Magawish Island By Private Speedboat with Snorkeling – Hurghada

Clear water, fast boat, quiet beaches. This four-hour Magawish Island trip gives you a private speedboat, a snorkeling stop, island time, and hotel pickup in one tidy afternoon package. I especially like the private format, which lets your group avoid the shuffle of a large excursion, and the chance to see fish, coral, turtles, and possibly dolphins along the Red Sea coast. The main caution is practical: the advertised $5 price does not include the €5 national park fee, and some pickup areas cost extra.

The 1:30 pm start suits anyone who wants a sea outing without giving up the whole day. I also like that snorkeling gear, water sports, fruit, snacks, water, and a soft drink are included. Still, you should confirm the boat’s safety equipment before departure, particularly if anyone in your group is not a confident swimmer.

Key points at a glance

• Private speedboat for your group: You are not joining a large shared boat, so the outing feels more personal and flexible.
• About two hours on Magawish Island: This gives you time for white sand, clear water, swimming, and a slower island break.
• One snorkeling stop: Fish and coral are central to the trip, with some outings also spotting turtles, dolphins, or a wreck.
• Captain and guide praised by name: Captain Snoopy, also spelled Snopy in the feedback, and guide Amr receive repeated praise for being friendly, helpful, and fun.
• Afternoon departure: Pickup begins around 1:30 pm, making this a good choice for a half-day plan.
• Low headline price, extra fees: Add the €5 national park fee, plus a €10 transfer charge from several resort areas.

Why Magawish works well for a short Red Sea outing

Magawish Island is appealing because it offers two different pleasures in one trip. You get a simple beach escape, then time in the water to see Red Sea marine life. That combination makes the outing more satisfying than a boat ride that only circles the coast.

The island is described through its white sand and turquoise, clear water. One account compared it to the Egyptian Maldives, which is a useful shorthand for the look of the place: bright shallows, pale sand, and a strong contrast with the dry Hurghada coast. The island visit is not presented as a cultural stop. Its value is the setting, the water, and the chance to relax away from your hotel pool.

The private boat matters here. On a large shared excursion, the day can become a timetable of boarding calls, crowded decks, and other groups competing for the best swim space. A private speedboat gives you your own captain and crew, and only your party takes part. That is especially useful for a family with children, a couple wanting a quieter afternoon, or a small group that wants to sit together without strangers.

There is still a limit to the privacy. Magawish is a popular water destination, and the exact level of seclusion can change with the day and conditions. The description promises remote sands and quiet coves, but you should not treat that as a guarantee of having an entire beach to yourself.

The 1:30 pm pickup and ride to the marina

The experience starts with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. The scheduled start time is 1:30 pm, although the exact pickup time can depend on your hotel and area. From there, you transfer to the speedboat and head toward Magawish Island.

An afternoon start is one of this trip’s strongest practical features. You can have a relaxed morning, eat lunch, and still enjoy the Red Sea before sunset. It also works well if you are staying in Hurghada and do not want to commit to a dawn departure.

The included transfer covers hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle. Extra transport charges apply from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay. The listed supplement is €10 per person, paid in cash on the spot. That can change the value considerably for a couple or family, so check your pickup zone before booking.

A previous outing was praised for having a driver arrive on time, with the escort and boat ready as well. That is exactly what you want from a short tour: less waiting, fewer confusing handoffs, and more time on the water.

The speedboat ride to Magawish Island

Once you board, the speedboat is the main event. The trip is designed around a dedicated captain and crew rather than a shared excursion boat, giving you a more direct ride along Hurghada’s coast.

The speedboat format should appeal to you if you enjoy the feeling of moving quickly between stops. It also cuts down on the slow, drawn-out transfers common on larger boats. One account described the trip to Magawish as fast, followed by about two hours on site.

The trade-off is space. One person felt that a boat carrying six people plus crew was a little tight. That does not mean the boat is unsuitable, but it is worth setting expectations. Private does not always mean spacious. If your group is at the upper end of the boat’s capacity, ask how many people the specific boat is intended to carry and how much room there is to sit, store bags, and move around.

Bring a secure grip for phones and cameras. The information does not specify a dry bag or storage area, so protect electronics yourself. The Red Sea sun can also feel strong even during an afternoon trip, and the boat offers limited shade unless the crew confirms otherwise.

The captain is an important part of the experience. Captain Snoopy, also written as Snopy, is singled out repeatedly for being kind and good with children. That personal touch seems to be one reason families find the outing easy and enjoyable.

Two hours on Magawish Island

The island stop is where the pace changes. After the speedboat ride, you have time to walk on the sand, swim, sunbathe, and take photographs. The included entrance to Magawish Island means you do not need to arrange a separate island ticket.

About two hours on site is a sensible amount of time. It is long enough to enjoy the beach without turning the day into a full resort-style stay, and short enough to keep the overall excursion to about four hours. You will want to divide that time carefully. If you spend the whole visit taking photos on the sand, you may feel rushed at the snorkeling stop. If you stay in the water the entire time, you may miss the quietest part of the island visit.

The island’s strongest feature is its water. The clearest praise focuses on translucent shallows and a bright, almost tropical appearance. You might find the water especially attractive for simple swimming and floating, even if you are not interested in identifying fish.

The trip also includes water sports. The supplied information does not name each activity, so ask the crew what is available on your departure. Do not assume every water sport operates every day or is suitable for every age.

Fruit, snacks, water, and a soft drink are included. This is useful rather than lavish. You will have something light during the afternoon, but you should not book this expecting a full lunch. Eat beforehand, especially if you are traveling with children or tend to get hungry after swimming.

The snorkeling stop and Red Sea marine life

Snorkeling is the other main reason to book. The itinerary includes one snorkeling stop, with equipment provided. The gear has received strong praise for being clean and well maintained, which makes a real difference when you are dealing with masks, fins, and shared equipment.

The stop is intended for viewing fish and coral in clear Red Sea water. Sightings described on different outings include many fish, a turtle, dolphins, and even a wreck where additional fish and coral could be seen. These are possible highlights, not promises. Marine life moves freely, and dolphin sightings in particular should be treated as luck rather than part of the guaranteed program.

The wording of the tour includes one snorkeling stop. Do not assume you will have several reef locations or a full day of snorkeling. The experience is better understood as an island visit with one planned reef stop, not as a specialist snorkeling expedition.

You should also ask about flotation and safety equipment before getting in. One account specifically raised concern about no life jacket being available on board for weaker swimmers. The supplied details confirm snorkeling equipment, but they do not confirm life jackets. If anyone in your party is nervous in open water, make this question a priority.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. Still, the phrase most people should not be read as a substitute for your own judgment. Swimming ability, comfort with a moving boat, and the day’s sea conditions all matter.

A guide can make the stop more useful. Guide Amr is praised for being friendly, funny, helpful, and able to explain the area. If he is assigned to your outing, you may get more than a quick swim, especially if he points out fish or explains what you are seeing.

What the crew adds to the afternoon

The strongest theme in the feedback is the crew. The captain and guide are repeatedly described as friendly, kind, funny, and helpful. That matters on a private trip because there are fewer people to absorb awkward moments. If the crew is attentive, the whole outing feels easy. If communication is poor, you notice it immediately.

Families appear to benefit most from this style of service. Children were described as enjoying the full trip, and Captain Snoopy received special praise for making the experience comfortable. A private boat also lets parents keep the group together instead of splitting up across a large vessel.

Couples can use the trip differently. The island provides a pleasant setting for photographs and a quiet swim, while the fast boat ride adds a little energy. Small groups of friends may appreciate the ability to enjoy music, conversation, snacks, and water time without a crowded deck, although no onboard music service is listed.

The service sounds warm rather than formal. The description uses language about luxury and gourmet refreshments, but the confirmed inclusions are fruit, snacks, water, and a soft drink. I would think of this as friendly local boat service with a private setup, not a high-end yacht charter.

Is the $5 price really good value?

At $5 per person, the headline price looks unusually low for a private speedboat, island entrance, transfer, snorkeling equipment, and refreshments. The value can be excellent if the price is accurate for your date and group, but you need to calculate the extra charges.

The national park fee is €5 per person, paid in cash on the spot. If you are picked up from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, or Soma Bay, add another €10 per person. For someone staying in central Hurghada, the total should be much closer to the advertised price than it is for someone based in a farther resort area.

Group discounts are available, which may improve the cost for families or friends booking together. The private format also changes the value equation. You are not paying only for transport and snorkeling. You are paying for exclusive use of the boat and a more personal schedule.

I would not choose this trip solely because of the low price. Confirm the final amount, pickup supplement, national park payment, boat capacity, and flotation equipment. A cheap afternoon is a good deal only when the extra costs and practical limits are clear.

The experience is booked about 10 days ahead on average. That suggests some advance planning is sensible, especially if your dates are fixed or your group needs a private boat. Confirmation is provided at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted.

Who should book this Magawish trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families who want a private boat and a manageable four-hour outing
• Couples looking for beach time, clear water, and a more personal experience
• Small groups that prefer not to share a boat with a large crowd
• First-time snorkelers who want equipment and crew assistance included
• People staying in Hurghada who like an afternoon departure
• Anyone who wants island scenery without giving up an entire day

I would be more cautious if you are a serious snorkeler seeking several reefs, long water sessions, or detailed marine instruction. One stop may feel brief. Strong swimmers should also confirm the safety equipment, and people prone to seasickness should consider that a speedboat can feel sharper on choppy water than a slower vessel.

The trip is also less attractive if you are staying in a distant resort and the €10 transfer charge applies per person. In that case, compare the final cost with a similar excursion departing closer to your hotel.

Practical tips for a smoother afternoon

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The supplied package includes drinks and light snacks, but not a full meal, so have lunch before pickup.

Carry cash for the €5 national park fee. If you are picked up from one of the listed outlying resort areas, carry enough for the €10 per-person transfer charge as well.

Ask these questions before departure:

• How many people will be on the boat, including crew?
• Are life jackets available in all needed sizes?
• Which water sports are operating that day?
• How long will the snorkeling stop last?
• Is the boat equipped with shade or secure storage?

The cancellation policy is generous if your plans are uncertain. You can receive a full refund by canceling at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Magawish Island speedboat?

Yes, if you want a short, private Red Sea outing with beach time and one good snorkeling stop. The combination of a fast boat, roughly two hours on the island, included gear, hotel pickup, and friendly crew gives this experience broad appeal. The consistently high satisfaction score of 4.9 from 18 ratings and a 100 percent recommendation rate also support its strong reputation.

Book with your eyes open. The $5 starting price excludes the national park fee, and some hotels require an additional transfer payment. The boat may feel compact for a full group, and flotation equipment should be confirmed in advance. If those points suit your needs, Magawish offers a simple, affordable way to get beyond Hurghada’s resort strip and into the Red Sea for an enjoyable afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the Magawish Island speedboat tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 1:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are included.

Are transfers from every Hurghada-area resort included?

No. Transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay cost €10 per person, paid in cash on the spot.

Is the national park fee included?

No. The national park fee is €5 per person and must be paid in cash on the spot.

Is the speedboat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and water sports are included.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

One snorkeling stop is included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.