Magawish is a Red Sea reset. A full day from Hurghada that mixes snorkeling spots with beach time on Magawish Island. You’ll also get a simple, no-fuss flow from pickup to return, which is a big deal on the water.

I really like two things here: the chance to snorkel with support from a snorkeling guide, and the fact that lunch is built into the island portion instead of being an afterthought. Bonus: water, soft drinks, and fruit come along too, so you’re not hunting for snacks all day.

One drawback to plan around: pickup timing can shift by 1–1.5 hours, and the driver waits only a short window. If you like rigid schedules, this needs the right mindset.

Why Magawish Works So Well for a Day Trip

• Two snorkeling stops in crystal-clear water so you’re not stuck with just one reef look.
• About 2 hours on Magawish Island for white sand, swimming, and photos.
• Included beach lunch plus fruit, water, and soft drinks keeps the day easy on your budget.
• Optional adds like massage or parasailing if you want one extra hit of fun.
• Pickup from multiple Hurghada areas with street-side main-gate meeting points.
• Professional guides and live tour support in Arabic, English, and Russian.

Hurghada Pickup and the Boat-Ride Rhythm

This trip runs like a well-timed machine. You start with hotel pickup from one of three Hurghada pickup areas (Hurghada 1, Hurghada, or Hurghada 2), then hop into a van for about 30 minutes before reaching the boat stage.

The provider also uses an express security check, which helps you waste less time before you’re even on the water. That’s not glamorous, but it matters—especially when you’re traveling with kids, or you just don’t want a long waiting game.

One practical thing I’d underline: your exact pickup time comes by email late the night before (around 22:00). And even if you see a schedule, real-world pickup can slide by 1 to 1.5 hours to optimize the route. This is normal for multi-stop pickup areas, but it’s still something you should plan for like a pro: stay flexible, be ready early, and avoid locking yourself into another activity too close to departure.

You’ll also want to meet the driver at the main entrance of your hotel’s main gate by the road—not at the reception gate, lobby, or interior entrances. The trip can’t find you if you’re inside. Look for a vehicle with clear company signage, and be there before your confirmed time. The driver can wait only about 5–10 minutes, depending on the statement you follow, so don’t treat pickup like a casual rendezvous.

Snorkeling Time: Two Stops and a Real Guide in the Mix

This is where the day earns its keep. You get about 2 hours of swimming and snorkeling, and it includes multiple planned snorkeling points. The whole point is simple: you’ll have more than one reef-style look, which usually improves your odds of seeing interesting marine life.

The big quality-of-life feature is the presence of a snorkeling guide. That means you’re not just thrown into the water and told good luck. You have someone who can help you get your timing right, handle the basics, and keep the group moving in the right places. If you’ve snorkeled before, this is still helpful. If you’re new, it reduces stress because you’re not guessing.

What to do before you get wet:

• Bring sunscreen and apply it before you’re on the water (you don’t want to scramble mid-trip).
• Bring a towel for the island and return.
• Be comfortable with the idea of water time being the main event for those two hours.

One more note: coral areas can be slippery. Even with a guide, treat the entry and exit points with respect. You’ll enjoy the day more when your body isn’t dealing with unnecessary slips or cramps.

Magawish Island: Beach Time That Actually Feels Like Time

Once snorkeling ends, the day shifts gears. You’ll head to Magawish Island and get around two hours free time there. This is the part I like best when I’m choosing a day trip: you’re not racing back to the boat every few minutes.

On the island, you can relax on soft white sand, swim in clear turquoise water, and take photos without the feeling that you’re on a strict schedule. It’s also a good window to simply come up for air—literally and figuratively—after time in the water.

The lunch is served during this island portion, which keeps your energy stable for the swim and beach time. No one wants a hangry situation at sea.

One detail I’d use to calibrate expectations: two hours sounds short on paper, but it’s enough to do the essentials—swim, eat, chill, and grab photos—if you don’t treat it like a full beach vacation. If you want all-day slow soaking, you’d need a longer stay. For a one-day package, Magawish hits a sweet spot.

Lunch on the Beach (and Optional Seafood)

Food is included here in a way that makes the whole day feel easier. On Magawish Island, you’ll have lunch, and it’s part of the planned flow instead of something you’re expected to find on your own.

Included:

• Lunch on island
• Water
• Soft drinks
• Fruits

There’s also an optional add-on for a seafood lunch if you choose it. If you like seafood and want the meal to be a highlight, this is the kind of upgrade that can feel worth it. If you’re satisfied with a normal beach lunch and want to spend your cash on sunscreen, tips, or extra snacks, you can skip the add-on.

Optional choices also exist for massage on the island and for water sports like parasailing if you select those options. The value question is yours: do you want this day to be mostly swimming and resting, or do you want one extra adrenaline moment?

The 8-Hour Schedule: Where the Time Really Goes

Let’s break down the “8 hours” feeling, because packages can be sneaky. A lot of time at sea days gets eaten by pickup chaos, delays, or waiting around. This trip is designed to keep the day tight.

A realistic rhythm looks like this:

• Pickup from your Hurghada area, then a van ride of about 30 minutes
• Two snorkeling hours with guide support and multiple snorkeling stops
• Transit to Magawish and about two hours on the island
• Lunch integrated into the island time
• Return transport back to Hurghada with drop-offs at the three locations

That means your “active highlights” are concentrated: roughly 2 hours in the water, 2 hours on the island, and the rest is transit and transitions.

If you’re traveling with kids or a mixed group, this pacing is often a win. It’s structured, and you don’t end up with hours of boredom. On the flip side, if you’re the type who wants to linger for long beach sunsets or do multiple snorkeling loops, you may feel the clock.

Also keep in mind: pickup can start at times that shift by up to 1–1.5 hours, so you’ll want a flexible morning or early afternoon plan buffer.

Price and Value: What $35 Actually Buys

At around $35 per person for an 8-hour experience, the value comes from what’s included—not just the boat ride.

For that price, you get:

• Round trip hotel pickup in Hurghada (with multiple pickup/drop-off points)
• Island fees
• Snorkeling guide support
• Lunch on island
• Water, soft drinks, fruits
• A live tour guide who communicates in Arabic, English, and Russian
• Express security check to reduce waiting

So what you’re paying for isn’t only transport. You’re paying for the planning and the “don’t worry about it” part: guides, route timing, island access, and feeding you.

What you might pay extra for:

• Long-range pickup if you’re outside the main Hurghada zone (Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay are available as an add-on)
• Optional upgrades like seafood lunch, massage, or parasailing

If you’re staying in central Hurghada and you like swimming with a guide while keeping costs controlled, this is the kind of package that makes sense. If you’re a deep-explorer type who hates fixed timing, you might prefer something more customizable (but you’ll likely pay more).

Practical Tips That Save You Hassle

If you want a smooth day, these details matter more than people expect.

Do this:

• Apply sunscreen before you’re on the boat.
• Bring a towel (you’ll want it on the island and after).
• Bring cash (it’s listed as something to have).
• Bring your energy down to earth: the day is built around two concentrated “main blocks” (snorkeling and island time).

Know this:

• Your pickup time is confirmed by email around 22:00 the night before.
• You must give the provider your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number, plus valid contact info.
• The driver meets you at the street-side main entrance, not inside the hotel reception area.

And here’s a human detail I like to respect: even when the team is trying to help, group transport can get tricky when schedules collide with real-life needs. One feedback note mentioned vehicle planning can be a bit tight for larger groups (and mobility situations). If you have a special requirement, reach out early and clearly, and keep your expectations realistic about short waits and tight pickup logistics.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This Magawish day trip is a solid fit if you want:

• A straightforward Hurghada boat excursion with planned snorkeling
• A beach break with real free time on the island
• Included food and drinks so you don’t spend your day doing logistics

It’s especially friendly for groups and families because the pacing is predictable: two hours here, two hours there, and you’re not stuck on a long schedule with unclear transitions.

You might consider another style of trip if:

• You want an all-day island experience without time limits
• You prefer doing snorkeling at your own pace rather than staying with a group

If you use a wheelchair, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it’s still smart to communicate any needs when booking so pickup and transportation can be arranged as smoothly as possible.

Should You Book This Magawish Boat Trip?

I’d book it if you want a clean, well-structured day: pickup included, snorkeling with guidance, a proper island break, and lunch taken care of. The price feels fair because it covers island access, guides, and a full day’s basics—not just a seat on a boat.

Skip it (or at least think twice) if your biggest priority is maximum time on the island or total freedom to roam. With about 2 hours on Magawish and 2 hours underwater, it’s meant to be a highlight-packed day, not a slow beach holiday.

If you’re in Hurghada and you want the Red Sea experience without turning your day into a puzzle, this is a strong option.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Hurghada to Magawish boat trip?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

Is round-trip hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round trip hotel pickup is included from the Hurghada pickup areas, with drop-off back to Hurghada at the end of the trip.

How much time do I spend snorkeling and on Magawish Island?

You get about 2 hours for swimming and snorkeling, and about 2 hours of free time on Magawish Island.

What meals and drinks are included?

Lunch on the island is included, along with water, soft drinks, and fruits. A seafood lunch is available as an add-on if selected.

Are massage or parasailing available?

Yes. A massage option is available if selected, and water sports like parasailing are available if selected.

When will I know my exact pickup time?

Your exact pickup time is confirmed by email at about 22:00 the night before the trip, and pickup time may vary by 1 to 1.5 hours.

Is anything not allowed or required?

You should bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Pets are not allowed.