REVIEW · HURGHADA
Hurghada: Hula Hula Speedboat w/ Optional Snorkeling & Lunch
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Paradise Island Hurghada · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A fast boat and a quiet island can be a great combo. This trip mixes a high-energy speedboat ride with a proper snorkeling stop and downtime on soft sand at Hula Hula Island, so you’re not stuck doing only one thing. The main catch is timing: if you pick the no-transfer option, you must show up at the marina on time or you can miss the tour.
What I like most is how straightforward it is—hotel pickup is optional and the experience still runs even if you’re short on time (3 hours) or you want a full beach-and-snorkel reset (5 hours). You’ll also get real comfort extras for the price, like snorkeling gear, life jackets, fruits/soft drinks, and a short beach massage. One consideration: some snorkeling gear gets mixed feedback, so if you’re picky about fit, plan to adjust on site and ask the crew for help right away.
In This Review
- Key points I’d plan around
- Speedboat to Hula Hula Island: the day’s real payoff
- Choosing between 3-hour and 5-hour tours
- Your timeline, from pickup to island time
- Pickup and transfer (optional)
- Van ride, then speedboat
- Offshore swim/snorkel and water sports stop
- Hula Hula Island: beach time, swimming, and the massage
- Snorkeling that’s friendly even if you’re new
- Water sports and the fun factor: banana ride included
- Lunch, drinks, and the beach massage reset
- Transfers, meeting point, and avoiding the most common mistakes
- Pickup vs no transfer
- Meeting point clarity
- What to bring
- What’s not allowed
- Price and value: around $30 and what makes it feel fair
- Who should book this (and who might skip it)
- Who should consider alternatives
- Should you book the Hula Hula Speedboat with optional snorkeling and lunch?
- FAQ
- How long is the Hula Hula speedboat tour?
- Is snorkeling included?
- Do I get lunch?
- Are hotel transfers included?
- Where do I meet the guide?
- Can I book a private speedboat?
- What food and drinks are included?
- What should I bring to the tour?
- Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?
- Is the beach massage included?
Key points I’d plan around

- Hula Hula Island time, not just a photo stop: you get beach lounging and swimming time that feels like a break.
- Guided snorkeling with gear and life jackets: easier for first-timers and reassuring if you’re not a strong swimmer.
- Water sports included: banana/sofa-style rides show up as part of the fun package.
- Short beach massage included: a real moment to slow down, not just a token add-on.
- Private or shared formats: you can keep it social or go more couple/family focused.
Speedboat to Hula Hula Island: the day’s real payoff

This is a classic Red Sea-style half-day to full-day mix: quick transit, a clear-water island, and a guided chunk of time focused on snorkeling and sea fun. The big reason people love it is simple—Hula Hula Island is built for relaxing: white sand, calm shallow water, and a reef nearby. So even if you don’t snorkel perfectly, you’re still getting a beach day that feels worth the trip.
On the water, you’ll get that speedboat jolt—open sea, views across the Red Sea, and the feeling of movement (not a slow cruise). Then the day slows down on land where you can actually sit, swim, and eat.
A few more Hurghada tours and experiences worth a look
Choosing between 3-hour and 5-hour tours

The tour comes in several versions, and this is where you save time or add value.
The 3-hour options
You generally get: speedboat ride, entry to Hula Hula Island (for 3-hour and 5-hour options), snorkeling gear, a guided snorkeling stop, plus free time on the beach. Fruits and soft drinks are included in the 3-hour and 5-hour categories. If you’re scheduling around dinner plans or you just want the highlights, this is the clean choice.
The 5-hour options
Same core ingredients, but you get more time on the island and a key extra: lunch is included in the 5-hour versions. If you want a more relaxed day—snorkel once, hang out for a while, then eat without rushing—this is the one that tends to feel better.
Want maximum value?
If you’re already planning to snorkel and eat at some point, the 5-hour tour tends to make more sense because lunch is part of the package rather than an extra purchase.
Your timeline, from pickup to island time

Your day is built around short travel legs and a couple of activity blocks. Here’s the flow in plain English.
Pickup and transfer (optional)
If you select a transfer option, you’ll be picked up from areas like Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Al Ahyaa, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga, depending on the specific package. Some options are shared transfers, meaning you might have a bit of waiting time while the van collects others.
If you choose without transfer, you meet at the marina and you need to be there on time.
Van ride, then speedboat
One common structure is about an hour in a van to reach the marina, followed by a short speedboat run—around 20 minutes in the route description you’ll see. Then you’re off on open water.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Hurghada
Offshore swim/snorkel and water sports stop
Your schedule typically includes a snorkeling-focused stop at sea, with water fun mixed in. The route you’ll see references Giftun Island for swimming/snorkeling and banana boat riding as part of the adventure block. Practically, that means you’re not only arriving at the island—you also get a guided session where you can see marine life.
Hula Hula Island: beach time, swimming, and the massage
Once you reach the island, your time is mostly about easy living: beach lounging, swimming in shallow water, and snorkeling where conditions allow. The tour also includes a short massage on the beach, usually timed to help you unwind before heading back.
Then you return the way you came: speedboat back to the marina, then van return (if you have transfers).
Snorkeling that’s friendly even if you’re new

The snorkeling setup matters here. You get snorkeling gear and life jackets, plus a guided snorkeling stop. That combo is a big deal if you’re a nervous first-timer. The goal isn’t to turn you into a marine biologist—it’s to get you comfortable in the water and into a safe rhythm.
You’ll also notice how the guides handle the group. People repeatedly mention that the crew checks in, adjusts equipment, and keeps an eye on safety during the snorkeling window. A few guide names come up often—Ahmed, Mehmet, Mahmood, Karim, Kareem, Tito, Zizo/Zizou, and Emad—so it’s clear the operator leans hard on staff who can explain things clearly and keep the vibe light.
Two practical notes:
- Bring sunscreen and reapply, because you’ll be outside for a while and you’ll likely get splashed.
- If the equipment feels off, ask quickly for help. One review mentioned equipment wasn’t perfect for everyone, but the bigger pattern is that the crew stays attentive during the session.
Water sports and the fun factor: banana ride included

A lot of these tours sell snorkeling, but the real joy here is that you get more movement built in. The included water sports are typically banana boat or sofa boat rides. Even if you’re not a thrill-seeker, it’s usually short enough that you can try it without committing your whole day to it.
If you want a calm beach day, you can still enjoy the water rides without turning it into a full-on adrenaline contest. And if you’re traveling with kids or groups, this is often the activity that keeps everyone smiling.
Lunch, drinks, and the beach massage reset

Food and drinks aren’t an afterthought. In the 3-hour and 5-hour categories, you get fruits and soft drinks included. In the 5-hour options, you also get lunch on the island at the island restaurant.
The beach massage is a small but memorable touch. “Short massage” is what the tour lists, and many people describe it as a quick session that helps you come down from the boat-and-water energy. Even if you’re not chasing spa results, it’s a nice pause.
One more thing to know: while the island setup is meant for relaxing, you’re staying focused on Hula Hula rather than bouncing between multiple islands. That’s good if you like one solid beach base. It’s less ideal if you’re expecting an island-hopping day.
Transfers, meeting point, and avoiding the most common mistakes

Logistics can make or break a short day trip, so here’s how I’d handle it.
Pickup vs no transfer
- With transfer: you’ll be picked up and dropped off from your selected area.
- Without transfer: you meet at the marina. That means being early matters a lot. If you’re late, you can miss the tour without a refund.
Meeting point clarity
If you struggle to find the guide, the instructions say you can message/call the provider on WhatsApp using your voucher contact details. In practice, that’s your safety net.
What to bring
You’ll want:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
What’s not allowed
The tour notes no pets and no luggage or large bags, plus no smoking in the vehicle. If you’re traveling light, you’ll have an easier time.
Price and value: around $30 and what makes it feel fair

The advertised price is $30 per person, and the value is mostly about what you’re getting without stacking extra purchases.
Here’s what’s included in the baseline:
- Speedboat ride to the island
- Entry ticket (for 3-hour and 5-hour options)
- Snorkeling gear + life jackets
- Guided snorkeling stop
- Free time on the beach
- Fruits and soft drinks in the 3-hour and 5-hour options
- Tour guide
- Lunch in the 5-hour options
If you tried to assemble this yourself—boat transport, reef gear, guide supervision, entry access, plus a meal—it would usually cost more than a single package price. The transfers being optional also helps: if you’re staying near Hurghada, you might choose what fits your schedule rather than paying for something you don’t need.
One more value signal from the overall feedback: people frequently mention the team staying organized, the pickup/drop-off being efficient when included, and the day feeling like a real experience rather than a rushed stop.
Who should book this (and who might skip it)
This tour tends to fit best if you want:
- A mix of snorkeling + beach time + included fun (banana/sofa ride)
- A day that’s structured but not too complicated
- Options that work for couples, families, and groups
It’s also a good fit if you’re traveling with mixed skill levels—some people specifically mention non-swimmers getting comfortable with the help of the crew and the setup.
Who should consider alternatives
- The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
- If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a long, slow, in-depth snorkeling session at one exact reef for hours, the time blocks may feel short. This is more of a “high-impact day” than a full training course.
Should you book the Hula Hula Speedboat with optional snorkeling and lunch?
If your goal is a straightforward Red Sea day that combines beach relaxation with guided snorkeling, I think this is a strong booking choice—especially in the 5-hour format if you want lunch included and more unhurried island time. The speedboat component makes the experience feel like you’re actually doing something, not just touring around.
Book it if:
- You want snorkeling support without overthinking it
- You like the idea of included water sports
- You’ll actually use the beach time instead of treating it as a quick stop
- You value a package that covers the main costs (boat + entry + gear + guide)
Skip it if:
- You need an accessibility-friendly setup
- You’re extremely picky about snorkeling gear fit and you can’t adjust on site
- You’re likely to run late to the marina (if you choose without transfer)
FAQ
How long is the Hula Hula speedboat tour?
The tour runs about 4 to 5 hours in total, with specific options of roughly 3-hour and 5-hour experiences.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes. The tour includes snorkeling gear, life jackets, and a guided snorkeling stop.
Do I get lunch?
Lunch is included with the 5-hour options on the island. The 3-hour options do not list lunch as included.
Are hotel transfers included?
Transfers are optional. Some options include hotel pickup and drop-off from areas like Hurghada and other nearby resorts, while other options are without transfer and meet at the marina.
Where do I meet the guide?
You meet at the marina (for the without-transfer options). If you have trouble finding the guide, you can contact the provider using the WhatsApp details in your voucher.
Can I book a private speedboat?
Yes. Private options are available for the 3-hour and 5-hour experiences, with transfers available from any location during booking.
What food and drinks are included?
Fruits and soft drinks are included in the 3-hour and 5-hour options. Lunch is included on the island for the 5-hour options.
What should I bring to the tour?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?
No. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
Is the beach massage included?
Yes. A short massage on the beach is included as part of the experience.






























