Hurghada: Private Speedboat to Magawish Island

The Red Sea feels wonderfully close here. This private Hurghada speedboat trip combines fast open-water travel, clear snorkeling spots, and relaxed time on Magawish Island. I like the private group format, which gives you more breathing room than a packed excursion boat, and I like the choice between a 4-hour outing and a fuller 8-hour day. The main tradeoff is that pickup can shift by 1 to 1.5 hours, so your schedule needs some slack.

The water activities suit mixed abilities. A snorkeling guide can help less confident swimmers with a floating ring, while stronger swimmers can explore on their own. Keep in mind that lunch, parasailing, and pickup from resort areas outside Hurghada cost extra, so the final price may be higher than the advertised $88 per person.

Key points at a glance

• Fast private boat ride: Cross the Red Sea by speedboat instead of spending the day on a larger shared boat.
• Two-hour island visit: Magawish Island gives you time for sandy beaches, swimming, photos, and more snorkeling.
• Snorkeling for mixed abilities: Equipment, life jackets, and a snorkeling guide are included, with extra support available for nervous swimmers.
• Flexible tour length: Choose a 4-hour version for a compact outing or an 8-hour version for a slower day with more time in the water.
• Optional extras: Add lunch, parasailing, or a massage if available at checkout.
• Helpful pickup details: Hotel collection is included in Hurghada, but pickup is from the main road gate rather than the reception desk.

What the $88 price gets you

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Red Sea. You are paying for a private group, hotel transport within Hurghada, a speedboat, island admission, snorkeling equipment, a guide, soft drinks, water, snacks, fruit, and one snorkeling stop.

That package makes better sense if you are traveling as a small group and want privacy. A private boat can feel much more relaxed than a large shared excursion, especially when you want to choose how much time to spend swimming or sitting on the beach. The value is less convincing if you only want a quick boat ride and already have access to snorkeling gear.

Lunch is included only if you select that option. Parasailing is also an add-on, and pickup from Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, or Safaga is not part of the standard price. Check the final cost carefully before paying, since those extras can change the value.

The current rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 19 ratings. The strongest praise focuses on the friendly crew, the snorkeling, the calm island setting, and the extra care shown when something went wrong. One particularly memorable case involved the company owner, Mohammed, helping a guest reach the hospital after an ankle injury, translating in Arabic, arranging care, and staying until the problem was resolved. That does not change the normal itinerary, but it does suggest a level of personal attention that is useful on a boat trip.

Leaving Hurghada by van and speedboat

The day begins with a hotel pickup in Hurghada and a van ride of about 30 minutes. The service covers Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Hurghada, with the exact pickup point depending on your hotel.

This part requires patience. Pickup times can vary by 1 to 1.5 hours because of hotel location and traffic. You receive the final pickup details by email at 10:00 PM the evening before, so check your inbox and make sure the operator has your correct nationality, hotel name, and room number.

One practical point matters: you wait at the main hotel gate on the road, not inside the reception area. Tell your hotel staff where you will be waiting, then arrive with your towel, sunscreen, and some cash. The vehicle transfer is short, but the overall morning can feel longer if you expect a precise pickup time.

At the marina, you receive a short safety briefing before boarding the speedboat. The fast boat is a major part of the appeal. You get across the Red Sea with open views and less time spent waiting around than on a large group vessel. The ride can also feel lively and exposed, so anyone sensitive to motion or sun should take the usual precautions.

The group is private, but the information does not specify the exact boat size or the maximum number of people. Arabic and English guiding are available. A private group does not necessarily mean a private guide in every moment, so confirm any special needs when booking.

First water stop: two hours for swimming and snorkeling

The first water portion is scheduled for about two hours and includes swimming and snorkeling. This is where the trip earns much of its appeal. The Red Sea is known here for clear turquoise water and coral reefs, and the snorkeling stop gives you a chance to see that underwater color without needing advanced skills.

Equipment and life jackets are included. A snorkeling guide is also part of the package, which matters if you have never used a mask or feel uneasy in open water. One useful detail is that less confident swimmers can be supported with a floating ring. That small bit of help can turn the stop from a stressful swim into an enjoyable one.

If you are comfortable in the water, you will likely appreciate having time rather than a rushed few minutes. One account of the trip described two unhurried snorkeling sessions, along with a dolphin sighting. Dolphins are never guaranteed, so treat that as a lucky possibility, not part of the promised program.

The main limitation is that the schedule identifies one snorkeling stop. The water conditions, visibility, and wildlife sightings can change from day to day. You should also expect the guide to set safety limits. Coral reefs are fragile, so avoid touching coral or standing on the reef, even if the water is shallow.

Snorkeling is best for people who enjoy being active but do not need a full scuba experience. Families with older children may like the flotation support, though the supplied information does not set a minimum age. Ask before booking if you are traveling with very young children or anyone with mobility concerns.

Magawish Island: two hours of beach and water time

The boat then reaches Magawish Island, where the planned visit lasts about two hours. The island is the quieter half of the day. You can swim in shallow water, snorkel again, sit on the sandy beach, and take photos without needing to rush from one attraction to the next.

The calm, shallow water is a strong point for beginners. You can ease in gradually, spend time close to shore, and use the life jacket if needed. More experienced swimmers may find the island stop less exciting than the open-water snorkeling, but it gives the day a welcome change of pace.

The beach is simple rather than built around a long list of attractions. That is part of its value. You can relax, dry off, and enjoy the Red Sea without a packed schedule. A solid island lunch is available when selected, and one useful food tip is to favor the salads over the pizzas if both are offered.

Do not expect a full resort day. The available information describes sandy beaches, snorkeling, swimming, and free time, but it does not promise extensive facilities or a long menu of included activities. If you want constant action, two hours may feel slow. If you want a quiet break after snorkeling, it should be just about right.

Parasailing can be added for a different view of the island and sea. A massage may also be available as an optional upgrade. These extras are not included in the basic cost, so decide in advance how much activity you really want. It is easy to turn a reasonably priced beach outing into a much more expensive day by adding every option.

Choosing between four hours and eight

The 4-hour version works best when you want a focused Red Sea outing without giving up most of the day. You still get the van transfers, boat ride, swimming, snorkeling, and island time, but the pace is likely to feel tighter.

Choose the 8-hour option if you want more breathing room. A longer booking is useful if you prefer not to rush through the water stops, want time for lunch, or plan to add parasailing or a massage. It is also the better choice if your main goal is a relaxed island day rather than simply checking Magawish Island off your list.

The provided schedule lists roughly 30 minutes by van, two hours for swimming and snorkeling, two hours at Magawish Island, and 30 minutes back by van. Boat travel, boarding, safety procedures, and hotel collection add to that outline. Check the available start times because the exact schedule can vary.

I would not choose the longer version automatically. If you get bored sitting on a beach or dislike extended time in the sun, four hours may be plenty. If you enjoy snorkeling and want lunch on the island, eight hours gives you a much more comfortable day.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Water, soft drinks, snacks, and fruit are included. That is helpful because swimming and sun exposure can make you hungry quickly. Lunch is separate unless you choose the lunch option.

Bring a towel and sunscreen. The sandy beach and open boat offer little reason to expect shade everywhere, and the Egyptian sun can be strong even on a breezy day. Cash is also recommended for optional activities and personal spending.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and use footwear that can handle a boat and beach setting. The official packing advice does not list special shoes, so this is not a requirement, but practical beach footwear can make the transfer from boat to sand easier.

Pets are not allowed. The activity is wheelchair accessible, but the supplied information does not explain how boarding the speedboat or moving onto the beach is handled. If you use a wheelchair, contact the operator before booking and ask about the exact transfer process.

The crew and the feel of a private outing

The crew appears to be one of the strongest parts of this experience. The guide and captain have been praised for good humor, attention, and a friendly approach. That matters on a water trip, where clear instructions and a calm attitude can make you feel safer.

The snorkeling guide is especially important for beginners. Support with a floating ring means the activity is not limited to strong swimmers. At the same time, you should still be honest about your comfort in the water and use the life jacket provided.

The tour is offered in Arabic and English. If your group needs another language, do not assume it will be available. The private format is a good fit for couples, families, and friends who want to spend the day together rather than being divided among strangers.

The staff’s response to an ankle injury is also worth noting. Mohammed, identified as the boat company owner, helped with hospital transport, Arabic translation, medical arrangements, and the return taxi. You should never plan for an accident, but this kind of practical help is reassuring when you are away from home.

Who should book this Magawish trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want three things in one day: a fast boat ride, Red Sea snorkeling, and quiet beach time. It suits couples and small private groups particularly well because the pace is more personal than a large shared excursion.

It is also a sensible choice for beginners. The shallow water, life jackets, guide, and flotation support reduce the pressure of getting everything right immediately. You still need to be comfortable entering the sea, and no activity can promise perfect water conditions.

Families should confirm age and boarding details before booking because those points are not provided. The wheelchair-accessible designation is encouraging, but ask exactly how boat and beach access work if that affects your decision.

I would be more cautious if your resort is in Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, or Safaga. Pickup is possible from those areas only as a paid add-on. The extra driving distance may also make the day longer, so compare the total price and pickup time with an excursion based closer to your hotel.

Practical booking advice before you pay

Use your exact hotel name, room number, and nationality when booking. This information is used to arrange pickup, and an incorrect detail could make the morning harder than it needs to be.

Watch for the pickup email at 10:00 PM the evening before. Since pickup may shift by up to 1.5 hours, do not book another timed activity immediately afterward. The return includes a van transfer of about 30 minutes, but traffic and boat timing can affect the final arrival.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans are still changing. Check availability for the actual start times before making other arrangements.

Should you book the Magawish Island speedboat?

Book this tour if you value a private setting, a quick boat ride, guided snorkeling, and a quiet island stop. The best version for most people is the 8-hour option with lunch if you want a full, unhurried day. Choose four hours if you mainly want the sea and snorkeling without committing your whole schedule.

At $88 per person, the trip offers fair value when you use the included equipment, transport, guide, snacks, drinks, and island access. It becomes less attractive if you add several paid extras or must pay a large pickup supplement from a distant resort.

My practical verdict is positive, with two conditions: allow plenty of time for pickup, and confirm every add-on before payment. If clear water, helpful staff, and a relaxed beach stop sound better than a crowded boat timetable, Magawish Island is a strong Hurghada choice.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island trip last?

You can choose between a 4-hour and an 8-hour experience. Starting times depend on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

Private round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada. Pickup is from the main hotel gate on the road, not the reception area.

Is pickup available from Makadi Bay or El Gouna?

Pickup from Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga is available as an optional paid add-on during checkout.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in Arabic and English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. Water, soft drinks, snacks, and fruit are included.

Can I add parasailing?

Yes. Parasailing is available as an optional add-on. A massage may also be available as an upgrade.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Pets are not allowed.