Hurghada: Orange Bay & Magawish Island Speedboat with Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada boat trip is the mix of fast Red Sea travel, soft white sand, and excellent snorkeling in one half-day. You visit Orange Bay and Magawish Island, then stop at two coral reef sites where guides help you get comfortable in the water.

I like the early timing, which can get you to Orange Bay before the beach fills up, and I like the small speedboat format more than a large party boat. The crew, including guides such as Saif, Momo, Joo, Hassan, and Ahmed, receives strong praise for patient instruction and family-friendly care. The main catch is time: one hour at each island can feel short, especially when Orange Bay is busy.

Key points to know

• Two very different island stops: Orange Bay has a developed beach feel, while Magawish offers a quieter, more open setting.
• Two snorkeling sessions: Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, with equipment and a guide included.
• Early departures help: Morning trips can reach Orange Bay before the busiest period.
• Speedboat travel saves time: You spend less of the day waiting around than on a large group boat.
• Lunch and refreshments are included: Expect a lunch box, water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit.
• Optional parasailing adds an aerial view: Choose the extra option for up to five minutes above the Red Sea.

Hurghada to the Egyptian Caribbean

This is a practical way to see the Red Sea without giving up a full day. The tour lasts about four to six hours, depending on the chosen departure, sea conditions, and whether you book a private or shared boat.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada. Pickup details arrive by email at about 10 p.m. the night before, so check your messages. You need to give the operator your correct nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy for the daily permissions.

The vehicle collects you at the main entrance of the hotel, by the road. It does not collect you from the reception gate or inside the hotel grounds. Be ready on time, because the driver can wait no more than five minutes while collecting other passengers.

The trip costs about $47 per person. That is good value if you want transport, boat travel, island entry fees, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, fruit, a guide, and nature reserve fees wrapped into one booking. Optional long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay costs extra and is selected during checkout.

The speedboat ride across the Red Sea

The ride is a major part of the fun, not just a transfer between stops. A speedboat feels more direct and lively than a slow excursion boat, and the smaller setting gives the captain and guide more chances to check on you.

The tradeoff is comfort. Wind can make the ride bumpy, and one review specifically notes rough conditions. If you have back problems, this trip is not recommended. Sit securely, hold on when the boat picks up speed, and bring a towel or extra layer if you are sensitive to spray.

The boat includes life jackets, and the crew provides basic instructions at the harbor. English and Arabic are available. Several guides are praised for helping nervous swimmers, adjusting their pace for children, and checking that everyone feels safe.

If you book a private boat, you gain more control over the day. One private group was able to choose how long to snorkel and how long to remain at the islands, and even stayed for sunset. A shared boat costs less and can still feel personal, but your timing will follow the group.

Orange Bay before the crowds

Orange Bay is the first island stop. Its appeal is simple: pale sand, clear shallow water, shaded seating, and an easy place to relax after the speedboat ride.

The schedule allows about one hour here. That is enough for a swim, photos, a walk along the beach, or a few quiet minutes under the shade. Some departures arrive before the main crowd, which makes a noticeable difference. The beach can become busy later in the day, so an early start is worth considering if you want softer conditions and more room.

Orange Bay is not an untouched desert island. It has facilities and a popular beach atmosphere. That makes it convenient, but it also means you should not expect complete solitude. Some people find the stop too short, especially if they want time for both swimming and photographs.

A few private trips have access to a more secluded section of the beach. That depends on the booking and the day, so do not treat it as guaranteed. Still, the stop works well as a first taste of the island scenery before the snorkeling sessions.

Two 20 minute snorkeling stops

The snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book this tour. You visit two sites, with about 20 minutes at each. The water is described as clear, and the reef areas can include colorful fish, coral, rays, and other Red Sea marine life.

You receive snorkeling equipment and a life jacket. A guide stays involved, helps with the mask and fins, and can show you where to look. First-time snorkelers should tell the guide if they are nervous. One useful point came up repeatedly in the feedback: new swimmers may need a clearer explanation of how to breathe through the mask and keep water from entering through the nose.

Take a moment on the boat to adjust the mask before entering the water. Press the mask gently against your face, keep your breathing slow, and ask the guide to check the fit. If you swallow water or feel uneasy, return to the boat rather than forcing yourself to continue.

The 20 minute limit keeps the group moving, but it can feel brief if you love reef viewing. A private booking may offer more flexibility. On a shared trip, you should treat each stop as a focused sample rather than a long snorkeling session.

Some outings have spotted dolphins near the boat. This is a lucky wildlife sighting, not a promised part of the tour. The reefs are the dependable attraction, with the chance to see fish and coral in clear water.

Magawish Island and the lunch stop

Magawish is presented as the Egyptian Caribbean, and it delivers the broad beach-and-sea setting that gives the nickname some sense. The sand is pale, the water is clear, and the island feels more open than Orange Bay.

You have about one hour here for lunch and free time. A lunch box is included, along with soft drinks, bottled water, and seasonal fruit. The food is served in a shaded area, which matters because the Red Sea sun can be intense even when the breeze feels pleasant.

The included meal is convenient, but do not plan a large feast around it. One review advises bringing extra food or buying something at Magawish if you have a big appetite. Drinks and cocktails on the islands are not included, so bring cash if you want to purchase them.

Magawish can be the calmer stop, especially later in the day when other groups have moved on. One afternoon departure ended with a quiet sunset there and very few people around. That makes the later time slot attractive if you prefer warm evening light over an early start.

The downside is that Magawish is not large. Some people may feel that the scheduled time is longer than necessary, while others will happily use it for swimming, lunch, photos, and a break from the boat. If you want a packed sightseeing schedule, the island may feel slow. If you want a pause, it works well.

Optional parasailing above the Red Sea

The parasailing option gives you a different view of the water. You can fly for up to five minutes, adding an aerial look at the islands and open sea to the snorkeling below.

This is an add-on rather than a standard part of every booking. Check that you select the option if you want it included. The activity is short, so think of it as an extra highlight, not a separate full excursion.

The combination is appealing because the day covers three angles: speedboat travel at water level, snorkeling below the surface, and parasailing above it. If you prefer a relaxed beach day, skip the flight and use that time to swim or rest.

Guides, captains, and the feel onboard

The crew receives unusually strong praise throughout the feedback. Guides and captains named include Saif, Momo, Tula, Joo, Hassan, Ahmed, Karim, Islam, Rashid, and others from the Go Shalabi team.

The most useful quality is not entertainment, though some guides play music and take photos. It is the care shown during snorkeling. Guides help children, stay close to less confident swimmers, and make sure the group has water and equipment.

Families should find this reassuring. One outing included a three-year-old, with the child kept safe and involved even when he chose not to snorkel. Another family with a six-year-old described the guide as friendly and engaging.

Communication can vary. English and Arabic are offered, but some groups have found communication a little difficult with particular crew members. The guides generally make the day work through gestures, demonstrations, and hands-on help.

Photography may also be available through the guide, but it is not listed as a formal inclusion. Bring your own waterproof phone protection if underwater pictures matter to you.

Shared or private speedboat?

The shared option makes the $47 price especially attractive. You still get the same main structure, island access, snorkeling equipment, food, and return boat ride, but you follow the group schedule.

A private booking costs more, though the exact supplement is not provided. It makes sense for couples, families, or groups that care about flexible timing. You can spend longer snorkeling, adjust the pace, and possibly arrange a sunset finish when conditions and the crew allow it.

Choose shared if price matters most and you are happy with a set plan. Choose private if you have young children, mixed swimming abilities, or a strong preference for quiet island time.

What to bring and what to expect

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, and a towel. Bring cash for optional drinks, cocktails, or food on the islands. Water, soft drinks, fruit, and a lunch box are included, but extra spending money gives you more choice.

Wear practical swimwear and protect your phone from water. The tour operator does not allow pets. You also need to provide a passport copy in advance for daily permissions.

The sea may feel cool when you first enter, though several outings found the temperature comfortable after the initial shock. Wind and weather can change the ride, so keep your expectations flexible. The speedboat is part of the adventure, but it is not the smoothest way to travel on a rough day.

Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful if your Hurghada plans are still shifting.

Who should book this Hurghada boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a compact Red Sea experience with real variety. It suits first-time snorkelers, families, couples, and anyone who prefers a smaller speedboat to a large day boat.

It is especially good for visitors with limited time. You see two island settings, two reef areas, and the open sea in four to six hours. The price also covers many items that can make other excursions add up quickly.

I would hesitate if you dislike bumpy boat rides, have back problems, or want long stretches of quiet snorkeling. The island stops are timed, Orange Bay can be crowded, and the included lunch may not satisfy a large appetite.

Should you book it?

Yes, if your priority is value and variety. At about $47, this tour gives you a lively boat ride, two island visits, snorkeling gear, reef stops, lunch, drinks, fruit, transfers, and an experienced guide.

Book an early departure if Orange Bay crowds concern you. Choose private if you want control over the schedule. Add parasailing if you want a short flight above the sea. For most people, the strongest part of the day will be the snorkeling and the attentive crew, not the amount of time spent on either island.

FAQ

How long does the Orange Bay and Magawish tour last?

The experience lasts about four to six hours, depending on the selected departure, conditions, and tour arrangement.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included. Pickup takes place at the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not at the reception gate or inside the hotel area.

What islands does the speedboat visit?

The tour visits Orange Bay and Magawish Island, both in the Red Sea near Hurghada.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. Each stop is scheduled for about 20 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included, along with a guide to assist during the water stops.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A lunch box, soft drinks, bottled water, and seasonal fruit are included. Additional food, cocktails, or drinks on the islands cost extra.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only when you select the option that provides a flight of up to five minutes.

Can I book a private speedboat?

Yes. Private and shared speedboat options are available. A private trip may offer more flexibility with snorkeling and island time.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and cash. You also need to provide a passport copy and accurate hotel and nationality details for the daily permissions.