Hurghada: Snorkelling Trip by Speedboat with Hotel Pickup

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the small speedboat format. You spend less time lumbering between sites and more time in the Red Sea, with three snorkelling stops around Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and Abu Mingar. On some departures, the crew also looks for dolphins and stops at a shallow sandbar.

I like the included hotel pickup and the way the crew stays involved in the water. Guides such as Yusuf, Ahmed, Wissam, and Sayeed have helped swimmers spot fish, coral, and other sea life. I also like the useful extras: fresh fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, a shaded area, and a group size that can be as small as six people.

The main thing to watch is the timing. Pickup can be much earlier than the advertised start, and the afternoon trip may feel rushed at the snorkelling sites. A speedboat is quicker and more exciting than a large boat, but it has less room if the boat fills up.

Key points to know before you book

• Three main Red Sea areas: The route includes Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and the mangrove-fringed Abu Mingar area.
• Small groups change the day: Some departures have had only six people, making it easier to get help and move between snorkelling sites.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: The crew may stop when dolphins are spotted, but wildlife sightings depend on conditions.
• The wreck can be a highlight: Some trips include two reefs and a shipwreck, though the exact stops can vary.
• Pickup takes patience: Hotel collection may be 60 minutes early or late in Hurghada, and up to 90 minutes away in outlying resort areas.
• The $37 price covers a lot: Boat transport, equipment, guide, drinks, fruit, life jackets, nature reserve fees, and transfers are included.

Why the speedboat makes a difference

A four-hour Red Sea trip can easily become a long day if you spend much of it waiting for a large boat to load, unload, and move between sites. This excursion uses a speedboat, so the route feels more direct. You get the fun of skimming over open water, along with more flexibility when the crew chooses the next snorkelling area.

That speed comes with a tradeoff. A smaller boat has less space than a big day-cruise vessel, and one person specifically found the boat most comfortable with four passengers plus crew. If the boat is full, you should expect a tighter ride, particularly when everyone has towels, bags, fins, and cameras.

The boat includes a shaded area called a Taneda, a stereo system, life jackets, and a captain. You are not signing up for a luxury yacht, but the setup covers the basics for a short trip. The small-group format also lets the guide keep a closer eye on swimmers.

The sea crossing is part of the experience. You will feel the speed, see the Hurghada coast from the water, and get a sunny break between snorkelling sessions. Bring sunglasses and secure loose belongings. The operator makes clear that you are responsible for anything you bring onboard.

Leaving Hurghada with the pickup plan in mind

Hotel pickup is included from Hurghada, but you need to read the instructions carefully. Your meeting point is the main entrance of the hotel gate, by the road. It is not the reception entrance or an interior hotel pickup point.

The vehicle is described as a white or black bus with the Go Shalabi logo. Pickup confirmation is sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before. Provide your nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy as requested.

Allow plenty of slack in your morning. The stated pickup window for Hurghada hotels can vary by about 60 minutes, and the vehicle waits no more than five minutes at the pickup point. That short wait matters because the bus is collecting other people.

The early start can surprise you. A booking for a 9:00 trip has resulted in a 7:15 pickup and an 8:15 departure from the harbor. That is not a problem if you leave the rest of your morning free, but it matters if you have a flight, spa appointment, or another tour afterward.

If you stay in Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or the Soma Bay area, long-range pickup is an added service. If you do not arrange it in advance, you may need to pay at the harbor, and cancellations are not accepted after 6:00 PM the day before for that situation. Check the exact transfer cost when booking.

Magawish Island and the first snorkelling water

Once you leave the marina, the first major stop is Magawish Island. The appeal here is the clear Red Sea water and the chance to swim above coral with schools of small fish.

This first water stop may set the tone for your day. Some people have found the opening reef especially strong, with clear visibility, bright coral, and plenty of fish. The guide can point out places you might miss if you simply swim around on your own.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, but you should be comfortable entering the sea. Life jackets are provided, and the guide stays with the group. One guide even helped pull along a swimmer who could not swim well, but you should not treat that as a substitute for telling the crew about your ability before entering the water.

Bring your own towel. Snorkelling equipment is included, but it is sensible to check the mask and fins before moving away from the boat. If the fit is poor, tell the guide at once. A loose mask can turn a good reef stop into a frustrating one.

Giftun Island, reefs, and the possible wreck

The route continues toward Giftun Island and nearby snorkelling water. The precise order and number of stops can change. Some outings have had three snorkelling stops, while others reached four bays and five separate snorkelling points.

That variation is worth understanding. The advertised route gives you three main areas, not a guaranteed list of identical reef locations. Sea conditions, boat traffic, and the captain’s judgment can affect where you stop.

A shipwreck has been part of some trips, along with two reef areas. The wreck may be the most memorable stop if you enjoy looking at underwater structures and fish around them. It also gives the day some variety. You are not simply visiting three similar patches of coral.

The quality of each site can vary. One snorkelling location may be excellent, while another is less impressive. I would book this for the overall mix rather than expect every stop to be equally special.

The guide is a real part of the value here. Yusuf has been praised for pointing out sea life, while Sayeed has been especially helpful with children. Ahmed and Wissam have also led departures where the crew explained what was happening and kept the mood friendly.

You get time to explore, but not unlimited time. One afternoon departure felt rushed, with too little time in the water. If snorkelling is your main reason for booking, the morning option may suit you better, provided you can handle the early pickup.

Abu Mingar and the shallow water stop

The final area includes Abu Mingar, known here for its mangrove-fringed setting. It adds a different visual note after the open reef stops, with shallow water and a more sheltered feel.

A sandbar or beach stop may also be included. This is a good place for a swim, photos, and a short break from wearing a mask and fins. One group spotted a ray in the shallow water, though that kind of wildlife sighting is never something you can count on.

Some people call the beach stop the Egyptian Maldives. That comparison is promotional, but the basic idea is clear: expect pale sand and shallow water suited to a quick swim and photographs, not a full beach day.

The stop can feel short if you want a long swim. It works best as a change of pace at the end of the route. After several snorkelling sessions, a few minutes in calm shallow water can be welcome.

Dolphins, flying fish, and the limits of wildlife watching

Dolphins have been spotted on several departures. In some cases, the captain paused so the group could watch a pod, and one boat saw dolphins twice. Flying fish have also been pointed out during the ride.

These sightings add a memorable surprise, but they are not part of the guaranteed itinerary. You should book for the reefs, fish, and islands, then regard dolphins as a bonus.

There is also an ethical point to consider. When dolphins appear, other boats may gather, and following them can feel uncomfortable if many vessels are trying to get close. The crew may be acting within common local practice, but you may still prefer to watch from a respectful distance.

The small boat can help with visibility because fewer people crowd the deck. It also means the captain can respond quickly when something interesting appears. Still, no captain can promise a dolphin encounter or control how other boats behave.

Food, drinks, shade, and what to bring

Fresh seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are included. This is useful rather than fancy. After swimming in the sun, a cold drink and fruit make the return ride more comfortable.

The shaded section protects you from sitting in direct sun for the whole trip. You should still bring sunglasses, a towel, and cash. A small waterproof bag is sensible for personal items, though the operator says you remain responsible for lost or damaged belongings.

There is no mention of a full meal, so do not plan on lunch onboard. For a four-hour tour, the refreshments are enough for many people, but you may want to eat at your hotel before pickup, especially if your collection time is early.

Pets are not allowed. The tour is also not suitable for people with back problems. Speedboat travel can be bumpy, and getting in and out of the water adds physical strain.

Is $37 good value for four hours?

At $37 per person, this is a strong package if you want a short Red Sea outing without arranging transport, equipment, and a boat separately. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, a captain, guide, boat cruise, snorkelling gear, life jackets, shaded seating, nature reserve fees, fruit, and drinks.

The value is strongest for people who want several water stops in half a day. A large full-day cruise may give you more time onboard and perhaps more facilities, but it also takes longer. This trip gives you a quicker route to the water and keeps the whole plan to about four hours.

The price becomes less straightforward if you stay outside Hurghada. Long-range transfers from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay cost extra. Include that add-on when comparing the total with other boat trips.

Private and small-group options are available. A private departure may make sense for a family or a group with mixed swimming abilities. If you are happy sharing the boat, the standard small-group format offers better value.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead and reserve-now, pay-later booking also reduce the financial risk. Still, read the pickup terms closely, especially if you are booking an extended-area transfer.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this tour if you want coral, fish, and several short snorkelling sessions without spending a full day at sea. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who value a quicker ride and personal help in the water.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in Hurghada and want hotel pickup. The crew’s hands-on approach can help nervous swimmers, and the included equipment means you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.

You may prefer another option if you need a roomy boat, dislike early starts, have back problems, or want long, unhurried time at each reef. You should also think twice if your main goal is a guaranteed dolphin encounter. No responsible wildlife trip can offer that.

Should you book the Hurghada speedboat snorkelling trip?

Book it if you want a compact Red Sea adventure with three main areas, possible extra snorkelling bays, a chance of a wreck and dolphins, and useful hotel service. The crew names vary by departure, but guides including Ahmed, Yusuf, Wissam, and Sayeed have helped make the water time more enjoyable and manageable.

Choose the morning departure if the reefs matter most and you want a better chance of avoiding a rushed schedule. Choose sunset or afternoon timing if you prefer softer light and have other plans earlier, but leave room for an early pickup and possible schedule changes.

For $37, the combination of speedboat travel, equipment, guide, refreshments, and transfers is hard to fault. Just remember that the boat may feel tight when full, wildlife is never guaranteed, and pickup times are approximate. Those are manageable drawbacks for a fast, well-equipped introduction to Hurghada’s Red Sea waters.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat snorkelling trip?

The activity lasts about four hours, including the boat trip and snorkelling stops.

Where does the tour visit?

The stated route includes Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and the mangrove-fringed Abu Mingar area. The exact bays and snorkelling points can vary.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for Hurghada hotels. Long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay is available as an added service.

Where should I wait for pickup?

Wait at the main entrance of your hotel gate by the road, not at the reception entrance. Look for a white or black bus with the Go Shalabi logo.

When will I receive pickup details?

Pickup information is sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before the trip. Pickup times may vary by about 60 minutes in Hurghada and up to 90 minutes in extended areas.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are included, along with a guide and captain.

Are food and drinks included?

Fresh seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and mineral water are included. A full meal is not listed.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, and cash. You are responsible for your personal belongings, and pets are not allowed.