Hurghada: Magawish Island Speedboat W Snorkelling & Lunch

The Red Sea shows up fast on this trip. One moment you are cruising by boat, the next you are at snorkel spots with coral and fish, then you land on the sandy Magawish beaches for a Caribbean-style break. I really like the mix of speedboat time and snorkeling stops built into a short, focused 4-hour outing, and I also appreciate that the tour takes care of the basics like equipment, guide support, and island entry.

Two things I especially like: you get two separate snorkeling sessions at different reef areas, and you also get a real beach window on Magawish Island (not just a quick photo stop). A possible drawback to plan around is pickup timing. Your hotel pickup can shift by 1 to 1.5 hours from the scheduled time, and the driver can only wait 5 minutes after pickup, so you need to be ready early.

If you go with the right expectations, this feels like an efficient Red Sea day that gives you both underwater views and beach time without burning the whole day.

Key highlights I’d prioritize

• Two snorkeling stops with provided equipment and a snorkel guide, so you are not just hopping in once
• Magawish Island beach time (1.5 to 2 hours) on white sand with turquoise water
• Speedboat cruising through the Red Sea with shaded space onboard and a stereo system
• Optional 5-minute parasailing for views from above, if you select the add-on
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with multiple pickup areas in Hurghada and Safaga

Why Magawish Island feels like a quick escape from Hurghada

This is the kind of tour that works because it keeps the day simple. You do not need to plan a route, negotiate with multiple vendors, or guess where the best reef areas are. The pace is fast in the water, relaxed on the island, and organized from hotel to harbor.

Magawish Island time is the payoff for most people. You get a dedicated window of 1.5 hours (sometimes up to 2) to swim, stroll, and hang out on the sand. The water is clear enough that your eyes keep finding new colors as the light changes.

I also like that the trip is designed around variety. You get reef time, sandy beach time, and a last boat cruise back. That makes the 4-hour duration feel purposeful instead of rushed.

Pickup and harbor logistics: the part you should not leave to chance

The tour starts with hotel pickup and ends with drop-off, so you avoid the headache of getting yourself to the harbor. Pickup is offered from Hurghada, Safaga, Hurghada 1, and Hurghada 2, and the drop-off mirrors those areas.

Here is the part to take seriously: pickup details are sent by email at 10 pm the night before (sometimes the instructions say 22-00). Also, pickup time may vary by 1 to 1.5 hours from what you see as the scheduled time. You will want to be flexible and not treat this like an exact minute-by-minute appointment.

When the van arrives, the driver can wait no more than 5 minutes. The pickup point is also specific: it is at the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not at the reception gate. If you are at the wrong entrance, you can lose that short waiting window.

Once you reach the harbor, you will receive instructions and then board the speedboat. You also get an express-style security check, which helps keep the early part of the day moving.

Practical tip: pack your towel and jacket in a way you can grab quickly. You may be waiting at the pick-up point, and the boat ride can get breezy.

The speedboat cruise: shaded comfort and real Red Sea views

This is a speedboat day, not a slow ferry. You should expect a lively ride as you cruise out through the Red Sea. The upside is time. You get to the snorkel areas faster, and you spend less of your day stuck in transit.

Onboard, you have a shaded area plus a stereo system. You also get life jackets, and you will see how the crew handles safety and boarding. It is not a bare-bones boat experience.

What you are really buying with the speedboat is perspective. You get long stretches where the water looks different minute by minute. If you like that in-between feeling, where you are seeing coastlines and open sea before you even snorkel, this part delivers.

Snorkel stops at Shaab Eshta kebir and Aruk Talata, plus Shaab Pytra

You get two snorkeling sessions, each listed at about 20 minutes, with a snorkel guide and provided equipment. The goal is to hit two different reef areas so you are not only repeating the same view.

The first stop is Shaab Eshta kebir. The experience here is all about coral and fish sightings, and multiple people described the coral reefs as the highlight. One review specifically called the snorkeling absolutely amazing for beautiful coral, and another mentioned seeing plenty of fish. That matches the typical value of this kind of Red Sea setup: when conditions are right, you get a clear view close to the surface.

The second set of stops includes Aruk Talata and Shaab Pytra, with another around 20 minutes for snorkeling. This is your chance to compare what you see between sites. Different reef structures can mean different fish behavior and different coral textures, so the second stop often feels like a fresh start.

A quick reality check: 20 minutes sounds short, but this is normal for snorkeling tours where the crew needs to manage timing, boat positioning, and safe entry and exit. What matters is that you get two chances rather than one.

If you get motion sick easily, consider that you will be on a speedboat in open water. The trip includes soft drinks and mineral water, and having some shade onboard helps when you are between stops.

Magawish Island beach time: where the trip turns relaxed

After snorkeling, you head to Magawish Island, with about 1.5 hours on the sand. You also have a note in the flow that this time can be closer to 2 hours depending on timing.

This is when the day changes mood. Instead of focusing on gear and water entry, you can slow down. The tour is specifically aimed at letting you enjoy the white sand and the turquoise water. Think of it as your post-snorkel reset, with enough time to swim, walk, and just look.

The island experience is also supported by what is included. You get seasonal fruits, plus soft drinks and mineral water. There is also an island entry fee included, so you do not have to sort out paperwork or pay on the spot.

One more practical note: bring a towel and wear what you plan to snorkel in. Even though you will likely have some time to change, the tour is built around momentum.

Optional 5-minute parasailing: short aerial thrills, if you select it

There is a built-in option to add a 5-minute parasailing adventure. It is listed as available if you select the option, which means not everyone will do it.

If you choose it, you should think of parasailing as a way to see the Red Sea from above for a short window. It adds a different kind of wow moment to the trip: underwater views during snorkeling, beach time on the island, then a quick bird’s-eye perspective.

If you prefer to keep the day simple, you can skip it. Your core itinerary still includes speedboat cruising, two snorkel stops, and Magawish Island time.

What $196 for up to 2 really buys you

The price is listed as $196 per group up to 2, and the tour runs for about 4 hours. For that, you get hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat cruise, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, a snorkel guide, and the island entry fee.

You also get the practical comfort items that add value in real life: shaded space onboard, life jackets, and soft drinks plus mineral water. Seasonal fruits are included, which is more than some half-day tours provide.

Where the value really lands for me is the bundling. You are not paying separately for transport to the harbor, boat time, equipment rental, and island entry. And because it is a short half-day, you do not spend a whole day tied to a tour schedule.

Also, this is rated very high, with a 4.7 rating from 30 reviews. The praise repeatedly circles back to the snorkeling quality and the friendliness of the captain and guide roles.

A quick note on service expectations: pickup can shift by 1 to 1.5 hours from the scheduled time, and the provider can only wait 5 minutes. That is not a cost issue, but it does affect how well the day feels. If you are organized and ready at the right entrance, it smooths out.

Guides and captains: the human touch makes a difference

This tour is not only about where you go, it is also about who is running the boat and guiding the snorkel stops.

In feedback, people specifically praised Hassan as an excellent guide and mentioned the captain as also very good. Another review highlighted Captain Momo for being super nice and considerate. Those details matter because snorkeling tours are easier when you feel safe and handled, especially during entry, timing, and gear fit.

The tour language is English, and it includes a live snorkel guide. That means you can ask basic questions and get real-time guidance, rather than guessing at what the crew wants you to do.

What to bring, and what can quietly ruin your day

Bring:

• a towel
• a jacket (the boat can feel cooler with wind)
• cash (for any extras you decide to buy on the island or after the tour)

Not allowed:

• pets

This is also a tour where basic readiness helps. Arrive at the pickup point at the correct entrance by the road, not at reception. The driver can wait only 5 minutes, and that short window is easy to miss if you are walking from the wrong side of the hotel.

If you wear contact lenses, consider your comfort in saltwater. The tour includes equipment, but how you handle eyewear is personal.

Who should book, and who should skip this one

This trip can be a great fit if you want:

• a half-day Red Sea outing
• two snorkeling sessions rather than one
• a clear beach window on Magawish Island
• hotel pickup and drop-off so you are not coordinating transport

It may not be a fit if you have mobility or health limitations. It is listed as not suitable for pregnant women and for people with back problems. That likely relates to boat boarding, snorkeling logistics, and overall physical demands.

If you are traveling with kids, the data you provided does not specify age limits. I would still check before booking if your group includes younger swimmers, because snorkeling tours depend on everyone’s comfort level.

Should you book this Magawish Island speedboat day trip?

I would book this if you want a compact Red Sea experience that hits the main highlights: speedboat cruise, two reef snorkeling stops, and a real Magawish Island beach break. The price can feel fair when you factor in transfers, equipment, guide support, and what is included on the boat and island.

I would think twice if you hate time uncertainty. Pickup timing can shift by 1 to 1.5 hours, and you need to be on time at the right hotel entrance. If your day plan is already tightly scheduled, that flexibility note matters.

If you want both underwater and above-water views, consider the optional 5-minute parasailing. It is not required for the trip to feel complete, but it is a fun add-on.

Overall, this is a well-rated half-day format with the kind of structure that makes snorkeling and beach time actually happen, without turning your schedule into a mess.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada Magawish Island speedboat trip?

The duration is listed as 4 hours.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with pickup options in Hurghada and Safaga areas listed for Hurghada, Safaga, Hurghada 1, and Hurghada 2.

Where are the snorkeling stops?

The itinerary includes snorkeling at Shaab Eshta kebir and at Aruk Talata, auch Shaab Pytra, with about 20 minutes allocated for each snorkeling stop.

What is included for snorkeling?

You get snorkeling equipment, a snorkel guide, and life jackets. Two snorkeling stops are included.

Is there a parasailing or flight option?

Yes. There is an option for a 5-minute parasailing adventure if selected.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

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

What is the cancellation and payment flexibility?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now & pay later option where you book a spot and pay nothing today.