Hurghada: Magawish Island Speedboat W Snorkelling & Lunch

Red Sea color is the main event. This four-hour trip combines a fast ride, two short snorkeling stops, and a long break on Magawish Island, where white sand and clear water provide the slow part of the day. I like the small private-group format and the chance to see the sea from both below and above if you add the five-minute parasailing option. I also like that hotel transfers, equipment, drinks, fruit, and island entry are included.

The main thing to check is the food. The experience title refers to lunch, but the included items list seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water rather than a full meal. If lunch matters to you, confirm exactly what is provided before paying. Pickup also needs care, since the collection time can vary by 1 to 1.5 hours.

Key points at a glance

• Two different snorkeling sites: You stop at Shaab Eshta kebir and Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra, for about 20 minutes at each location.
• A proper island break: Magawish Island gives you 1.5 hours to relax, swim, and enjoy its pale sandy beaches.
• Speedboat rather than a large excursion boat: The ride feels quicker and more direct, though it can also be bumpier.
• Optional five-minute flight: Select the parasailing option if you want a short view of the Red Sea from above.
• Hotel pickup is included in the core service: Long-distance areas such as Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay require an added fee.
• Good value for two people: At $196 per group of up to two, the cost works out to $98 each when two people share the booking.

What the $196 price really buys you

At $196 per group of up to two, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Red Sea. It is also not priced like a large shared boat outing. The value comes from bundling a private group, speedboat transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, two snorkeling stops, equipment, a guide, life jackets, island admission, fruit, and drinks.

For two people, the cost is straightforward: $98 per person. For one person, the same group price makes the trip much harder to justify unless privacy and flexibility are especially important to you. The booking information describes the activity as a private group, although the general description also refers to shared or private speedboat choices, so check the exact option displayed at checkout.

You should also check the parasailing price option carefully. The five-minute flight is included only when you select the relevant package. It is not part of every booking by default.

The lunch wording deserves attention. Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are listed as included, but a full lunch is not clearly specified in the details. I would not book this expecting a substantial meal without confirming the arrangement first. Bring cash as advised, and pack something small if you know you will need more than fruit during four hours in the sun.

Starting at the hotel and reaching the harbor

The day begins with a van transfer from your hotel. The drive is listed at about 25 minutes, though the total pickup window can be longer because the vehicle may collect people from several locations. The available pickup areas include Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga, while longer transfers from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and the Soma Bay area are available as paid add-ons.

Your final pickup time is sent by email at 10 pm the night before. That message is important, so check it carefully. You are asked to provide your nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy. The meeting point is the main entrance by the road, not the reception entrance or an interior hotel lobby.

Be ready at the stated time. The driver can wait no more than five minutes because other pickups follow. This is one of those small details that can decide whether a half-day outing starts calmly or with a frantic run down the hotel drive.

The transfer includes a return to the harbor area after the boat ride. The advertised duration is four hours, but your exact hotel-to-hotel time can be longer once pickup and drop-off are counted.

The speedboat ride across the Red Sea

After arrival at the harbor, you receive instructions, put on a life jacket, and board the speedboat. There is an onboard shaded area, a stereo system, and basic safety equipment. The boat gives you a more direct ride than a large day boat, with open views across the water and less time spent waiting for a big group to load.

Speedboats are fun because the transport itself becomes part of the outing. You feel the movement of the boat, see more of the open sea, and reach the stops without the slower pace of a larger vessel. The tradeoff is comfort. The ride can be bumpy, and the boat is not the best choice for anyone with back problems. Pregnant women are also advised not to join.

Bring a light jacket even on a warm day. Wind on the water can make the return ride feel cool, especially after snorkeling. A towel is essential, since you will be wet before the island stop and again after swimming.

First snorkeling stop: 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 look at the coral and fish, but it is not a long reef session. You will want to enter the water promptly and make the most of the stop.

Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided, and a guide accompanies the activity. The guide can help you get oriented and point out underwater sights, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer or have limited snorkeling experience.

The Red Sea is known for clear water and coral reefs, and the strongest praise for this outing focuses on the underwater scenery. One recent participant described the coral reefs as the highlight, while another specifically noted seeing many beautiful fish. Those comments match the design of the trip: you get two separate chances to see marine life rather than relying on one short swim.

Still, keep expectations measured. Each stop lasts roughly 20 minutes, so this is an introduction to Red Sea snorkeling rather than a full marine excursion. Conditions can affect visibility, and the description does not promise particular species or a specific reef display.

Second snorkeling stop at Aruk Talata

The second stop is Aruk Talata, also known as Shaab Pytra. Again, you have about 20 minutes in the water. Having two sites is useful because the scenery, fish activity, and visibility can differ from one place to the next.

I prefer this two-stop setup to spending the entire snorkeling portion at one location. If the first stop is less impressive than expected, the second gives you another chance. It also breaks up the outing and keeps the morning moving.

You should treat both stops as active water time. Listen to the guide, use the provided safety gear, and keep track of the boat’s return instructions. If you are a strong swimmer, the short timing may feel restrictive. If you are newer to snorkeling, it can be just right, since you are not committed to a long session.

A waterproof phone case or camera can be useful, but do not let pictures replace looking around. The best part of these stops is the simple sight of coral and fish below a clear Red Sea surface.

Magawish Island and its 1.5-hour beach break

After snorkeling, the boat continues to Magawish Island. You get about 1.5 hours there, and possibly up to two hours depending on the day’s timing. This is the relaxed center of the trip.

The island is presented as a Caribbean-style setting, with white sand and turquoise water. You can swim, sit on the beach, and dry off after the snorkeling stops. The break gives you a change of pace: the first half is active and wet, while the island portion lets you slow down.

The best reason to choose this trip is the balance between movement and rest. Some Red Sea outings keep you on a boat all day, while others focus almost entirely on one beach. Here, you get a fast ride, two reefs, and a beach interval long enough to feel worthwhile.

The island is not a place for a long cultural visit. There is no town or historical site included, and the information provided does not promise organized activities beyond enjoying the beach and water. If you want ancient sites, local markets, or a guided look at Egyptian life, this is the wrong outing. If you want sand, swimming, and sea views, it fits well.

The food details are less clear here. One participant noted that food and drinks were available on the island, but the formal inclusions list only seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. Confirm the lunch arrangement before departure, especially if you are booking this as a meal-inclusive experience.

Optional parasailing for five minutes

The optional flight gives you a short look at the Red Sea from above. The listed duration is up to five minutes, so think of it as a quick add-on rather than a full parasailing session.

That short flight can add a memorable change to the day. You have already seen the water from the boat and below the surface, and the parasailing option adds a third viewpoint. It is particularly appealing if you enjoy a little adventure but do not want a long, demanding activity.

The key point is to select it during booking. The parasailing adventure is included only with the option that specifies it. Anyone with concerns about the physical demands of the activity should ask for clarification before booking. The general restrictions already rule out pregnant women and people with back problems.

The return ride and hotel drop-off

After the island break, you board the speedboat for the final cruise toward the harbor. The route includes scenic views on the way, with the last boat section listed at about 10 minutes before returning to Hurghada.

Your transfer then takes you back to one of the listed drop-off areas: Safaga, Hurghada 1, Hurghada, or Hurghada 2. As with the morning, long-distance drop-offs require the appropriate add-on.

The return ride is a good time to have your jacket ready. Wet swimwear, wind, and speed can make the boat feel cooler than expected. Keep your belongings secured in the shaded area and follow the crew’s directions when moving around the boat.

Guides, crew, and the feel of the outing

The guide language listed is English. Hassan receives particular praise for his help, while Captain Momo is described as friendly and considerate. Those names matter because a boat trip is shaped as much by the crew as by the water.

A good snorkeling guide can make the difference between a rushed swim and a useful first look at the reef. A careful captain also matters on a fast boat, where comfort and confidence depend on how the ride is handled.

The overall rating is 4.7 from 30 ratings, with especially positive comments about the coral, fish, water, captain, guide, and transport. The feedback is not perfectly specific to every detail, so I would use it as a sign of generally strong satisfaction rather than a guarantee of identical conditions on every departure.

Timing, comfort, and what to pack

This is a four-hour activity, but the flexible pickup window means you should not schedule a tight appointment immediately afterward. Hotel collection can vary by 1 to 1.5 hours from the planned time, and the van may make several stops.

Pack light, but bring the essentials:

• Towel
• Light jacket
• Cash
• Swimwear
• Passport copy if requested during booking
• Any personal snacks you need beyond the listed fruit

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. Pets are not allowed. The speedboat format is best for people who are comfortable with motion, short water sessions, and getting on and off a boat.

The shaded area is a welcome feature, especially between snorkeling and the island stop. You should still expect strong sun on the beach and reflected glare from the water. Use sun protection and take breaks in the shade.

Who should book this Magawish trip?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and small private groups who want several Red Sea experiences in one compact outing. It works especially well if you want snorkeling but do not want to spend a full day on a large boat.

It is also a good match for anyone who values a beach stop. The 1.5 to two hours at Magawish Island is long enough to swim and relax without turning the outing into a full beach day.

You may want a different experience if your main goal is serious snorkeling. Twenty minutes at each reef is useful but brief. Likewise, if you expect a guaranteed full lunch, settle that point before booking. The listed inclusions do not clearly confirm one.

The trip is less suitable if you have back trouble, are pregnant, dislike fast boat rides, or need precise pickup and return times. The pickup flexibility is normal for hotel transfers, but it can be inconvenient if your day is tightly planned.

Is the Magawish Island speedboat trip worth booking?

Book it if you want a private-group Red Sea outing that mixes speedboat views, two coral stops, a white-sand island, and optional parasailing. The strongest reasons to go are the underwater scenery, the friendly attention associated with Hassan and Captain Momo, and the efficient mix of active and relaxing time.

I would book it for two people, since $196 becomes a reasonable $98 per person when shared. Before confirming, check the exact pickup add-on for your hotel and ask what lunch means in practice. If those details suit you, this is a lively, well-paced half-day on the Red Sea rather than a long, slow boat excursion.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island speedboat trip last?

The activity lasts four hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but your total day may be longer because pickup times can vary by 1 to 1.5 hours.

What is included in the price?

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off where available, the speedboat cruise, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, an English-speaking guide, island entry, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, life jackets, and access to a shaded area with a stereo system.

Is lunch included?

A full lunch is not clearly listed among the inclusions. Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are included. Confirm the lunch arrangement before booking if a meal is important to you.

How long do the snorkeling stops last?

You have about 20 minutes at Shaab Eshta kebir and another 20 minutes at Aruk Talata, also known as Shaab Pytra.

Is parasailing included?

A five-minute parasailing adventure is included only if you select the option that includes it. It is not automatically part of every booking.

Which areas have hotel pickup?

Pickup is listed for Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Pickup from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and the Soma Bay area is available as a paid add-on during checkout.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, jacket, and cash. You should also be ready at the hotel’s main entrance by the road, since the driver can wait no more than five minutes.