A rocket ride, then two beach breaks. This Hurghada sea taxi is all about speed and time on the water, whisking you to Orange Bay or Magawish Island in about 15 to 20 minutes.

I love how you can shape your day, with options that range from a short visit to a full island day, plus a guided setup that keeps things moving. Magawish snorkeling is included, and the crew can be great at helping you get comfortable in the water, with captains like Mohammed and guides such as Ibrahim or Bram showing up again and again in standout feedback.

One drawback to plan for: the ride can make you very wet, and the breeze can feel cold, especially outside of peak summer. A hoodie helps more than you’d expect.

Key highlights at a glance

• Fast transfer, usually 15 to 20 minutes each way, so your island time starts sooner
• Choose your island mix, like Orange Bay only, Magawish only, or a split day of both
• Snorkeling included at Magawish, but Orange Bay snorkeling is not included
• Dolphin-spotting stops are common, and the crew may look for them en route
• On-board comfort includes life jackets, a shaded tenda, and bottled water
• Parasailing can be added on, with options beyond basic beach time

Why Orange Bay and Magawish Feel Faster Than “Real” Ferries

The whole point of this tour is compression. You get the thrill of a high-speed boat, but the real win is how quickly you reach the islands, compared with slower ferry-style options. That matters because Hurghada island beaches can get crowded as the day goes on, and speed helps you start earlier.

Orange Bay is the classic “white sand, easy swim” kind of place, built for people who want a relaxed beach day without complicated logistics. Magawish Island shifts the mood toward clearer water and snorkeling, which is why so many people leave saying Magawish was their favorite.

If your holiday schedule is tight, or you just do not want to lose half your day to the boat crossing, this sea taxi style of day trip is a strong match.

Getting From Your Hotel to the Marina, Without a Lot of Guesswork

Pickup is a big part of whether this day feels smooth or stressful, and this operation is set up to be organized. You are picked up directly from your hotel area, with multiple pickup location options in Hurghada (Hurghada 1, Hurghada, Hurghada 2). For other areas, long-range pickup can be selected as an add-on during checkout, covering spots like Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay.

That said, you need to understand the timing reality. Pickup windows can vary, and Hurghada hotel pickups may shift by around 1 to 1.5 hours from the scheduled time. For extended areas, the window is wider, around plus or minus 90 minutes. If you hate waiting around, build in buffer time and do not plan anything tight right after.

They also send pickup confirmation late the night before, usually around 10 pm, by email or WhatsApp. Plan to check your phone or email that evening. When pickup arrives, look for a white/black bus with the GoShalabi logo, and wait at your hotel’s main entrance by the road, not the reception gate.

One practical detail: the driver can only wait about 5 minutes. If you are not ready when they pull up, you might miss the window, so set yourself up to be at the right place early.

The Speedboat Ride: Thrill Level, Comfort Tips, and Sea-Sickness Math

This is a high-powered, fast ride. You are on a modern speedboat with life jackets and crew guidance, and the feeling is part adrenaline, part sun and sea breeze. Most people describe the ride itself as a highlight, especially when the boat gets you there quickly.

Now for the comfort side. Expect wind, spray, and that “wet seat” reality. Multiple people mention being cold or getting very wet, and one simple takeaway keeps popping up: pack a hoodie or light layer. Even in warmer months, a breezy Red Sea crossing can cool you down faster than you expect.

If you are prone to sea sickness, the quick crossing is a plus. One person specifically noted that the speed and convenience made the trip easier for a family member who gets sea sick. Still, if you are sensitive, bring whatever helps you manage nausea (like ginger or your preferred medication). The tour does not list a cure, and your best defense is what you already know works for you.

On-board, you also get a shaded tenda, which is a lifesaver when you are waiting to board or when the sun is strong. It is a small detail, but it helps a lot.

Orange Bay Island: White Sand Beach Time With a Snorkeling Catch

Orange Bay is all about straightforward beach enjoyment. Think white sand, clear water for swimming, and time to relax without feeling like you have to rush through activities. The trip is built so you can enjoy a chunk of island time, including shorter options like 3 hours or longer stretches if you book a full day.

One useful reality check: snorkeling on Orange Bay is not included. So if your main goal is coral and fish, you’ll likely get more value by choosing Magawish for the snorkeling time.

Orange Bay is also one of those places where cash is your friend. Cell reception can be spotty, and you may run into trouble using cards. One person advised bringing cash because there is almost no cellphone reception and card machines may not be available. If you want drinks, snacks, or any paid water activities on-site, plan to have money ready.

Finally, the island vibe is improved by getting there earlier. When the boat ride is fast and you depart at a good pace, you often get beach time before the larger ferry crowds fully hit.

Magawish Island: Snorkeling Included, and Why People Call It Their Favorite

If Orange Bay is the easy beach day, Magawish is the water day. Snorkeling on Magawish Island is included, and the water is described as clear enough that you can enjoy colorful fish and coral zones.

Many people rank Magawish as the better island, especially for snorkeling. Some mention that the snorkel experience was incredible and that they could not get out of the water. If you are the kind of traveler who wants at least one activity that feels like it belongs in Egypt, Magawish is the safer bet.

You also get to mix the day. You can do Magawish on its own, or you can split time with Orange Bay, like a 3 hours Orange Bay and 3 hours Magawish style day. That split is ideal when you want both beach relaxation and a proper snorkeling window.

A small caution based on what is stated: snorkeling equipment is not included. The tour includes snorkeling on Magawish, but you still may need to bring or pay for your own gear depending on what is available at the time. If you already travel with your own snorkel mask, it can save time and let you fit better.

Food, Shade, and Water: What Helps Your Day Not Feel Like a Rush

This day trip includes the basics that keep your energy up: a bottle of water and a shaded tenda area on the boat. If you choose the meal option, breakfast or lunch is part of the island day plan, so you are not stuck paying for food immediately on arrival.

There are also hints that some groups get extra on-board treats like snacks, fruit, or bread during the day. That is not something to count on for every departure, but the overall pattern from feedback is that the crew tries to keep people comfortable and fed.

Why this matters: when you go island-hopping fast, food stops being a side quest and becomes part of pacing. Having a meal option built in keeps you from spending your beach time searching for lunch or worrying about where you can eat.

Also, if you are planning to buy extras on-site, especially at Orange Bay, build in cash for it.

Dolphins, Detours, and How Guides Keep the Day Fun

One of the most memorable elements for many people is that the crew may look for dolphins on the way. You might not get lucky every time, but multiple accounts describe dolphin-spotting stops, including one where a dolphin was seen almost straight away.

That is part of what makes this feel more like a sea taxi with personality than just transport. The boat captain and guide, in many cases, seem tuned into where the best chances are and when to slow down enough to get a good look.

You will also likely have a live guide speaking English and Arabic. Named guides show up in many positive comments, including Ibrahim, Ahmed, Bram, Joseph, and HaZem. Captains also get praise by name, including Mohammed, Seif, Rasham, Eslam, Bakry, and others. The pattern is consistent: you get support when you need it, and enough space to enjoy the islands when you do not.

If you want help with snorkeling confidence, do not be shy about asking your guide for tips on where to swim or how to handle the water calmly. The guides mentioned in feedback often step in personally and help people feel secure.

Parasailing and Other Water Activities: Optional Adrenaline When You Want It

Parasailing is available if you select it as an add-on. When it is included, it is listed as part of the activity package tied to the selected option.

Beyond that, there are other fun water activities at the islands, and what you can do usually depends on what is offered on the day. The tour framework is flexible, so if you want a calm swim, you can do that. If you want a bigger adrenaline hit, parasailing is the obvious choice from the given add-on.

One good approach: decide your main goal before you go. If snorkeling is your priority, put your effort into Magawish. If you are more beach and thrill, then Orange Bay plus parasailing can hit the sweet spot.

Price and Value: How $33 Usually Works Out for Your Day

The price listed is $33 per person, and the value comes from what is bundled rather than just the cost. You typically get:

• Pickup and drop-off from Hurghada
• Round-trip speedboat cruise
• Island entry fees
• A guide
• Life jackets
• A shaded area on-board
• Bottled water
• Snorkeling on Magawish Island

That is a lot to pay for in one number, especially when island entry and speedboat transfer are included. In other words, you are not only paying for the boat. You are paying for the whole day structure.

Now, what can change your final spending:

• Long-range pickup outside Hurghada can be selected as an add-on during checkout, or you might need to pay at the harbor if you did not add it.
• Parasailing is an add-on.
• Snorkeling equipment is not included.
• Orange Bay does not include snorkeling.

So the smart move is to match your expectations to the island choice. If you book Orange Bay expecting snorkeling, you will likely feel disappointed. If you book Magawish expecting snorkeling, you are in the right place.

What to Bring (and One Thing Not to Forget): Cash

Here is the packing list that actually matters for this day:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Water (even though you get bottled water)
• Cash

Cash is the sneaky one. If you plan to buy drinks, snacks, or paid activities on the island, bring enough so you are not stuck. The tour information specifically warns about needing cash at Orange Bay because card options may not work reliably due to reception issues.

Also, if you run hot or burn easily, sunscreen is non-negotiable. The boat ride and beach time can stack sun exposure quickly.

And one safety note: pets are not allowed. If you are traveling with animals, you will need alternate plans.

Who Should Book This Sea Taxi, and Who Should Skip It

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A fast island day from Hurghada
• Beach time plus the option of snorkeling on Magawish
• Fun water activities, including parasailing if you add it
• A guided experience that handles the main logistics

It is especially good for first-timers who do not want to figure out boats, transfers, and island entry by themselves.

It might be a rough match if you have back problems. The activity is listed as not suitable for people with back problems, so take that seriously and choose a different style of outing.

Also, if you hate getting wet and you cannot handle cold wind, plan your comfort layer before departure. A hoodie and a towel waiting for you on arrival can make the difference between a fun day and an uncomfortable one.

Should You Book This Hurghada Speedboat to Orange Bay or Magawish?

Yes, if your goal is maximum time on the water with minimal hassle. This is one of those tours where speed is the real feature, and the island choice determines the experience.

Book Orange Bay if you want a simple beach day, early calm time, and maybe parasailing for extra thrills. Just remember snorkeling is not included there, and cash is smart.

Book Magawish if snorkeling is high on your list. Snorkeling is included, and many people end up calling it the best part of the trip.

If you want the best of both worlds, pick the split day options that give you time on Orange Bay and time on Magawish. That pairing tends to satisfy both beach lovers and water explorers.

FAQ

How long is the Sea Taxi tour from Hurghada?

The duration is listed as 4 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose.

Where do you get picked up in Hurghada?

Pickup is offered from Hurghada with 3 location options: Hurghada 1, Hurghada, and Hurghada 2. Long-range pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay is available as an add-on.

How long does the speedboat ride take to reach the islands?

The ride is described as a 15 to 20 minute trip to Orange Bay or Magawish.

Is snorkeling included on Orange Bay?

No. Snorkeling on Orange Bay is not included.

Is snorkeling included on Magawish Island?

Yes. Snorkeling on Magawish Island is included.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only if you select it as an add-on.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, water, and cash.

Is the tour refundable if my plans change?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for people with back problems?

No. It is not suitable for people with back problems.