Dolphins, then snorkeling in the same day. I like how this tour starts with hotel pickup and delivers two guided snorkeling stops with equipment while you’re already out on the Red Sea. You’re not just chasing photos—you’re riding out to Dolphin House for wild sightings and then getting time on Magawish Island to swim and relax.
On Magawish, the day is paced for real downtime. You’ll get a buffet lunch on board with soft drinks and water, plus an included short massage and an Oriental show, and the schedule usually has room for water activities like a banana boat ride. It’s the kind of trip where you can go from reef time to chill time without thinking too hard.
One thing to keep in mind: sea conditions can affect dolphin sightings and how safe or comfortable it feels to get in the water. If the water is choppy, you may see dolphins from the boat more than you swim after them, and only confident swimmers should aim for that kind of moment.
In This Review
- Key things I’d clock before you go
- Hurghada speed-boat rhythm: when the day starts to click
- Dolphin House: how to handle wild dolphins without getting frustrated
- Magawish Island snorkeling: the two stops that make the reef time worth it
- Relaxing between swims: beaches, shade, and a lunch that keeps you going
- Included onboard program: massage, Oriental show, and banana boat fun
- Price and value: what $70 really turns into
- Timing and what can go off-schedule
- Safety and comfort: how to set yourself up for a good swim day
- Who this trip fits best (and who should think twice)
- Should you book this Dolphin House and Magawish speed-boat tour?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- How many snorkeling stops are included?
- Is lunch included?
- Are there extra fees besides the tour price?
- Where is pickup charged extra?
- Is this tour private?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key things I’d clock before you go
- Dolphin House wildlife time: wildlife spotting from the boat, with chances to swim when conditions allow
- Two guided snorkeling stops: equipment provided and a snorkeling instructor/guide on hand
- Lunch plus extras onboard: buffet lunch, soft drinks and water, plus a short massage and Oriental show
- Water time is part of the program: water sports included, commonly including banana boat-style fun
- Fees to budget: national park fee is €5 per person cash on the spot, and some areas add a €10 transfer
Hurghada speed-boat rhythm: when the day starts to click
This trip starts at 12:00 pm, so it’s an afternoon-into-early-evening type of outing rather than a dawn start. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included via an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in Hurghada when the sun is doing its thing.
Once you’re at the marina, the pace shifts fast. A speed boat keeps things moving, and you’ll head toward Magawish Island and the Dolphin House area during the cruise. The goal is simple: maximize time on the water, not paperwork.
Because it’s described as private (your group only), you might expect a calmer vibe. Still, one report mentioned a full boat feeling when it came time for the dolphin area, so set your expectations for how busy it can get on the water that day.
Dolphin House: how to handle wild dolphins without getting frustrated
Dolphin House is known for a wild dolphin population, and the tour is built around that chance. The key detail is that dolphins are wild. That means sightings depend on the day, the water, and how the captain can run the route safely.
Here’s what you can do to get the most from your dolphin time:
- Keep your expectations flexible: spotting might mean short windows of action.
- Listen to the crew about when it’s worth entering the water.
- If the sea turns rough, focus on enjoying the boat view rather than forcing a risky swim moment.
A recurring theme is that the best dolphin moments happen when you’re comfortable in the water. If you want to swim closer, only attempt it if you’re confident and follow the guide’s instructions. In rough conditions, you’re more likely to see dolphins from the boat, and that’s still a great result—just don’t plan your day around a guaranteed swim.
Magawish Island snorkeling: the two stops that make the reef time worth it
Magawish Island is where the water turns into a proper snorkeling playground. You get two guided snorkeling stops, and snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you the hassle and cost of renting gear separately.
This matters because snorkeling success is partly about preparation. When you have an instructor/guide with you and you’re given equipment, you’re less likely to waste time fiddling around in the wrong part of the water. The program is also structured so you’re not stuck out there alone without guidance.
What to expect at the snorkel stops:
- Short guided sessions rather than one long, exhausting swim.
- Help with breathing and where to position yourself near the waterline.
- Time to look for fish and other sea life around the coral area.
Also, there’s a rhythm after snorkeling. You’re not just dropping in and out. You’ll have time on the island to relax on the beaches before the next portion of the day. That “recovery” break is underrated—especially if you’re not used to saltwater sun and wind.
Relaxing between swims: beaches, shade, and a lunch that keeps you going
Between sea moments, you’ll get island time to rest. Magawish Island is the kind of place where your best plan is a simple one: rinse off (as available), dry a bit, and take advantage of the quiet beach time.
The tour includes a buffet lunch on board, with soft drinks and water included. For value, this is a big deal. Many water tours in Egypt charge extra for meals or make you scramble for food once you’re already out at sea. Here, you should be able to keep your energy up without paying repeatedly.
If you’re the type who gets cranky when hungry, you’ll like this setup. Lunch is basically what turns the day from a sequence of chores into a real outing.
Included onboard program: massage, Oriental show, and banana boat fun
Beyond snorkeling and dolphins, the tour includes a few “make it a day” extras: a short massage, an Oriental show, and water sports (often including a banana boat ride).
Even if you’re not usually into shows, it can be a nice change of pace after you’ve been in the sun. The massage is short, so treat it like a reset button rather than a full spa day. And the banana boat/watersport part is there for action—fun if you’re traveling with energy and comfortable with water rides.
Practical thought: if the sea is rough, sometimes water activities can feel less appealing. Use your judgment on the day. You don’t have to force it to make the day feel complete.
Price and value: what $70 really turns into
The base price is $70 per person, and it’s priced for a full day on the water with a private speed boat, guided snorkeling stops, equipment, lunch, and pickup/drop-off. That’s a lot included, especially considering the Red Sea program normally adds up quickly once you start renting gear and buying meals.
But don’t forget the cash extras:
- National park fee: €5 per person, paid in cash on the spot
- Extra transfer: €10 per person, if you’re starting from El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh
So your real “all-in” number is usually $70 plus the fees above (and the currency exchange rate you get). If you’re already in central Hurghada, it should be closer to the base price. If you’re coming from one of the listed towns, budget that extra €10.
Also, it’s good to know what you’re actually paying for. This isn’t just transportation and a view. The tour includes snorkeling guidance twice, which is where a lot of the value lives.
Timing and what can go off-schedule
The tour is listed at about 5 hours (approx.), starting at 12:00 pm. Still, day-of timing can drift based on the sea, how long it takes to reach the dolphin area, and how smoothly snorkeling sessions run.
One report cited a hotel pickup that ran about 50 minutes late, and another noted the day didn’t match expectations for duration. The lesson isn’t to panic—it’s to build a small buffer into your plans that evening. If you’ve booked a dinner or show right after, don’t schedule it too tightly.
As for logistics, you’ll likely use a mobile ticket, and you’ll get confirmation at booking. If there’s an issue with your booking system or you don’t see the correct confirmation, double-check before you travel so you’re not stuck trying to fix it while everyone else is boarding.
Safety and comfort: how to set yourself up for a good swim day
This tour includes a snorkeling instructor/guide and snorkeling equipment, which helps a lot. It also means your best moves are the simple ones: pay attention during the safety briefing, stay close to your guide, and don’t overthink it once you’re in the water.
The dolphin part adds a variable. Swimming close to dolphins is the kind of moment that can happen fast. When you follow the guide for short chances, you need confidence and calm breathing. If you’re not a strong swimmer, you’re still likely to enjoy the dolphins from the boat and the reef time on Magawish—just don’t force the water challenge.
If you’re the parent type, this is a trip where you’ll want to judge each person’s comfort level honestly. The tour says most travelers can participate, but confidence in water matters more than age.
Who this trip fits best (and who should think twice)
This is a strong choice if you want a Red Sea day with real variety:
- You want dolphin sightings in the Dolphin House area
- You want guided snorkeling with equipment at two stops
- You like having a meal and a couple of extra activities included
It may be less ideal if:
- You’re prone to seasickness and don’t plan ahead
- You want a totally guaranteed, long dolphin swim (wild dolphins don’t work like that)
- You’re extremely schedule-sensitive, since timing can vary
One more serious note: a negative account mentioned inappropriate conduct by a host during conversation. That’s not something to ignore. If anything feels off with the staff you meet, speak up right away through the tour organizer and ask for clarification or a different guide if needed.
Should you book this Dolphin House and Magawish speed-boat tour?
Yes, if you want an efficient Red Sea day with lots included: pickup, two snorkeling stops, lunch, and dolphin-focused cruising. The best reasons to book are the guided reef time and the chance at Dolphin House wildlife, with the bonus of a full program (massage, show, watersports).
I’d book with eyes open if you’re not a confident swimmer or if you hate uncertainty. The dolphin element depends on conditions, and rough water can shift the experience toward dolphin spotting from the boat instead of swimming after them.
Bottom line: you’re paying for a packed, well-run water day. When the sea behaves and the dolphins cooperate, it can be the kind of trip you’ll remember for a long time.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The duration is listed at about 5 hours (approx.).
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 12:00 pm.
Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes. Hotel pick up and drop off are included, using an air-conditioned vehicle.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, and you also get guided snorkeling stops.
How many snorkeling stops are included?
You get two guided snorkeling stops.
Is lunch included?
Yes. There’s a buffet lunch on board, plus soft drinks and water.
Are there extra fees besides the tour price?
Yes. There is a national park fee of €5 per person, paid in cash on the spot. Some areas also have an extra €10 per person transfer fee paid in cash on the spot.
Where is pickup charged extra?
Extra transfer is listed for El Gouna, Safaga, Somabay, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh.
Is this tour private?
It’s described as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
If you tell me which hotel/town you’re staying in (Hurghada, El Gouna, etc.) and your swim comfort level, I can help you judge whether this is a good match for your day.
