Hurghada: 3-Island Speedboat, Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling

A fast private speedboat is the real treat here. Instead of spending much of your day getting to the islands, you move quickly between coral reefs, dolphin-search areas, white beaches, and a lonely sandbank. I like the mix of wildlife, swimming, and quiet beach time, plus the small-group setup that lets guides such as Ahmed, Adam, Kareem, and Tarek give close help in the water.

I also like the two snorkeling stops, including a wreck site, and the way the day covers three very different island settings. The main caution is simple: dolphins are wild, not scheduled performers. The operator gives an 80 percent chance of seeing them, but one recent outing produced only a brief sighting, and the islands can become busy later in the day.

Five things to know before you book

• Dolphins are searched for in the open Red Sea: You may see them, and swimming near them may be possible, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• The private group is capped at two people: This gives you more personal attention than a large boat trip, especially during snorkeling.
• You get two reef stops of about 35 minutes each: One stop may be near the Balena wreck, where fish gather around the sunken structure.
• The island visits vary in character: Orange Bay is photogenic and developed, Magawish is calmer, and Abu Monkar is mainly a sandbank for swimming and pictures.
• The speedboat saves time and adds excitement: You can reach places faster, but the ride can be windy and wet, so secure your sunglasses and loose belongings.

A full Red Sea day from Hurghada

This is a seven-hour private outing for a maximum of two people, with pickup from Hurghada included. The headline price is $233 per group, not per person, which works out to $116.50 each for two people. That is a fair price if you value privacy, a faster boat, and several separate stops in one day.

The day begins with a van transfer from your hotel to the harbor, usually about 30 minutes, though the pickup window can shift. Hurghada hotel pickup may be up to an hour earlier or later than the stated time. From Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga, pickup takes longer and requires an added fee.

You receive the final pickup details by email or WhatsApp at about 10 PM the night before. Give the operator your nationality, hotel name, address, and room number. On the morning itself, wait at the main entrance by the road, not at the reception entrance, and look for the white or black vehicle with the GoShalabi logo. The vehicle waits only about five minutes, so this is not the morning for a slow breakfast.

At the harbor, the crew gives a short safety briefing before you board. Life jackets, a captain, snorkeling gear, a guide, drinks, seasonal fruit, shaded seating, and the boat stereo are included. Towels are not included, so bring one.

The speedboat is part of the attraction

The boat makes this trip feel different from a standard large-boat Red Sea excursion. A speedboat can cover more ground and spend less time plowing slowly between Hurghada and the islands. That leaves more room for beach stops, snorkeling, and the dolphin search.

The tradeoff is comfort. At speed, the ride can be lively, and the wind can send spray over the sides. One person described receiving plenty of Red Sea showers, which sounds fun until your phone, hat, or sunglasses takes the same trip. Use a waterproof bag for valuables and hold onto anything loose.

The private format matters most during the water activities. Guides such as Tarek, Ahmed, Saif, and Sherif have been praised for staying beside less confident swimmers and helping first-time snorkelers feel secure. If you are uneasy in open water, tell the guide early. You can still see fish without pretending to be a strong swimmer.

The trip is not suitable for people with back problems. The boat ride, boarding, and repeated movement in and out of the water may be uncomfortable if your back is sensitive.

Dolphin watching near Giftun Island

The first major part of the route takes you toward Giftun Island and the open water where dolphins may be found. The crew watches for them and adjusts the route when there is a good chance of a sighting. This is the most unpredictable part of the day, and that is part of the deal.

The stated chance of seeing dolphins is 80 percent. Several outings have seen them more than once, while another saw only one dolphin briefly because many boats were gathered in the area. You should book this as a dolphin-search trip, not as a guaranteed swim-with-dolphins program.

If conditions allow, you may enter the water near dolphins. The best approach is to follow the guide and avoid chasing, blocking, or crowding the animals. One outing was praised for observing a pod without interfering with its path. That is the standard to hope for: a short, respectful encounter rather than a forced performance.

The number of boats matters. Early departures can reach some places before the largest groups arrive, which means a calmer experience and better room in the water. The advertised tour start is around 9 AM, but hotel pickup can begin earlier, and one outing began on the water at about 8:15 AM.

Two snorkeling stops, including a wreck site

You get two snorkeling stops, generally about 35 minutes each. That is enough time to see reef fish and coral without turning the entire day into a single long water session.

The first stop is described as a coral reef site near Giftun Island. Expect clear water, colorful fish, and a guide in the water with you. The quality of the experience depends on sea conditions, visibility, and how many other boats are nearby, but the private format gives you a better chance to stay with your own guide rather than being lost in a large group.

The second stop is at or near the Balena wreck site and lasts about 40 minutes in the stated schedule. A wreck gives the snorkeling a different feel from a plain reef. Fish gather around the structure, and the shape of the wreck adds something to look at while you move through the water.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to try. Guides have helped nervous beginners and non-swimmers experience the fish from close range. Still, this is open-water snorkeling, not a pool lesson. Wear the life jacket if you need it, listen to the guide, and do not treat the 35-minute stop as a test of endurance.

Underwater photographs and video may be offered during the trip for an extra charge. This can be worthwhile if you want a record of the wreck or your first snorkeling attempt, but ask about the price before agreeing to buy anything.

Orange Bay: beautiful, popular, and photo friendly

Orange Bay on Giftun Island is usually the most instantly recognizable stop. You spend about an hour on a white sandy beach with clear, shallow-looking water, time for swimming, sunbathing, and photographs.

The setting is attractive, but Orange Bay is also one of the better-known stops around Hurghada. It may feel busier than Magawish or the sandbank, especially as larger boats arrive. The early timing helps, and one smart way to use the stop is to take your photographs first, then swim once you have settled in.

I would not choose this tour solely for a deserted beach. Orange Bay can be busy. Its value is the combination of easy beach time, bright water, and a reliable contrast to the snorkeling stops.

The crew organizes the visit and provides shade on the boat, but bring sun protection for the island. A towel, cash, and secure footwear or water shoes are sensible choices, although only the towel and cash are specifically requested.

Magawish Island gives you a quieter hour

Magawish Island is another one-hour stop, and it may be the most relaxing part of the day. The beach and clear water offer room to slow down after the faster boat ride and the concentration needed for snorkeling.

The two main island stops are not identical. Orange Bay is better for the classic Red Sea photograph and a lively beach atmosphere. Magawish is often preferred by people who want a quieter stretch of sand and water. If your ideal boat trip includes some time with no task beyond sitting, swimming, or looking out to sea, this is the stop that provides it.

The order can vary. Some outings reach Orange Bay first, while others may alter the sequence according to sea conditions, boat traffic, or the day’s dolphin search. Either way, plan on about an hour rather than an entire afternoon.

Abu Monkar sandbank is the simplest stop

The visit to Juzur Abu Monkar, also called Abo Monkar or Abi Monkar in tour information, lasts about 30 minutes. This is a sandbank rather than a full island resort. Its appeal is the bare, open setting, shallow water, and chance to walk, swim, and take photographs surrounded by sea.

Do not expect facilities or a long beach session. Thirty minutes is enough for a short walk and pictures, but some people may wish for more time here. One past outing specifically wished for a longer visit to the sandbank.

This stop shows why the speedboat matters. A small boat can make the run to a remote sandbank practical, while a large vessel may not offer the same flexibility. It is a short stop, but it gives the day a more natural feel than staying only at the best-known beach sites.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Seasonal fruit, water, and soft drinks are included. Several departures have also provided a basic packed lunch, often sandwiches and pastries, but the formal inclusions focus on fruit and drinks, so I would not book this expecting a full meal.

The food has been described as fine by some people and in need of improvement by another. Bring a small snack if you have a large appetite, especially since you may spend seven hours away from your hotel. Do not count on a substantial restaurant lunch unless the operator confirms it for your date.

Bring:

• Towel
• Cash
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof protection for phones and cameras
• A hat and secure sunglasses
• Any personal medication you need

The operator is not responsible for lost or damaged belongings. This matters on a fast boat, where sunglasses, phones, and hats can quickly become permanent Red Sea souvenirs.

Is $233 good value for two?

At $233 for up to two people, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Red Sea islands. It is priced as a private speedboat experience, and that difference is important.

You are paying for a captain, guide, hotel transfer from Hurghada, two snorkeling sessions, dolphin searching, three island or sandbank stops, equipment, reserve fees, fruit, and drinks. You also avoid the crowding and slower pace of a large excursion boat.

For two people who want privacy and active help in the water, the price makes sense. It is especially attractive if one of you is a first-time snorkeler or nervous in open water. A solo participant pays the full group price, so the value is better when two people share it.

The extra pickup charge for distant resort areas changes the calculation. Check that cost before booking if you are staying outside central Hurghada. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately, which helps if your schedule is still moving.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this for a couple, parent and child, or two friends who want a private day rather than a large party boat. It also suits people who want variety: dolphins, reefs, beaches, a wreck, a sandbank, and a high-speed ride in one outing.

It is a good choice for a first snorkeling experience because the guide stays close and can offer reassurance. It is less suitable if you have back problems, dislike wind and spray, or want a guaranteed dolphin swim.

The trip is also a strong option for photographers. Orange Bay, Magawish, Abu Monkar, and the wreck all offer different subjects, and staff may take underwater photos and videos. Just confirm the additional cost before accepting the service.

Should you book the Hurghada speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a private, active Red Sea day with plenty of variety and personal guidance. The best features are the small group, fast boat, two snorkeling stops, and the chance to see dolphins in the wild.

Skip it if your main goal is guaranteed contact with dolphins, a quiet luxury lunch, or a long, empty beach stay. Nature controls the dolphin encounter, Orange Bay may be busy, the lunch can be basic, and the boat ride can be rough.

For two people staying in Hurghada, I think the package offers solid value, especially if you leave early and treat the dolphins as a bonus rather than a promise.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada speedboat tour last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the boat outing and the return transfer arrangements.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $233 per private group of up to two people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. Extra-fee pickup is available from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay.

When will I receive my pickup details?

Pickup information is sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10 PM the night before the trip.

Where should I wait for pickup?

Wait at the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance or reception area. Look for a white or black vehicle with the GoShalabi logo.

Is seeing dolphins guaranteed?

No. The stated chance of seeing dolphins is 80 percent. Dolphins are wild, so sightings and the chance to swim near them depend on conditions and animal behavior.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. Each is scheduled for about 35 minutes, with the wreck-site stop listed at about 40 minutes in the day’s timing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a snorkeling guide, and life jackets are included.

Are food and drinks included?

Seasonal fruit, water, and soft drinks are included. Some outings also provide a simple packed lunch, but you should not expect a full restaurant-style meal.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and cash. You should also protect personal belongings, since the operator is not responsible for lost or damaged items.