Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch

The most appealing part of this Red Sea yacht trip is the amount packed into one day: three island stops, two snorkeling areas, dolphin watching, and meals on board. For $47, you get a full eight hours at sea rather than a short boat ride with one quick swim.

I like the mix of guided snorkeling and free time. A guide helps nervous swimmers and keeps the first reef visit organized, while Magawish gives you more room to swim, sunbathe, or wander at your own pace. I also like that breakfast, lunch, fruit, water, coffee, and soft drinks are included.

The main thing to consider is the weather. Wind can make the boat ride cold and the water choppy, especially in winter. Dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, and the schedule can feel busy if you want long, quiet stretches on one island.

Key things to know before you book

• Three island stops in one day: Orange Bay, Giftun, and Magawish each offer a different kind of Red Sea break.
• Two snorkeling sessions: The first is guided near Giftun, while the later stop at Magawish allows more relaxed swimming.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: You may see them near the boat, but swimming with them depends on their behavior and sea conditions.
• Meals are part of the price: Expect a light breakfast, seafood lunch, fresh fruit, and unlimited water, hot drinks, and soft drinks.
• Winter needs warm clothing: Wind on the open sea can feel surprisingly cold, even in sunny Egypt.
• Pickup requires patience: Hurghada pickup can vary by up to an hour, and extended resort areas can vary by up to 90 minutes.

Why this Hurghada boat trip offers good value

The price is unusually friendly for a full-day Red Sea outing. At $47 per person, you are paying for transport from your Hurghada hotel, the boat, island entry fees, snorkeling gear, guides, breakfast, lunch, drinks, and fruit. Comparable excursions often charge separately for food, equipment, or island access, so the all-in format makes budgeting easy.

This is not a quiet private sailing trip unless you book the private option. The standard experience is designed for a group, with private groups available for parties of 10 to 30 people. That means a lively atmosphere, shared activities, music, and guides who keep the day moving.

I would choose this trip if you want a lot of Red Sea highlights in one booking. If you prefer one long snorkeling session, a small sailing boat, or several hours on a single empty beach, the packed schedule may feel too structured.

The boat has shaded seating and a stereo sound system. That matters because you will spend a good part of the day cruising between stops, and shade gives you a place to escape the sun after swimming. Bring a towel and sunscreen, and pack a jacket even if the forecast looks warm.

Hotel pickup and the early start

Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels, with three listed return areas: Hurghada 1, Hurghada, and Hurghada 2. The evening before your trip, you should receive details by email or WhatsApp at around 10:00 PM. Wait at the hotel entrance by the road, not inside reception, and look for a white or black vehicle with the GoShalabi logo.

This part needs a little patience. Pickup time may shift by up to 60 minutes in Hurghada and up to 90 minutes from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga. The driver can wait only five minutes, so be ready at the entrance rather than trying to finish breakfast in the hotel.

The road transfer is listed at about 30 minutes. Some departures are quite early, and you might reach the harbor before the rest of the group arrives. That can mean waiting on board, but it also gives you time to settle in and choose a shaded seat.

Long-distance pickup is an extra cost for Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay. If you have not added it in advance, payment may be collected at the harbor, and cancellation is not available after 6:00 PM the previous day for that arrangement.

Boarding the yacht and getting settled

At the harbor, the guide welcomes you aboard and gives a safety briefing before the boat leaves. The crew includes English and Arabic speakers, and names frequently associated with the boats include Fouad, Ahmed, Saef, Talal, Ashraf, Sabry, and Abdo. Crew assignments can change, but the useful point is that the staff are active throughout the day rather than simply handing you equipment and disappearing.

The boat includes a shaded seating area, sound system, life vests, and snorkeling equipment. You can sit back during the longer crossings, but keep a jacket close. Several February outings were described as windy, with warm clothes and large towels making a real difference.

Breakfast is served on board. It includes eggs, cheese, butter, honey, and bread. This is a light start rather than a full hotel-style buffet, but it is useful on an early departure and gives you something to eat before the first swim.

Orange Bay gives you the postcard stop

Orange Bay is the relaxed, photo-friendly part of the day. You get about one hour to swim, sit on the sand, take pictures, or enjoy the Caribbean-style setting. The shallow water and beach atmosphere make it an easy first island stop, especially for people who want a gentle introduction before snorkeling.

The short visit is also the limitation. One hour disappears quickly when you want to swim, photograph the beach, and simply sit in the sun. I would decide in advance what matters most to you, because trying to do everything can leave you feeling rushed.

Bring cash if you plan to buy anything on the island. One complaint involved a drink being charged at a higher price than expected, so check the displayed price before ordering and keep your spending simple. Your tour includes drinks on the yacht, so you do not need to rely on island purchases.

Orange Bay is best for scenery and easy relaxation, not for the most serious snorkeling of the day. If you want the clearest reef views, save your energy for Giftun.

Giftun brings the best reef time

The Giftun stop lasts about 40 minutes and takes place in the national park. The water can be clear, with coral, colorful fish, and the chance to spot rays or other sea life. The first snorkeling location received particularly strong praise, and it is likely to be the highlight for anyone booking this trip mainly for underwater scenery.

The snorkeling guide is important here. Guides such as Ashraf and Sabry have helped less confident swimmers stay safe and enjoy the water. Life vests are provided, and the group may be divided into smaller guided units, which keeps the reef visit more manageable.

You should not expect complete freedom at every point. Some people prefer to follow a guide closely, while confident swimmers may feel held back. Currents can also be stronger than expected, and visibility may change with wind and boat traffic.

The schedule then allows more time for dolphin watching around Giftun, listed at about 40 minutes to one hour depending on the itinerary. The crew searches from the boat, and if dolphins appear and conditions are suitable, you might have a chance to swim near them. There is no guarantee.

Keep your expectations sensible. Several outings saw dolphins quickly or more than once, while others saw only one or none. Small boats may crowd the animals or chase them away, and the crew cannot control what every boat nearby does. Seeing dolphins from a respectful distance can still be a fine moment, but do not book this as a guaranteed swim-with-dolphins excursion.

Magawish is the easygoing final island

Magawish usually provides about one hour for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or sitting on the beach. It is a useful contrast with the more guided Giftun session. You can use the snorkeling equipment again and choose how active you want to be late in the day.

The water here may be shallower and easier for casual swimmers, though conditions vary. One outing found the second snorkeling area choppier and murkier because it was near the beach and later in the day, while still spotting a stingray and a puffer fish.

I like having this second chance to snorkel. If the first session feels intimidating, you can build confidence and try again. If you are tired, Magawish also works as a simple place to dry off and rest.

Some people would prefer longer stays at each island, especially at Orange Bay. The three-stop format gives you variety, but it also means you trade depth for breadth. You will see more places, but you will not spend half a day at any one of them.

What you eat on the boat

Lunch is served while cruising or after one of the water stops. The seafood spread includes fish fillet, rice, pasta, calamari, shrimp, green salad, tuna salad, tahini, and bread. Water, soft drinks, and hot drinks are available throughout the day, with seasonal fruit served as well.

The food is a strong part of the value. Many people particularly enjoyed the calamari and the fresh, plentiful portions. Quality can vary from dish to dish, though: one meal included chewy, cold calamari. I would treat it as a good boat lunch with several choices, not as a restaurant tasting menu.

The two included meals are especially useful because the day can start early and end after sunset. You do not need to carry a packed lunch, though you should bring any special food you personally require because no dietary alternatives are specified.

The return cruise and sunset views

After Magawish, the yacht heads back toward the harbor. The return trip offers a calmer chance to sit in the shade, have another drink, and watch the light change over the Red Sea. The schedule describes a sunset cruise, although the exact experience will depend on departure time and weather.

The stereo system and lively crew keep the ride social. Guides such as Sayed have been praised for a comic, energetic style, and other crew members help with photos, equipment, and safety. If you prefer quiet, find a seat away from the main music area when possible.

Photographers may take pictures and video during snorkeling and island stops. These are offered for purchase at the end, so carry that possibility in mind before the trip. You are responsible for your own belongings, and the operator does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Weather, swimming ability, and who should book

This trip suits couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants a full Red Sea day without arranging separate activities. Non-swimmers can still enjoy the boat, beaches, food, and views, and guides may assist nervous swimmers in the water.

You need to be comfortable getting on and around a boat, however. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. A towel, sunscreen, cash, jacket, and passport or accepted passport copy are listed as essentials.

Winter conditions deserve special attention. January and February can bring strong wind, cold spray, and chilly water. A warm layer, large towel, and possibly a dry robe will make the day far more pleasant. Summer sun creates a different problem, so use sunscreen often and take breaks under the shaded seating.

The trip is not suitable for pets. You also need to provide your passport copy, nationality, hotel name, address, and room number when booking.

Cancellation is flexible, with a full refund available up to 24 hours before departure. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans depend on weather or hotel arrangements.

Should you book the three island cruise?

I would book it if you want maximum variety for a modest price. The combination of Orange Bay, Giftun, Magawish, two snorkel sessions, dolphin watching, meals, drinks, and hotel transport is hard to fault at $47.

Book with realistic expectations. Dolphin encounters are luck-based, island time is limited, the boat may be lively, and wind can change the feel of the day. Choose a calm forecast when possible, bring warm clothing in winter, check island drink prices, and do not skip the safety briefing.

This is a strong choice for a first Red Sea boat day or for anyone who wants an easy package with plenty to do. It is less suitable if you want silence, a private beach, long uninterrupted snorkeling, or a guaranteed dolphin swim.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada areas. Extended pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay costs extra.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including hotel transfer, the yacht cruise, island stops, snorkeling, dolphin watching, meals, and the return to the harbor.

Which islands are visited?

The cruise visits Orange Bay, Giftun Island, and Magawish Island. Entry fees for all three stops are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life vest are provided, along with a professional snorkeling guide and two snorkeling stops.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for dolphins, but sightings depend on the animals and sea conditions. Swimming with dolphins is possible only when conditions allow.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast includes eggs, cheese, butter, honey, and bread. Lunch includes fish fillet, rice, pasta, calamari, shrimp, salads, tahini, and bread. Water, soft drinks, hot drinks, and seasonal fruit are also included.