Hurghada: Private Speedboat to Magawish Island

Magawish Island is the star here: a sandy Red Sea stop reached by private speedboat, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and taking it easy rather than rushing from one packed activity to another. The clear, shallow water makes this a friendly choice if you are new to snorkeling.

I like the flexibility of choosing four or eight hours, and I like that the price includes hotel pickup, boat transport, equipment, snacks, fruit, soft drinks, and an island entrance fee. The main catch is the pickup window, which may shift by 1 to 1.5 hours, and the basic package does not include lunch, parasailing, or pickup from resorts outside Hurghada.

Key points to know before booking

• Private speedboat access: You cross the Red Sea in a private group rather than joining a large public boat.
• Two water stops: The schedule allows swimming and snorkeling near Hurghada and again at Magawish Island.
• Beginner-friendly snorkeling: A guide and life jacket are provided, and a floating ring can help less confident swimmers.
• Choose your pace: The four-hour option suits a shorter holiday schedule, while the eight-hour version gives you more island and water time.
• Extras change the value: Lunch, parasailing, massage, and out-of-town pickup cost extra if selected.
• Pickup needs attention: Meet at your hotel’s main road gate, not reception, and watch for the pickup email sent the evening before.

Speeding across the Red Sea from Hurghada

The day begins with pickup at your Hurghada hotel and a van ride of about 30 minutes to the marina. The operator collects from three Hurghada areas, listed as Hurghada, Hurghada 1, and Hurghada 2, but your exact pickup time depends on the hotel and traffic.

That timing matters. The advertised pickup may move by an hour or more, so do not schedule a tight airport transfer or another fixed activity immediately afterward. Your pickup details are sent by email at 10:00 PM the night before, and you need to provide your nationality, hotel name, and room number when booking.

At the marina, you receive a short safety briefing before boarding. The speedboat is the practical advantage over a slower shared boat: you spend less time getting to the island and more time with the water and beach. It also gives the outing a private feel, which works well for couples, families, and small groups who want control over the day.

The boat trip itself is part of the pleasure, with open Red Sea views on the way to Magawish. You should still expect a boat ride rather than a luxury yacht experience. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and cash, and keep your belongings secure around the water.

The first swim and snorkeling stop

The schedule includes a two-hour stop around Hurghada for swimming and snorkeling. This first water session gives you a chance to test the equipment, get comfortable in the sea, and see how you feel before reaching the island.

The package includes snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, and a snorkeling guide. The guide is especially useful if you have never used a mask or are unsure in open water. One helpful detail from the trip reports is that a less confident swimmer was assisted with a floating ring, allowing them to take part without needing to swim independently for long periods.

That support makes this more than a simple boat transfer. You can ask for help with the mask, stay close to the guide, and use the life jacket for extra security. The water is described as calm and shallow in the snorkeling areas, though conditions can always change on the Red Sea. Listen to the guide rather than treating the stop as a free-for-all.

The snorkeling includes coral reefs and colorful fish, but keep your expectations sensible. This is a half-day or full-day island outing, not a specialist reef expedition. You are paying for a mix of boat travel, beach time, and accessible snorkeling, with the reef as one part of the day.

Some reports also describe dolphin sightings during the boat trip. Dolphins are never guaranteed, so treat that as a lucky extra, not a promised feature.

Magawish Island: sand, water, and open time

The second major stop is Magawish Island, where you have about two hours for a visit, swimming, and snorkeling under the standard schedule. The island offers a simple Red Sea escape: sandy beach, clear water, time for photographs, and room to sit without a packed sightseeing program.

I like this pause because it gives the outing a better rhythm. After the speedboat and first snorkeling session, you can slow down, dry off, and choose how active you want to be. You might spend your time in the water, walk along the sand, take pictures, or simply sit with a drink and fruit.

The island is described as calm and good for relaxing. It is not presented as a historic site or a place with a long list of attractions. Its appeal is the setting and the break from Hurghada’s hotel strip. If you want beach time with minimal planning, that simplicity is a plus.

The two-hour island visit may feel short if you choose the longer outing specifically for a full beach day. On the other hand, it keeps the day moving and leaves room for the water stops. Check which duration and add-ons you are booking if you want more time on the sand.

What the food and refreshments add

Water, soft drinks, snacks, and fruit are included. These are small but useful touches on a hot day, especially when you are moving between boat, beach, and snorkeling stops. You will still want sunscreen and possibly extra cash for anything not included.

Lunch is included only if you select that option. If you choose it, the meal is served on the island. Food quality can be a personal matter, but the available comments suggest a solid meal, with salads preferred over pizza by one person. That is useful advice if both are available.

Do not assume lunch is part of the base price just because the day covers several hours. Check the booking option before you pay. The same applies to parasailing and massage. These upgrades may suit you if you want more than swimming and snorkeling, but they also change the final cost and the pace of the day.

At $88 per person, the value depends on your group and chosen duration. For a private boat with hotel transfer, island entry, guide, equipment, drinks, snacks, fruit, and a snorkeling stop, the price can make sense if you value privacy and convenience. It is less compelling if you only want a short beach visit and do not care about the private boat.

Four hours or eight hours?

The shorter option is best if you want a compact Red Sea outing between other Hurghada plans. You get the boat journey, swimming, snorkeling, and island time without giving up most of the day. It is also the safer pick for children or anyone who tires quickly in the sun.

The eight-hour option gives you more breathing room. You can spend longer around the water, enjoy the island at a slower pace, and add lunch or an activity without feeling that every minute is scheduled. If Magawish is the main purpose of your day, I would choose the longer version.

There is one point to clarify before booking: the stated schedule lists roughly 30 minutes by van, two hours around Hurghada, two hours at Magawish, and 30 minutes back. That adds up to about five hours before allowing for marina handling and the boat ride. The advertised duration range is four to eight hours, so confirm the exact operating time for your selected option.

The private format should also help your group avoid the feel of a large excursion. It does not mean every minute is individually planned around your wishes, since the trip still follows a set route and safety procedure. But you are not simply joining a crowded party boat with a fixed mass schedule.

The guides and the human side of the trip

The guiding language is Arabic and English. A snorkeling guide is included, and the boat crew handles the safety briefing and water activities. The comments supplied about the trip repeatedly point to friendly, attentive service and good humor from the crew.

One name that comes up is Mohammed, the company owner or boat operator. His most striking contribution happened after an injury during a boat change on the return journey. He helped arrange a taxi, stayed at the hospital, translated into Arabic, and helped with the medical process. That is not a promised part of the excursion, but it does show the level of personal assistance that can matter when a day takes an unexpected turn.

Other feedback highlights an attentive snorkeling guide and a crew willing to help people who are not strong swimmers. I would still judge the trip by its stated inclusions rather than by one exceptional act of kindness. The important practical point is that you should tell the guide clearly about your swimming ability and stay within the instructions given.

The trip has received a 4.8 rating from 19 ratings, with especially strong praise for snorkeling, the crew, Magawish Island, and the relaxed pace. Several people describe the outing as a highlight of their Hurghada stay. That pattern supports choosing it for service and water time, not for complex sightseeing.

Who will enjoy this island trip most?

This outing suits you if you want several Red Sea activities in one private day:

• Couples looking for a quieter boat trip
• Families who want a guide and flotation equipment
• First-time snorkelers who prefer support in the water
• Small groups that value hotel pickup and a private format
• Beach fans who want more than a hotel pool
• Visitors with only four hours available for a shorter version

You may want to think twice if you dislike boats, sun, or open-water activities. There is no pet access, and the day centers on swimming, snorkeling, and the beach. It is also not the right pick if you want a long cultural tour or a land-based visit filled with monuments.

Wheelchair access is listed, but the experience still includes a van, marina boarding, a speedboat, beach access, and water activities. Ask the operator about the exact assistance you need before booking, especially if you cannot manage boat boarding or sandy surfaces independently.

Pickup is included from Hurghada. Pickup from Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga is available only as an optional add-on, so check the extra cost before assuming your resort is covered.

Practical ways to make the day better

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. Sunscreen is essential, and cash is sensible for optional purchases or extras. A waterproof phone pouch may also be useful, though it is not listed as an included item.

Keep your booking information handy and check your email at 10:00 PM the night before. Go to the hotel’s main gate on the road, not the reception desk. This simple detail can prevent a missed pickup.

Give yourself room around the return time. Traffic can affect the van transfer, and pickup timing already has a possible 1 to 1.5-hour variation. The flexible cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans are still shifting.

Finally, be honest about your swimming ability. The crew can provide a life jacket, snorkeling instruction, and a floating ring, but the sea is still the sea. Stay close to the guide, follow the safety briefing, and do not treat a calm first impression as permission to swim far from the boat.

Should you book the Magawish speedboat trip?

I would book this if you want a private, easy Red Sea day built around snorkeling and beach time. The best parts are the fast boat transfer, two water sessions, helpful equipment and guide support, and the quiet break at Magawish Island. The crew’s attentive service is another reason this experience has earned such strong feedback.

Choose the eight-hour option if you want lunch, extra time, or a less hurried day. Choose four hours if you are fitting the island around other plans. Before paying, confirm the duration, pickup point, and any added cost for lunch, parasailing, massage, or out-of-town resort pickup.

At $88 per person, it is a good fit for people who value privacy and included convenience. It is not the cheapest way to reach a beach, but it combines transport, snorkeling, equipment, refreshments, island entry, and a guide in one organized outing. For a first Red Sea snorkeling experience from Hurghada, that is a sensible package.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island experience last?

You can choose between a 4-hour and an 8-hour option. Check availability for the starting times and confirm the exact duration when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Private round-trip pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Hurghada. Pickup is from the main hotel gate on the road, not the reception area.

Can I be picked up from Makadi Bay or El Gouna?

Pickup from Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga is available as an optional add-on during checkout. It is not included in the standard Hurghada pickup.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Arabic and English.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, and a snorkeling guide are included. One snorkeling stop is included in the package, with swimming and snorkeling time also scheduled at Magawish Island.

Is lunch included?

Lunch on the island is included only if you select that option. Water, soft drinks, snacks, and fruit are included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Pets are not allowed. Pickup details are sent by email at 10:00 PM the evening before the trip.