Hurghada: Magawish Island Speedboat W Snorkelling & Lunch

The main appeal here is the mix of fast Red Sea cruising, coral reefs, and white sand in one compact half-day. You get two snorkel stops before reaching Magawish Island, then enough beach time to swim, sit under the sun, or simply enjoy the turquoise water.

I like the efficient route and the small-group feel, especially for a couple paying $196 for up to two people. I also like that the trip includes hotel transport, equipment, drinks, fruit, and a shaded area on the boat. The main thing to check is lunch: the experience title mentions it, but the listed inclusions specify seasonal fruit and soft drinks rather than a full meal.

Key points to know before booking

• Two separate snorkel stops: You visit Shaab Eshta Kebir and Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra, for about 20 minutes each.
• Magawish Island beach time: You get roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on sandy beaches with clear water and a Caribbean-style setting.
• Optional five-minute flight: Select the parasailing option if you want a short view of the Red Sea from above.
• Hotel pickup is useful but exact timing varies: Your pickup may be 1 to 1.5 hours different from the scheduled start time.
• Captain and guide can shape the day: Hassan has led some trips, while Captain Momo has been praised for being considerate and careful.
• Lunch needs clarification: Fruit and drinks are included, but confirm what food is provided before you assume a full lunch.

A fast start from Hurghada to the Red Sea

Your day begins with pickup from the main entrance of your hotel, the entrance by the road rather than the reception area. A van ride of about 25 minutes takes you to the harbor, though the pickup window can vary by 1 to 1.5 hours.

That variation matters. This is sold as a four-hour activity, but your total time away from the hotel will be longer once transport is added. You will receive pickup details by email at about 10 pm the night before, so check your messages and be ready at the stated time.

The operator allows only five minutes of waiting at the pickup point. I would be outside early with your phone, towel, and any cash you plan to use. You need to provide your correct nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy as requested for the transfer arrangements.

The route is designed for a private group, although the description also refers to shared or private speedboat options. If privacy is important to you, confirm the exact booking type before paying. The price is listed as $196 per group of up to two people, so it makes the most sense for a couple or two friends sharing the cost.

Boarding the speedboat and settling into the ride

At the harbor, you receive safety instructions before boarding. Life jackets are included, and the boat has a shaded section and a stereo system. Those are small details, but they make a difference on a sunny Red Sea day, especially during the return ride when you may be tired from swimming.

A speedboat gives this trip a sharper pace than a large day cruiser. You spend less time moving between sites and more time at the reef and island. The trade-off is that the ride may feel lively, particularly for anyone with back problems. This activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Bring a light jacket even if the morning feels hot. Wind can make the ride feel cooler, and a jacket is specifically recommended. A towel is essential after the snorkel stops, while cash is useful for any personal purchases, particularly since the food arrangements on the island are not fully detailed.

First reef stop at Shaab Eshta Kebir

The first scheduled water stop is Shaab Eshta Kebir, with about 20 minutes for snorkeling. The guide provides equipment and leads the snorkeling portion, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins.

Twenty minutes is enough for a quick look at the reef, but it is not a long session. I would use this first stop to check your mask fit, settle your breathing, and get comfortable in the water. If you spot coral or fish quickly, you can make the most of the short window instead of spending several minutes adjusting equipment.

The Red Sea is known for clear water and coral formations, and the strongest praise for this trip has focused on the snorkeling. One recent booking described the coral reefs as beautiful, while another noted seeing many colorful fish. That makes the reef stops the heart of the outing, rather than a minor extra before the beach.

You should still keep expectations sensible. Visibility, fish activity, and comfort in the water can vary from one day to the next. The activity promises two snorkeling locations, not a private marine-life expedition. The guide’s role is valuable here because you can get into the water promptly and receive help if you need it.

Second snorkeling stop at Aruk Talata

The second stop is Aruk Talata, also known as Shaab Pytra. It also allows about 20 minutes of snorkeling, giving you another chance to see coral and fish in a different part of the Red Sea.

The two-stop format is a good use of the morning. If conditions or visibility are less appealing at the first site, you have another location rather than one all-or-nothing swim. It also breaks up the activity nicely: boat ride, water stop, boat ride, second water stop, then beach time.

The practical limit is time. Forty minutes of total snorkeling is brief compared with a full-day reef cruise. If your main goal is long sessions in the water, this outing may feel rushed. If you want a manageable introduction to Red Sea snorkeling combined with a beach visit, the timing is more suitable.

Use the second stop to focus on what you missed at the first. The guide may point out coral areas, but the supplied details do not promise a particular species or a marine biology talk. Bring your own sense of pace and enjoy the water without expecting a formal lesson.

Magawish Island gives you the slow part of the day

After the reef stops, the speedboat heads to Magawish Island. You have about 1.5 to 2 hours here, which is much longer than the time spent at either snorkeling site.

This is where the outing changes character. The island is known for sandy beaches and turquoise water, with a look compared to the Caribbean. You can swim, stretch out on the beach, and let the day slow down after the boat ride and short reef sessions.

I like this balance. A morning spent only on a speedboat can leave you feeling hurried, while an island stop gives you a place to relax without watching the clock every few minutes. The visit is also long enough to make the island feel like a real destination, not just a photo stop.

Food is the point that needs the clearest question before booking. Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are included. One description also indicates that you can eat and drink on the island, but a full lunch is not clearly listed among the inclusions. Since the title refers to lunch, ask the provider exactly what meal, if any, is included and what must be paid for separately.

The island may be the quietest part of the day, but it is not a cultural visit. You are coming for sand, swimming, and sea views, not museums, historic buildings, or local village life. Pack your expectations accordingly.

Optional parasailing for a five-minute view

You can add a parasailing session lasting up to five minutes. It offers a quick look at the Red Sea from above, giving the outing a third angle after the boat ride and snorkeling.

Five minutes is short, so think of this as a brief thrill rather than a full aerial activity. It may suit you if you want one memorable burst of height without committing a large part of the day to it. It also gives non-snorkelers another way to enjoy the water.

This option costs extra through the booking choice, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. If you have any concern about the motion or harness, ask before selecting it. The standard outing already includes enough activity, so you do not need parasailing to get value from the trip.

The return cruise keeps the schedule compact

After the island visit, you board the speedboat for the ride back to the harbor. The listed scenic return portion is about 10 minutes, followed by your transfer back to the hotel.

The return is practical rather than extended sightseeing. You will have had your main views during the outward cruise and island visit, so this part is about getting back without a long wait. The shaded boat area and drinks are useful at this stage, especially if you have been in the sun.

Transport is included for the main Hurghada pickup areas, including Hurghada, Hurghada 1, and Hurghada 2. Long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and the Soma Bay area is available as an add-on. Check this carefully because the base price does not cover every hotel zone.

What the $196 price really buys you

At $196 for a group of up to two, this is not a bargain-priced shared boat excursion. It can be fair value if you are traveling as a couple and want a private-group setup, hotel transport, equipment, a guide, two reef stops, island access, fruit, drinks, and the speedboat itself in one booking.

The value improves when you count the time saved. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the harbor, hire snorkeling equipment, or organize separate transfers. You also get a quicker boat than a large vessel, which helps fit reef time and an island visit into four activity hours.

The value is weaker if you are booking alone, if you expect a substantial included lunch, or if you mainly want long snorkeling sessions. A solo visitor pays the full group price unless the operator offers a different arrangement. Before booking, confirm the exact group setup, the food plan, and the pickup fee for your hotel area.

A flexible cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Red Sea schedule is still changing.

Who will enjoy this Hurghada outing most

I would recommend this trip to a couple or small private group that wants several Red Sea highlights without spending a full day at sea. It suits confident swimmers, casual snorkelers, and people who care about beach time as much as coral.

It is also a good fit if you value simple logistics. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, life jackets, drinks, and a guide reduce the number of details you need to manage. Hassan has guided some departures, and Captain Momo has been praised for a friendly, considerate approach.

I would hesitate if you want a long, serious snorkeling program. The two water stops last about 20 minutes each, and the island visit takes up much of the day. I would also look elsewhere if you need a guaranteed full meal, have back problems, are pregnant, or dislike strict pickup times.

Bring a towel, light jacket, cash, and your booking details. Wear swim clothing under your day clothes so you are ready when the boat reaches the reef. Most important, wait for the pickup email the night before and stand at the correct hotel entrance.

Should you book the Magawish Island speedboat?

Book it if you want a fast, well-packed Red Sea half-day with two coral stops, a long Magawish Island visit, and optional parasailing. The snorkeling receives the strongest praise, and the island time keeps the day from feeling like one continuous boat ride.

Skip it if you expect a long reef safari, a clearly defined restaurant lunch, or a relaxed pickup schedule. For the right pair, though, the $196 group price can make sense because it combines transport, boat, equipment, guide service, island access, and refreshments in one short outing.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island speedboat activity last?

The activity lasts about four hours, not counting the time needed for hotel pickup and drop-off.

Where can pickup be arranged?

Pickup options include Hurghada, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, and Safaga. Pickup from Makadi, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and the Soma Bay area is available as an add-on.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is at the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance or reception area.

When will I receive my pickup details?

The pickup details are sent by email at about 10 pm the night before the activity.

How long can the pickup wait?

The provider can wait no more than five minutes at the stated pickup point because other pickups are scheduled.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included, at Shaab Eshta Kebir and Aruk Talata, also called Shaab Pytra.

How long is each snorkeling stop?

Each snorkeling stop lasts about 20 minutes.

How long do I spend on Magawish Island?

You have approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on Magawish Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is lunch included?

Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are listed as included. The full meal arrangement is not clearly specified, so confirm what lunch includes before booking.

Can I add parasailing?

Yes. You can choose an option that includes a parasailing session of up to five minutes.

Is the activity suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, a jacket, and cash. Pets are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Is the activity private?

It is described as a private group experience, although the speedboat options may be shared or private. Confirm the exact arrangement when booking.