Turbo speed, calm island time. This private Hurghada trip whisks you across the Red Sea for snorkeling in clear water and then gives you real beach time on Magawish Island. I love that it feels like a day at the water, not a rushed dash-and-go, but keep in mind pickup timing can vary by 1–1.5 hours based on your hotel and traffic.

Hotel pickup and drop-off make the logistics easy. You’ll get a tour guide (Arabic and English) and a snorkeling guide plus snorkeling gear and life jackets, which is a big deal if you want to snorkel without fuss.

You can choose a shorter or longer departure window (4–8 hours). That said, this is tightly focused on Magawish and a single snorkeling area, so it’s not the type of tour that stacks on a bunch of extra stops.

Key takeaways before you go

• Magawish Island time is the point: sandy relaxing plus swimming options once you’re there
• One-stop snorkeling with a guide, equipment, and life jackets so you’re not figuring it out alone
• Private hotel pickup from Hurghada (from the main gate on the road, not the reception desk)
• Lunch and parasailing are optional upgrades if you want more than swim-and-sun
• The crew’s help matters, including real-life problem-solving from a guide named Mohammed

Magawish Island by Private Speedboat: How This Day Feels

This is the kind of trip that matches a simple goal: see the Red Sea clearly, then spend actual time relaxing on a quiet island beach. The speedboat part is fun for the “we’re really going” feeling, but the day doesn’t turn into nonstop chaos. Once you land on Magawish, the pace shifts toward swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on sandy ground.

I like that it’s private. Even though it’s offered with a guide and safety briefing, it doesn’t feel like you’re stuck in a giant herd. It’s more “you and your group,” with a plan.

The other thing I like is the mix of water time. You get a snorkeling session on the way (plus a guide and gear), and then you get another chance to enjoy the island’s calm swimming conditions. If your idea of a good day is clear water plus freedom, this fits.

Hotel Pickup in Hurghada: Simple on Paper, Real-World Timing

Pickup is included from Hurghada, with three pickup location options (Hurghada 2, Hurghada 1, and Hurghada). A van ride is about 30 minutes each way, depending on where your hotel sits.

Here’s the part to plan around: pickup time can vary by up to 1–1.5 hours. Also, the pickup details are emailed at 10:00 PM the evening before. That means you’ll want to keep an eye on your inbox the night before, not just the morning of.

One small but important tip: pickup is from the main hotel gate on the road, not the reception area. So if your hotel has multiple entrances, make sure you’re waiting at the right one.

The Speedboat Ride Across the Red Sea

After a short safety briefing, you board the speedboat and cruise toward Magawish Island. You’re traveling across open water, so you get those “out there” Red Sea views instead of coastal sightseeing.

Because it’s a high-speed boat, you might feel more movement than on a slower ferry-style cruise. If you’re sensitive to motion, it’s worth preparing with whatever helps you in choppy situations. The tour itself doesn’t promise smooth sailing, but it does keep the experience focused on getting you to the snorkeling and island time efficiently.

Also, the day includes an express security check. That’s one less time-waster that can otherwise eat a good chunk of your morning.

Snorkeling Near Hurghada: One Stop, With Help

You start with time for swimming and snorkeling (about 2 hours in the standard flow). This matters because the Red Sea snorkeling experience is only as good as the setup—and this one is built with you in mind.

You get:

• a snorkeling guide
• snorkeling equipment
• a life jacket

That combo helps you focus on the water, not on borrowing gear or working out how to stay comfortable. And it’s a practical choice for mixed skill levels. One of the strongest takeaways from the experience is that the snorkeling guide uses flotation support (like a swim ring approach) to help less-confident swimmers join in.

If you’re a beginner, the included life jacket and guide support are exactly what you want. If you’re experienced, you’ll likely appreciate having a guide to point out where to look and when to adjust your pace in the water.

Magawish Island: Beach Relaxation Plus Easy Swimming

Once you reach Magawish Island, you get another block of time for visiting, swimming, and snorkeling (again, about 2 hours in the standard flow). The big selling point is the island’s calm, shallow water and sandy beach setting. That calm water is what makes snorkeling feel manageable—especially if you want to spend more time enjoying the sea than battling conditions.

This island time is also where the day becomes more human-scale. You can loosen up on the sand, swim when you want, and snorkel when you feel ready. There’s no pressure to keep moving every 10 minutes.

One of the best signs you picked the right pace: people mention leaving feeling relaxed rather than wrung out. The island is described as very calm, which matches the overall structure of the trip.

Food, Drinks, and the Small Stuff That Saves Your Day

Food is included, and it’s not just a random snack. You’ll have water, soft drinks, snacks, and fruits. That’s ideal if you’re staying out on the water longer than you planned.

Lunch can be added if you select the lunch option. When it shows up, it tends to be the kind of practical island-meal that keeps the day moving. In particular, one person noted that salads stood out more than pizza. Translation: if you like lighter, fresher options, grab the salads first.

Bring cash anyway. The day includes included items, but cash is still listed as something to have on hand—usually because island days often come with optional extras.

Optional Parasailing and Lunch Upgrades: When They’re Worth It

You can upgrade with optional activities like parasailing, and you can add lunch on the island. Whether these are worth it depends on what you want from the day.

Parasailing is a good add-on if you want a different kind of thrill that doesn’t require swimming skills. It also breaks the pattern of water + beach. But it’s optional—so you can keep the day simple if you’d rather spend every minute in the sea.

Lunch is best if you want the convenience of a full meal without leaving the island plan. If you prefer a lighter day, snacks and fruits may be enough, and you can treat lunch as optional.

Guides, Captains, and Real-World Help (Mohammed’s Story)

What makes this tour feel safer than a basic day-trip is the human side: the guide and the captain actually matter. The experience includes a live tour guide in Arabic and English, plus a snorkeling guide.

In the standout story from the experience, a guide named Mohammed played a huge role after an ankle ligament injury late in the day. The person’s partner had to be taken to a hospital, and Mohammed helped coordinate a taxi, arranged care, translated in Arabic so things could be understood, and stayed with them through it. The big takeaway isn’t just kindness—it’s follow-through. They even reported leaving the hospital without an extra fee because the taxi arrangement was already handled.

You shouldn’t book any activity expecting emergencies. But when something goes wrong, it helps to know the company has people who take responsibility instead of disappearing.

What to Bring (and What to Skip)

Packing is simple, and the checklist is clear:

Bring:

• towel
• sunscreen
• cash

You’ll be out in the sun, on sandy surfaces, and in the water. A towel is non-negotiable unless you want to improvise with something uncomfortable. Sunscreen is essential because you’re exposed during boat time and while snorkeling. Cash is there for the little extras you might want during an island day.

Not allowed:

• pets

How Long Is the Trip, Really?

This tour runs 4–8 hours, depending on the departure you choose. The schedule you’ll feel most days has these time blocks:

• van ride (about 30 minutes) to get going
• about 2 hours for swimming and snorkeling
• time on Magawish (about 2 hours for visit/swim/snorkel)
• van ride (about 30 minutes) back

If you book the longer time window, expect the day to stretch beyond the basic “two-hour chunks.” In practice, that usually means more time on the island and/or more water time, but the exact split depends on your specific departure slot.

Value for $88 Per Person: What You’re Paying For

At $88 per person, you’re not just paying for a boat ticket. You’re paying for a package that includes:

• private round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off
• a speedboat ride to Magawish
• island entrance fees
• a tour guide
• snorkeling equipment and a snorkeling guide
• life jackets
• water, soft drinks, snacks, and fruits
• optional lunch and parasailing if you select upgrades

For me, the value comes from the “you don’t have to manage anything” feeling. Hotel pickup removes planning headaches. Snorkeling gear and a snorkeling guide reduce friction once you’re in the water. And the island time gives you enough room to actually enjoy the beach instead of treating it like a photo stop.

Also, the private-group setup matters. You get the attention and structure that makes snorkeling more relaxing, not more complicated.

Who This Hurghada to Magawish Speedboat Works Best For

This is a great fit if you want:

• a private-feeling day with a clear plan
• snorkeling with real support (equipment + guide + life jacket)
• island beach time where you can slow down

It also suits beginners who want snorkeling without being thrown into it alone. The guide support and flotation help are part of what people highlight.

If you want a multi-stop “see everything” tour with lots of different locations, this might feel too focused. It’s centered on Magawish and the snorkeling session, with the day designed around those two priorities.

Should You Book This Private Speedboat to Magawish?

I’d book it if your vacation rhythm is simple: get to the water, snorkel with guidance, then relax on a calm island beach. The included setup (equipment, guides, life jackets, snacks and drinks, plus hotel pickup) makes it a low-stress way to get a high-reward Red Sea day.

Book it with your eyes open on timing. Pickup can swing by 1–1.5 hours, so don’t schedule a tight dinner plan immediately afterward. Also, because it’s a speedboat, you might feel more movement than on slower tours.

If you want snorkeling plus Magawish without dealing with transfers on your own, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada to Magawish Island private speedboat trip?

The duration is listed as 4–8 hours. The exact time depends on the starting time and the option you choose.

Where do you pick me up in Hurghada?

Pickup is included from Hurghada with three pickup location options: Hurghada 2, Hurghada 1, and Hurghada. Pickup is from the main hotel gate on the road, not the reception area.

What if I’m staying in Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, or Safaga?

Pickup from those areas is not included by default, but it can be added as an optional add-on during checkout.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, along with snorkeling guide support.

Do I get a tour guide?

Yes, the experience includes a live tour guide who speaks Arabic and English, plus a snorkeling guide.

Is lunch included?

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

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. You’ll have water, soft drink, snacks, and fruits included.

Can I add parasailing?

Parasailing is available as an optional add-on during checkout.

What should I bring, and what isn’t allowed?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Pets are not allowed.

Is this tour flexible to book and cancel?

Yes. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.

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