Hurghada: Magawish Island Speedboat W Snorkelling & Lunch

The best part of this four-hour trip is the mix of fast open-water cruising and easy island time. You get two short snorkeling stops at Shaab Eshta kebir and Aruk Talata, then a long break on Magawish Island’s pale sand and turquoise water. I like the compact schedule, and I like that the boat carries shade, life jackets, drinks, and snorkeling gear. The possible catch is pickup: your hotel collection may shift by 1 to 1.5 hours, so the four-hour activity does not always mean four hours away from your hotel.

I also like the option to add a five-minute parasailing flight, giving you a quick look at the Red Sea from above. Guides such as Hassan have earned warm praise, and Captain Momo is noted for being considerate. Still, this is not the right outing for pregnant women or people with back problems, and long-range transfers from places such as Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, and Soma Bay cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• Two separate snorkeling stops: Spend about 20 minutes at Shaab Eshta kebir and another 20 minutes near Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra.
• A generous island break: Magawish Island gives you 1.5 to 2 hours for swimming, sitting on the sand, and enjoying the setting.
• Speedboat rather than a large cruise boat: The ride feels direct and lively, with scenic views on the return.
• Optional parasailing: Add a five-minute flight if you want to see the Red Sea from above.
• Useful basics included: Hotel transfers, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, water, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, and a guide are covered.
• Best for a small party: The listed price is $196 per group of up to two, and the activity is described as a private group experience.

Why Magawish Island makes a good half-day escape

Magawish Island is the reason to choose this trip over a simple harbor cruise. The stop lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, which is enough time to slow the pace after the boat ride and enjoy the white sand. You can swim in the turquoise water, sit on the beach, and take in the open Red Sea setting without spending a full day at sea.

The island is described as having a Caribbean-like feel, though you should read that as a visual comparison rather than expect a resort beach with a long list of facilities. The information confirms that you can eat and drink there, while the tour itself provides seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water. If a full lunch matters to you, check exactly what is available on your chosen date. The title includes lunch, but the included items specifically list fruit and drinks rather than a named meal.

This island pause also helps balance the activity. Snorkeling sessions last around 20 minutes each, while the island visit lets you spend much longer on dry land. That makes the trip useful for couples or friends who want reef time but do not want four straight hours on a boat.

The speedboat ride from Hurghada

Your day begins with a van transfer from the hotel area to the harbor, listed at about 25 minutes. Pickup is available from Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga, with the exact timing sent by email at 10 pm the night before.

The speedboat is the main character here. You get a quicker, more exposed ride than you would on a large day boat, along with scenic views on the return toward Hurghada. There is an onboard shaded area, stereo system, and safety equipment, so you are not left entirely to the sun and spray.

I would treat the speedboat as both transport and part of the fun. It gets you from the harbor to the snorkeling areas and island without the slower feel of a big vessel. The trade-off is that the ride can feel more active, and the tour specifically excludes pregnant women and people with back problems. Bring a jacket, as requested, because the wind on the water can feel cool even when Hurghada is hot.

The activity is described as private, but the price is set for a group of up to two. That makes the $196 cost easier to judge if you are booking as a couple or a pair of friends. At that level, you are paying for the boat, transfers, guide, equipment, and a compact private outing rather than simply buying access to a beach.

First stop: Shaab Eshta kebir snorkeling

The first water stop is Shaab Eshta kebir, with about 20 minutes set aside for snorkeling. That is a short session, but it gives you an early look at the Red Sea corals and fish before the island visit.

The guide provides snorkeling equipment and offers guide support in the water. Life jackets are included too, which is helpful if you are not a confident swimmer or simply want extra support while looking down at the reef.

Do not expect this stop to feel like a long independent reef session. Twenty minutes passes quickly once you receive instructions, enter the water, and get settled. I would use this first stop to get comfortable with the mask, fins, and water conditions, then focus on enjoying the coral rather than trying to cover a huge area.

The reef is a major reason people book this trip. Specific feedback describes the coral reefs as beautiful and the snorkeling as excellent, with plenty of fish seen. That praise gives the underwater portion real weight, but the exact visibility and marine life can change with conditions. The tour promises two snorkeling locations, not a guarantee of a particular species or perfect water clarity.

Second stop: Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra

The second snorkeling point is Aruk Talata, also known as Shaab Pytra. You get another 20 minutes here, creating roughly 40 minutes of total snorkeling time across the two stops.

Having two locations is useful. If the first site is not your favorite, the second gives you another chance to see coral and fish in a different setting. It also breaks up the water time so the trip does not depend on one single reef stop.

Again, the timing is focused rather than leisurely. If you want extended snorkeling, you may prefer a full-day reef excursion. This outing is built for people who want a taste of the Red Sea underwater, followed by a beach stop and a quick return.

The guide’s role matters during these short sessions. A guide can help you get moving quickly, point out the best area to look, and keep the group organized. Hassan is specifically praised for his guiding, while Captain Momo is noted for his friendly and considerate approach. Names can vary by departure, but the experience includes an English-speaking guide.

Magawish Island: sand, swimming, and a slower hour

After the two reef stops, the boat takes you to Magawish Island. The planned stay is 1.5 hours, with the general description allowing up to two hours. This is the part where you can stop checking the clock every few minutes.

The island visit is simple in the best sense. You have sandy beaches, turquoise water, and time to swim or sit. The contrast with the speedboat is welcome. Rather than packing every minute with another activity, the schedule gives you a proper pause.

Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are included. There is also an indication that food and drinks are available on the island. Since the supplied details do not name a specific lunch menu, I would bring cash and confirm the meal arrangement if lunch is important to your booking decision.

Bring a towel. You will want one after snorkeling and swimming, and it is not listed among the included supplies. Cash is also recommended, which is sensible for any extra food, drinks, or optional purchases. Sunscreen is not listed in the required items, but the beach and boat time make sun protection a practical concern.

The optional five-minute view from above

The parasailing option adds up to five minutes in the air. It is a brief extra, not a full flight session, but it gives you a different view of the Red Sea after seeing it from the boat and underwater.

I see this as a good add-on for someone who wants one more memorable moment without adding hours to the schedule. It is also a simple way to mark a birthday, anniversary, or special day. If you dislike heights or prefer to keep the outing centered on snorkeling and swimming, skip it.

The key point is to select the option when booking. Parasailing is not part of the basic included package. The standard inclusions cover the speedboat, two snorkeling stops, equipment, guide, island entry, fruit, drinks, shaded seating, and life jackets. The five-minute flight applies only if you choose that version.

Transfers and the timing you need to manage

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from the listed Hurghada areas and Safaga, but the exact pickup point is strict. Wait at the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance or inside the hotel grounds.

Pickup details arrive by email at 10 pm the night before. You are asked to provide your nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy. The provider can wait no more than five minutes, so you need to be ready at the stated location.

The activity itself lasts four hours, but pickup can vary by 1 to 1.5 hours from the scheduled time. That is the main timing issue. I would avoid booking a tightly timed dinner, airport transfer, or another excursion immediately afterward.

Long-range pickup from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, and Soma Bay is available as an add-on during checkout. Since Safaga appears both among the listed pickup choices and the extra-service areas, check the booking screen carefully to see whether your exact hotel requires the added fee.

Is $196 good value for two people?

At $196 for a group of up to two, the price is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. The value comes from combining private-group arrangements, hotel transport, a speedboat, two snorkeling stops, island entry, equipment, guide service, drinks, fruit, and the option of parasailing.

For two people who want a half-day outing, the package is reasonably easy to understand. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the harbor, rent snorkeling gear, or find a separate boat. The private-group format may also appeal to couples who prefer not to spend the day on a crowded large vessel.

The price is less attractive if you want a long snorkeling day or a clearly defined full lunch. In that case, compare it with a longer boat trip before booking. You should also add the cost of long-range transport if you are staying outside the core Hurghada pickup area.

The strong rating of 4.7 from 30 reviews supports the basic quality of the experience. The most consistent praise centers on the coral, fish, water, island, transport, and crew. One unrelated comment refers to a Luxor trip, so I would not use that particular detail to judge this Red Sea outing. The comments that do concern the sea trip point to beautiful snorkeling, a pleasant captain, and punctual, comfortable transport.

Who should book this Red Sea trip?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and small parties who want several highlights in one morning or afternoon. It suits you if you want coral and fish, a white sand beach, a fast boat ride, and a possible parasailing flight without committing to a full-day cruise.

It is also a good fit if you value included transport. The strict pickup rules require attention, but once you are at the correct hotel entrance, the van and return transfer remove much of the usual harbor hassle.

I would think twice if you have back problems, are pregnant, dislike speedboats, or need a guaranteed substantial lunch. The snorkeling windows are short, and pickup timing has a wide margin. You should also skip it if you cannot be at the hotel entrance on time, since the boat cannot wait long for late arrivals.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if your plans may change, since cancellation is free up to that point. The reserve-now, pay-later option also keeps your cash available until closer to the outing.

Should you book it?

Book this Magawish Island trip if you want a polished four-hour sampler of the Red Sea: two coral stops, a proper island break, and a speedboat ride in one package. The best reasons are the beautiful reef setting, the 1.5 to 2 hours on the beach, and the practical inclusion of gear, transfers, water, fruit, and a guide.

Skip it in favor of a longer cruise if snorkeling is your main goal, or choose another plan if you need a fixed schedule and a clearly specified lunch. For a pair staying in Hurghada and looking for variety rather than a single long water session, it offers a useful balance.

FAQ

How long does the activity last?

The activity duration is four hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but the pickup time may vary by 1 to 1.5 hours from the scheduled time.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

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

When will I receive pickup details?

Pickup details are sent by email at 10 pm the night before the trip.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. The first is Shaab Eshta kebir, and the second is Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra.

How long is each snorkeling stop?

Each snorkeling stop is planned for about 20 minutes.

How much time is spent on Magawish Island?

The island visit lasts about 1.5 hours, with the general activity description allowing up to two hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and an English-speaking guide are included.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only if you select the appropriate option. The flight lasts up to five minutes.

Who should not take this activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. Pets are not allowed.