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

The best part of this Hurghada boat trip is the mix: three island stops, two chances to snorkel, dolphin watching, and a proper lunch served at sea. You are not stuck on a beach all day, and you are not racing from one quick photo stop to another. The day has room for swimming, sun, food, and a sunset ride home.

I like the strong value at $47, especially with hotel pickup, entrance fees, breakfast, lunch, fruit, equipment, and drinks included. I also like the care in the water. Guides such as Ashraf, Ahmed, Talal, and Sayed have helped nervous swimmers and kept snorkeling groups organized.

The main catch is the weather. Wind can make the boat ride chilly and the water rough, especially in winter. Bring a jacket and towel, and remember that dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled performance.

Key points at a glance

• Three island stops in one day: Orange Bay, Giftun Island National Park, and Magawish each offer a different mix of sand, swimming, photos, and snorkeling.
• Two snorkeling opportunities: The first site near Giftun is usually the stronger stop for coral and fish, while Magawish offers a second chance in shallower water.
• Meals are included: Breakfast comes early, followed by seafood lunch with fish, shrimp, calamari, rice, pasta, salads, tahini, bread, fruit, and drinks.
• Dolphin watching is never guaranteed: You may see dolphins near the islands, but boats and sea conditions affect how close you can get.
• Good support for beginners: A professional snorkeling guide, life vest, and equipment are provided, and guides can assist less confident swimmers.
• Plan for a long day outdoors: Pickup delays can reach an hour in Hurghada and 90 minutes from extended areas, so keep your morning flexible.

A full Red Sea day for $47

At $47 per person, this is priced as an easy all-in day rather than a bare boat transfer. You get transport from Hurghada, the yacht cruise, island entrance fees, snorkeling equipment, two meals, fruit, water, hot drinks, and soft drinks.

That matters in Egypt, where small extras can quickly add up. You do not need to arrange a separate ride to the harbor, rent a mask and fins, or pay admission at each island. The package also includes a shaded seating area and a stereo system, so you can take a break from the sun without giving up the sea views.

The private option is available for groups of 10 to 30 people. For most people, the shared trip should be enough. A private booking makes more sense if you are traveling with family or friends and want control over the group atmosphere.

The price does not include long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay. That transfer is an add-on, or you may be asked to pay at the harbor if you did not book it in advance. Check this carefully before confirming.

Getting from your hotel to the harbor

Pickup details arrive by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before. You need to provide your hotel name, address, room number, nationality, and a passport copy. The company asks you to wait at the main entrance by the road, not inside reception.

Look for a white or black vehicle marked with the Go Shalabi logo. The driver waits only five minutes, so do not wander off for breakfast or wait in the lobby. Pickup time can vary by about 60 minutes for Hurghada hotels and by about 90 minutes for the farther resort areas.

The van ride is listed at roughly 30 minutes. Once you reach the harbor, the crew welcomes you aboard, explains the day, and gives a safety briefing. The boat has shaded seating, which is useful when the sun becomes strong or you need a quiet break between swims.

The transport system appears organized, but the wide pickup window is worth taking seriously. I would not plan a tight afternoon appointment after this trip. The advertised duration is eight hours, and the ride back includes a sunset cruise, but road traffic and harbor timing can stretch the day.

Orange Bay and its Caribbean-style setting

Orange Bay is the relaxed, photo-friendly stop. You get about an hour here for swimming, sitting on the sand, taking pictures, or simply enjoying the shallow water and island setting.

The appeal is easy to understand. Orange Bay has a casual beach atmosphere, with pale sand, clear water, and places designed for sitting rather than serious exploration. It is the stop where you can slow down after the early pickup and enjoy the view without wearing a mask and fins.

Bring cash if you want to buy a drink on the island. One important warning: prices may not be as clear as you expect, and a drink can cost more than the menu suggests. Confirm the price before ordering. Your included drinks are served on the boat, so there is no need to buy anything ashore.

An hour is enough for a swim and photos, but it can feel short if you want a long, lazy beach break. If island time is your top priority, you may prefer a tour that visits fewer places. This trip is designed for variety, not staying in one bay all morning.

Giftun Island snorkeling and the best underwater time

Giftun Island National Park is the main snorkeling stop. The scheduled water time is about 40 minutes, with another period in the area for dolphin watching and swimming. Entrance fees are included.

The first snorkeling site is usually the strongest part of the day for underwater scenery. Expect coral, many types of colorful fish, and clear Red Sea water when conditions are calm. The crew provides masks, snorkels, fins, and life vests, then organizes the water activity with a professional guide.

This setup works well for beginners. Guides including Ashraf and Sabry have helped people who were not confident swimmers, while some visitors have chosen to stay on the boat and sunbathe. You do not have to snorkel to enjoy the trip.

The water can be cold in February, and strong currents or wind can affect visibility. One account describes choppy, murky conditions at a later stop but still spotting a stingray and puffer fish. That is a useful reminder that the Red Sea does not look exactly the same at every site or on every day.

You may also find the guided format a little controlled. It helps keep the group safe and protects the pace of the day, but strong swimmers who want to roam freely may find the time in the water more limited than expected. Ask the guide what area you may cover before entering.

Dolphin watching without a guarantee

Dolphin watching takes about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on how the day is arranged. You may spot dolphins on the way to the islands, near Giftun, or on the return trip.

Several outings have seen dolphins, sometimes within the first 20 minutes. Other days produce only one sighting, or none close enough for swimming. The crew cannot control the animals, the wind, or the behavior of other boats.

This is a good place to set your expectations properly. You are going to sea to search for dolphins, not to a marine park with a fixed show. If dolphins appear, the captain may slow down and give you a chance to watch and take pictures, but swimming with them depends on sea conditions and local boat traffic.

One encouraging detail is that the larger yacht may avoid aggressive chasing. Smaller speedboats can crowd the animals, and one account described dolphins being driven away before a swim was possible. Seeing them from a respectful distance is still a worthwhile result.

Bring a camera, but keep it secure. The company is not responsible for lost or damaged belongings. Crew photographers may take pictures and videos during the trip, with purchases available at the end. You are not required to buy them.

Seafood lunch, breakfast, and the onboard rhythm

Food is one of the better extras here. Breakfast is served onboard and includes eggs, cheese, butter, honey, and bread. It is simple, but useful after an early hotel pickup.

Lunch includes fish fillet, rice, pasta, calamari, shrimp, green salad, tuna salad, tahini, and bread. Water, soft drinks, hot drinks, and seasonal fruit are also included. The seafood menu gives the meal more substance than the usual sandwich-and-juice boat fare.

Most food reports are very positive, though quality can vary by dish. Calamari was described as chewy and cold on one outing, so do not expect restaurant consistency from a meal prepared on a moving boat. The broader spread still offers plenty of choice if one item is not to your taste.

The meal also breaks up the schedule at the right time. After swimming and sitting in the wind, you need something filling. You can eat in the shaded area, then return to the deck for the afternoon island stop.

Magawish Island and the second snorkeling stop

Magawish is the final island visit and usually gives you another hour for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach. It is a useful second chance if you were too cold, nervous, or busy taking photos at Giftun.

The water may be shallower here, making it more comfortable for first-time snorkelers. It can also be less clear later in the day, especially close to the beach and after wind has stirred up the water. You may still see rays, puffer fish, and smaller fish, but the underwater conditions are less predictable than at the first site.

I like this stop because it gives non-swimmers something to do. You can sit on the sand, sunbathe, or enjoy the island view while stronger swimmers use the equipment again. The schedule is active, but not every minute requires you to be in the water.

If your main goal is snorkeling, treat Magawish as a bonus rather than the headline site. The best coral viewing may come earlier near Giftun. If you want a balanced day with two swims and two beach breaks, the order works well.

The sunset ride back to Hurghada

The return cruise is a pleasant way to finish the day. After the last island, you can sit under cover, have another soft drink or hot drink, and watch the light change over the Red Sea.

The boat atmosphere is lively. Crew members such as Sayed, Ahmed, Fouad, Saef, and Talal have been praised for mixing jokes with clear instructions. That energy suits people who enjoy music and group interaction, though anyone seeking a quiet sailing trip may find the stereo and entertainment a little much.

Tips are not listed as an included cost. Carry some cash if you want to reward the crew, but do not feel that tipping should change the price you agreed to or pressure you into purchases. One account found end-of-trip tip requests uncomfortable, so it is sensible to decide your budget before departure.

What to bring for comfort and safety

Pack a towel, sunscreen, cash, and a jacket. The jacket is not an optional extra in winter. Wind on open water can feel cold even on a sunny Egyptian day, especially after snorkeling.

A dry robe or warm layer would be useful in February, and a few people wished blankets were available onboard. Large towels help too. Keep your passport or an accepted copy with you, as the company asks for identification details.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should also be comfortable stepping onto a boat, moving around a deck, and getting in or out of the water with help from the crew. Pets are not allowed.

The team provides life vests and snorkeling equipment, but you remain responsible for your own belongings. Use a small waterproof bag for phones, room keys, and cash.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most

I would choose this for a first Red Sea outing, families with mixed swimming ability, couples wanting a full day at sea, and anyone who wants several highlights without arranging separate tours. The crew support is especially helpful if you are new to snorkeling.

It also suits people who value a complete package. Breakfast, seafood lunch, fruit, drinks, equipment, transfers, and island fees are all handled for you. That makes the $47 price easy to justify.

I would think twice if you dislike group activities, get seasick, need a quiet boat, or want a long uninterrupted beach stay. The 8-hour schedule covers a lot, and island time is divided among three places. Wind can also reduce the comfort of the trip.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The live guide service is offered in English and Arabic, with private groups available.

Should you book the Go Shalabi 3 Islands trip?

Book it if you want a full Red Sea day with strong value, plenty of food, two snorkeling opportunities, and a real chance of seeing dolphins. The first Giftun snorkeling stop is the main reason to go, while Orange Bay and Magawish add beach time and variety.

Choose your date with care. A calm, warm day can make the boat ride and snorkeling excellent. A windy winter day may still be enjoyable, but you will need warm clothing and a flexible attitude.

For $47, this is one of the more practical ways to combine Hurghada’s islands, reefs, and open-water scenery in one outing. Just keep your expectations honest: dolphins are wild, weather changes the water, and the day moves at a group pace.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada yacht trip last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including hotel pickup, the boat cruise, island visits, snorkeling, lunch, and the return ride.

Which islands does the trip visit?

The route includes Orange Bay, Giftun Island National Park, and Magawish Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Is dolphin swimming guaranteed?

No. Dolphin sightings depend on the animals and sea conditions. You may see dolphins, but swimming with them is not guaranteed.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes eggs, cheese, butter, honey, and bread. Seafood lunch includes fish fillet, rice, pasta, calamari, shrimp, salads, tahini, and bread. Seasonal fruit is also provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and hot drinks are included during the trip.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. Long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay costs extra.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, jacket, cash, and your passport or an accepted copy. The company also asks for your hotel and room details before the trip.