Hurghada: Elegance Yacht Cruise To Orange & Magawish island

Escape the Hurghada shore for a full day at sea. This yacht trip combines two island stops with Red Sea snorkeling, a seafood lunch, soft drinks, and hotel transfers, all for $53 per person. It is a well-packed outing, but the day involves boat boarding, swimming, and fixed pickup times, so it is not ideal for anyone with limited mobility.

I especially like the early visit to Orange Bay, when the island can feel calmer, and the chance to see two very different island settings in one trip. The seafood lunch is another strong point, with shrimp, calamari, fish, rice, pasta, salads, fruit, and drinks included. The main drawback is the transport. Pickup from Hurghada is included, but resorts in Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga require a paid long-range transfer, and the return journey can take much longer.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one day: Orange Bay comes first for swimming and relaxed island time, followed by Magawish Island after lunch.
• About 40 minutes of snorkeling: The Red Sea stops focus on coral and colorful fish, with equipment and a snorkeling guide provided.
• Seafood lunch on board: Expect shrimp, calamari, fish, rice, pasta, salads, seasonal fruit, and drinks.
• Optional five-minute parasailing: If selected, you get a short flight above the Red Sea for a wider view of the coast and islands.
• Early timing matters: The Orange Bay visit is planned before the larger crowds arrive, though exact conditions can affect the feel of the stop.
• Strong service record: The experience holds a 4.7 rating from 70 reviews, with special praise for the guides, food, and organization.

What your $53 covers on this Hurghada boat trip

At $53 per person, this is priced as a complete day rather than a bare boat transfer. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, the cruise, island entry fees, snorkeling equipment, a guide, lunch, fruit, water, tea, coffee, milk, and unlimited soft drinks are included.

That matters in Hurghada, where a cheaper-looking boat trip can become less attractive once you add equipment rental, island admission, drinks, and transfers. Here, the main optional extra is parasailing. The long-range pickup service is also an add-on if you are staying outside Hurghada.

I see the best value here for someone who wants variety. You are not spending the entire day at one beach or one snorkeling site. You get a cruise, two island visits, two planned snorkeling stops, a meal, and the option of a short aerial ride.

The value is less clear if you only want serious snorkeling. The planned snorkeling time is around 40 minutes, and the day gives equal weight to beach time, lunch, transport, and sightseeing. For a relaxed first Red Sea outing, that balance works well. For a dedicated underwater day, you may prefer a trip built around longer time in the water.

The morning pickup and harbor departure

The day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada and a transfer to the harbor. The exact pickup details are sent by email at 10 p.m. the night before, so you should check your inbox and confirm the meeting point before going to bed.

You must provide a copy of your passport photo, your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number. This is basic trip administration, but incorrect information can create avoidable trouble on a busy morning.

Be ready at the stated pickup point. The provider can wait no more than five minutes because other pickups are scheduled. If your hotel uses a main road meeting point, confirm that detail clearly. One booking initially involved a roadside pickup, but after communication the pickup was changed to the hotel lobby. That suggests it is worth checking the location rather than assuming the driver will find you at the reception desk.

The transfer issue is especially important outside central Hurghada. Paid pickup extensions are available from Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga. One account describes a return from Makadi Bay taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes, more than twice the outbound journey. If you are staying farther south or north, the boat day may be excellent while the road time makes the whole outing tiring.

At the harbor, you receive a safety briefing before boarding. The information provided does not state the yacht’s exact size or passenger capacity, so do not book this expecting a guaranteed small group unless you choose a clearly private option. Private and group formats are available, and the private version can make a major difference if you value control over the schedule.

Orange Bay before the crowds arrive

Orange Bay is the first main stop, with about one hour on the island. The timing is one of the smarter parts of the plan because an early arrival can give you a quieter start before more boats reach the area.

The setting is presented as Caribbean-like, with pale sand, clear water, and open sea views. I would treat that comparison as a description of the mood rather than a promise of a secluded beach. Orange Bay is a well-known stop, and the experience depends on the day, sea conditions, and how many other boats arrive.

Your hour here is best used for swimming, photographs, and a little time on the beach. It is not a long beach holiday. Keep your expectations in proportion: this is one stop in a day that also includes snorkeling, lunch, Magawish, and the return cruise.

You should also remember that island time is scheduled. If you are the kind of person who wants to linger until sunset with no timetable, this will feel brisk. If you like a day with clear movement and several highlights, the structure keeps things interesting.

Red Sea snorkeling with coral and fish

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to a snorkeling site for about 40 minutes. Snorkeling equipment and a guide are included, which is useful if you are not bringing your own mask and fins.

The attraction is the Red Sea itself: coral formations and colorful fish in clear tropical water. The exact visibility and fish activity can change with weather, current, and the site selected on the day, so no responsible operator can guarantee a particular marine sighting.

Dolphins are possible. One booking account describes seeing them during the cruise, but you should regard dolphins as a fortunate bonus rather than part of the promised program. The same applies to the underwater scenery. The trip gives you access to reef sites, but conditions determine how much you see.

The published plan lists two snorkeling stops. One account describes three snorkeling outings, so the schedule may sometimes include extra water time, but you should book on the basis of two stops. That is the fair expectation.

The guide’s role is useful here. You get help with the equipment and an explanation of the snorkeling arrangements, rather than being left to work everything out alone. Still, this is not suitable for someone who cannot comfortably board a boat, enter the water, or move around without assistance. The trip is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. Cash is also recommended, especially if you want optional extras or small purchases during the day. Pets are not allowed.

Lunch with shrimp, calamari, and fish

After the first snorkeling session, you return to the boat for lunch. The meal includes shrimp, calamari, fish, rice, pasta, green salad, tuna salad, seasonal fruit, and drinks.

Food is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Several accounts give it unusually warm praise, with one person saying it was better than the food at their hotel. Another describes portions large enough for four people despite only two people being on the private trip. That does not mean every group receives the same quantity, but it does suggest that the meal is intended to be substantial rather than a token snack.

The inclusion of seafood also fits the setting better than a generic packed lunch. You get a proper pause in the middle of the day, with unlimited mineral water and soft drinks, plus tea, coffee, and milk.

The food is prepared by the onboard cooks and served during the cruise. If you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or strong food preferences, ask about them before booking. The supplied information lists the menu but does not confirm special dietary arrangements.

Lunch also serves a practical purpose. After swimming and snorkeling in the sun, you need time to dry off, eat, and regain energy. You will want to keep sunscreen nearby and drink regularly, even though water is included.

Magawish Island after lunch

After lunch, the yacht sails to Magawish Island for another hour. This gives the day a second island setting instead of repeating Orange Bay.

Magawish is described as a place for swimming and snorkeling in inviting water. The appeal here is flexibility. You can use the hour for another swim, spend time in the water with your mask, or simply enjoy the boat and island views if you have had enough activity.

The second stop helps justify the price because it makes the cruise feel like a full day rather than a short island shuttle. It also gives you another chance to get in the water if the first snorkeling stop was affected by visibility or sea conditions.

There is a tradeoff. Two island visits mean more boarding, sailing, and schedule changes. If you prefer a slow day in one location, the itinerary may feel busy. If you want to see more of the Red Sea in a single outing, Magawish adds useful variety.

The optional five-minute parasailing flight

Parasailing is available as an option and lasts five minutes. From above, you get a different view of the Red Sea, the islands, and the boat.

Five minutes is short, so think of it as a quick thrill rather than a major part of the day. It suits you if you want a memorable aerial photo or a brief dose of excitement without giving up much swimming time.

Check that the parasailing option is selected during booking. The information says it is included if the option is selected, but it does not state a separate price in the details provided. Do not assume it is part of the basic $53 fare unless your booking page confirms it.

Anyone unsure about heights or physical activity should skip it. The cruise already has plenty to offer through the islands, snorkeling, food, and views.

Guides, crew, and the private-trip difference

The service receives some of the clearest praise. Guides named in the booking accounts include Abdull and Sayed, who are described as friendly, sociable, and clear when explaining the day. Another account praises the captain, guide, and cook for looking after two people throughout a private seven-hour trip.

That private experience is worth considering for couples, families, or small groups who care about personal attention. On a private boat, the schedule can be more responsive to your wishes. One account says the group could make requests about the route and have them met.

A group departure should offer the same core program, but it may feel less personal. The provider’s five-minute waiting limit and multiple hotel pickups also show that group logistics are part of the day. If you choose a shared option, punctuality matters.

The English-language service is another practical point. The listed tour language is English, so you should be comfortable receiving instructions in English, especially before snorkeling and during the boat briefing.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a well-rounded Red Sea day rather than a specialist excursion. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants island scenery with a proper lunch included.

It is also a good fit if you value convenience. Hotel pickup, equipment, entry fees, food, drinks, and a guide reduce the number of details you must arrange yourself.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, dislike boats, or want a quiet private beach with no fixed timetable. The trip includes transfers, boarding, snorkeling, and scheduled stops. It is active, even though the island hours themselves are relaxed.

For hotels outside Hurghada, calculate the road time carefully. The long-range pickup fee is not the only issue. The return journey can be long, and a full day at sea followed by extended transport may not suit young children or anyone who tires easily.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Check your email at 10 p.m. the night before for the pickup information.
• Confirm whether pickup is at your lobby or at a nearby main road.
• Be ready early because the vehicle can wait only five minutes.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.
• Carry your passport information as requested by the provider.
• Expect two snorkeling stops, with any additional water time treated as a bonus.
• Ask about the parasailing option and price before final payment.
• If staying in Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, or Safaga, add the long-range transfer during checkout.
• Choose the private option if you care about controlling the day’s pace.
• Keep expectations realistic about dolphins. They may appear, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Cancellation is flexible enough for most plans: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund. The activity accepts reservations with payment later, which is useful if your Hurghada schedule is not settled.

Should you book the Orange Bay and Magawish yacht trip?

I would book it if you want a generous day of sea time, two island stops, approachable snorkeling, and a full seafood lunch without arranging each part separately. The 4.7 rating from 70 reviews is supported by specific strengths: friendly guides, good organization, plentiful food, and enjoyable snorkeling.

My main advice is to choose the private format if the price difference works for your party. The private outing can turn a scheduled cruise into a more personal day, while a group trip is the better budget choice.

Book with care if you are staying far from Hurghada or if you need extra mobility support. For everyone else, $53 is a fair price for the amount included, especially when you value convenience as much as the islands themselves.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hurghada.

Is pickup available from Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga?

Yes, but long-range pickup from those areas is available as an add-on during checkout.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The planned program includes two snorkeling stops, with snorkeling equipment and a guide provided.

What food is served during lunch?

Lunch includes shrimp, calamari, fish, rice, pasta, green salad, tuna salad, and seasonal fruit. Mineral water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and milk are also included.

Is parasailing included?

Five-minute parasailing is included only if you select that option when booking. The supplied details do not state its separate price.

Is this trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The experience is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.