Hurghada: Magawish Island Speedboat W Snorkelling & Lunch

Magawish Island is the star here: a low, sandy stretch surrounded by clear Red Sea water, reached by a fast private speedboat rather than a large excursion boat. You get two snorkel stops, then 1.5 to 2 hours to swim, rest, and enjoy the pale beach.

I like the short four-hour format and the small-group setup. I also like the choice to add five-minute parasailing, giving you a quick view of the water from above after seeing its coral and fish below. The main caution is pickup timing: your hotel collection may shift by 1 to 1.5 hours, and you must wait at the road-facing main entrance.

Key Points Before You Book

• Two separate snorkeling stops: Shaab Eshta Kebir and Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra, each allow about 20 minutes in the water.
• Magawish beach time: You get 1.5 to 2 hours on the island, enough for swimming and an unhurried rest.
• Speedboat rather than a large vessel: The ride feels quicker and more direct, but it can be rough for anyone with back trouble.
• Optional five-minute parasailing: Choose this add-on if you want a short aerial view of the Red Sea.
• Hotel transfers are included for selected areas: Longer pickups from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay require an extra charge.
• Price is per group: At $196 for up to two people, the value depends on sharing the boat experience as a pair and using the included transfer and equipment.

A Fast Ride Out From Hurghada

The day begins with pickup from Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, or Safaga, depending on the option you select. The van ride to the harbor takes about 25 minutes, though the full hotel pickup window can vary considerably because other passengers may be collected first.

You’ll receive your exact pickup information by email at about 10 pm the night before. This is worth checking carefully. The meeting point is the hotel’s main entrance by the road, not the reception entrance or an inner hotel gate. The driver can wait no more than five minutes, so this is not a morning for a leisurely search through the lobby.

At the harbor, you receive a safety briefing and board the speedboat. The boat has a shaded area, stereo system, mineral water, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, and life jackets. That is a useful mix for a half-day on open water, though you should still bring a towel, jacket, and some cash.

A speedboat gives the trip a different feel from a standard Red Sea boat outing. You spend less time moving between stops and more time at the sites. The tradeoff is motion. If the sea is choppy, the ride can feel lively, and this experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Shaab Eshta Kebir: Your First Coral Stop

The first water stop is Shaab Eshta Kebir, with about 20 minutes set aside for snorkeling. That is enough time to see coral and fish, but it is not a long reef session. If you have not snorkeled before, the guide can help you get comfortable with the equipment and point out what to watch for.

The appeal of this stop is variety. You are not simply taken to one site, rushed to an island, and sent home. The first reef gives you a short introduction to the underwater side of the Red Sea before the second stop adds another chance to swim.

Bring your own mask only if you prefer a familiar fit. Snorkeling equipment is included, as are life jackets and a snorkeling guide. You should still check the mask seal before the boat leaves the harbor. Small practical checks matter when your time in the water is limited.

The 20-minute schedule also means you should not expect a full scuba-style session. This is an introduction to reef scenery, fish, and clear water, not a technical marine excursion. Recent feedback specifically praised the coral reefs and the number of fish seen, so the underwater stops are a major reason to book.

Aruk Talata and the Second Chance to Snorkel

The next stop is Aruk Talata, also known as Shaab Pytra. Again, you get roughly 20 minutes in the water. Having two stops is valuable because visibility and marine life can vary from one place to the next, and a second site gives you another chance if the first one is less active than hoped.

Your guide can help direct the snorkeling and keep the group organized. Hassan was singled out for his work as a guide, while Captain Momo was praised for being friendly and considerate. The exact crew can change, but these names give you a sense of the service style associated with this experience.

You will want to keep an eye on the clock. Forty minutes total in the water passes quickly, especially if you spend the first few minutes adjusting your mask or waiting for instructions. Put on sunscreen before boarding and keep valuables secure in the hotel or according to the operator’s directions, since the supplied details do not describe onboard storage.

The best approach is to treat these stops as two focused swims. Look for coral structure, fish, and the changing view beneath the boat, rather than expecting a long, free-form session.

Magawish Island’s White Sand and Turquoise Water

After snorkeling, the speedboat heads to Magawish Island. You have 1.5 to 2 hours here, which is the longest part of the outing and gives the trip its beach-day character.

The island is known for pale sand and turquoise water. It has the simple appeal of a Red Sea beach break: swim, sit in the sun, walk along the sand, or find shade and cool off with a drink. The pace is much slower here than on the boat, and that contrast works well.

A full lunch needs clarification before booking. The experience title refers to lunch, but the stated inclusions list seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water rather than a named meal. One account mentions that food and drinks are available on the island, but you should confirm exactly what is included, especially if lunch is important to your plans. Bring cash as advised, since the details do not specify what island purchases cost or which payment methods are accepted.

The 1.5 to 2-hour stop is long enough to enjoy the beach without turning the day into a full resort stay. It is also the point where expectations matter. Magawish is presented as a sandy island escape, not as a cultural visit or a place packed with historical sights. You come for water, sand, and a quiet break.

A Short View From Above

If you select the extra option, you can fly for up to five minutes in a parasailing adventure. It is a short addition, but it changes the view completely. After seeing the Red Sea from the boat and below the surface, you get a brief look down over the water and shoreline.

Five minutes is not enough to make this a stand-alone parasailing trip. It works better as a quick extra for someone who wants to try the activity without giving up much beach time. Check that the parasailing option is selected during booking, since it is not part of every package.

Anyone nervous about heights should think about this add-on carefully. The main tour remains enjoyable without it, and there is no need to choose every available activity. If you are comfortable in the air, it adds a memorable change of pace.

Returning to Hurghada by Speedboat

After the island stop, you board the boat for the return journey. The listed scenic portion takes about 10 minutes before you reach Hurghada, followed by your transfer back to the hotel.

The total advertised duration is four hours. That makes this a good fit if you want a Red Sea outing but do not want to spend a full day on a boat. Keep in mind that the four-hour figure covers the main activity, while hotel collection and return transfers can make the morning or afternoon longer.

Drop-off is available in Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, or Safaga. If you are staying farther away in Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or the Soma Bay area, you need to select the long-range pickup as an add-on. The same applies to Safaga unless your selected option already includes it, so check the booking screen rather than assuming every Red Sea hotel transfer is covered.

What $196 Means for Two People

The stated price is $196 per group of up to two people. That is not the cheapest way to reach the Red Sea, but it can be fair value if you are traveling as a pair and want a private-group experience with hotel pickup, boat transport, equipment, two snorkeling stops, island entry, drinks, fruit, and a guide.

The price makes more sense when you value time. A direct speedboat reduces the feeling of spending the day in transit, and the four-hour format leaves room for other plans. You are also paying for convenience, since the operator handles the harbor transfer and return to your hotel.

It is less compelling if you only want a quick swim or if you are traveling alone and paying the full group rate. It is also important to clarify the lunch wording. The listed inclusions do not clearly promise a cooked meal, so do not assume lunch is included without checking.

The reservation allows you to book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. That gives you useful flexibility when sea conditions or your Hurghada schedule are uncertain.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most

I would recommend this experience to couples, friends, and families with older children who want a compact Red Sea outing. It suits you if you prefer a small-group boat, want both reef time and a beach stop, and like the option of adding parasailing.

It is also a good match if you are staying in or near Hurghada and want a half-day activity rather than a long excursion. The short format leaves time for a hotel pool, a meal, or another planned activity.

I would choose a different outing if your priority is a long snorkeling session, a large buffet lunch, or a cultural experience. This trip is about the sea. It does not include a city visit, monuments, or extended time with a marine guide.

People with back problems and pregnant women should not book it. The speedboat ride and water activities are not suitable for them according to the stated restrictions. Pets are also not allowed.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Morning

Check your email at 10 pm the night before for the pickup details. Have your hotel name, address, room number, nationality, and passport copy ready if requested, and wait at the correct road-facing entrance.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. A jacket is useful because speedboat rides can feel cool, even in warm weather. Take cash for food, drinks, or other island purchases, since the exact arrangements there are not fully specified.

Be ready five minutes before the stated pickup time. The driver cannot wait long because other pickups follow. If your hotel is in Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, or Soma Bay, check the add-on price before paying.

For snorkeling, arrive with realistic expectations. The two stops offer about 40 minutes in total, and that time is best used by getting your equipment ready quickly and listening to the guide. Hassan has received specific praise for guiding, while Captain Momo has been noted for considerate boat handling, though crew assignments can vary.

Should You Book the Magawish Island Speedboat?

Book it if you want a well-paced Red Sea half-day with two reef stops, a sandy island break, and the option of a five-minute parasailing flight. The coral, fish, turquoise water, and white beach cover the main sights without requiring a full-day commitment.

Before booking, confirm two details: the exact pickup surcharge for your hotel and what the lunch wording means. If the meal is not included, plan to use the supplied fruit and drinks or carry cash for food on Magawish Island.

For two people who value private-group convenience, the $196 rate can be sensible. For solo visitors or anyone seeking a longer snorkeling program, the value is less clear. My call: choose this for speed, simplicity, and a good mix of water activities and beach time, not for a long marine expedition or a guaranteed full lunch.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island trip last?

The main activity lasts four hours. Hotel pickup and return transfer time are additional and may make the total outing longer.

Where can pickup and drop-off take place?

The listed pickup and drop-off areas are Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Pickup from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay requires an add-on, and Safaga may also require an add-on depending on the selected option.

How long is the van ride to the harbor?

The van ride to the harbor takes about 25 minutes.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. The first is at Shaab Eshta Kebir, followed by Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra. Each stop allows about 20 minutes in the water.

Is parasailing included?

A five-minute parasailing adventure is included only if you select that option during booking.

What is included with the trip?

The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off for eligible locations, the speedboat cruise, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, a snorkeling guide, island entry, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, shaded space, a stereo system, and life jackets.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, jacket, and cash. You should also provide the requested hotel and personal details and wait at the hotel’s main entrance by the road at the confirmed pickup time.