Hurghada: Orange Bay & Magawish Island Speedboat with Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada excursion is the small speedboat. You move quickly between Orange Bay, two snorkeling sites, and Magawish Island instead of spending much of the day on a large tour boat. Guides such as Saif, Momo, Kiko, Hassan, and Captain Islam are praised for being friendly and attentive, especially with first-time snorkelers.

I like the early timing, which can get you to Orange Bay before the crowds arrive, and I like the mix of sea time and beach time. The main drawback is that the islands are popular, and the hour at Orange Bay can feel short. Wind can also make the speedboat ride bumpy, so this is not a good pick if you have back problems.

Key points to know before booking

• Two very different island stops: Orange Bay has a developed beach setting, while Magawish feels quieter and more open.
• Strong snorkeling value: You get two stops of about 20 minutes each, with equipment and help from the guide.
• Early departure pays off: Morning trips are more likely to reach Orange Bay before it fills up.
• Lunch is simple: A lunch box, fruit, soft drinks, and water are included, but you may want extra cash for food or drinks on the islands.
• Private trips offer more freedom: A private group may be able to adjust snorkeling and island time, depending on the day.
• Parasailing is optional: Select that package for up to five minutes above the Red Sea.

A fast route to Hurghada’s island beaches

For $47 per person, this is a good-value way to see several Red Sea highlights in half a day. The price covers hotel pickup and return, the speedboat, island entry fees, nature reserve fees, snorkeling gear, a guide, lunch, water, soft drinks, fruit, shade, and life jackets. That matters because separate charges can quickly turn a cheap boat trip into an expensive one.

Your day normally lasts four to six hours. Pickup begins at your hotel, with the exact details sent by email at about 10 p.m. the night before. The pickup point is the main entrance by the road, not the reception area, so you need to be in the right place and ready on time. The boat cannot wait more than five minutes because other pickups may follow.

The boat ride is part of the attraction, not just transport. You get open views of the Red Sea and a faster, more lively ride than you would on a large vessel. On a windy day, that also means more spray and a rougher trip. Bring a towel, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, and keep valuables protected from water.

The standard trip may be shared, while a private option is available. Several groups have found a private boat useful because it gives them more say over how long they stay at each stop. One private group even had the chance to remain until sunset. Do not assume that flexibility comes with every booking, though. Ask for the private option if control over timing matters to you.

Orange Bay before the crowds

Orange Bay is usually the first major stop, with about an hour on the island. The appeal is simple: pale sand, clear shallow water, and a chance to sit under shade, swim, or take photographs without spending the whole day at sea.

The timing makes a real difference. A morning departure can get you there before the busiest period, and several groups enjoyed having a quieter stretch of beach early in the day. Later departures can still be enjoyable, but Orange Bay is a popular stop, so you should expect more people at some times.

I would treat Orange Bay as a scenic beach break rather than a remote island escape. It has the polished, visitor-friendly feel that makes it easy to enjoy, but it also means the stop can feel less private. One especially useful detail is that some private groups have been given a private area on the beach, though this should not be expected on a shared trip.

An hour is enough to walk on the sand, swim, and take in the views. It may not be enough if you want a long, slow beach session. If your main goal is lying on the sand, the schedule can feel rushed. If your goal is seeing several parts of the Red Sea in one outing, the short stay works better.

Two snorkeling stops in clear Red Sea water

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to two snorkeling sites, with roughly 20 minutes at each. The stops are selected for coral and fish, and the equipment is included. The water has been described as clear, with colorful fish, coral formations, and, on some outings, rays and dolphins nearby.

The snorkeling is arguably the strongest part of the trip. You are not simply stopping for a quick swim beside the island. You get two separate chances to see underwater life, and the guide can help you with the mask, fins, and life jacket. Guides including Adam, Ahmed, Islam, and Hassan have been singled out for patient support in the water.

If this is your first time snorkeling, pay attention to the first gear briefing. One family found that they needed clearer help learning how to breathe through the mask and avoid taking in water. Ask the guide to check the fit before you enter, and tell them if you feel nervous. The staff are used to helping beginners, but you should speak up rather than struggle quietly.

Twenty minutes can pass quickly. You may spend the first few minutes adjusting your mask and getting comfortable, leaving less time to look around. Still, two short stops give you variety and a chance to try again if the first entry feels awkward.

The sea is not always calm. Windy conditions can make the ride bumpy and may affect comfort in the water. The water temperature has been described as comfortable by several people, though it can feel cool when you first enter. A towel and a dry layer for the ride back are sensible.

Dolphin sightings have happened, but they are a lucky extra, not part of the promised schedule. Some outings have also seen rays. The dependable attraction is the coral and fish, not wildlife on the surface.

Magawish Island and the Egyptian Caribbean feel

Magawish Island follows the snorkeling stops, with about an hour to relax and eat. The island is known for white sand, clear water, and a setting that feels more Caribbean than desert coast. It is a good place to slow down after the boat ride and snorkeling.

Lunch is served here or as a packed meal connected with the stop, depending on the arrangement that day. The package includes a lunch box, seasonal fruit, bottled water, soft drinks, and a shaded tent. The food has been well received overall, but one useful warning is that the included meal may be modest if you have a large appetite.

You can bring extra cash to buy food, cocktails, or other drinks on the islands. Some people have preferred the food available at Magawish to the supplied lunch. Cash is specifically recommended, so do not assume card payment will be convenient.

Magawish is not a large island. That is part of its appeal, but it also explains why some people feel an hour is longer than necessary. You can walk around, sit by the water, take pictures, and eat without needing much time to find your way. If you care more about snorkeling than beach time, you might prefer a longer water stop.

The island can feel much quieter on an afternoon trip near sunset, especially after other boats leave. One late departure had very few people left at Magawish and finished with a peaceful sunset. That makes the 1 p.m. option attractive if you do not mind giving up the early, quieter arrival at Orange Bay.

Optional parasailing above the Red Sea

The parasailing add-on gives you up to five minutes in the air. It is designed to let you see the Red Sea from above, balancing the snorkeling experience below the surface.

Five minutes is brief, so think of this as a quick extra rather than a full separate activity. It can be worth adding if you want a second kind of view and do not mind paying for the upgrade. If you prefer more time on the beach or in the water, skip it and keep the standard package.

The information supplied does not give a separate price for the parasailing option. Check the checkout total carefully before paying, since it is included only when that option is selected.

Shared boat or private speedboat?

A shared boat is the better value if you want the main experience at the lowest practical price. You will follow the group schedule, share space with other people, and have less control over how long you spend at each stop. The benefit is that $47 covers a lot: transport, the boat, two islands, snorkeling, food, and equipment.

A private boat costs more, but it can be worthwhile for a family, couple, or small group with specific plans. Private groups have had more freedom to decide how long to snorkel and how long to stay on each island. That can solve the common complaint that Orange Bay or Magawish feels too short.

The shared format is not necessarily impersonal. Groups have described small boats with friendly captains and guides who played music, took pictures, and kept children involved. One family with a three-year-old felt the child was included and supervised while the adults snorkeled. Still, children should be watched closely around the water, and the guide cannot replace a parent’s attention.

Guides, safety, and the human side

The crew is a major reason this trip earns such strong marks. Names that come up repeatedly include Saif, Momo, Kiko, Tula, Joo, Hassan, Islam, Kareem, Ahmed, and Captain Rashid. You may meet different staff, but the consistent pattern is a guide who helps with equipment, checks on the group, and keeps the mood light.

For beginners, the guide matters more than the boat’s speed. A patient instructor can make the difference between swallowing seawater and enjoying the coral. Tell the guide if you cannot swim confidently, need help with the mask, or want to stay close to the boat.

Life jackets are included, and the tour carries snorkeling equipment. The package also includes a shaded area, useful during the strongest sun. The experience is not suitable for people with back problems, and the ride can be uncomfortable when the sea is choppy.

The listed languages are English and Arabic. Communication has been easy for many groups, though some have found language differences with individual crew members. Basic patience and clear gestures usually help, but ask important safety questions before entering the water.

What the price really gets you

At $47, the tour gives you more than a simple boat ride. You receive hotel transport, a high-speed boat, access to two islands, two snorkeling stops, gear, staff, lunch, drinks, fruit, shade, and required fees. Paying separately for all those parts would usually be less convenient and could cost more.

The value is strongest if you want variety. In four to six hours, you get a beach stop, coral snorkeling, a second island, and a fast ride over open water. The value is weaker if you want a slow beach day, a large meal, or a long snorkeling session in one location.

The package is also useful for a first Red Sea outing. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the harbor, find equipment, or work out island entry fees. Pickup from areas farther from Hurghada, including Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay, is available as an added booking option. Check that extra cost before you compare prices.

The cancellation terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. You must provide a passport copy for daily permissions and give the correct nationality, hotel, address, and room number.

Best departure time for your plans

Choose a morning trip if your priority is reaching Orange Bay before it gets crowded. It also leaves more of your afternoon free, which helps if you have dinner plans, a flight, or another activity.

Choose an afternoon departure if you like softer light and the chance of watching the sunset at Magawish. One afternoon group found that the island became very quiet later in the day. The tradeoff is that Orange Bay may be busier when you arrive.

The trip can run from four to six hours, so leave room around it. Pickup delays, sea conditions, and the chosen schedule can affect the finish time. If you have a flight, a tight transfer, or a fixed dinner reservation, the morning time slot is the safer choice.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and cash. A waterproof pouch for your phone and money is sensible, though it is not listed as a required item. You will want a dry shirt or cover-up for the return boat ride.

Pets are not allowed. Wear swimwear beneath light clothing so you can change quickly between the beach and boat. Sunscreen is essential, especially when you are surrounded by reflected light from the sea and pale sand.

You should also bring patience. The activity is shared unless you book privately, and the crew has to keep to a pickup schedule. Arrive at the main hotel gate early and do not wait at reception for the driver.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a compact Red Sea experience without committing to a full-day cruise. It suits people who value friendly help, quick transfers, clear water, and a mix of relaxation and activity.

It is especially good for anyone nervous about snorkeling. The guides have experience helping beginners, and the two-stop format gives you a second chance to settle into the gear.

I would be more cautious if you dislike fast boats, get uncomfortable in choppy water, have back problems, or want a quiet, undeveloped beach. Orange Bay can be busy, island time is limited, and the lunch may not satisfy a large appetite.

Should you book Orange Bay and Magawish?

Book this trip if you want maximum variety in half a day. The strongest reasons are the clean speedboat, two snorkeling stops, helpful crew, clear water, and the chance to see both islands for a modest price. Early morning is best for a quieter Orange Bay, while afternoon works well for sunset at Magawish.

Choose the private option if your group cares about flexible timing or wants more space. Add parasailing only if the short flight appeals to you. For most people staying in Hurghada, this is a practical and well-priced way to sample the Red Sea without spending an entire day on a large boat.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada speedboat trip last?

The experience lasts about four to six hours, including hotel pickup, the speedboat ride, island stops, snorkeling, lunch, and the return to the harbor.

What places does the tour visit?

The trip visits Orange Bay, two snorkeling locations, and Magawish Island. Orange Bay and Magawish are the two island stops.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the standard service. Pickup is at the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not at the reception gate or reception area.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a guide are included. The trip has two snorkeling stops of about 20 minutes each.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A lunch box, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and water are included. You may also want cash for food or drinks sold on the islands.

Can I book a private speedboat?

Yes. Private and shared options are available. A private boat may give your group more flexibility over snorkeling and island time.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only if you select the option that includes it. That option provides up to five minutes of parasailing.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and cash. You should also provide a passport copy for daily permissions and give the correct nationality, hotel details, address, and room number.

Is the trip suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems, and the speedboat can be bumpy in windy conditions.