Hurghada: Elegance Yacht Cruise To Orange & Magawish island

This is the kind of Red Sea day that feels like you changed time zones. You start with a smooth yacht ride, get bright water and coral on your snorkel, then finish with a proper seafood lunch before heading to Magawish. It’s a simple plan, but the variety is the magic: islands, snorkeling, food, and sea life all in one go.

What I like most is the two-island schedule. You get time at Orange Bay and then Magawish without having to choose one or the other. I also love how the team brings the day together with a proper lunch setup and snorkeling support, and the guides are clearly there to keep things running and fun, not rushed.

One thing to consider: this is not for mobility impairments, and the pickup timing matters because the provider can wait no more than 5 minutes. If you’re even slightly late, you can miss the departure wave.

Key things to know before you go

• Two islands in one day: Orange Bay for about an hour, then Magawish for another hour.
• Snorkeling support included: two snorkeling stops plus equipment and a snorkeling guide.
• Seafood lunch that’s a real meal: shrimp, calamari, fish, rice/pasta options, and salads, with seasonal fruit.
• Optional parasailing: a quick 5-minute ride if you choose the add-on.
• Guides by name, and they keep it smooth: Abdull and Sayed are highlighted in reviews for their friendly, clear guidance.
• Pickup details arrive late on purpose: you get timing by email at 10 pm the night before, so check your inbox.

Orange Bay and Magawish: two islands, one clean plan

If you’re staying in Hurghada and you want a day that feels like a mini-vacation, this cruise nails the formula. The route is built around two places that most people come to Egypt for in the first place: warm water, coral, and island time.

Orange Bay is where you begin the day, before conditions get busy. Think calm, slow-moving water and a change of pace from the hotel strip. Then you head to snorkeling spots and later to Magawish, which gives you another chance to get in the water and enjoy the sea from a different shoreline.

You’re not stuck in a vehicle for hours just to reach one stop. The pacing is practical: short transfers, clear blocks of time at each island, and breaks built into the day for food and relaxing.

Getting picked up in Hurghada: timing and what matters

The trip starts with hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada. You’ll also get a briefing before boarding at the harbor, which helps you avoid that start-of-tour fog.

Here’s what you should plan around:

• Your pickup details are sent at 10 pm the night before by email. Check that email, then double-check your hotel name, address, and room number.
• The operator can wait no more than 5 minutes. If you tend to be late, this is the day to be early.
• They ask you to share a passport photo copy and correct nationality. Do it ahead of time so the day is smooth.

What I recommend you bring, because it’s specifically listed for a reason:

• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• cash

And yes, pets are not allowed.

If you’re outside central Hurghada, pay attention to pickup options. The standard service covers Hurghada, and long-range pickups (Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga) are available as an add-on. If you’re considering it, it’s usually worth thinking about the total door-to-boat time, not just the price.

Orange Bay Island hour: calm water before the crowds

Orange Bay is your first island stop, with about one hour there. This timing matters. You start the day on the quieter side, then you get to enjoy the water at a leisurely pace.

The experience here is simple and very Red Sea: water color, sea breeze, and time to settle in. If your goal is snorkeling later, this early island time is great because you can get your bearings, set up your gear, and relax before you’re in the water for the longer snorkeling stretch.

You’ll also get the feeling of being on a proper yacht day. The cruise gives you that light-on-your-feet feeling, like the day belongs to the sea, not to schedules.

One small drawback to expect: because it’s a shared activity, there’s always a balance between staying flexible and keeping the group moving. The good news is that the structure is clear, so you won’t feel lost.

Snorkeling with two stops and about 40 minutes in the water

Snorkeling is the centerpiece. You get two snorkeling stops and snorkeling time that totals around 40 minutes at the main snorkeling spot. Equipment is included, and you’ll have a snorkeling guide with you. That matters if you’re not super confident in the water.

Here’s why this is more valuable than it sounds:

• With two stops, you’re not gambling on one patch of reef. If conditions are different at each location, you still have a chance to see coral and fish.
• The guide helps you focus on what you should actually look for, not just where to stand.

From the experience vibe, the snorkeling is where the day earns its reputation. Reviews highlight beautiful coral reefs and lots of colorful fish, and even dolphin sightings during the overall trip.

If you’ve snorkeled before, you’ll appreciate that this tour doesn’t just do a quick look and rush you away. You have real time in the water.

If you haven’t snorkeled much, you’ll still likely be fine, because the tour provides equipment and guide support. Just remember to pace yourself and keep an eye on how you feel during those water sessions.

Seafood lunch on board: what you actually get and why it hits

Lunch is not a sad box meal. It’s a seafood spread prepared for you on the day, and it’s timed so you can recharge before the next island.

The menu listed includes:

• shrimp
• calamari
• fish
• rice
• green salad
• tuna salad
• pasta
• seasonal fruits

On top of that, you get unlimited soft drinks, plus tea, coffee, and milk, and unlimited mineral water.

Why I think this matters for your vacation math: if you’re paying for a day trip that includes snorkeling gear, guides, and boat time, the food is part of the real value, not an afterthought. A good lunch also keeps the afternoon snorkeling and swimming enjoyable, instead of making you tired and grumpy.

Also, reviews call out the meal quality again and again, including comments that it was better than hotel food and was plentiful enough that it felt like it could serve more than you’d expect.

Magawish island hour: another swim, another view, another set of fish

After lunch, you sail to Magawish for about one hour. This is your second island time, and it’s built for swimming and snorkeling again.

What I like about Magawish in this setup is that it gives you a reset. Orange Bay sets the tone. Then Magawish gives you variety without stretching the trip longer than a comfortable day.

You’ll want to use this hour with intention:

• If you still have energy, use it for a swim and another quick snorkel.
• If you feel sun-worn, use it to relax and just enjoy the sea from the water’s edge.

One thing to note: the tour includes snorkeling stops already, so you’re not guaranteed that you’ll always be in the water continuously. That’s normal for island pacing. Still, you should leave Magawish feeling like you had real water time, not just a photo stop.

Optional 5-minute parasailing: quick thrills with a big payoff

If you want a bird’s-eye moment, you can add 5-minute parasailing. It’s short, but that’s the point. You get a top-down view without turning your day into a half-day circus.

It’s worth considering if:

• you like photos from above
• you want a change from snorkeling
• you’re traveling with someone who wants one extra thrill

Since it’s only five minutes, it’s also a good compromise if you’re cautious about longer activities.

Guides and service quality: professionalism shows up in the small stuff

The biggest praise in reviews is about the people running the day. The guidance feels structured and friendly, with clear explanations and good care around comfort and timing.

Two names come up in reviews: Abdull and Sayed. They’re described as super kind, fun, and good at explaining what you’re doing. That kind of onboard clarity is a big deal when you’re dealing with snorkeling, boat movement, and changing water conditions.

There’s also consistent mention of the crew roles working well together, including the captain, guide, and cook handling things so you can just enjoy the day. Reviews also mention dolphin sightings during the trip, which is one of those moments that makes a “normal” snorkeling day feel like a story you’ll keep telling.

One more practical note from reviews: communication about pickup and meeting points can be improved. When that gets sorted out, the pickup can be direct to the hotel lobby and on time. So if you’re managing your own logistics in Hurghada, I’d keep your eyes open for the email instructions and confirm the pickup spot so you’re not chasing the boat.

Price and value: why $53 can feel fair here

The price is listed at $53 per person. On paper, that can sound like a basic day trip. In practice, the value comes from what’s bundled together:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• yacht cruise and two island entries
• snorkeling guide plus equipment
• two snorkeling stops
• lunch with seafood, salads, pasta/rice, and fruit
• unlimited soft drinks, plus water and hot drinks
• optional parasailing

If you’ve tried to build a similar day on your own, you quickly run into the cost of boat access, guiding, and gear, plus you still need transportation and a meal plan. Here, you pay once and the day runs.

Also, snorkeling gear and guide support reduce friction. That’s “hidden value” because it lowers the chance that the day becomes stressful instead of fun.

If you’re deciding between group and private, the tour is described as private or group. One review describes how their group felt very personal for much of the day. If you’re traveling with friends or want a calmer pace, you might want to check what private options look like for your dates.

Who should book this yacht cruise?

This experience is a good match if you want:

• a one-day Red Sea plan with variety
• real snorkeling time with support
• a proper seafood lunch included
• the chance to see sea life, including dolphins

It may be less ideal if:

• you have mobility limitations, since it’s not suitable for mobility impairments
• you’re expecting a very long stay on each island, because the schedule is designed around flow, not all-day beach time
• you hate strict pickup timing, because the provider can wait only five minutes and you get pickup details the night before

Should you book the Hurghada Orange Bay and Magawish yacht cruise?

I’d book it if your vacation style is: you want the water, you want to snorkel, and you want lunch handled for you. The combination of two islands, two snorkeling stops, and a seafood meal makes it one of those trips where your money turns into time in the Red Sea, not time planning.

If you do book, do these two things and you’ll stack the odds for a great day:

• Watch your email the night before at 10 pm and confirm the pickup spot, especially if you’re using a long-range pickup.
• Bring your essentials listed for the day, especially sunscreen and a towel.

If you want a smooth, guided yacht day in Hurghada that doesn’t feel like a rushed checklist, this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

What is the price per person?

The price is listed at $53 per person.

Where does the tour run?

It runs in the Red Sea Governorate, Egypt, with pickup and drop-off in Hurghada.

How long do you spend at Orange Bay and Magawish?

You have about one hour at Orange Bay and about one hour at Magawish.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling guide support, two snorkeling stops, and snorkeling equipment.

How long is the snorkeling time?

The itinerary describes a snorkeling spot of about 40 minutes.

What is included in the seafood lunch?

The lunch includes shrimp, calamari, fish, rice, pasta, green salad, tuna salad, and seasonal fruits.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get unlimited soft drinks, plus tea, coffee, milk, and unlimited mineral water.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is optional. If you select it, it is a 5-minute parasailing experience.

What do I need to bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Is pickup available from areas outside Hurghada?

Long-range pickup is available as an add-on for places like Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay. Standard pickup is from Hurghada.

Is it suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.