Hurghada: Orange Bay & Magawish Island Speedboat with Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the mix of fast boat travel, two island stops, and proper snorkeling time. You race across the Red Sea, spend about an hour at Orange Bay, stop at two reef sites, then finish at Magawish Island with lunch and time on the sand. It feels more varied than a simple beach transfer.

I like the early timing, which can get you to Orange Bay before the crowds, and I like the small-boat format, especially on private departures. Guides including Saif, Momo, Joo, Hassan, Karim, and Islam are praised for helping nervous swimmers and families. The main drawback is that Orange Bay can become crowded, and the hour at each island may feel short.

At a glance

• Orange Bay before the rush: An early departure can give you a quieter hour on the white sand before more boats arrive.
• Two 20-minute reef stops: You get two chances to see coral and fish rather than just a quick swim from the boat.
• Magawish with lunch: Spend about an hour on a small island with a shaded area, food, fruit, water, and soft drinks.
• Speedboat, not a large cruise ship: The ride is quicker and more direct, though wind can make the crossing bumpy.
• Optional five-minute flight: Select parasailing if you want a view of the Red Sea from above as well as below.
• Good value at $47: Hotel transport, boat travel, island fees, equipment, lunch, drinks, and a guide are included.

A fast route to Hurghada’s island beaches

From Hurghada, this is a practical way to see two of the Red Sea’s most popular sand islands in one half-day. The total outing lasts about four to six hours, depending on the departure and conditions, with pickup and return to your hotel included.

At the marina, the team explains the plan and gives you safety instructions before you board. You then travel by speedboat rather than spending much of the morning on a large vessel. That matters if you prefer a quicker trip, a smaller group, and more time close to the islands.

The boat ride itself is part of the fun. It is lively and fast, but the Red Sea is not always calm. One family found the ride quite bumpy in windy weather, so I would not choose this trip if you need a very smooth crossing or have back problems. Life jackets are provided, and the captain and snorkeling guide remain with you throughout.

Private and shared departures offer different advantages. A private boat gives you more say over the pace, and one family was able to stay longer at stops and continue toward sunset. A shared boat costs less per person and can still feel friendly, with one departure described as a small group of eight. Check the option carefully before paying, since the exact amount of flexibility depends on the choice you make.

Orange Bay for one hour

Orange Bay is your first proper stop. Its appeal is simple: pale sand, clear shallow water, and an easy setting for sunbathing or a swim. The stop lasts about one hour, which gives you time to walk on the sand, take photographs, sit under shade, and cool off in the sea.

The early start is worth considering. Several people enjoyed arriving before the beach filled up, while a later departure found Orange Bay much busier. If your priority is quiet photographs and a more relaxed first stop, choose the earliest available time.

There is a small catch. Orange Bay is popular, and even an early visit does not guarantee solitude. Some people felt one hour was not long enough, especially if they wanted to swim, take pictures, and relax. I would treat it as a scenic introduction, not a full beach day.

The private section can make a real difference here. One family appreciated having a quieter area at the beach, while another private group adjusted its time at the islands. On a shared departure, you should expect the schedule to be more fixed.

Two reef stops, 20 minutes each

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to two snorkeling locations. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough time to get your mask and fins on, enter the water, see the reef, and return to the boat without spending the entire day in one place.

The snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book this outing. The water is clear, and you may see colorful fish, coral, rays, and, on some departures, dolphins near the boat. One experienced snorkeler considered the reef stop among the best they had seen in several seas, while first-timers found the guides reassuring and patient.

Do not expect a scuba session or a long reef survey. Twenty minutes passes quickly, especially when you are still learning to breathe through a mask. If you have never snorkeled, ask the guide to show you how to fit the equipment and enter the water before you swim away from the boat.

This point matters. One first-time group had trouble with water entering their nose and mouth because the instructions were not clear enough. The gear is included, but you still need a proper mask fit and a calm explanation. Guides such as Adam, Islam, Hassan, and Saif have been praised for helping people feel safe, but speak up if you need help.

The water may feel cool when you first get in, though one family found it comfortable after the initial shock. A life jacket is available, and the guides can stay close to less confident swimmers. Families with young children have also used the boat safely, although a three-year-old on one private trip decided not to continue snorkeling.

Magawish Island and the Egyptian Caribbean feel

Magawish is the second island stop and usually receives about one hour. The setting is low-key: white sand, clear water, open views, and a shaded tent area where you can escape the strongest sun.

The island is small. That is part of its charm, but it also explains why some people felt the allotted time was longer than needed, while others wished they could stay much longer. You can walk across much of the usable area quickly, so this stop works best when you combine a swim, lunch, photographs, and a little time sitting by the water.

Lunch is served during the Magawish portion of the trip. The package includes a lunch box, seasonal fruit, bottled water, soft drinks, and a shaded area. Several people found the food plentiful and good quality, but one person preferred buying food on the island. If you have a large appetite, bring a little extra cash and consider carrying a small snack of your own.

Drinks and cocktails at the islands are not part of the package, so bring cash if you want to buy them. The required packing list also includes sunglasses, a sun hat, and a towel. Pets are not allowed.

Late departures can create a different mood. One group chose the 1 p.m. start and enjoyed watching the sunset at Magawish after most other people had left. Sunset timing is not guaranteed on every departure, but an afternoon option may suit you if you prefer a later start and warmer evening light.

The speedboat and the people running it

The speedboat is the right choice for anyone who values movement and variety. You spend less time waiting around than on a large group boat, and the ride between stops feels energetic. The tradeoff is space and motion. The crossing can be choppy in windy weather, and a shared boat gives you less control over the schedule.

The captains and guides are a major part of the experience. Names praised for friendly, careful service include Saif, Momo, Joo, Hassan, Karim, Islam, Ahmed, Tula, Adam, Kiko, and Captain Mo. You cannot request a particular person with certainty, but the team’s role is clear: handle the boat, explain the stops, help with snorkeling, offer water, and keep an eye on the group.

Photography is another useful touch. Some guides take pictures during the outing, and one family particularly liked having a guide who helped with photos as well as the children. Confirm what is included if photographs matter to you, since the package description specifically guarantees the guide, not a separate photo service.

The trip is offered in English and Arabic. Communication can vary a little between guides, but basic instructions and help with the equipment are part of the outing. If you are nervous in the water, tell the guide before the first stop instead of waiting until you are already in the sea.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, the price is strong for a half-day Red Sea outing. You are paying for hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip speedboat transport, entry to Orange Bay and Magawish, two snorkeling stops, equipment, lunch, water, soft drinks, fruit, a shaded tent, life jacket, guide, and nature reserve fees.

A cheaper beach visit would not give you the same range of activities. A more expensive private boat may offer greater control over timing and more room to relax. The value here is best if you want several experiences in one morning or afternoon rather than a long, slow stay on one beach.

The price does not cover every possible extra. Drinks and cocktails bought on the islands cost more, and parasailing is included only when you select that option. Long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay is also an added booking option, so check the final price if you are staying outside central Hurghada.

I consider the standard price especially good for couples, families, and first-time snorkelers who want equipment and support included. Private departures cost more, but the extra space and flexible timing can be worthwhile for a family group or anyone hoping to stay for sunset.

The optional five-minute parasail

The parasailing option gives you a short flight above the Red Sea. At up to five minutes, it is not a major part of the day, but it adds a different view of the islands and boat route.

Choose it if you like a quick burst of height and want to see the sea from above. Skip it if you mainly want more time snorkeling or sitting on the beach. The activity is optional, so you can build the day around the parts that matter most to you.

Pickup details that matter

Hotel pickup is included, but the meeting point is precise. You need to wait at the main entrance of the hotel’s main gate by the road, not at the reception entrance or inside the hotel grounds. Pickup details are sent by email at about 10 p.m. the night before.

Send your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number. A passport copy is also required for daily permissions. The vehicle cannot wait more than five minutes because it may have other pickups, so be at the gate early.

If you are staying in Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or the Soma Bay area, select the long-range transfer add-on during booking. Do not assume central Hurghada pickup covers these resorts.

Who should book this Red Sea trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a busy but well-balanced half-day with swimming, reef time, beaches, food, and a fast ride. It suits first-time snorkelers because guides can help with the equipment, and it suits families who want more than a single beach stop.

It is also a good match for people with limited time in Hurghada. The morning option can leave part of your day free, while an afternoon departure may work for a later start and possibly a sunset stop.

I would think twice if you have back problems, dislike choppy boat rides, or want long, quiet hours on one island. The schedule moves along, Orange Bay may be crowded, and the two snorkeling stops are short.

Should you book it?

Book it if your ideal Red Sea day includes speed, clear water, reef fish, two different islands, and a simple lunch without arranging each part yourself. The combination is hard to beat at $47, especially with transfers and equipment included.

Choose a private departure if flexibility and personal space matter more than the lowest price. Choose the earliest shared departure if you want the best chance of a quieter Orange Bay. Bring cash for island drinks, arrive early at the correct pickup gate, and ask for snorkeling help before entering the water. With those details handled, this is a strong-value introduction to Hurghada’s islands.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada speedboat trip last?

The outing lasts approximately four to six hours, including hotel pickup, the boat journey, island visits, snorkeling stops, and the return to the harbor.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the covered Hurghada area. Long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay is available as an added booking option.

How long do you stay at Orange Bay?

You have about one hour at Orange Bay. The stop is used for beach time, swimming, sunbathing, and photographs.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A lunch box, seasonal fruit, bottled water, and soft drinks are included. Extra food and drinks bought at the islands cost more.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only if you select the relevant option when booking. The flight lasts up to five minutes.

What should you bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and cash. You should also provide the requested passport copy and accurate hotel and room details before the trip.

Is the trip suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems, partly because speedboat travel can be bumpy in windy conditions.