Hurghada: Snorkelling Trip by Speedboat with Hotel Pickup

The best part of this Hurghada trip is the small speedboat, which gets you to several Red Sea snorkelling sites faster than a large group boat. You can swim over coral, spot fish, and possibly see dolphins before stopping at a shallow beach or sandbar.

I like the small-group feel, with groups as compact as six, and the attentive guides, including Ahmed, Yusuf, Wissam, and Sayeed. I also like that the $37 price includes equipment, drinks, fruit, the boat, guide, and hotel transport. The main drawback is the timing: pickup may come 60 to 90 minutes before the advertised start, and one afternoon booking felt rushed.

Key points at a glance

• Three core snorkelling stops: The route includes Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and mangrove-fringed Abu Mingar, though the exact number of bays may vary.
• Possible dolphin sightings: Dolphins have been seen on the way to the snorkelling sites, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
• Speedboat advantage: You spend less time getting between stops than you would on a larger cruise boat.
• Friendly, hands-on guides: Guides stay close in the water and can help less confident swimmers.
• Useful inclusions: Snorkelling gear, life jackets, drinks, seasonal fruit, nature reserve fees, and shaded seating are included.
• Pickup requires attention: Watch for the GoShalabi vehicle at your hotel’s main entrance, and be ready for a five-minute pickup window.

Why a speedboat works well on the Red Sea

Hurghada has no shortage of boat trips. Many are full-day outings on larger vessels, with a long ride to the first stop and a crowd in the water. This option takes a different approach. You board a speedboat at Hurghada’s marina and spend about four hours visiting several snorkelling areas.

I like this format for a short holiday or a busy travel schedule. You get a proper taste of the Red Sea without giving up an entire day. The boat moves quickly, so you can reach more than one site and still return to your hotel in time for another meal or activity.

The trade-off is space. The boat is described as clean and spacious by those who had only a few people aboard, but one booking with four passengers suggested that more than four people could feel tight. Group size can vary, so ask at booking if the size of your party matters to you.

A shaded area, called a Taneda, offers some relief from the Egyptian sun. There is also a stereo system, though the real attraction is the water, not the music. Bring sunglasses and a towel, and keep your personal items secure. You are responsible for belongings left on the boat.

From the hotel to Hurghada marina

Hotel pickup is included for Hurghada properties. The pickup point is not the reception desk. You need to wait at the main entrance of the hotel, by the road, and look for a white or black bus with the GoShalabi logo.

This part needs careful planning. The pickup details are sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before. The message should include your pickup time, but allow for a window of roughly 60 minutes in Hurghada and up to 90 minutes for more distant areas.

The provider allows only five minutes at the pickup point because other passengers may be waiting. I would be outside early, with your passport copy details, nationality, hotel name, address, and room number already supplied. That small bit of preparation can prevent a rushed start.

The long-distance areas include Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay. Pickup from these places costs extra and must be selected as an add-on. If you did not book it, you may need to pay at the harbor, and cancellation is not available after 6:00 PM the day before.

One useful point: the transfer may arrive much earlier than the advertised tour time. A 9:00 AM booking, for example, can involve a 7:15 AM pickup and an 8:15 AM departure from the harbor. That is not necessarily a problem, but do not schedule another fixed activity too close to the stated end time.

Magawish Island and the first snorkelling stop

Once you leave the marina, the boat heads toward Magawish Island. This is where you get your first proper look at the Red Sea from the water, with Egyptian sunshine, open sea, and the coast slipping behind you.

The first snorkelling stop is often the strongest part of the outing. Expect clear water, coral, and many fish. The guide stays with the group and points out sea life that is easy to miss when you are focused on swimming.

Yusuf has been especially helpful for identifying good areas, while Sayeed has been praised for assisting children. The guides are not simply standing on the boat waiting for you to return. They can show you where to look and help you feel more secure in the water.

If you are not a confident swimmer, say so before entering the water. Life jackets are supplied, and a guide has helped pull along a person who could not swim. Still, this is an active water outing, not a glass-bottom viewing trip. You need to be comfortable entering the sea, or ready to use the safety equipment and accept close help from the guide.

Giftun Island, coral reefs, and the possibility of a wreck

The trip continues toward Giftun Island, with another snorkelling stop or stops depending on the day’s route. Some outings have included two reefs and a shipwreck, while others have described three snorkelling stops. The advertised plan is three different snorkelling areas, but the exact order and number of bays can change.

The wreck is a memorable possibility. A shallow wreck gives you something different from a standard reef, with a fixed object to explore and photograph as you swim around it. If your guide offers a choice of sites, ask which stop has the best coral and which includes the wreck.

Conditions can differ sharply between locations. One reef may have dense coral and plenty of fish, while the next feels quieter. That is normal on a sea trip, and it is one reason the speedboat format works: you are not stuck with a single site for the whole morning.

The crew typically gives you time in the water, but pacing matters. A July outing was praised for allowing the right amount of time at each activity. An afternoon booking in March felt rushed, with too little time to snorkel. Morning departures may suit you better if snorkelling is the main reason for booking.

Abu Mingar and the shallow-water finish

The final named area is Abu Mingar, described as mangrove-fringed. The route may also include a sandbar or beach sometimes presented as the Egyptian Maldives. Here, the experience shifts from reef viewing to shallow water, swimming, and photographs.

This is a good change of pace. After several snorkelling sessions, you can stand or sit in the shallows, cool off, and enjoy the open setting without needing to study the reef. One group spotted a ray near the island, which shows that the wildlife can continue outside the main snorkelling stops.

The beach stop is not the main reason to choose this tour. Think of it as a pleasant extra, not a polished resort beach visit. The value is the contrast: coral and fish earlier, then shallow water and a quick island pause before the ride home.

Dolphins are another possible bonus. Several outings have spotted dolphins, and one captain made an extra stop when dolphins appeared. You may also see flying fish. These sightings are never guaranteed, and dolphin boats can gather in the same area. I appreciate the chance to see them, but I would not book the trip solely for wildlife.

Guides, equipment, and what is included

The crew is a big part of the experience. Ahmed has been singled out as a strong captain, while Yusuf, Wissam, Khaleed, Ibrahim, and Sayeed have all been associated with helpful guidance and good humor. Names and crew assignments can change, but the setup includes a captain, a live English-speaking guide, and snorkelling support.

Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are included. You also get mineral water, soft drinks, and fresh seasonal fruit. That matters on a four-hour boat ride, especially under a strong sun, although you should still bring your own water if you prefer to drink often.

Nature reserve fees are covered, as is the shaded seating area. The boat has a stereo system, but there is no mention of a full meal. Plan to eat before or after the trip rather than treating the fruit and drinks as lunch.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• A towel
• Cash
• Secure storage for valuables

Pets are not allowed. The trip is not suitable for people with back problems, which is worth taking seriously because a speedboat ride can be brisk and bumpy.

Is $37 good value?

At $37 per person, this is a strong price for a four-hour Red Sea outing if you want several snorkelling stops without paying for a full-day cruise. The cost includes transport from Hurghada, boat travel, equipment, guide services, drinks, fruit, life jackets, and reserve fees.

The value is strongest when you use the speedboat well. You are paying for quicker movement between sites, a shorter overall schedule, and a smaller setting than a large excursion boat. If your priority is to snorkel at several reefs, those advantages matter.

The price is less simple if you stay in an extended pickup area. Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay require an extra pickup add-on. Check that cost before booking, since paying at the harbor is less convenient and may affect cancellation options.

Private and small-group arrangements are available. A small group can make the boat and water time much more comfortable, but the exact space depends on how many people are booked for your departure.

Morning or sunset departure?

You can choose a morning or sunset departure, subject to availability. Morning is the safer choice if snorkelling quality and time in the water matter most. You get the main activity done early, and you are less likely to feel pressed by later plans.

The sunset option suits you if you want softer light and a different mood on the return ride. The downside is that you should check how much daylight remains for the snorkelling portion. The supplied schedule gives no precise sunset itinerary, so ask the provider if you care about maximizing time in the water.

Whichever departure you choose, leave room around the tour. Hotel pickup can vary, and the actual boat schedule may begin earlier than the time shown when you book.

Who should book this Hurghada outing?

I would choose this tour for you if you:

• Want a half-day Red Sea experience rather than a full-day boat trip
• Prefer a small group to a crowded vessel
• Care more about snorkelling than onboard entertainment
• Like the idea of visiting several sites quickly
• Are happy to accept possible changes in reef quality and timing
• Want hotel pickup and basic refreshments included

Families can use it, especially with a guide who stays close and helps children. Less confident swimmers should tell the crew at the start and use the life jackets. People with back problems should choose another activity.

This is not the right pick if you want a slow, spacious cruise, a guaranteed dolphin encounter, a full meal, or a long stay at one carefully chosen reef. It is also not ideal if you need a precise pickup time for another booking.

Practical verdict

I would book this speedboat trip if my Hurghada plans allowed four to five flexible hours and I wanted the Red Sea to be the main event. The strongest reasons are the compact schedule, quick boat, several snorkelling areas, helpful guides, and solid list of inclusions.

Set your expectations correctly. The first reef may be excellent while another stop is less impressive. The boat may feel snug with a larger group, and pickup can be early. Dolphins and rays are possible extras, not promises.

For $37, the combination of coral, fish, island water, a possible wreck, fruit, drinks, and hotel transport is hard to fault. Book it when you want an active, efficient taste of Hurghada’s sea, and confirm the pickup details the night before.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada speedboat trip last?

The boat experience lasts about four hours. Pickup and drop-off add extra time, and the vehicle may arrive 60 to 90 minutes before the scheduled start.

Which places does the boat visit?

The planned route includes Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and Abu Mingar. The exact number and order of snorkelling bays can vary, and some trips have included a wreck or an additional stop.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. You must wait at the main entrance by the road, not at the reception area.

What time will I receive pickup details?

Pickup information is sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before the trip.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are included.

Are food and drinks included?

Mineral water, soft drinks, and fresh seasonal fruit are included. A full meal is not listed.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Extended-area pickup has extra conditions, including no cancellation after 6:00 PM the day before if the pickup was not booked in advance.