Hurghada: Orange Bay & Magawish Island Speedboat with Lunch

The Red Sea looks best from a fast boat. This Hurghada outing combines a lively speedboat ride with two island stops, two snorkeling sessions, lunch, and plenty of time for swimming and sun. I especially like the early arrival at Orange Bay, before the beach fills up, and the small-group feel that lets guides such as Saif, Momo, Joo, and Captain Islam give personal help in the water. The main thing to consider is that island time is limited, and Orange Bay can become crowded later in the day.

At $47 per person, this is a strong value if you want several Red Sea activities in half a day rather than one long beach visit. The boat, transfers, equipment, entry fees, food, drinks, and nature reserve charges are included, but lunch may feel modest if you have a large appetite. Bring cash for extra drinks or food on the islands.

Key points to know before booking

• Early Orange Bay arrival: The schedule aims to reach Orange Bay before the busiest period, giving you a better chance at a quiet hour on the sand.
• Two separate snorkeling stops: Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, with equipment, a life jacket, and help from a guide included.
• Fast, small-boat format: A speedboat covers the Red Sea quickly and feels more energetic than a large party boat.
• Magawish Island lunch stop: You get about an hour for island time, food, shade, swimming, and views across the water.
• Optional five-minute parasailing: Select this add-on if you want to see the Red Sea from above as well as below.
• Pickup requires attention: Confirm your hotel details, watch for the email sent at 10 pm the night before, and wait at the main gate by the road.

Why this Hurghada boat trip works well

I like this tour because it avoids the one-note feel of a standard beach excursion. In four to six hours, you ride across open water, sit on white sand, snorkel over coral, eat lunch, and return to Hurghada by speedboat.

The score of 4.7 from 1,578 ratings fits the experience’s strongest points: friendly crews, good organization, and a pleasing mix of activity and rest. The names change by departure, but the crew members repeatedly receive praise for being patient, funny, careful, and helpful. Saif, Momo, Kiko, Joo, Ahmed, Hassan, Karim, and Captain Islam are among the guides and captains singled out for making people feel safe and welcome.

You should also know what this is not. It is not a slow, secluded sailing trip, and the islands are not empty desert beaches all day. Orange Bay is popular and can feel busy, especially once other boats arrive. The speedboat gives you more time at the destinations than a long cruise might, but the day still follows a firm schedule.

Hotel pickup and the trip to the harbor

The day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada, followed by a transfer to the marina. The service includes return transport, which is useful because the harbor is not necessarily within easy walking distance from your hotel.

Pickup details arrive by email at 10 pm the night before. That late notice is worth noting, so check your inbox before bed and make sure the provider has your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number.

You meet the vehicle at the main entrance of the hotel gate by the road, not at the reception entrance or an interior pickup area. Be ready on time. The activity provider can wait no more than five minutes because the vehicle may be collecting other people.

If you are staying in Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay, long-distance pickup is available as a paid add-on during checkout. That extra charge can affect the real cost, so compare it with the price of a closer departure if your hotel is outside Hurghada.

At the marina, the crew explains the day’s plan and basic safety instructions. You receive a life jacket and snorkeling equipment before the boat leaves. The team speaks English and Arabic.

The speedboat ride across the Red Sea

The speedboat is the first real attraction. You are not simply being transported between stops. The open-water ride brings wind, spray, and a strong sense of movement, especially when the captain opens the throttle.

That energy is a major reason to choose this tour instead of a large vessel. The ride feels direct and fun, and a smaller boat makes it easier for the guide to keep an eye on the group. Several departures had groups of around eight people, although the exact size depends on the option you book.

The tradeoff is comfort. In windy weather, the ride can become bumpy. Kareem and Hassan, for example, were praised for checking often that people were comfortable during rough conditions. If you have back problems, this trip is not recommended. Anyone prone to motion sickness should think carefully about a fast boat on open water.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your hat, sunglasses, and towel close. The sun can feel intense even when the wind makes the boat ride seem cool.

Orange Bay before the crowds

The first island stop is Orange Bay, where you have about one hour. The appeal is easy to understand: pale sand, clear water, sun loungers or beach space, and a relaxed setting that feels far removed from Hurghada’s hotel strip.

Timing makes a real difference here. The boat aims to arrive before the area becomes crowded, and early departures have the best chance of finding Orange Bay quiet. One private group even had its own section of the beach, which made the popular stop feel more peaceful.

Do not expect total solitude. Orange Bay is one of the better-known island stops around Hurghada, and its popularity is part of the package. Later departures may encounter more people, music, and activity. If your priority is calm photography or an easier swim, choose an early time.

The one-hour stop is enough to walk on the sand, take photos, sit in the shade, and cool off in the water. It is not enough for a long, unhurried beach day. Some people wished they had more time here, so keep your expectations realistic.

The included shaded tent, known locally as a tenda, is useful when the sun is strong. You also have bottled water and soft drinks, but bring cash if you want to buy additional drinks or cocktails on the island.

Two snorkeling sites and the Red Sea below

The snorkeling is arguably the best part of the outing, even though the island beaches get most of the attention. The boat stops at two sites, with roughly 20 minutes at each location.

The water is described as clear, with coral formations and plenty of colorful fish. You might see rays, and dolphins have appeared near some boats, but neither sighting is guaranteed. Treat dolphins as a lucky bonus, not as a promised feature.

A guide stays involved during the water sessions. Adam, Islam, and other snorkeling guides received especially warm praise for helping nervous swimmers and checking that everyone was all right. That matters if this is your first time using a mask and snorkel.

One practical point: make sure the guide shows you how to fit and use the equipment before you jump in. A first-time participant had trouble with water entering the nose and mouth because the technique was not fully explained. Ask for help with the mask seal, snorkel position, and breathing before leaving the boat.

The two stops are relatively short, so you need to get ready quickly. The advantage is variety and a more active schedule. The disadvantage is that confident snorkelers may want longer in the water. Private groups may have more say over how they use their time, but the exact flexibility depends on the departure and conditions.

The crew can also help with photos. One guide was praised as a great photographer, and several people appreciated the crew’s attention to families and children. A three-year-old joined one private group and was kept safe and included, though children do not have to enter the water.

Magawish Island and the Egyptian Caribbean feel

After snorkeling, the boat continues to Magawish Island. You get about one hour here, including lunch, which makes this stop the main pause in the schedule.

Magawish has a low-key, tropical look: white sand, shallow clear water, and open views across the Red Sea. The nickname Egyptian Caribbean is not hard to understand when you are sitting beside the water with the sand underfoot.

This stop is less about a packed list of sights and more about slowing down. You can eat, swim, sit in the shade, take photos, and enjoy the island setting. Some departures have also reached Magawish near sunset, creating a particularly pleasant end to the day, but sunset timing is not guaranteed on every schedule.

The island is not large. One person felt that the allocated time was longer than necessary, while others wanted to stay longer. Your reaction will depend on your pace. If you like swimming and taking photos, an hour passes quickly. If you want constant sightseeing, Magawish may feel small after the first few minutes.

Lunch is provided as a lunch box, with seasonal fruit and drinks included. Food was considered good and plentiful on some departures, but other people found the lunch too light and chose to buy food at Magawish or suggested bringing extra snacks. I would treat the included meal as a convenient picnic rather than a full restaurant lunch.

Parasailing: the optional view from above

The parasailing option adds up to five minutes in the air. It gives you a completely different view of the Red Sea, the islands, and the speedboat below.

This is a good choice if you want more than snorkeling and beach time. It also suits anyone who prefers a short aerial activity rather than spending another hour in the water. Choose it during booking, since it is only included when the correct option is selected.

Five minutes is brief, so think of it as a compact extra rather than a major part of the day. If you would rather have more time swimming or sitting on Magawish, skip the add-on and keep the outing simpler.

Private or shared speedboat?

The private option is useful for couples, families, and small groups who value control over the day. A private group had more freedom over snorkeling time and island stops, and one group was able to stay until sunset. That kind of flexibility can make the higher total price worthwhile when divided among several people.

A shared boat is the better value if you are alone or happy to meet other people. The experience still includes the same basic attractions, and the smaller group format can feel social without becoming a giant boat party.

Ask yourself what matters most. If you want a fixed, affordable half-day with a mix of activities, shared works well. If you have young children, a special occasion, or a firm preference for quiet time, private is the more comfortable choice.

What $47 includes, and what it does not

At $47 per person, the package covers a lot:

• Hotel pickup and return
• Round-trip speedboat transport
• Orange Bay and Magawish entry fees
• Two snorkeling stops
• Snorkeling equipment and life jacket
• Lunch box
• Water and soft drinks
• Seasonal fruit
• Guide
• Shaded tenda
• Nature reserve charges
• Five minutes of parasailing if you select that option

That makes the price appealing because the major costs are bundled. You do not need to pay separate island admission or rent snorkeling gear at each stop.

Keep some cash with you. Extra food and drinks on the islands are not covered, and the practical information specifically recommends bringing cash. The lunch box may be enough for a light eater, but a larger appetite calls for backup snacks or a purchase at Magawish.

The value is strongest when you want an active half-day and do not need luxury service. You get several distinct experiences for one price, but you should not expect a long gourmet meal, a private beach all day, or unlimited time at each location.

Best timing, useful packing, and small cautions

The early departure is the safest choice if avoiding crowds matters to you. Morning schedules also leave more of your day free afterward. Afternoon departures can offer sunset at the right time of year and schedule, but Orange Bay may be busier.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• A towel
• Cash
• Your passport copy in advance for the required daily permission

The passport copy is part of the operating process, so send it as requested before the trip. Wear secure swimwear and bring a cover-up for the transfer back to the hotel.

The boat is exposed to sun and wind. Reapply sun protection, drink the supplied water, and use the shaded area when you need a break. If the sea is rough, expect a bumpy ride and listen to the captain’s instructions.

This outing suits people who want adventure plus beach time, first-time snorkelers who appreciate close guidance, families with children, couples, and anyone watching the budget. It is less suited to people with back problems, anyone seeking a very slow cruise, or anyone who wants long stretches of solitude.

Should you book the Orange Bay and Magawish trip?

I would book this tour if you have one free half-day in Hurghada and want to sample the Red Sea without paying for several separate activities. The combination of a fast boat, two island beaches, coral snorkeling, lunch, and optional parasailing gives you a lot for $47.

Choose the early departure for quieter island time. Pick private if flexibility matters more than the lowest price. Bring extra cash and snacks, and do not count on dolphin sightings or a large lunch.

If those limits suit you, this is a lively, well-priced way to see the Red Sea. The strongest reason to go is not only Orange Bay’s sand. It is the attentive crew, the clear snorkeling sites, and the chance to fit several very different experiences into one well-used morning or afternoon.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada speedboat trip last?

The activity lasts about four to six hours, including hotel pickup, the speedboat journey, island visits, snorkeling, lunch, and the return to the harbor.

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Orange Bay and Magawish Island. Entry fees for both islands are included.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. Each stop is planned for about 20 minutes, and snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A lunch box, seasonal fruit, bottled water, and soft drinks are included. You can bring extra cash to buy additional food or drinks on the islands.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only when you select the option that provides it. The included parasailing time is up to five minutes.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is at the main entrance of your hotel’s main gate by the road. It is not at the reception gate or inside the reception area.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and cash. You also need to provide a passport copy for the daily permissions.