Hurghada: High-Speed Sea Taxi Tour to Orange Bay or Magawish

A rocket-fast trip to island time.

This high-speed sea taxi from Hurghada gets you to Orange Bay or Magawish Island fast, so you spend more time on the beach and less time in transit. I like the organized hotel pickup and quick harbor transfer, and I really like how the ride itself feels like the point, not just a commute. One thing to factor in, though: the boat can be breezy and you may get wet, so pack for the elements.

The snorkeling story is also a big deal here. Magawish includes snorkeling, and people rave about the coral and fish spotting once you’re in the water. Orange Bay is more about sand, sun, and swimming, with snorkeling not included, so plan your water time accordingly. If you’re counting on buying stuff on the islands with a card, bring cash anyway, because reception can be limited.

Key things to know before you go

• 15 to 20 minute speedboat crossing saves real beach hours
• Magawish snorkeling included, while Orange Bay snorkeling is not
• Optional parasailing can add adrenaline if weather allows
• Pickup is tight, with a 5-minute wait rule at your hotel entrance
• Bring cash for island purchases, especially at Orange Bay
• Not suitable if you have back problems due to speedboat ride

Why this speedboat tour beats the usual ferry day

Hurghada island days can turn into a lot of waiting. This one is designed to cut the dead time down fast, thanks to a high-speed sea taxi that gets you across the water in about 15 to 20 minutes. That means you’re not watching the clock while other boats load and unload.

It also changes the vibe. With the speedboat, you feel the trip start immediately, and the day feels more like an outing than a long transport exercise. Even better, you often arrive at the island earlier than the big ferry crowds, which can make the beach feel calmer when you first step ashore.

Price and value: what $33 gets you in the real world

At around $33 per person, this is one of those deals that makes sense only when you look at what’s wrapped in. You get round-trip transfers from Hurghada (and longer pickups are available as an add-on from places like Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay), island entry fees, a guide, life jackets, bottled water, and the speedboat cruise itself.

You’re also covered on the “comfort and safety basics” that people usually end up paying for separately on casual tours. A shaded tenda area is provided, and you’re given life jackets for the boat ride. That all adds up when you’re budgeting for a day of sun, sea time, and activities.

What you should expect to pay extra for: snorkeling equipment (not included) and parasailing if you choose the add-on. Food can vary by option and timing, so if you’re picky about meals, plan to bring your preferences and expect island prices to be high.

Getting picked up in Hurghada, and how to avoid last-minute stress

The day starts with hotel pickup. You’ll be collected by a white or black bus with a GoShalabi logo, and you meet them at your hotel’s main gate by the road, not at reception. The operator can wait for you for only up to 5 minutes, so set your alarm and be ready on time.

Pickup times can shift. For Hurghada hotels, the window is about ±60 minutes from the scheduled time, and for extended areas it can be ±90 minutes. Pickup confirmation is sent late the night before, around 10:00 PM, by email or WhatsApp, so don’t assume you’ll get details only in the morning.

One practical pro tip: bring a passport copy and have your nationality details ready, since you may be asked for them at check-in for the boat. This keeps the harbor process quick and helps your day run on schedule.

The speedboat ride: fun, fast, and sometimes a little wet

This is a high-speed run, and it shows. Seats can get wet, and you’ll likely feel the breeze, even when the air is warm. A lightweight hoodie or wind layer is a smart move, and so is a bag you trust with damp towels.

The crew matters here. Many trips highlight friendly guides and professional captains by name, with people mentioning captains like Captain Mohammed, Captain Ahmed, and Captain Ibrahim, plus guides such as Ahmed, Bram, and Joseph. That’s not just personality, it’s practical too. When the captain navigates smoothly and the guide keeps things moving, you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying.

What’s also common is a dolphin scan. Some captains stop or slow down to look for dolphins on the way, and if they spot them, you get a real bonus experience. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s one of the reasons this trip can feel like more than a simple transfer.

Orange Bay for a fast beach reset (and why cash matters)

If you choose Orange Bay, you’re choosing pure beach time. It’s all about white sand, easy swimming, and relaxing with minimal fuss. People love that you can get there quickly and enjoy a quieter first stretch, before the day fills up with larger groups coming in later.

Just remember this key detail: snorkeling on Orange Bay isn’t included. If you want to see coral and fish there, you’ll need to plan differently (for example, bringing your own gear, and only if the island setup matches what you’re expecting). Many guests focus on swimming and lounging, and that’s the right mindset for Orange Bay.

Also, bring cash. One of the most repeated practical warnings is that card machines can be hard to find and mobile reception may be spotty, so the island purchases become cash-only in practice. The tour information itself reminds you to bring cash, and it’s not just paperwork advice, it’s about not getting stuck when you want a drink or snack.

Magawish Island: the snorkeling payoff and the slower island rhythm

Magawish is the snorkeling-focused option. Here, snorkeling is included, and the water quality and reef life are why this stop gets so much praise. If your main goal is coral and colorful fish, Magawish usually delivers the kind of snorkeling moment you hope for on the Red Sea.

The island also has a relaxed feel. You get that soft-sand break from the speedboat energy, and it’s easier to settle into island time. Many people describe Magawish as the best island stop in their Hurghada trip, especially because the snorkeling feels accessible and rewarding without needing extra arrangements.

One practical note: snorkeling equipment is not included, even though the snorkeling activity is. If you don’t already have gear, you’ll want to either rent it on-site (if available) or bring your own mask and snorkel for a better fit. Comfort matters in the water more than you think.

Parasailing and extra water fun, if you want adrenaline

If you want more than beach and snorkeling, parasailing is offered as an add-on. That can be a great way to turn a half-day island trip into a full-on memory, especially if the weather is cooperating and you’re comfortable with heights and harness gear.

The speedboat experience can already feel thrilling, and parasailing adds a different kind of excitement. Expect the same Red Sea wind and sea spray logic as on the boat ride, so pack for that day-of comfort.

What to pack (and what not to forget)

Bring the usual sun-and-water essentials, and a couple smart extras.

What to bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat and camera
• Water
• Cash

If you get seasick easily, consider how you handle boat rides in general. The ride is short, but it is fast, and a bouncy day can happen depending on sea conditions. Also, note that the activity is not suitable for people with back problems.

Not allowed: pets.

Food, shade, and little details that change the day

A big reason this tour works for a lot of people is that it keeps you from constantly managing logistics. You get a shaded tenda area, which helps when the sun decides to be the main character. You’ll also have bottled water on hand.

Food is not uniform in every setup, but many departures include some combination of drinks, fruit, and simple meal service like a lunch box. If you’re vegetarian or have strict dietary needs, you should plan carefully, because not every meal option may match your preference. A safer approach is to bring snacks you trust, just in case island food is limited or pricey.

Who should book this speedboat sea taxi

This trip is a great match if you want:

• A fast, organized island day from Hurghada
• Snorkeling on Magawish without spending time coordinating equipment
• A fun speedboat ride that feels like part of the entertainment

It’s also a good choice for couples and small groups who want the day to feel flexible. Many people liked how guides balanced attention with freedom, and how staff stayed close enough to help without hovering. Some guests also describe extra effort, like help with pictures or support so everyone can enjoy the beach safely and comfortably.

Skip it if:

• You have back problems
• You’re extremely sensitive to wind or getting wet
• You need fully guaranteed snorkeling at both islands (Orange Bay snorkeling isn’t included)

Should you book Go Shalabi to Orange Bay or Magawish?

If your priority is saving time and maximizing beach hours, I’d book it. The combination of quick transit, island time you can actually enjoy, and Magawish snorkeling included makes this one of the better value ways to do Hurghada’s islands.

Choose Orange Bay when you want classic white-sand relaxation and a lighter snorkeling plan. Choose Magawish when snorkeling is the main goal and you want the reef experience built in.

My biggest decision tip is simple: pack for wind and sea spray, and bring cash so you’re not caught off-guard at Orange Bay. Do that, pick the island that matches your water goals, and you’ll likely feel like the day flew by in the best way.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and how much time is on the islands?

The total duration ranges from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the option you pick. You can choose around 3 hours on Orange Bay, around 3 hours on Magawish, a combined 3 and 3 option, or a longer Orange Bay option (up to 7 hours on Orange Bay). Transfers are part of the total time.

Is snorkeling included at Orange Bay and Magawish?

Snorkeling is included on Magawish Island. Snorkeling on Orange Bay is not included, and snorkeling equipment is also not included.

What’s included in the price besides the boat ride?

The package includes pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, a long-range pickup option in some areas (as an add-on), round-trip transfer to the island, island entry fees, snorkeling on Magawish, speedboat cruise, a guide, bottled water, life jackets, and a shaded tenda area.

Where do I meet the guide for pickup?

Your pickup point is the main entrance of your hotel’s main gate by the road, not the reception gate. You’ll be picked up by a white or black bus with the GoShalabi logo, and the operator can wait no more than 5 minutes.

What do I need to bring with me for the islands?

Bring hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, water, and cash. You may also want cash because purchases on Orange Bay can be tricky if card machines and reception are limited.

Is this tour suitable if I have back problems?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for people with back problems due to the speedboat nature of the experience.