PRIVATE! Speedboat to Magawish Island from Hurghada

Magawish Island gives you a quick taste of the Red Sea without committing to a full-day boat trip. The fast private ride, small-group setting, and clear time split between snorkeling and beach rest make this a practical half-day escape from Hurghada.

I especially like the included water, fruit, snacks, and ice box, plus the freedom that comes with a private boat. One important catch: your island visit lasts only about 1.5 hours, and you must pay the €5 national park and island fee in cash.

Key points to know before booking

• Private speedboat: Only your group takes part, so the ride feels more personal than a large shared excursion.
• Short island stay: You get about 1.5 hours on Magawish Island during a roughly four-hour outing.
• Snorkeling included: Equipment is provided, giving you a simple way to see the coral reefs and Red Sea marine life.
• Flexible local service: Walid adjusted one recent trip to suit the group and reached dolphins within about 20 minutes.
• Refreshments provided: Packaged water, snacks, fruit, and an ice box are included.
• Extra cash required: Bring €5 per person for the national park and Magawish Island admission.

A fast Red Sea escape from Hurghada

The main appeal here is efficiency. You leave Hurghada by private speedboat, reach Magawish Island quickly, spend time in the water or on the sand, and return within about four hours. It is a tidy fit for a free morning or afternoon.

I like this better than a long, crowded boat outing if you want a taste of the Red Sea rather than a full day at sea. You are not signing up for a complicated program with many stops. The plan is direct: boat ride, island time, snorkeling, and return.

The private format matters. Your group is not mixed with a boatload of strangers, and the operator can listen to what you want to do. That flexibility was useful for one group whose outing was adjusted toward dolphins, with the sighting reached within around 20 minutes. Dolphins are not promised, so treat that as a happy possibility rather than the purpose of the trip.

The tradeoff is clear. The island stay is only 1.5 hours, so this is not an all-day beach retreat. You will need to choose how to use your time instead of expecting a slow, leisurely afternoon.

Leaving Hurghada by private speedboat

If you select the pickup option, the day begins with collection from your Hurghada hotel. If not, you meet at the designated departure point. The tour description does not give a fixed pickup window or name every departure location, so check those details when you book.

Once aboard, the speedboat is the experience’s defining feature. A fast ride cuts down the time spent simply getting from Hurghada to the island, leaving more of the outing for swimming, snorkeling, and sitting on the beach.

You should still expect an open-water ride, not a quiet transfer. A speedboat can feel thrilling, but comfort depends on sea conditions and your tolerance for motion. If you are prone to seasickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use and keep your expectations sensible.

The private arrangement is also useful for families, couples, and small groups who prefer not to follow the pace of a large shared boat. You get the boat to yourselves, and only your group participates in the activity.

What makes Magawish Island worth the stop

Magawish Island is presented as a natural island surrounded by coral reefs. Its main draw is the combination of an easy beach stop and access to Red Sea sea life.

The water is the reason to bring your attention beneath the surface. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental for the basic gear. The area is known for coral reefs and marine life, making the water portion more than a quick swim.

I would treat the snorkeling as the heart of the island visit. If conditions are good, you can look for reef life close to shore or in the designated snorkeling area. The exact wildlife and water visibility cannot be guaranteed, so do not book this as a promise of particular fish, coral, or dolphins.

You also have a simple land option. The island has sandy beaches and a shoreline suitable for a walk. You can split your time between the water and the sand, or skip snorkeling and use the stop as a quiet break beside the Red Sea.

Making the most of 1.5 hours on the island

An hour and a half passes quickly. I suggest deciding before you arrive whether snorkeling or beach time matters more to you.

If snorkeling is your priority, get ready soon after reaching the island. Use the included equipment and spend the first part of the stop in the water, then leave time to dry off, eat a snack, and walk along the shore.

If you prefer an easy beach break, claim a comfortable spot and keep the schedule in mind. You can enjoy the sand, views, and calm setting without trying to pack in every possible activity.

The short visit has one advantage: it keeps the excursion focused. You are unlikely to feel stuck on the island for too long if you prefer a compact program. But anyone hoping for hours of sunbathing, a long shoreline walk, and extended snorkeling may find the schedule too tight.

There is no need to create a complicated plan. Bring your attention to the Red Sea, take the chance to swim or snorkel, and use the remaining time to relax. The island is meant to be a brief escape, not a full resort day.

Snorkeling equipment and Red Sea conditions

The price includes snorkeling equipment, which removes one small but important task from your day. You can try snorkeling without arranging gear in advance, though the supplied information does not specify the exact equipment available or whether different sizes can be requested.

The nearby coral reefs give the water its character. The point is not just to get wet, but to see the underwater setting that makes the Red Sea so popular. Fish and other marine life may be present, but sightings vary with conditions.

You should be comfortable in the water before choosing this trip for the snorkeling alone. The activity information says most participants can take part, but it does not provide a detailed swimming assessment or a separate beginner lesson.

If you are not interested in snorkeling, the tour still works as a beach outing. You can relax on the sand or walk beside the water while your companions use the equipment.

The dolphin detail deserves a careful note. A recent outing with Walid reached dolphins within about 20 minutes after the group expressed interest. That shows the private format may allow some adjustment, but dolphins are wildlife, not a scheduled stop. No one should book expecting a guaranteed sighting.

Snacks, water, and the small practical touches

A bottle of water, snacks, fruit, and an ice box are included. These are modest extras, but they matter on a short boat trip. You do not need to arrange every drink and bite before leaving Hurghada.

The refreshments also help you use your limited island time well. Instead of searching for food, you can have a quick snack between swimming and relaxing. The information does not specify the exact food selection, so do not plan the outing around a full meal.

The island admission and national park charge are separate. The cost is €5 per person, paid in cash on the day. Budget for this before you leave, because the advertised tour price does not cover it.

There is no indication that a full lunch is included. If you need a substantial meal, check with the operator before departure or eat beforehand. Keep that point in mind when comparing this trip with longer Red Sea outings that include lunch.

Is $52.71 good value?

At $52.71 per person, this experience can be good value for someone who wants a private boat and a compact island visit. You are paying for the speedboat, snorkeling equipment, refreshments, and the convenience of a roughly four-hour plan.

The private boat is the biggest value factor. A shared excursion may cost less in some cases, but it will not provide the same level of privacy or the same ability to shape the outing around your group.

The cost makes more sense for two or more people traveling together, especially if you value space and a direct schedule. Group discounts may also be available, so ask about the price for your party rather than assuming the individual rate is the final figure.

You should add the €5 cash fee to your calculation. The real cost is the listed price plus the island and national park charge, and you may also need to account for any transport choice if pickup is not included in the option you select.

For a full day on an island, the price would not tell the whole story because this trip provides only 1.5 hours there. For a fast half-day outing from Hurghada, the package is easier to justify.

Who will get the most from this trip

This experience suits you if you want:

• A private outing instead of a shared boat
• A fast route from Hurghada to a Red Sea island
• A short snorkeling session with equipment included
• Time on a sandy beach without giving up most of your day
• A flexible plan for a couple, family, or small group
• A chance to ask about dolphins while keeping the trip private

It may not suit you if you want a long island stay, a full meal, or a detailed program with many guaranteed stops. The schedule is compact, and the information provided does not promise a particular animal sighting or extended water session.

The tour is also best for people who are happy with a straightforward outing. You will not get a long cultural program or a guided history lesson. The reward is the sea, the island, and time with your own group.

Pickup, timing, and what to bring

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option. Since pickup is not automatically stated for every booking choice, read the option details carefully before paying.

The total outing lasts about four hours. That includes transport, the speedboat ride, the island stop, snorkeling, and the return to Hurghada. The island portion itself is listed as 1.5 hours, so the rest of the time is used for boat travel and organizing the outing.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel if you plan to enter the water. These items are not listed among the inclusions, so you should not assume they will be supplied.

Carry €5 per person in cash for the admission charge. You may also want a little extra water or food if you prefer more than the supplied bottle, snacks, and fruit.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own comfort, check the forecast before setting out, especially if you are sensitive to rough water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

How the private format changes the day

A private tour is not only about avoiding strangers. It changes how you use a short schedule.

You can spend more time on the activity your group actually wants. If everyone wants to snorkel, you do not need to wait for a large group to finish another stop. If some people prefer the beach, they can relax while others use the equipment.

The experience with Walid also shows why a private boat may be useful. The group expressed interest in dolphins, and the plan responded quickly. Again, you should not expect this outcome every time, but the example points to a more personal service than a fixed group program.

The downside is that a private trip may offer fewer planned elements than a large excursion. You are paying for privacy and flexibility, not for a long menu of activities. If you want constant entertainment or several scheduled sites, compare the itinerary closely.

Final verdict: book it for a focused island break

I would book this trip if you want a private, fast, four-hour Red Sea outing with a short Magawish Island visit and included snorkeling gear. The combination of speedboat travel, beach time, fruit and snacks, and a small-group format gives you a clean break from Hurghada without taking up the whole day.

I would pause if your main goal is a long beach stay or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. The 1.5-hour island stop is brief, and wildlife sightings depend on nature.

For couples, families, and small groups that value privacy, the $52.71 price can be sensible, especially if a group discount applies. Add the €5 cash fee, choose the pickup option carefully, and book only if the compact schedule matches what you want from the Red Sea.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island trip last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

How long do you stay on Magawish Island?

The included island stay lasts about 1.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from a Hurghada hotel are included if you select that option.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks provided?

A bottle of water, snacks, fruit, and an ice box are included.

Is the Magawish Island entrance fee included?

No. The national park and Magawish Island admission charge is €5 per person and must be paid in cash on the day.

Can you see dolphins on this trip?

Dolphins are not guaranteed. One outing reached dolphins within about 20 minutes after the group requested it.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.

Can you cancel for a full refund?

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