Speed and sunshine in one easy day.

This private speedboat trip to Magawish Island is a simple way to get out on the Red Sea, do snorkeling with provided gear, then cool off on a quiet beach. I like that the day is built for real time in the water, not just waving from a dock, and I also like the way the boat, crew, and tour team handle your day end to end with pickup from Hurghada.

One thing to keep in mind: pickup time can shift. You should plan some flexibility, because pickup may vary by up to 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your hotel and traffic.

I also take comfort in the human side of this tour. In feedback, a guide named Mohammed helped coordinate care after a serious ankle injury, staying with the group and translating during the hospital process, so the stress level stayed way lower than you’d expect.

Key things to know before you go

• Private, hotel-to-marina transport: You get door-to-main-gate pickup in Hurghada and return drop-off afterward.
• Snorkeling support for different comfort levels: The snorkeling team uses gear like life jackets, and in feedback the snorkeling guide helped people who were less confident in the water.
• A calm island break, not a rushed stop: You’ll get dedicated island time for beach lounging plus swimming.
• One snorkeling session included: You’re not stuck on a schedule that feels like a snorkel conveyor belt.
• Optional add-ons if you want more adrenaline: Parasailing can be added if you want a different kind of Red Sea view.
• Crew professionalism matters: Mohammed is specifically mentioned in feedback for going above and beyond when things got complicated.

Hurghada to Magawish Island by Private Speedboat: The Big Idea

This is a no-nonsense day trip focused on two things: time on the Red Sea and time on Magawish Island. The speedboat gives you a quick run across open water, then the island portion turns the day from transport into actual relaxation.

What makes it appealing is the balance. You’re not just snorkeling in a quick burst. You also have room to sit in the sun, rinse off, and spend a chunk of time doing nothing, which is hard to find when you pack too many stops into one day in Egypt.

If you’re in Hurghada and you want a straightforward plan that feels like a treat, this fits well. And if you’re the type who likes having a plan but still wants flexibility once you land on the island, the schedule is built to let you choose what you do during the water and beach time.

Pickup at Your Hurghada Hotel, and Why Timing Can Wobble

Your day starts with private hotel pickup from one of the main Hurghada areas (Hurghada 1, Hurghada 2, or Hurghada). Pickup is from the main hotel gate on the road, not from the reception area.

Two timing realities matter. First, pickup details are sent by email at 10:00 PM the evening before. Second, pickup may vary by up to 1 to 1.5 hours based on where your hotel sits and traffic.

That’s not a reason to skip the tour. It’s a reason to plan your morning loosely. If you’ve booked a second activity right before you’re supposed to leave, you could end up stressed. If you can keep your schedule flexible, the whole day feels easier from the start.

The Speedboat Ride Across the Red Sea: Fast, Simple, Scenic

Once you arrive at the marina, you get a short safety briefing and then you’re on the speedboat. This part matters more than people think. A good briefing helps you feel comfortable quickly, especially if you’re not used to open-water rides.

Expect a scenic cruise across the Red Sea. The point is not only getting there. It’s also giving you a preview of what the day will feel like: bright water, sea air, and that slightly adventurous mood that comes with speedboats.

In feedback, people mention highlights like seeing dolphins while traveling. Dolphins are never guaranteed, but when they do show up it makes the ride feel like more than just a commute.

If you’re sensitive to sun, consider bringing sunscreen and a towel early. Once you’re moving, it’s easy to forget basics until your shoulders feel the heat.

Snorkeling Stop with a Real Guide, Gear, and Calm-Water Comfort

The snorkeling portion is set up to be practical. You get snorkeling equipment and a life jacket, plus a snorkeling guide who helps you get your bearings.

The waters around the stop are described as shallow and calm enough that snorkeling works for both beginners and more experienced swimmers. That’s a big deal. If you’ve never snorkeled before, “beginner-friendly” only helps if you also have support and confidence on the surface. The presence of a snorkeling guide plus life jacket support is what makes this feel doable rather than intimidating.

A nice detail from feedback: the snorkeling guide used a swim ring to help people who weren’t fully confident in the water. That kind of improvisation is exactly what you want on a day trip. You’re there to enjoy the sea, not fight your gear or your nerves.

One session is included. So you should treat it like your main focus moment of the trip. If you want better photos, aim to be comfortable first, then start looking for coral and fish once you’re steady.

Magawish Island Beach Time: Swim, Relax, and Take a Breath

Once you reach Magawish Island, the vibe shifts fast. You go from moving water and boat energy to island calm. You’re given time for swimming and relaxing on the beach, plus the freedom to snorkel again during the island block.

The island portion in the standard schedule runs about two hours. That’s usually enough to do a swim, get your snorkeling in if you want it, and still spend real time unwinding. Magawish is often described as quiet, and that matters. If your ideal beach day includes space to spread out rather than a crowded scene, this is the kind of stop that tends to work.

Food and drink are part of the day too. You’ll have water, plus soft drinks, snacks, and fruits included. If you choose the lunch option, lunch is served on the island.

One thing to watch: if you’re using snorkeling time back-to-back with beach time, hydrate and reapply sunscreen. The sun can feel stronger over water, even when the breeze is doing its job.

Optional Lunch and Parasailing: Add-Ons That Change the Day

The tour includes lunch only if you select it. When it is included, the meals are described in feedback as solid, with some people recommending salads and also noting the pizza.

I like thinking of lunch this way: it’s convenience. If you don’t want to hunt for food after you swim, it helps. If you’re picky about timing, it’s still useful because the meal is built into the day rather than competing with it.

Parasailing is another option. If you add it, you get a totally different Red Sea perspective, more about altitude and views than coral spotting. Parasailing tends to be for people who want one extra signature moment, especially if they’re already happy with the snorkeling plan.

My practical take: if you’re on the fence, decide based on your energy. This is an active water day already. If you’re the type who gets tired in the sun, you might prefer spending that time resting instead of adding a second activity.

Guides, Crew, and Safety: Why Small Details Make a Big Difference

You’ll have a live tour guide in either Arabic or English, and the tour is set up as a private group. That means you’re not squeezed into a one-size-fits-all routine with strangers.

In feedback, people praise the competence and friendliness of the guide team. Even more importantly, they mention how the guides handled unexpected trouble with care and competence. Mohammed is specifically named for support during a medical situation involving a ligament injury, including coordination for hospital care, translation, and ensuring the return home was arranged.

That story is not the kind of thing you expect on vacation. But it does tell you something useful: this company’s people show up when it matters, not only during the smooth part of the day.

Also, the tour notes an express security check to skip the line. That helps the day start with less hassle.

What’s Included, What Isn’t, and What That Means for Your Day

Here’s what the package covers, in plain terms. You get private round-trip pickup from Hurghada, the speedboat to Magawish Island, and island entrance fees. You also get a tour guide, water plus soft drinks, snacks, and fruits. Snorkeling includes a snorkeling stop, snorkeling guide, and snorkeling equipment with a life jacket.

If you select add-ons, lunch and parasailing can be included, depending on what you chose.

Not included is pickup from some nearby areas like Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, and Safaga. Pickup from those places may be available only as an optional add-on during checkout. If you’re staying outside Hurghada proper, confirm this early so you’re not relying on an assumption.

The value here is that you’re not paying separately for boat transfer, guide time, and snorkeling gear. For $88 per person, you’re paying mostly for logistics plus access. That’s often where day trips either feel worth it or feel like money wasted.

Price and Value at $88 per Person: Paying for the Right Things

At $88 per person, the big question is whether you’re getting enough included to make the day feel complete.

You do get a lot in one bundle: private hotel transport, speedboat access, entrance fees, and guided snorkeling with equipment. You also get the core day structure: a cruise out, a snorkeling stop, island time, and a return ride.

That value is strongest if you’d otherwise have to piece together boat access, snorkeling gear, and guide support on your own. Doing that independently can turn into an unpredictable mix of prices and uncertain quality, especially if you’re not already local and don’t know the beach meeting points.

If you only care about a quick beach stop with zero interest in snorkeling, you might feel the price is heavier than you expected. But if you want the water time plus the island time, this looks like a fair match.

Who This Trip Suits Best, and Who Might Want a Different Plan

This works well for couples, small private groups, and anyone who wants a structured day without the pressure of a packed itinerary. It’s also a good fit if you want snorkeling but don’t want to figure out gear and logistics.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You want a private setup with pickup and return.
• You like snorkel time plus a true beach break.
• You want an easier day where you can choose to swim, snorkel, or relax while still having a guide.

You might consider a different option if:

• You dislike sun-heavy plans and prefer shade-based activities.
• Your schedule can’t handle pickup timing that can shift by 1 to 1.5 hours.
• You’re staying outside the base Hurghada areas and you’d prefer pickup without checking add-ons.

Also, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is helpful if mobility needs are part of your planning.

What to Bring, What to Skip, and Simple Comfort Tips

You only need a few basics, but don’t show up empty-handed.

Bring:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Skip:

• Pets are not allowed.

My simple advice for comfort. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you can, because you’ll be moving between boat and beach. Keep sunscreen within reach, because once you’re out on the water you may not want to stop to rummage. And bring cash because it’s specifically called out as something you should have.

Should You Book This Private Speedboat to Magawish Island?

Book it if you want a straightforward Hurghada day that combines private transport, a speedboat ride, guided snorkeling with equipment, and real island downtime. This tour’s best strength is the balance: water time plus beach time, supported by guides and thoughtful safety habits.

Skip it if your ideal day is mostly dry land, or if you cannot tolerate pickup timing that may shift. Also check whether you need the optional pickup if you’re staying in places like Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, or Safaga.

If you do book, do it with a simple mindset: you’re buying time on the Red Sea and a calm island reset. Then pack the basics, keep your morning flexible, and let the crew handle the rest.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada private speedboat to Magawish Island?

The tour duration is listed as 4 to 8 hours, depending on the version you choose and available starting times.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Private round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included.

Where exactly does pickup happen?

Pickup is from the main hotel gate on the road, not from the reception area. Pickup time may vary by up to 1 to 1.5 hours, and details are sent by email at 10:00 PM the evening before the trip.

How long do you spend on Magawish Island?

The provided schedule includes about 2 hours on Magawish Island for visit, swimming, and snorkeling.

What snorkeling is included?

The tour includes one stop for snorkeling, with a snorkeling guide and snorkeling equipment, plus a life jacket.

Is lunch included?

Lunch on the island is included only if you select the lunch option.

Can I add parasailing?

Yes. Parasailing is available as an optional add-on if you select it during checkout.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed.