REVIEW · HURGHADA
Private Speed Boat 4Hours Snorkel from Hugarda to Magawish Island
Magawish Island gives you a quick escape from Hurghada’s hotel strip, with a private speedboat ride and time on a low-key beach. The best part is the mix: you get open-water snorkeling, coral and fish, then a slower island stop for lunch and sun.
I like the freedom of a private boat, since your group is not tied to a large excursion vessel. I also like the short four-hour format, which leaves room for another activity later in the day. The main consideration is cost: at $75 per person, plus island and national park fees, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Red Sea.
Key points to know before you book

- Two water stops: The outing includes snorkeling from the boat and at the island area, with equipment supplied.
- Private boat and transfers: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and a private speedboat are included for your group.
- Magawish Island time: You can relax on the beach, take photos, picnic, canoe, or listen to music around the island.
- Fresh lunch included: Food is served during the island stop, though the exact menu is not specified.
- Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.
- Allow for extra fees: The island entrance ticket and government national park fees are not included.
A fast Red Sea escape from Hurghada

This tour is built around speed and privacy. Instead of spending much of the day on a large boat, you are collected from your hotel and taken to a private speedboat for the run toward Magawish Island. The ride itself is part of the fun. The boat is described as comfortable and, in some bookings, brand new, but speed also means a livelier ride than a broad, slow cruise.
Your total time is about four hours. That is long enough for two snorkeling stops, beach time, and lunch, but short enough to fit into a busy Hurghada schedule. I see this as a good choice if you want a taste of the Red Sea without giving up an entire day.
The experience is private, so only your group takes part. That matters most if you are traveling as a couple, with children, or with friends who prefer to decide how much time to spend in the water. It also gives the outing a more personal feel than a standard shared boat trip.
The advertised price is $75 per person. At that rate, you are paying for hotel transportation, the boat, snorkeling equipment, guides, lunch, and the convenience of a small private outing. You still need to budget for the island entrance ticket and government fees. Ask for the exact total before departure so the final cost is clear.
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Hotel pickup and the start of the boat ride

Pickup is offered from your hotel in Hurghada, and the service includes a return transfer. Past arrangements have been described as punctual, with the driver arriving at the agreed time. Since the tour lasts only four hours, a smooth pickup matters. A late start cuts into your time on the island rather than simply shortening a long cruise.
You will then board the private speedboat. The ride is one of the main attractions for anyone who enjoys the feel of a fast boat on open water. Several details point to a well-kept, comfortable vessel, but you should still expect wind, spray, and movement. Bring sun protection and secure loose items before the boat gathers speed.
One booking names a guide called Samaka, along with a driver and boat skipper. Guide names may vary by departure, so do not assume Samaka will lead every trip. The important point is that the outing has a guide and crew rather than being a bare boat transfer.
The captain may also point out sea life along the route. Dolphins were seen during one outing, but this is an occasional sighting, not a promised part of the tour. Treat it as luck, not as a reason to book.
First snorkeling stop: open water and coral
The snorkeling section is not limited to standing in shallow water beside the beach. The itinerary includes two snorkeling stops, and one account describes a boat ride from the island to a coral reef just outside it. This is useful to know because the best coral may be away from the sand.
You can expect clear Red Sea water, coral formations, and plenty of fish when conditions are good. The snorkeling guide accompanies the group, which helps if you are unfamiliar with the area or want someone to point out marine life. The supplied equipment includes a mask and snorkel, though one person found the gear worn and advised bringing your own if you have it.
That is a practical point. A familiar mask can make the difference between enjoying the water and spending the first few minutes adjusting a leaking seal. If you bring personal equipment, pack it in a small dry bag. If you rely on the supplied gear, check the fit before leaving the boat.
The sea may not be perfectly calm. Wind and weather affect visibility, comfort, and the ease of getting back aboard. The operator requires good weather and offers a different date or a full refund if poor conditions force cancellation. You can also postpone the activity because of weather without a problem, according to one booking account.
Do not expect a scuba expedition. This is a short snorkeling outing for ordinary holidaymakers, not a technical marine trip. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable entering the water and following the guide’s instructions.
Magawish Island: beach time, lunch, and room to slow down

The island stop changes the pace. After the speedboat and open-water snorkeling, you have time to sit on the beach, explore, take photos, and eat lunch. The island has been described as clean and calm, with less crowding than many busy Red Sea beach stops.
You might find music playing from speakers around the island. That creates a relaxed holiday mood, but it also means Magawish is not a silent desert island. If you want complete quiet, the music may be a small annoyance. If you enjoy a light social atmosphere, it adds energy without taking over the outing.
There are several ways to use your island time:
- Lie on the beach and dry off after snorkeling.
- Walk around and look for photo spots.
- Canoe, if the activity is available during your visit.
- Eat lunch as a picnic-style island meal.
- Return to the water for more swimming or snorkeling.
Lunch is included and has been described as fresh and tasty. The exact dishes are not supplied, so do not book this expecting a particular meal or special dietary menu. If you have dietary restrictions, ask the operator before departure rather than relying on the standard lunch.
The island is the strongest part of the tour for people who want a beach break rather than nonstop activity. You can stay active, but you are not forced to fill every minute with water sports. That flexibility is especially useful for mixed groups, where one person may want to snorkel and another may prefer to sit in the sun.
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What the private format really adds

The word private matters here. Only your group participates, so the day does not revolve around a large boatload of strangers. You can ask questions directly, spend more time with the snorkeling guide, and enjoy the boat ride without a crowded deck.
Private does not necessarily mean luxury. The island entrance ticket and national park fees are separate, and the snorkeling equipment may not be in perfect condition. The food is included, but the menu is not presented as a restaurant meal. Think of this as a practical private excursion with a faster boat, not a high-end yacht charter.
The arrangement works best for couples, families, and small groups who value convenience. It is also suitable if you are traveling alone and want a guided private activity rather than joining a large shared cruise. Solo visitors should compare the per-person rate with shared trips, since the $75 price may offer more value to a group than to one person.
Group discounts are available. If several people are booking together, ask how the discount is applied and whether the additional island and government charges are included. This could make the private format more attractive.
Is four hours enough?

For a first look at Magawish Island, four hours is a sensible length. The schedule includes the transfer, speedboat ride, two snorkeling stops, island time, and lunch. You will get a compact outing rather than a long, unhurried day at sea.
The trade-off is that every part has a limit. The boat ride may take time from the beach, snorkeling may be shortened by wind or sea conditions, and lunch takes a portion of the island stop. If you want several reefs, long swims, or a full day on the sand, choose a longer excursion if one is available.
I like the four-hour format for a travel day that already includes sightseeing. You could use the morning or afternoon for this trip and keep the rest of the day open. Confirm the exact departure time when booking, since the supplied details give the duration but not a fixed daily schedule.
Who should book this Magawish Island trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want:
- A private boat rather than a large shared cruise.
- A fast ride with a bit of excitement.
- Snorkeling and beach time in the same outing.
- Hotel pickup and return transportation.
- A short activity that fits into a larger Hurghada itinerary.
- A relaxed island stop with lunch and photo opportunities.
It may be less suitable if you dislike speedboats, want guaranteed quiet, or expect premium snorkeling equipment. It is also not ideal if you want a full-day marine safari with many reef stops.
Families should consider the boat motion and the swimming ability of each person. The tour says most people can participate, but that does not remove the need for sensible supervision around open water. Couples may appreciate the privacy, while groups can get good value from the shared price and possible discount.
Booking, extra charges, and cancellation details

The trip is often booked around 12 days before departure, so reserve ahead if your Hurghada dates are fixed. You receive confirmation at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted.
The $75 price does not cover the island entrance ticket or government national park fees. Those charges are important when comparing this tour with other boat outings. A cheaper advertised price may not remain cheaper after all mandatory costs are added.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refunded. The cutoff follows local time in Hurghada.
Weather is the exception to the normal cancellation rule. If poor conditions cancel the experience, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is useful for a water trip, since wind and sea conditions can change the quality of the snorkeling quickly.
Should you book the private speedboat to Magawish Island?
I would book it for a small group that wants privacy, speed, and a short Red Sea outing rather than a full-day cruise. The combination of two snorkeling stops, coral, fish, lunch, and a clean beach gives you a well-rounded half-day without a long commitment.
At $75 per person, it is good value when several people share the private boat and you make use of the hotel transfers. Check the extra entrance and government fees, and bring your own mask if you care about a precise fit. If you want a quiet, completely undeveloped island, the music and organized beach setting may disappoint. If you want a simple, lively escape from Hurghada, Magawish Island is a strong choice.
FAQ
How long is the Magawish Island speedboat tour?
The experience lasts approximately four hours.
What is included in the $75 price?
The price includes private hotel pickup and drop-off, a private speedboat, two snorkeling stops, snorkeling equipment, time on Magawish Island, and lunch.
Are island entrance fees included?
No. The island entrance ticket and government national park fees are not included.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.
Does the tour include hotel transportation?
Yes. Private pickup and return drop-off from your hotel are included.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. You may prefer to bring your own if you want a better personal fit.
Can most people participate?
The activity states that most people can participate. You should still be comfortable around open water and able to follow the snorkeling guide’s instructions.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted or refunded.
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