Hurghada: Private Speedboat to Magawish Island

Magawish Island is the kind of Red Sea day trip that feels like a reset button. You get a private speedboat ride across the water, then time on a quiet island where the water stays calm enough for snorkeling. I like that you can choose 4 hours or 8 hours, so the plan fits real schedules, not just tour-shop fantasies.

Two things I especially like: first, the snorkeling setup includes equipment and a snorkeling guide, plus life jackets for comfort. Second, the island stop includes the basics you actually need, like beach time and food options, with meals that one guest said were good, especially salads and pizza. The main drawback to consider is simple timing, pickup can run late by up to 1 to 1.5 hours depending on where your hotel sits and traffic.

Quick hits before you go

• Private speedboat across the Red Sea with hotel pickup in Hurghada
• One-stop snorkeling with a snorkeling guide and provided gear, plus life jackets
• Two hours on Magawish for beach relaxation and swimming in calm, clear water
• Choose 4-hour or 8-hour versions to match how full your day is
• Optional upgrades like parasailing, island lunch, and massage
• Real support story from Mohammed, who helped a guest with translation and hospital logistics after an ankle injury

Speedboat to Magawish Island, the Hurghada way

This tour is built around speedboat time, not just sitting on a bus. From your hotel, you head to the marina, get a short safety briefing, and then cruise toward Magawish Island across the Red Sea. The ride is the point, because it gets you out to the water fast and makes the day feel active right from pickup.

The experience is private group, so you are not squeezed into a crowded boat lineup. That matters if you want easier communication with your guide and a smoother rhythm when you switch between boat and island time. You also get express security with an on-site shortcut, which tends to make the start of the day feel less painful.

One small practical note: there are three Hurghada pickup options, labeled Hurghada 2, Hurghada 1, and Hurghada. Your pickup details get sent by email the night before, and the pickup itself can shift by up to 1 to 1.5 hours based on hotel location and traffic. When you plan your day, I suggest you leave buffer time at both ends, especially if you have other activities later.

Also, the pickup is from the main hotel gate on the road, not the reception area. That sounds tiny, but it avoids the classic last-minute hunt for your driver.

Snorkeling in calm, clear water with provided gear

If your goal is to snorkel without overthinking it, this tour is set up for that. You get a snorkeling guide, snorkeling equipment, and life jacket support. The water around the activity area is described as shallow and calm, which makes it more beginner-friendly than the “jump in and hope” style of snorkeling.

The schedule gives you dedicated swim and snorkel time. You start with swimming and snorkeling for about two hours, which is long enough to take it at your pace. If you are comfortable, you can spend more time looking around. If you are less confident, you still have a safety net thanks to the life jacket and the guide’s help.

A couple of details from real experiences help you picture how this goes. One guest said the snorkeling guide used a swim ring to help people who were not fully confident in the water. Another mentioned getting a chance to snorkel more than once without rushing, which is a good sign for how the group is managed.

And yes, you might get wildlife on the way. One review mentioned dolphins spotted during the trip. You should not plan your whole day around seeing dolphins, but it is a nice reminder that the Red Sea route can be more than just transportation.

Magawish Island beach time, swim breaks, and food that works

Once you reach Magawish Island, the vibe shifts from boat energy to island calm. You get visit, swimming, and snorkeling time, with about two hours on the island. This is not a marathon stop. It is enough time to get in the water again, relax on sandy beach, and take photos without feeling like you are running a sprint.

The water color is described as clear turquoise, which is what you want for snorkeling and just for staring at the sea between swims. The island itself is presented as a quiet place to unwind, and one guest specifically noted how calm it felt, making the day feel memorable rather than chaotic.

Food is included, and that is a big value point for this kind of island day. In at least one review, the meal impressed, with guests recommending the salads and pizzas. Expect the food to be practical island-style rather than fancy restaurant dining, but it is included and it reduces the need to track down a snack after you have been in the sun.

If you upgrade, lunch is included when you select the lunch option during checkout. Even without upgrades, you get water plus soft drinks, snacks, and fruit as part of the tour package.

How the whole day flows, pickup to drop-off

The logistics are simple, but timing is where you win or lose a day in Hurghada. The basic rhythm is:

• You get picked up from your selected Hurghada area
• You ride by van to the marina (about 30 minutes)
• You transfer to the speedboat after a short safety briefing
• You snorkel and swim for around two hours
• You reach Magawish Island for about two hours
• You return to Hurghada with a final van ride (about 30 minutes)

Pickup and drop-off happen to multiple Hurghada areas, including Hurghada 1, Hurghada, and Hurghada 2. This matters because your return timing will depend on how your driver organizes drop-offs, and some hotels will naturally be slightly more time-consuming.

You also get a live tour guide who speaks Arabic and English. That is helpful for everything from meeting points to snorkeling guidance. One detail worth repeating: you need to provide your nationality, hotel name, and room number at booking. If you have ever had trouble locating a driver in a foreign hotel lobby, you know why this helps.

Finally, the tour mentions wheelchair accessibility. If you need that, this is a good sign, but you should still think through how a speedboat and island beach access might work for your specific situation.

Price and value: what $88 gets you

At $88 per person, the value here comes from what is packaged together. You are not just paying for a boat ride. You are paying for:

• Private round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off
• Speedboat transfer to Magawish
• Island entrance fees
• A tour guide, plus a snorkeling guide
• Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket
• Water, soft drinks, snacks, and fruit
• One-stop snorkeling time built into the day

When you compare that to piecing together a boat trip, a guide, and rental gear on your own, the math often flips in favor of a package like this. Especially if you are coming from a hotel that is not right next to the marina.

Optional add-ons can improve the experience depending on your priorities. Parasailing can be great if you want something more scenic than snorkeling. Lunch is also available as an option, which matters if you know you get hungry easily after time in the water. Massage is offered as well, which could turn the island day into a full-body reset rather than a quick swim and back.

The one value consideration is that pickup coverage is limited to specific locations by default. Pickup from places like Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga is available, but only as an optional add-on during checkout. If you are outside central Hurghada, check that you select the correct pickup add-on early.

Optional upgrades: parasailing, lunch, and massage

You have a few ways to customize the day. Parasailing is listed as an optional add-on. That is ideal if you want one activity that feels different from snorkeling, with a higher view of the sea and coastline.

Lunch is also listed as an optional extra, specifically lunch on the island when selected. Since food is already part of the tour (water, soft drinks, snacks, fruit), the lunch option is likely about giving you a fuller meal rather than snacks. And since at least one guest praised the island food, it is not a bad bet if you like simple, filling meals after swimming.

Massage is offered as an add-on too. That could be a nice fit if you want the day to feel relaxing as well as active. Still, I would treat it as optional planning that depends on your appetite for additional coordination on the island rather than something you should expect to happen automatically.

Safety and practical prep, what to bring and what to avoid

This is a sun and water day, so pack like you actually plan to get wet and warm. Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Cash is listed as required to bring, which usually means you may need it for small purchases or extras not covered by the package. Don’t count on card-only convenience.

Not allowed: pets. So if you are traveling with animals, you’ll need to make other arrangements.

For water safety, you already have life jackets provided, and snorkeling equipment is included. But you still should come with realistic expectations. You are dealing with boat movement, saltwater, and heat. If you are sensitive to sun, sunscreen matters more than you think.

One more reason to pay attention to the guide and briefing: one guest shared a serious story where an ankle injury happened and the team responded. Mohammed was mentioned by name as the person who stepped in during the return trip, helping coordinate a hospital visit, translation in Arabic, and even covering medical logistics so the guest was not stuck with a large bill at the end. It is not something you plan for, but it is reassuring to know support can be hands-on.

Who this tour suits best in Hurghada

This is a strong fit if you want a classic Red Sea day with a balance of movement and downtime. I think it is especially good for:

• Couples and small groups who want a private setup rather than a big scramble
• People who want snorkeling with gear and a guide, not solo uncertainty
• Travelers who like a clear schedule, swimming time, then island beach time

It may be less ideal if you hate boat rides or you only want minimal time on the water. Since the day is built around the speedboat crossing and snorkeling blocks, you would likely feel better choosing a land-based or slower plan instead.

The good news is the tour is flexible in total duration. If you pick the 4-hour version, you can keep the day lighter. If you pick 8 hours, you buy more time to enjoy the island and the sea without feeling rushed.

Should you book Hurghada to Magawish by private speedboat?

I would book this if you want a well-structured island day where snorkeling is handled for you: gear, guide, and life jacket included, plus time to relax on a quiet beach. The package is also strong for value because pickup, entrance fees, and food basics are part of the deal.

I would double-check your choice of pickup area before paying, especially if you are not staying in one of the main Hurghada pickup zones. Also confirm you are comfortable with the speedboat format and plan around the possible pickup delay of up to 1 to 1.5 hours.

If you like optional extras, this is one of the better ways to add parasailing, lunch, or massage without building your day from scratch.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada private speedboat trip to Magawish Island?

You can choose between a 4-hour or an 8-hour experience, based on availability and starting times.

What is included with pickup from Hurghada?

You get private round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, plus transfer to the marina and an express security check. Pickup is from the main hotel gate on the road, not the reception area.

What languages do the guides speak?

The tour guide is available in Arabic and English.

What snorkeling equipment and safety items are provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a life jacket. You also get a snorkeling guide, and the tour includes one stop for snorkeling.

Can I add parasailing, lunch, or massage?

Yes. Parasailing and lunch on the island can be selected as options, and massage is offered as an add-on.

What should I bring, and are pets allowed?

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