Private Speed Boat to Magawish Island’s Hidden Wonders – Hurghada

Hurghada can be a bit of a mix of modern hotels and old-school sea days, and this tour leans hard into the best part, the water. You’ll head out on a private speed boat to Magawish Island and the dolphin-house area, where the day can turn from snorkeling to dolphin sightings fast. I especially like the combination of guided snorkeling stops plus the included onboard food and drinks, so you are not scrambling for basics.

The main thing to keep in mind is that dolphin sightings depend on conditions. In rougher water, it can be harder to get in and follow the action, so if you are not a confident swimmer, you might still enjoy the day, just from the boat or shallower spots.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat for your group in Hurghada, not a big shared scramble at the last second
• Two guided snorkeling stops with equipment provided, so you can focus on seeing fish and coral
• Dolphin-house viewing is weather-dependent, and the water can change quickly
• Magawish Island time means beach relaxation plus opportunities to snorkel or swim
• Food and refreshment included, soft drinks and water onboard
• Onboard activities are part of the package, including water fun plus an Oriental show

Speed Boat to Magawish Island, what makes it special

This trip is built around a simple idea: spend real time on the Red Sea instead of bouncing around on land. The speed boat ride gets you out past the usual shoreline, and Magawish Island is the kind of place where you can switch from active to relaxed without changing plans.

I also like how the day is structured so you get a few different “wins.” You are not just staring at the horizon for dolphins. You have guided snorkeling with equipment, time on the island beaches, and extra included extras that keep the day from feeling like one long waiting game.

One practical note: your starting time is 12:00 pm, so plan on a mid-day start. That is often good for sea conditions, and it also means you avoid the early chaos that some tours fall into.

The day at sea, how your timeline usually feels

Your tour runs for about 5 hours (approx.), and it is a full on-the-water block rather than a slow sightseeing loop. You typically get picked up and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, then you are taken to the boat area and briefed for the day.

Once aboard, expect a rhythm like this:

1) You set off toward Magawish Island and the dolphin-house area.

2) You get snorkeling stops with a guide and snorkeling instructor, along with the gear.

3) You move around based on what the sea is doing and where you can swim safely.

4) You wrap up with more island water time before heading back.

Because the trip is centered on open water, timing can shift a bit if the sea gets choppy. That is not a reason to panic, it is just the reality of doing dolphin and snorkeling-focused activities in the Red Sea.

Dolphin House viewing, when to expect the magic

Dolphin-house is famous because it is an area where dolphins may show up in the wild. The important part for you is how you experience it on this tour: you are looking for dolphins from the boat, not sitting in one place for hours with zero movement.

If dolphins appear, you might also get the chance to swim. The tone I would take from this tour style is simple: when the guides feel it is safe, you go in. If the water is rough or you are not comfortable in moving conditions, you can still enjoy the sighting from the boat.

I like that this kind of outing does not pretend dolphins are a guaranteed schedule item. In real life, animals do what animals do, and the boat crew adjusts. That makes the experience feel more authentic and less like theme-park theater.

Magawish Island snorkeling, the part you will remember later

Magawish Island is where the day turns from “maybe dolphins” to “you will see something.” The snorkeling here is set up for people who want a guided, low-stress session with real coral and fish activity.

You get two guided snorkeling stops, plus snorkeling equipment. That matters. Equipment and guidance reduce the friction of snorkeling in a new area, especially if you have never done Red Sea water before.

Here is what to focus on while you are in the water:

• Take a few slow breaths first, so you can look around rather than fight your breathing.
• Watch for movement over the coral rather than chasing the biggest fish.
• If you see turtles, stay calm and keep your distance.

This tour is also about learning as you go. The snorkeling instructor and guides help you understand what you are seeing and where it is safe to swim. That guidance tends to make snorkeling feel fun instead of chaotic.

If you want to swim with dolphins, be honest about your ability

Some of the most exciting moments on this kind of outing are the moments when dolphins come close enough that people want to jump in and follow them. That is not automatically a good time for everyone.

From the way the day is described, the swimming part is best suited for confident swimmers. If the sea is rough, you can find it challenging to stay with dolphins for long and still swim safely. If you are unsure, you can still enjoy dolphins from the boat while the most confident swimmers go in with the guide.

My advice is to be practical. If you are a strong swimmer and you feel comfortable in moving water, you stand to get the most out of the dolphin moments. If you are not, focus on snorkeling, island time, and boat viewing. You will still get the Red Sea day you paid for.

Lunch on board, what included food means for your budget

This is one of those tours where the included meal changes the math. You get a buffet lunch onboard, and you also have soft drinks and water included.

If you have done enough day trips around Hurghada, you know how quickly food costs stack up when stops run long or when you end up paying for basic drinks twice. Here, the onboard setup helps you keep your spending predictable.

The buffet style also fits the reality of a water day. You do not want to wait for a plated meal while your group is either in wetsuits or getting back from snorkeling. A buffet keeps the pace moving and gets you fed on time.

Massage, banana boat, and an Oriental show, why they are there

Not every boat trip includes more than snorkeling and lounging, so I think these extras are part of the value. The package description includes a short massage, a banana boat ride, and an Oriental show.

What these add depends on your vibe:

• If you like variety, you will appreciate that the day has more than one activity type.
• If you prefer calm, you can treat the massage as a reset and keep the more energetic activities optional in spirit.

Even if you do not do everything, these inclusions help the day feel like a complete program rather than a single snorkeling stop.

Hotel pickup and private vehicle, the convenience piece

Pickup is included, and that is a big deal when you are doing an afternoon start. You will be collected by air-conditioned vehicle and then brought to the boat.

Just keep one eye on realism. A day-trip departure can run late if there is traffic, and in sea-based tours, the schedule can flex with the weather. If you are planning a second activity later that night, give yourself a buffer.

The good news is that being collected saves you the hassle of sorting taxis, finding the right dock, and dealing with timing anxiety. You just show up, get on the boat, and let the day happen.

Fees you must plan for on the spot

Two add-ons can show up in cash:

• National Park Fee: five euros per person, paid in cash on the spot
• Extra transfer fee: ten euros per person, paid cash on the spot if you are coming from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh

Those fees are not included in the base price, so budget them upfront. If you are traveling from one of the listed farther areas, the transfer fee can matter a lot for your final total.

Also note the price you see is $70.00 per person. Add the national park fee and any transfer surcharge, and you will know your true cost before you go.

Price value, is $70 a good deal

At $70 per person, this tour can be a good value if you want a full, water-focused day with multiple parts included. You are getting:

• Private speed boat service for your group
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Two guided snorkeling stops with equipment
• Soft drinks and water
• Lunch onboard
• Plus additional activities listed in the package description

The value gets even better if you are comparing against separate taxi, separate snorkeling gear rental, and buying snacks and lunch separately. The extras like banana boat and the show also help justify paying one package price instead of building a custom day.

Where the price can feel less satisfying is when you have a “bad luck” day at sea, like if dolphin sightings are limited or the water conditions make swimming less fun. Still, even in those cases, you are not paying for only one activity. Snorkeling and island time are built in.

Who this tour fits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A Red Sea day that mixes snorkeling, island time, and dolphin-house searching
• A guided experience where someone else handles equipment and basic planning
• A private-group feel, where you are not stuck with strangers during the briefings

It may be less ideal if you hate any uncertainty. Dolphin sightings are never fully predictable, and the swimming part can feel tougher if conditions are rough.

Things to pack and tips that make the day easier

Because the tour is focused on being on and in the water, pack like you are going to live in swim mode.

Bring:

• A swimsuit you are comfortable wearing all day
• Reef-friendly sunscreen if you use it
• A hat and sunglasses for island time
• A towel or plan to manage how you dry off after snorkeling
• Cash for the five euro national park fee and any transfer surcharge you might owe

And practical tip: since your start is 12:00 pm, eat earlier or bring a light snack before pickup so you are not hungry while you are waiting for lunch onboard.

Should you book this dolphin boat trip from Hurghada?

Book it if you want a single, organized half-day style adventure that gives you dolphin-house chances plus real snorkeling and beach time at Magawish Island. The included lunch, drinks, equipment, and guided stops make it simpler than piecing together multiple activities.

Skip it or choose a different style if you are traveling only for guaranteed dolphin swimming, or if you get easily stressed by changing conditions at sea. If you are a confident swimmer and you are okay enjoying the day even when dolphins are shy, this one can be a memorable Red Sea outing.

If you book, do it with the right mindset: you are going for nature encounters, not a scripted show.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 12:00 pm.

How long is the private speed boat to Magawish Island?

The duration is listed as about 5 hours (approx.).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with an air-conditioned vehicle.

What snorkeling is included?

You get two guided snorkeling stops and use of snorkeling equipment, with a professional guide and snorkeling instructor.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a buffet lunch on board is included.

Are there extra fees at the destination?

Yes. There is a national park fee of five euros per person paid in cash on the spot. There may also be a ten euro per person transfer fee in cash on the spot if you are picked up from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh.

Do I need to pay for dolphins or park access separately?

The national park fee is not included and is paid in cash on the spot.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, so only your group participates.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.