Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the quick hop between three Red Sea stops. You get white sand and clear water at Orange Bay, then snorkeling around Magawish and Giftun Islands without spending the day on a large boat. I like the compact five-hour schedule, and I like that the group is capped at 20 people.

The main catch is that island time is short, about one hour at Orange Bay, one hour at Magawish, and roughly one hour for two snorkeling stops. Also confirm the lunch arrangement before departure, since the details describe both an included lunch box and lunch as an add-on.

Key points to know before booking

• Three Red Sea stops in about five hours: Orange Bay, Magawish Island, and Giftun Islands give you beach time and snorkeling in one half-day.
• Fast transport by speedboat: You spend less time making a slow sea crossing and more time near the islands.
• Two snorkeling stops: Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, so you get a taste of the underwater scenery rather than a long water session.
• Small shared group: The boat can carry a maximum of 20 people, a useful middle ground between a private charter and a crowded boat.
• Helpful guides in the water: Mohammed and Youssef are named as crew members, with Youssef noted for giving one-on-one snorkeling help to a nervous swimmer.
• Pickup and simple refreshments included: Hotel pickup, fruit, bottled water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and a lunch box are listed, though you should confirm the lunch option.

A fast route from Hurghada to the Red Sea islands

This trip is built around movement. Instead of staying on one boat all day, you board a speedboat and travel between island stops, returning to the marina after the final snorkeling session. The total outing lasts about five hours, which makes it easier to fit around other Hurghada plans.

Hotel pickup is offered, followed by transport to the marina and a boat ride out toward the islands. The vehicle is air-conditioned, a practical detail in Hurghada’s heat. Pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, or Sahl Hasheesh costs an extra 10 euros, so check your hotel’s location before you pay.

The speedboat format matters. You get the excitement of a brisk ride and avoid turning the day into a long, slow cruise. The trade-off is that speedboats can feel less relaxed than larger vessels, especially if you prefer a quiet ride or are sensitive to motion. The available information does not specify the exact boat layout, so ask the operator if seating or sea conditions are a concern.

The group limit is 20 people. That is not private, but it is small enough to make boarding, distributing equipment, and getting instructions more manageable than on a very large excursion. Your day will still be shared, with music and social time mentioned as part of the Orange Bay stop.

Orange Bay: one hour on white sand

Orange Bay is the first island stop, with about one hour available. The draw is simple: pale sand, clear water, sun, and time to stretch out after the boat ride. You can relax, work on your tan, listen to music, and meet people from different countries.

I would treat this as a scenic beach pause rather than a full beach day. One hour gives you enough time to get settled and enjoy the water, but not enough for an unhurried afternoon. If you want photographs, swim, and sit in the sun, keep an eye on the meeting time. The boat cannot wait for a long wander.

Orange Bay suits you best if you want a cheerful island stop with a social feel. It may be less appealing if your ideal Red Sea day means hours of quiet sand and no schedule. The trip’s strength is variety, not long stays at one location.

Music is part of the atmosphere here, so expect a more social outing than a silent nature trip. I like that this gives the stop energy, but you should choose another style of excursion if peace and solitude matter most.

Magawish Island: beach time with snorkeling

The boat then heads to Magawish Island for about one hour. Here you have the chance to snorkel and see the underwater world of the Red Sea. Lunch is also associated with this part of the trip, before the return journey begins.

The one-hour stop calls for a clear plan. Put on your snorkeling equipment quickly, listen to the crew, and save a few minutes to rinse off or gather your belongings. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are supplied, which saves you from bringing your own gear. If you are not confident in the water, ask for help before entering.

A useful detail comes from the crew experience described for this trip. Youssef is noted for spending one-on-one time with a swimmer who needed help feeling safe while snorkeling. That does not promise private instruction for every person, but it tells you to speak up if you are nervous. Mohammed and the rest of the crew are also named as part of the team.

The snorkeling session is a good fit for beginners and casual swimmers who want an introduction to the Red Sea. It is not presented as a specialist marine excursion, and the schedule does not allow a long, slow search for sea life. Water conditions and visibility can also change with weather, which is why the operator requires suitable weather for the trip.

Giftun Islands: two short snorkeling stops

Giftun Islands provide two snorkeling stops, each lasting about 20 minutes. Together, that is around 40 minutes in the water, with time for moving between locations. The supplied schedule groups this part into about one hour.

Two stops are useful because you get more than one chance to see the water. If the first location feels busy or visibility is not ideal, the second stop gives you another opportunity. Still, 20 minutes is brief. You will spend part of that time entering the water, adjusting equipment, and returning to the boat.

I would bring a calm, realistic expectation. This is a taste of Red Sea snorkeling, not a full-day marine program. You may see attractive underwater scenery, but the available details do not promise specific fish, coral, or marine animals. It is better to value the chance to get into the water than to book based on a guaranteed wildlife sighting.

Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included. That is helpful for a first-time participant, though you should still make sure your equipment fits properly. If you are uneasy, tell the crew before the boat reaches the stop. The experience with Youssef shows that direct support may be available, but you should not assume the entire group receives individual instruction.

Food, drinks, and what is actually included

The included refreshments are practical rather than elaborate. You receive fruit, bottled water, and soft drinks. The food details list a lunch box with a cheese-and-turkey sandwich.

There is one point worth checking before you leave your hotel. The tour information also describes lunch as available if an add-on is selected. Because of that mismatch, confirm whether your booking includes the lunch box or requires a lunch selection. That small check can prevent an awkward meal gap during a five-hour trip.

A sandwich, fruit, and drinks are enough to keep the day moving, especially when the schedule is built around swimming and short island stops. I would not book this expecting a long restaurant lunch or a choice of several dishes. The food is there for convenience, not as the main attraction.

The speedboat setting also means you should keep personal belongings limited. The provided details do not explain storage, changing facilities, or showers, so bring only what you need and protect phones or cameras from water.

Is the $58.73 price fair?

At $58.73 per person, the value depends on what you want from a Red Sea outing. You are paying for hotel pickup, speedboat transport, three island stops, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, fruit, bottled water, soft drinks, and a listed lunch box. For someone who wants several highlights in one half-day, that is a reasonable package.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a long beach stay. Orange Bay and Magawish each receive about one hour, while the Giftun snorkeling sessions are short. Much of the outing’s value comes from seeing several places quickly rather than staying in one spot.

The maximum group size of 20 helps the price feel balanced. You are not paying for a private boat, but you are also not joining an extremely large shared group. Group discounts may be available, so ask about them if you are booking with friends or family.

Remember the possible extra pickup charge. The long-range transfer from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, or Sahl Hasheesh costs 10 euros. Add that to your calculation before comparing this trip with another option.

Who will enjoy this speedboat day?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a short, active break from Hurghada’s hotels. It works well for couples, friends, families, and solo participants who like a social boat ride, music, beach time, and an easy snorkeling introduction.

It is also a sensible choice if you do not want to commit to a full-day sea excursion. Five hours leaves part of your day free, although pickup and return timing can affect the exact schedule.

You may want something else if you need a private boat, long snorkeling sessions, quiet beaches, or a detailed marine program. The short stops keep the outing lively, but they also mean you must move along when the crew calls everyone back.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied activity details. Even so, tell the crew if you need help in the water. Life jackets are available, and Youssef’s reported one-on-one assistance is a useful sign for less confident swimmers.

Practical timing and cancellation advice

The experience is usually booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 65 days. That does not mean you must reserve that early, but it suggests that popular dates may fill before your arrival.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Hotel pickup is offered, and the activity is near public transportation. Exact pickup times are not provided, so check the confirmation carefully and keep your morning open until the operator gives you the meeting details.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book the Orange Bay and Magawish trip?

Book it if you want a fast, social island sampler with three Red Sea stops, included snorkeling gear, basic food and drinks, and a group capped at 20. The strongest reasons are the speedboat format, the variety of stops, and the possibility of personal help from crew members such as Youssef.

Skip it if your priority is a private experience or long, unhurried time at one beach. Before paying, confirm your pickup charge and whether the lunch box is included in your chosen booking. With those details clear, this is a practical way to see Orange Bay, Magawish, and Giftun Islands without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada speedboat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

Which islands does the trip visit?

The route includes Orange Bay, Magawish Island, and Giftun Islands.

How long do you spend at Orange Bay?

You spend approximately one hour at Orange Bay.

How long do you spend at Magawish Island?

You spend approximately one hour at Magawish Island, with the chance to snorkel and have lunch.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

There are two snorkeling stops at the Giftun Islands. Each lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and an air-conditioned vehicle is included. Pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, and Sahl Hasheesh costs an additional 10 euros.

How many people can join the activity?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the activity, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.