Hurghada: Orange Bay & Magawish Island Speedboat with Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the mix of fast boat travel, soft sand, and excellent snorkeling in one half-day trip. You visit Orange Bay and Magawish Island, then stop at two reef sites where the water is clear enough to spot colorful fish and coral.

I especially like the early departure option, which can get you to Orange Bay before the crowds, and the small speedboat format, which feels more personal than a large day boat. The main thing to consider is that island time can feel short, particularly at Orange Bay, and the ride may become bumpy when the sea is windy.

Key points

• Arrive early at Orange Bay: The first boats can reach the beach before it fills up.
• Two snorkeling stops: Each stop lasts about 20 minutes and includes equipment and guidance.
• Magawish Island includes lunch: You get time to relax, eat, and enjoy the beach setting.
• Optional 5-minute parasailing: Add a short flight for a view of the Red Sea from above.
• Helpful guides for beginners: Guides including Saif, Momo, Kiko, Hassan, and Adam have been praised for patient support.
• Good value at $47: Hotel transfers, boat transport, island fees, snorkeling gear, food, drinks, and fruit are included.

A Red Sea day built around speed and variety

At $47 per person, this is a lively way to see the Hurghada coast without committing to a full-day cruise. You get a private or shared speedboat, two island stops, two snorkeling sessions, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, soft drinks, water, seasonal fruit, and the required nature reserve fees.

I like this format because it avoids the slow pace of a large excursion boat. The speedboat gets you between locations quickly, and the small-group setting gives the crew more time to help with masks, fins, safety, and photographs. Some departures have been described as groups of around eight people, though the exact size depends on the option you book.

The trip lasts about four to six hours, depending on the schedule and conditions. Morning departures are useful if you want to keep the afternoon free. An afternoon departure can offer a calmer end to the day, with the chance to watch the sunset from Magawish Island if timing and conditions allow.

Hotel pickup and the run to the marina

Your day starts with hotel pickup in Hurghada. The vehicle collects you at the main entrance of the hotel, by the road, not at the reception entrance or inside the hotel grounds. That detail matters, especially at large resorts where the wrong meeting point can cost you the start of the trip.

Pickup details are sent by email at 10 pm the night before. You need to provide your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number. A passport copy is also required for the daily permissions.

Be ready on time. The vehicle can wait no more than five minutes because other people may be collected afterward. Longer-distance transfers from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay are available as a paid add-on during booking.

At the marina, the crew explains the day and gives basic instructions before you board. The ride itself is part of the fun. A speedboat is noisier and more exposed than a big covered boat, but it gives you a much stronger sense of movement across the Red Sea. Hold onto hats and sunglasses, and keep a towel handy.

Orange Bay before the crowds

The first island stop is Orange Bay, known for its pale sand and shallow, clear water. The planned visit lasts about one hour, which gives you time to sit on the beach, swim, take photographs, or simply enjoy the view.

Timing is the key to this stop. An early boat can arrive before the main crowds, making the beach feel much more peaceful. Several departures have reached Orange Bay when it was nearly empty, while later visits can feel much busier. If you dislike crowded beaches, choose the earliest available time.

Orange Bay is attractive, but it is not a remote beach in the absolute sense. It is a popular stop with a developed visitor setup, so expectations matter. You are coming for bright sand, clear water, and a pleasant island break, not complete solitude.

One practical criticism is that an hour can pass quickly. If your group loves beach time, you may wish you had longer here. A private boat can sometimes offer more flexibility, but the standard schedule keeps the day moving so you can reach the reefs and Magawish Island.

Two reef stops with 20 minutes in the water

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to two snorkeling locations. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is not a long session, but it gives you two chances to see the Red Sea from a different angle and breaks up the day nicely.

The water is described as clear, with coral, colorful fish, and occasional sightings of rays. Dolphins have also been spotted near the boat, though that is a lucky wildlife moment rather than something the crew can promise. You might see plenty of fish, or you might find that visibility changes with wind and sea conditions.

All basic snorkeling equipment is included, along with a life jacket. Guides stay nearby and help people who are nervous or unfamiliar with the gear. This is especially useful for a first snorkeling experience. Guides such as Saif, Adam, Momo, Kiko, and Hassan have been singled out for being patient and attentive, although the assigned crew can vary by departure.

If you have never snorkeled before, ask for a clear demonstration before entering the water. One common difficulty is getting water into your nose or swallowing some water while adjusting the mask. Take a moment to tighten the strap, press the mask gently to your face, and practice breathing through the tube before swimming away from the boat.

The sea can feel cool when you first enter, even when the air is hot. The supplied life jacket helps you stay afloat, but you should still be comfortable in open water before joining the snorkeling portion. This trip is not suitable for people with back problems, and the boat ride may feel rough when the wind picks up.

Magawish Island and the included lunch

Magawish Island is the longer island stop in the planned schedule, with about one hour for beach time and lunch. It is often compared with the Caribbean because of its white sand and turquoise-looking shallows. The setting is simple and attractive, with plenty of appeal for swimming, photographs, and a quiet break after snorkeling.

Lunch comes as a box, with soft drinks, water, and seasonal fruit included. The food has been described as plentiful and good quality, but appetite varies. If you need a large meal, bring extra cash for food at the island or bring a small snack of your own. You may also be too busy enjoying the water to think much about lunch.

A shaded tent is available, which is welcome during the hottest part of the day. Bring cash if you want to buy additional drinks or cocktails on the islands. Those extras are not part of the $47 price.

Magawish is not a huge island, so the one-hour stop gives you enough time to see the main area without feeling lost. Some people may prefer more time at the snorkeling sites or Orange Bay instead. On a private booking, the crew may be able to adjust the pace, and one private group was even able to stay for sunset. Do not assume that flexibility is included on every shared departure.

The optional parasailing flight

You can add a parasailing option for up to five minutes. It gives you a short aerial view of the Red Sea, the islands, and the boat below. This is a good choice if you want more than a beach and snorkeling day.

The flight is brief, so think of it as an extra thrill rather than a major part of the outing. If you are weighing the cost, the snorkeling and island visits are the main value of the trip. Parasailing works best as a small upgrade for anyone who enjoys trying several activities in one day.

The option needs to be selected when booking. The included equipment and life jacket relate to the standard water activities, while parasailing is included only if you choose that version.

What the crew does well

The strongest feature of this experience is the crew’s attention during the boat and water portions. Captains and guides have included people such as Saif, Kiko, Momo, Islam, Hassan, Karim, Ahmed, and Adam. Names and crew assignments change, but the useful pattern is clear: the guide is expected to help with equipment, explain the stops, offer water, and keep an eye on less confident swimmers.

For families, this support matters. A young child may decide not to snorkel, but the crew can still help the child stay comfortable on the boat while adults use the water. Guides have also helped with photographs, music, snacks, and simple explanations of the area.

Communication is mainly in English and Arabic. Some people may find communication less smooth than at a large international operation, but the activities themselves are straightforward. Pointing, demonstrations, and friendly help usually cover the basics.

Private or shared boat: which works better?

A shared trip keeps the price low and gives you a social outing. At $47, the included transfers, boat ride, island fees, lunch box, drinks, snorkeling equipment, guide, and fruit make this a strong value for a half-day on the water.

A private booking costs more, but it can be worthwhile for couples, families, or anyone who wants control over the pace. Private groups have had more freedom to choose how long to snorkel and how long to stay at each island. If your priority is a quiet beach stop or a sunset finish, ask about the exact flexibility before booking.

The shared version is the sensible choice if you mainly want to see the islands, snorkel, and keep spending under control. The private version makes more sense when your group has young children, different swimming abilities, or a strong preference for photography and unhurried stops.

What to pack for the Red Sea

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and cash. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible, though it is not listed as an included item. Wear clothing that can handle spray from the speedboat, and secure anything loose before the boat accelerates.

The sun can feel strong even when the boat is moving. Drink the supplied water regularly, use sun protection, and make use of the shaded tent during the island stop. Pets are not allowed.

Keep your expectations practical. The speedboat is fun but can be bumpy. Orange Bay may be crowded later in the day. Lunch is convenient rather than a full restaurant meal. The snorkeling is the real star, but the two 20-minute sessions may feel short if you already love spending time in the water.

Who should book this Hurghada outing?

I would choose this trip if you want several Red Sea experiences in one compact day. It suits first-time snorkelers, couples, families, and anyone who prefers a fast boat to a large cruise vessel.

It is also a good fit if you want a strong mix of activity and rest. You get the excitement of the ride and snorkeling, then time to sit on the sand at Orange Bay and Magawish Island. The optional parasailing adds another quick burst of activity.

I would think twice if you have back problems, dislike open boats, or want long, quiet stretches on one beach. You should also choose the pickup point carefully and be ready early, since the five-minute waiting limit is strict.

Should you book it?

Book it if the price, short duration, and variety appeal to you. At $47, the package covers the costly pieces that can add up separately: hotel transport, island entry, reserve fees, equipment, lunch, drinks, fruit, and a guide.

Choose an early departure for the best chance of a quieter Orange Bay. Choose private travel if flexibility matters more than price. If you are new to snorkeling, tell the guide at the start and ask for help fitting the mask. That small step can turn a nervous first swim into the highlight of the day.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat experience last?

The outing lasts about four to six hours, depending on the selected schedule and conditions.

What islands does the trip visit?

The trip visits Orange Bay and Magawish Island in the Red Sea.

Are snorkeling stops included?

Yes. The trip includes two snorkeling stops, each planned for about 20 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A lunch box is included, along with soft drinks, water, and seasonal fruit.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the standard service area in Hurghada.

Where should I wait for pickup?

Wait at the main entrance of your hotel’s main gate, by the road. Pickup is not at the reception gate or inside the reception area.

Is parasailing included?

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

What languages are available?

The activity is offered in English and Arabic.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.