Magawish Island By Private Speedboat with Snorkeling – Hurghada

Magawish Island is the star here: clear Red Sea water, pale sand, and a private speedboat instead of a large shared boat. The ride gives you a quick way out of Hurghada’s resort zone and into a quieter setting where you can swim, sunbathe, and snorkel.

I like two things in particular. First, the boat is private, so your group controls the mood and does not have to share the trip with strangers. Second, the crew has earned praise for being friendly with children, helpful in the water, and good company, with Captain Snoopy and guide Amr singled out by name.

The main drawback is that the advertised price does not tell the whole cost. You must add the national park fee, and pickup from several resort areas costs extra. Also, the trip includes one stated snorkeling stop, so serious snorkelers may want a longer reef excursion.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for your group: You do not share the speedboat with another booking.
• Magawish Island beach time: Expect clear water, pale sand, sunbathing, and water sports.
• One snorkeling stop: Equipment is included, but this is not an all-day reef safari.
• Afternoon departure: Pickup and the tour begin around 1:30 pm and last about four hours.
• Extra charges apply: The national park fee is five euros per person in cash, with a further transfer charge from selected resort areas.
• Family-friendly crew: Children have been especially well served by the guides and captain.

Reaching Magawish Island by private speedboat

The experience begins with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, followed by the speedboat ride toward Magawish Island. The stated start time is 1:30 pm, which makes this a useful choice if you want a half-day on the water rather than an early morning schedule.

The private format changes the feel of the outing. You are not joining a large boat packed with several groups, and only your party takes part in the activity. That matters if you are traveling with children, want a quieter ride, or simply prefer not to spend the afternoon following another group’s timetable.

The speedboat is also a practical way to reach the island. Instead of treating the crossing as a long ferry ride, you get a faster trip across the Red Sea, with open views and the wind coming off the water. The boat is described as suitable for small groups, but space may feel limited if your party is close to the boat’s full capacity. One account found a six-person boat with crew aboard somewhat tight, so ask about the exact boat and passenger limit if comfort is important to you.

Captain Snoopy is one of the crew members named in the feedback, and guide Amr is also praised for being kind and skilled. Names can change by departure, but the pattern is clear: the human side of the trip is a major part of its appeal. You can expect help with equipment, directions at the island, and general support during the water activities.

Magawish Island beach time and clear water

Magawish Island is the main reason to book this outing. The setting is simple rather than heavily programmed: sand, shallow-looking clear water, open sky, and time away from the hotel strip. Several descriptions focus on the water’s turquoise color and exceptional clarity, and one compares the island to the Egyptian version of the Maldives.

I like this kind of stop because you are not forced to fill every minute. You can sit on the sand, swim, take photographs, or relax aboard the boat. The package includes entrance to Magawish Island, so you do not have to arrange island access separately.

The island is also a good match for a mixed-age group. A parent can stay on the beach with a young child while older children use the water sports or snorkeling equipment. Couples may prefer the private setting and the chance to spend time together without a large excursion group around them.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. The island portion is not presented as a guided cultural visit or a long nature walk. Its appeal is the water and the beach. If you want ancient sites, local neighborhoods, or a history lesson, this is the wrong Hurghada day trip. If you want a short escape from the pool, it makes more sense.

The exact amount of island time can vary with sea conditions and the route. One account described about two hours on site, followed by snorkeling on the return, but the advertised duration is approximately four hours overall. Treat the beach stay as a substantial part of the outing, not as a guaranteed fixed block of time.

What the snorkeling stop is really like

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with one stated snorkeling stop. This keeps the trip easy to arrange, especially if you did not bring a mask and fins from home. The equipment has been described as clean and well maintained, which matters more than it may sound. A leaking mask or poor-fitting fins can spoil an otherwise good afternoon.

The Red Sea is the strongest natural feature of this excursion. Fish, coral, and clear water are the main draw, and some outings have produced sightings of dolphins and a turtle. Those sightings are never guaranteed, so book for the reef and the sea rather than for a particular animal.

The route has also included a wreck area with more fish and coral. Since the included schedule specifies one snorkeling stop, do not assume that a separate wreck visit is guaranteed on every departure. It may depend on the captain, conditions, and the day’s route.

There is one important practical point about safety. One account specifically noted that a life jacket was not available on board for people who were not strong swimmers. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not give a detailed swimming standard or safety-equipment list. If you are nervous in open water, traveling with children, or not a confident swimmer, ask before departure whether life jackets are available in the correct sizes and whether a crew member can stay close during the stop.

You should also ask how deep the snorkeling water will be and how long you will have in the water. Those details are not fixed in the information provided. A private boat gives you a better chance of asking for help, but it does not turn the trip into a full instructional snorkeling course.

Water sports, fruit, and the small comforts

The package includes use of water sports equipment, though the specific activities are not listed. That makes the inclusion useful but somewhat vague. Ask the operator what is available on your date if a particular activity is important to you.

Food and drink are straightforward. You receive fruit, snacks, water, and a soft drink. This is enough to keep a half-day outing comfortable, but it is not a full lunch. Eat something before pickup, particularly if you are prone to seasickness or plan to spend a lot of time in the water.

The refreshments also suit a family group. Water is essential under the Hurghada sun, and fruit is an easy snack after swimming. Bring any special food you need, since the package does not promise a choice of meals or cater to particular diets.

A private speedboat is not the same as a luxury yacht. The description uses the language of comfort and style, but the practical package is a fast boat, a captain and crew, island access, snorkeling gear, water sports, and simple refreshments. That is a good setup for an active afternoon. It is less suitable if you are expecting a full onboard meal or a large shaded lounge.

The $5 price and the real value

At $5 per person, the advertised price looks extraordinary for a private speedboat, island entry, transport, equipment, and refreshments. You should read that figure carefully before deciding it is the final price.

The national park fee is five euros per person and must be paid in cash on the spot. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay costs another ten euros per person, also paid in cash. Those extras can make a large difference to the total, especially for a family.

The value improves when you are sharing the private boat with your own small group and care about privacy. A private departure lets you avoid the compromises of a large boat, and hotel pickup removes the need to arrange separate transport. Group discounts are listed as available, so ask for the full group price before booking.

The value is weaker if you are booking mainly for extended snorkeling. There is one stated snorkeling stop, and the total trip lasts about four hours. A dedicated reef trip with several water stops may suit you better if snorkeling is the central purpose of your Hurghada holiday.

I would also confirm the final currency and total in writing. The headline price is in US dollars, while the extra fees are given in euros. That is not necessarily a problem, but it is worth clarifying before pickup so you have the right cash.

Pickup, timing, and what to bring

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle. The standard transfer is included, but resort areas outside the main Hurghada zone carry the extra charge noted above. Confirm your hotel address when booking, especially if you are staying in El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, Makadi, or Sahl Hasheesh.

The 1:30 pm start gives you a relaxed morning. You can have breakfast, visit a market, or spend time at your hotel before heading to the coast. The tradeoff is that you get less late-afternoon flexibility, and the trip will finish later than a morning outing.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and cash for the fees. A waterproof phone pouch is useful for the boat and island, though it is not listed as supplied. You may also want a light cover-up for the ride back, when wind and cooler air can be more noticeable after swimming.

The operator provides mobile ticketing and confirmation at booking. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted, so check the weather and your plans before the cutoff.

Who will enjoy this four-hour outing most

I would choose this trip for a family that wants privacy and a manageable amount of time on the water. The friendly approach of the crew has worked especially well for children, and the island gives younger passengers a break from constant boat activity.

It also fits couples and small groups who want their own boat without committing to a full-day charter. You get a scenic ride, beach time, one snorkeling stop, and refreshments in a compact afternoon.

It is less suitable for a serious snorkeler who wants several reefs, longer time in the water, or detailed marine instruction. It is also not the best choice for anyone who requires guaranteed life-jacket availability unless that point is confirmed first.

The trip suits people who value a private setting more than a packed list of activities. You are paying for the combination of speedboat access, island entry, a small group, and flexible-feeling beach time. That is different from paying for a long, technical reef excursion.

Should you book the Magawish Island speedboat?

Book it if you want a private half-day on clear Red Sea water, especially with children, a partner, or a small group. The island scenery, friendly crew, clean equipment, and simple refreshments create an appealing Hurghada escape, and the private format is the strongest selling point.

Before paying, confirm the complete price, your pickup charge, the boat’s passenger capacity, the exact water-sports options, and the availability of life jackets. If those details suit your group, this is a good-value afternoon for beach time and light snorkeling.

Skip it if your main goal is an intensive reef program with several snorkeling sites. In that case, look for a longer boat trip with more water stops. For everyone else, Magawish Island offers a pleasant mix of speed, sand, clear water, and personal service without taking up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The tour operates from Hurghada and visits Magawish Island in the Red Sea.

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 1:30 pm.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are included, but transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay cost an additional ten euros per person in cash.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and use of water sports are included.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The stated package includes one snorkeling stop.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. A national park fee of five euros per person must be paid in cash on the spot. Some pickup areas also require the additional transfer payment.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refunded or accepted.