Hurghada: Elegance Yacht Cruise To Orange & Magawish island

The best part of this Hurghada boat trip is the simple two-island plan: you get Orange Bay early in the day, then Magawish Island after lunch, with coral reefs and open Red Sea views between them. It gives you more than a quick swim stop without turning the day into a long list of rushed activities.

I like the two snorkeling stops, plus the useful extras already covered in the price: equipment, lunch, fruit, water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. I also like the chance to add five minutes of parasailing for a high view over the sea. The main drawback is that pickup arrangements can be unclear, and the boat cannot wait more than five minutes at the meeting point.

Key points to know before booking

• Orange Bay comes first: You spend about an hour at the island, with an effort to arrive before the largest crowds.
• Two proper water stops: One snorkeling stop lasts about 40 minutes, followed by more time to swim and snorkel at Magawish.
• Lunch is more than a snack: The spread includes shrimp, calamari, fish, rice, pasta, salads, seasonal fruit, and drinks.
• Parasailing is optional: Add a five-minute flight if you want a quick aerial view of the Red Sea.
• Dolphins are possible: Sightings have occurred, but they are wildlife, not a promised part of the schedule.
• Transport needs attention: Hurghada pickup is included, while longer transfers from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga cost extra.

Leaving Hurghada for two Red Sea islands

This is a day built around water, not sightseeing on land. After hotel pickup, you go to the harbor, receive a safety and activity briefing, and board the yacht for the trip toward Orange Bay.

The exact rhythm can change with sea conditions, the season, and the number of people on the boat. Still, the plan is clear: one island before lunch, one snorkeling stop, a seafood meal, a second island, and a relaxed cruise back.

That structure matters. Many Hurghada sea trips focus on one island and one reef stop. Here, you get two different beach settings and two chances to get in the water. If you are paying for a full day at sea, that gives the outing a good sense of value.

The trip is offered as a private or group experience. A private booking gives you more say in the pace and route. One private party of two had a captain, guide, and cook looking after them for roughly seven hours, and was able to request changes to the day. That level of flexibility is not something to assume on a group departure, so check which option you are selecting.

Orange Bay before the crowds

Orange Bay is the first major stop, with about an hour on the island. The timing is one of the smarter details of the plan. Arriving early gives you a better chance of enjoying the shallow water and beach setting before the island fills up.

The comparison to the Caribbean is about the look and mood: pale sand, clear water, and a calm break from the open sea. This is the place for swimming, sitting in the shallows, and taking photographs. It is not a long cultural visit, and there is no town or historic site to explore.

Keep your expectations practical. Orange Bay is a popular stop, so the early arrival helps, but it cannot guarantee solitude. The island entry is included, which means you do not need to arrange a separate ticket when you arrive.

An hour is enough for a good swim and a pause on shore, though you may wish it were longer if you prefer slow beach time. The advantage is that you will not spend the whole morning in one place. After Orange Bay, the boat moves on to a snorkeling location.

Forty minutes above Red Sea coral

The first snorkeling stop lasts about 40 minutes. A snorkeling guide is included, and equipment is provided, so you can join without bringing your own mask or fins.

This is the part of the trip that gives the day its real Red Sea character. Under the surface, you can expect coral formations and colorful fish, with visibility depending on weather and water conditions. The supplied experiences include sightings of dolphins during the wider boat outing, but dolphins are wild animals. Treat that as a lucky bonus, not a promise.

The guide’s role is useful here. A good briefing helps you understand how to use the equipment and where to look, while the guide can help keep the group together. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water and follow the instructions closely.

I would bring your own mask if you already have one that fits well, but the included gear is helpful for most people. Do not forget sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and cash for anything outside the included package.

Seafood lunch with time to slow down

After the first water stop, you return to the boat for lunch. The menu includes shrimp, calamari, fish, rice, pasta, green salad, tuna salad, and seasonal fruit.

That is a substantial meal for a day on the water. It is also one of the stronger value points in the $53 price, since you are not paying separately for a basic sandwich or a single drink. The food is prepared by the onboard catering team, described as top chefs, and the meal has received especially strong praise for its taste and generous portions.

You also get unlimited mineral water and soft drinks, along with tea, coffee, and milk. For a hot day on the Red Sea, unlimited water is more important than it sounds. You can stay hydrated without counting every bottle.

Food preferences and allergies are not specified in the supplied details, so contact the provider before booking if you need special arrangements. The listed meal centers on seafood, and the menu should not be treated as a fully customizable restaurant order.

Lunch is also your natural rest period. The boat ride, sun, and swimming can tire you faster than expected. Eat, drink water, and use the break to dry off before the next island stop.

Magawish Island after lunch

The second island stop is Magawish, where you get about an hour to swim and snorkel. It gives the afternoon a different feel from Orange Bay, since this stop follows the open-water activity and meal rather than beginning the day.

Magawish is included in the admission price. You can use the time for another swim, return to the water with your mask, or simply enjoy the view from shore. The choice is yours, which makes this stop useful for mixed groups where some people want more snorkeling and others want a quieter hour.

The two islands also make the trip easier to recommend to people with different priorities. A keen swimmer gets more water time, while a person who prefers a beach break gets two chances to stay on shore.

Do not expect a long independent exploration period. The stop is about an hour, and the schedule has to keep the boat moving. Pay attention to the guide’s return instructions. A late arrival can delay everyone, and the pickup policy on land is strict for the same reason.

Optional parasailing above the sea

Parasailing is available as an option, with a five-minute flight over the Red Sea. That is a short ride, but it offers a view you cannot get from the beach or snorkeling area.

The appeal is the height: you see the boat, the islands, and the broad sweep of water from above. It is a good add-on for anyone who wants one quick thrill without committing to a full adventure activity.

Because the supplied price information says parasailing is included only if that option is selected, check the final booking total carefully. Do not assume it is part of the standard $53 package.

If you are nervous about heights, you can simply skip it. The main cruise, island visits, lunch, and snorkeling remain the core experience. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so discuss your needs with the provider before reserving.

What the guides and crew add

The crew is made up of a professional guide, snorkeling guide, captain, and cooking staff, though the exact team can differ by departure. Abdull and Sayed are two guides specifically associated with warm, friendly service and clear explanations.

That human side matters on a boat trip. The best crew members keep the schedule clear, help with equipment, and make the day feel relaxed rather than mechanical. One private trip had three crew members caring for two people, which allowed plenty of attention and personal requests.

You should still distinguish private service from group service. A private trip can be shaped around your wishes, while a shared cruise must follow the timetable for everyone aboard. If you want to linger longer at one island or set the pace yourself, the private option may justify its higher cost.

Dolphin sightings add excitement, but the crew cannot control where dolphins appear. The reliable features are the islands, snorkeling, food, and cruise. Think of wildlife as an extra gift.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, the standard package covers a lot: hotel pickup and return within Hurghada, the yacht cruise, both island entry fees, two snorkeling stops, equipment, guides, lunch, fruit, water, hot drinks, and soft drinks.

That makes the price good for anyone who plans to spend a full day on the Red Sea and would otherwise pay separately for transport, boat access, meals, and snorkeling gear. The lunch and unlimited drinks are particularly useful because food and water costs can mount during a day in the sun.

The value is less straightforward if you mainly want a quiet beach visit. You are paying for the boat day, movement between sites, crew, snorkeling, and catering. If you will not swim or snorkel, much of the package may be wasted.

Long-range pickup is extra from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga. That transfer can also add a substantial amount of time to your day. One private outing took about 35 minutes from Makadi Bay going out, but the return bus took around 75 minutes because of additional stops. If you are staying outside Hurghada, compare the add-on cost and travel time before booking.

Pickup details require care

For Hurghada hotels, pickup and drop-off are included. The provider sends the pickup information by email at about 10 p.m. the night before, so check your inbox and share the requested information in advance.

You may be asked for a passport photo copy, nationality, hotel name, address, and room number. Provide accurate details, since the transfer team needs to match you with the correct pickup route.

The meeting time is strict. The provider can wait no more than five minutes because other people are being collected. Be ready in the hotel lobby or at the confirmed meeting point, rather than walking down at the last moment.

Communication about the meeting point has not always been perfectly clear. If the message says a main road pickup, contact the provider promptly and confirm if hotel-lobby pickup is possible. In one case, a direct lobby pickup was arranged after clarification.

Bring cash as requested, even though the main package includes many drinks and services. It is useful for optional purchases or unexpected small expenses, but the supplied details do not specify which extras require payment.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and friends who want a full day of swimming, beach time, and food without arranging separate activities.

It also suits people who want a little variety. Orange Bay gives you an island beach stop, the first reef stop provides focused snorkeling time, lunch breaks up the day, and Magawish adds another hour in the water. You are not stuck doing the same thing from morning to afternoon.

The private version is the better fit for a small group that values flexibility and personal service. The group version should suit people who are happy to follow a set route and share the boat with others.

I would be more cautious if you dislike boat transfers, cannot comfortably manage boarding and swimming activities, or want a quiet, uncrowded beach all day. The experience is active, and the early pickup and strict meeting policy require you to stay organized.

Practical preparation for the day

Pack lightly, but bring the items that matter:

• Swimwear and a towel
• High-protection sunscreen
• Cash
• A passport copy if requested for booking
• Any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer to use

Use sunscreen before boarding and reapply after swimming. The Red Sea sun can be strong even when the breeze makes the air feel comfortable.

Pay attention during the briefing. The guide will explain the day’s order and the water activities. At each stop, keep track of the meeting time and return to the boat promptly.

Pets are not allowed. The activity is conducted in English, so consider that when deciding if everyone in your party will be comfortable with instructions and safety information.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hurghada. Extra long-range pickup can be booked for Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay.

How long do I spend at Orange Bay?

The planned stay at Orange Bay is about one hour.

How long is the first snorkeling stop?

The first snorkeling stop lasts about 40 minutes. A second opportunity to swim and snorkel is provided at Magawish Island.

Is lunch included?

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

Is parasailing included?

Five-minute parasailing is included only when you select the parasailing option during booking.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. You may also need to provide a passport photo copy and correct personal and hotel details before the trip.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a well-filled Red Sea day with two islands, two snorkeling opportunities, a proper seafood lunch, and transport arranged from your Hurghada hotel. At $53, the included food, drinks, equipment, island entries, and guide service make it a strong package for active swimmers.

Choose the private option if flexibility matters and the price works for your group. If you are staying farther from Hurghada, check the transfer supplement and return journey first. With those details settled, this is a practical, enjoyable way to combine beach time, coral reefs, and open-water views in one day.