A rocket-like boat and island time in the Red Sea? That’s the point of this Hurghada Sea Taxi run to Orange Bay or Magawish. I like how fast you get there (a 15 to 20-minute speedboat crossing) and how you can shape the day with options like 3 hours on Orange Bay + 3 hours on Magawish or shorter island time. The transfers also feel organized, with pickup from Hurghada hotels and an express check at the harbor.

The main consideration is comfort at sea: expect wind, and yes, you can get wet. If you have a back problem, this style of fast boat ride may not be a good match.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• 15–20 minute speedboat transfer that saves you hours versus slower ferries
• Pick your timing: 3-hour, 4-hour, or full-day style options, including the popular 3+3 combo
• Magawish snorkeling included, while Orange Bay snorkeling is not included
• Parasailing can be added and runs alongside other water fun on the islands
• Early arrival energy: the speedboat helps you reach the sand before the biggest ferry crowds

How the Sea Taxi Day Really Works: Pickup to Harbor

This tour is built around one simple idea: get you off your hotel schedule and onto the water quickly. Your day starts with hotel pickup around Hurghada, but the important detail is timing range. Your pickup window can vary by about 1 to 1.5 hours from the scheduled time, and the operator sends confirmation late the night before (around 10:00 PM) by email or WhatsApp.

At pickup time, you’ll look for a white or black bus with the GoShalabi logo. You meet at the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not at the reception side. Also, the driver can only wait about 5 minutes, because they’re working through multiple stops.

Once you’re at the marina, you’ll get instructions before boarding. There’s also an express security check, which helps the day start without long delays. You’ll need to be ready with the basics beforehand too: passport copy plus your nationality, hotel name/address, and room number.

Who this pickup style suits

This kind of route is great if you want your day to feel efficient. It’s less ideal if you hate shared transfers, or if you’re the type who wants exact timing down to the minute.

The Speedboat Ride: Fast, Fun, and Sometimes Wet

The best part of booking a sea taxi instead of a slower ferry is simple: you buy back time for beaches and snorkeling. The crossing is quick—typically 15 to 20 minutes—and the boat is powered for speed, so expect that rocket-like feeling from your first minutes on board.

Based on what people report, the ride can be breezy. In cooler months, a hoodie can be worth it. In warmer months, bring what you need to handle saltwater and spray. Several people note that you can get wet, which means you’ll want swimwear on or something quick-drying.

The company provides life jackets and a shaded tenda area, plus a bottle of water. You don’t need to bring snorkeling gear for Magawish (that’s included), but you should still bring your own sunscreen and a towel.

Motion and comfort

This is a fast boat. If you’re sensitive to motion, plan accordingly. The tour is specifically noted as not suitable for people with back problems, so if that’s you, I’d skip this one.

Orange Bay Island: White Sand Time and Why Timing Matters

Orange Bay is the island option most people want for beach time. The sand is the headline, and the pace of the day is what makes it feel special: short transfer, island relaxation, and a smooth return.

Here’s how the timing usually plays out depending on your choice:

• A 3-hour visit is built for getting there fast, enjoying the best light on the sand, and still leaving before the day gets too busy.
• A 7-hour option is closer to a full day of lounging and hanging out.

One practical note: Orange Bay is listed as having no snorkeling included. That doesn’t mean you can’t snorkel at all—just that the tour package doesn’t include it.

What to expect on Orange Bay

Think of Orange Bay as the place to:

• spread out on the beach
• swim in clear water
• enjoy the relaxed island vibe

If you want to add activities like parasailing, that’s typically handled as an add-on (more on that below).

Orange Bay extra spending: bring cash

One recurring tip is to bring cash for island extras. People also point out that cell reception can be weak and card machines aren’t always reliable. That means if you want drinks, snacks, or additional activities, cash keeps things simple.

Magawish Island: Snorkeling Included and Coral-Fish Time

If Orange Bay is about beach relaxation, Magawish is the one people highlight for underwater time. The big difference in this itinerary is that snorkeling on Magawish Island is included, and it’s the island that’s set up for reef exploring.

Most of the included snorkeling is what you want if you’re doing this as your main reef stop. I like how this removes a common hassle: you’re not stuck trying to figure out where to rent gear or pay for a snorkeling add-on at the last minute.

How the snorkeling fits the day

Magawish visits are often scheduled for about 3 hours in the split itinerary (the popular Orange + Magawish combo), so you get enough time to relax on the sand and still have a real snorkeling window. If you only do Orange Bay, you’ll miss the included snorkel portion.

Magawish vibe

People describe Magawish as beautiful and often less crowded than the ferry-style hubs. That matters because you’re not just looking at water—you’re trying to enjoy it without fighting for space.

Parasailing and Other Water Fun: Add-On Energy

This tour includes parasailing if you select the add-on. If you’ve ever wanted that skyline moment over the sea, this is the straightforward way to do it without building the plan yourself.

Beyond parasailing, the islands tend to have other water options available. The tour description focuses on parasailing as the named included add-on, so I’d treat other activities as potential extras that you’ll choose on-site.

My practical advice

If you’re thinking of parasailing, do it early in your island time window when conditions feel calm and you’re not rushing. Also wear whatever makes sense for wind and water. You don’t want to spend your island time worrying about your stuff.

Food, Drinks, and What You’ll Actually Need to Bring

Meals depend on which version you pick. The description notes breakfast or lunch options on the island, and people mention lunch elements like small meals and refreshments on the day. Even so, I recommend you plan for the real world: island food can cost extra, and menu choices may not match everyone’s needs.

Your must-pack list

Bring:

• Swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• hat
• camera
• water (even if you’ll get some onboard)
• cash

If you forget cash, you might end up waiting until you can get to a place that accepts cards. And if you forget sunscreen, the Red Sea sun is not a gentle teacher.

Clothing tip: prepare for wind

Even in pleasant weather, speedboats bring wind. A light layer can save your day, especially if you’re sensitive to chill after swimming.

The People Who Make It Smooth: Guides and Captains

A lot of the best moments on this kind of trip come down to the crew. Names show up often in the reports, and it’s clear that the guides and captains try to keep things moving and fun.

You’ll see guides such as Bram, Ahmed, Ibrahim, Joseph, and Barkat, along with captains including Captain Mohammed and Captain Ahmed (names overlap in some cases). People mention the crew making extra time for fun moments like dolphin spotting and even offer to stop for points of interest during the ride.

For example, some people describe leaving Orange Bay early to look for dolphins, finding one soon after. Others talk about stopping on the way for dolphin sightings, or even spotting an old shipwreck during the return route. None of that is something you should count on as guaranteed every time, but it explains why this speedboat setup can feel like more than just transportation.

Price and Value: Is $33 a Good Deal?

At about $33 per person, the value comes from three things:

1) You’re paying for a fast round-trip transfer, not just a boat ride.

2) You’re getting entry fees and a guided setup (plus life jackets and a shaded area).

3) You’re choosing between island styles, with Magawish snorkeling included, which can otherwise cost extra on your own.

Where value can shrink is if you’re the type who needs to rent snorkeling gear or add lots of extras. Since snorkeling equipment is not included, you might pay separately if you decide you want additional snorkeling beyond what the package covers at Magawish. Also, anything like parasailing is only included if you select it as an add-on.

Still, for many people this is a highly efficient day: you spend more time on sand and water, and less time stuck in long crossings.

The Best Fit: Who Should Book This Sea Taxi

This is a good match if you:

• want maximum island time with minimal travel
• like fast, energetic days
• care about Magawish snorkeling without extra gear hunting
• are comfortable with a shared pickup routine and short transfer windows

It’s less ideal if you:

• get motion sick easily
• have a back problem
• hate the idea of needing cash for island purchases

What I’d do for planning

If you’re torn between Orange Bay and Magawish, choose based on your main goal:

• Beach-first day: Orange Bay
• Reef-first day: Magawish
• Best of both: the 3+3 split

Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward Hurghada day that trades travel time for real beach time. The speedboat is the selling point, and the option that includes snorkeling at Magawish makes this feel like more than a simple beach outing.

You should skip or reconsider if you’re worried about bumpy, fast boat conditions (especially with back issues), or if you’re the kind of traveler who refuses to bring cash for small island purchases. If you can handle wind, a bit of spray, and a busy day schedule, this sea taxi option is one of the more practical ways to reach Orange Bay or Magawish without losing hours.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour is listed as 4 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose and the island time.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included. Pickup times can vary, and you’re asked to meet at the hotel main entrance by the road.

Which island has snorkeling included?

Snorkeling on Magawish Island is included. Snorkeling on Orange Bay is not included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you may need to bring or arrange what you need depending on how you plan to snorkel.

How long is the speedboat ride to the islands?

The ride is described as about 15 to 20 minutes to Orange Bay or Magawish.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only if you select the add-on.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It’s noted as not suitable for people with back problems.