback consistently points toward the snorkeling and crew.

Who Should Book This Experience?

I would recommend it for couples, friends, and small groups who want a half-day Red Sea outing with some speed and a clear timetable. It is a good match if you want both reef time and a beach stop, rather than choosing only one.

It also suits you if you appreciate hotel pickup and do not want to arrange transport to the harbor. The guide, equipment, life jackets, and shaded boat area make the day easier for first-time snorkelers, though the short water stops may not satisfy experienced reef enthusiasts.

I would be more cautious if you have back problems, are pregnant, dislike fast boat rides, or need a slow and quiet day. I would also choose another experience if a substantial included lunch is essential.

Should You Book the Magawish Speedboat Trip?

Book it if you want a compact Red Sea adventure with two coral snorkel stops, a white sand island, and an optional five-minute parasailing flight. The strongest reasons to go are the good underwater feedback, the praised captains and guides, and the fact that you can fit the whole outing into about four hours.

Before paying, confirm three things: the exact boat arrangement, the pickup charge for your hotel area, and whether a full lunch is included. Arrive early at the main hotel entrance, bring cash and a jacket, and remember that the water stops are short.

For two people who want a lively outing without losing an entire day, this is a sensible choice. For a solo visitor, a budget-minded beach seeker, or anyone wanting long reef sessions and a proper meal, the value is less certain.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island trip last?

The activity lasts about four hours, including hotel transport, the boat ride, two snorkeling stops, island time, and the return transfer.

Where are pickup and drop-off available?

The listed locations are Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Pickup from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and the Soma Bay area may require an add-on fee.

How much time is spent at Magawish Island?

You have about 1.5 to 2 hours on Magawish Island for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the sandy beach.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. The first is at Shaab Eshta Kebir, and the second is at Aruk Talata, also known as Shaab Pytra. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a snorkeling guide are included.

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 the island. Bring cash and confirm the meal details for your chosen option.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only if you select the relevant option. The activity provides up to five minutes of parasailing.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, jacket, and cash. Pickup details arrive by email at about 10 pm the night before, and you should wait at the hotel’s main entrance by the road.