Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands

REVIEW · HURGHADA

Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands

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  • From $58.73
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Speedboat days off Hurghada feel like a reset button. This trip gives you a white-sand Orange Bay break, then keeps the momentum with island time and Red Sea snorkeling, all wrapped in a shared day out with food included. I especially like that snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided, and you’re not stuck planning meals or supplies while the boat is doing the fun part.

One thing to consider: the whole day is only about 5 hours, so each stop is short. If you like slow travel, you might wish Orange Bay or Magawish got more than an hour.

Key things to know before you go

Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands - Key things to know before you go

  • About 5 hours total means a packed schedule with quick, fun turns between stops
  • Orange Bay and Magawish each get roughly an hour on the islands
  • Snorkeling equipment + life jackets are included, so you can travel light
  • Food included: snacks, fruits, bottled water, soft drinks, plus a lunch box (cheese & turkey sandwich)
  • Small group size capped at 20 travelers keeps it from feeling like cattle herding

Speedboat Day from Hurghada: What You Really Get for $58.73

Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands - Speedboat Day from Hurghada: What You Really Get for $58.73
For around $58.73 per person, you’re buying more than “a boat ride.” You’re paying for a guided, timed island hopping loop that’s built around three payoffs: sand time, a snorkeling window, and lunch that’s handled for you. The price also makes sense if you compare it to the cost of renting snorkeling gear and sourcing food separately during a day trip.

The trip is marketed as a shared adventure (group discounts apply), and the operator capacity is capped at 20 travelers. That matters. Smaller groups tend to feel calmer when everyone is boarding, switching gear, and getting back on the speedboat.

Also, you may want to book ahead. This type of outing is often reserved about 65 days in advance on average, which tells me it sells out in peak periods. If you’re traveling in high season, locking in dates early is smart.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.

Hotel Pickup, Boat Timing, and How the Day Feels

Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands - Hotel Pickup, Boat Timing, and How the Day Feels
You’ll get hotel pickup offered, plus an air-conditioned vehicle for the land portion. The day is designed like this: you start in the morning, you’re transferred, then you’re on the speedboat headed out into the Red Sea. Expect a straightforward rhythm—arrive, do the stop, get back on board, repeat.

You also have two practical advantages here:

  • Mobile ticket: you’re not juggling paper vouchers.
  • Near public transportation: even if pickup isn’t your perfect match, it’s easier to adjust.

One caution: there’s an extra pickup fee for certain farther locations. If you’re staying in Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, or Sahl Hasheesh, the long-range pickup service costs 10 euro and isn’t included in the base price.

The trip duration is listed as about 5 hours, and that time has to cover travel, boarding, two main island blocks, and snorkeling time. So don’t plan this as a slow beach afternoon. Plan it as a fun “get out there” day where you’ll want sunscreen, a swimsuit-ready bag, and a good attitude toward time being tight.

Orange Bay: White Sand, Chill Water, and a One-Hour Tan Window

Orange Bay is the first stop, with about 1 hour on the island. This is the “take a breath” segment: white sand, calm-ish island vibes, and clear water for relaxing. The appeal is simple—this is where you can go from hotel mode to Red Sea mode fast.

In that first hour, you’ll typically do the things that make island time worth it:

  • find a comfortable spot on the sand
  • wade in and float around
  • enjoy the social atmosphere (music is part of the vibe)
  • snap photos before the boat clock moves on

What I like about starting here is that it sets your expectations. If you’re new to day-trip snorkeling or you’re just getting your sea legs, Orange Bay is a gentler entry point. By the time you reach Magawish, you’re already in vacation mode.

Possible drawback? One hour can feel short, especially if the water is calling and your group is slow to organize. If you hate rushing, treat this stop as a “perfect taster,” not your full beach day.

Magawish Island: Snorkeling Opportunity Plus the Lunch Break

Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands - Magawish Island: Snorkeling Opportunity Plus the Lunch Break
Magawish Island is your second stop, also around 1 hour. Here you get the best mix of beach time and underwater time. The tour explicitly notes an opportunity to snorkel and explore the underwater world of the Red Sea.

This is a great segment for people who want:

  • a quick, guided-feeling snorkeling experience without booking a full-day dive setup
  • enough time to swap between swimming, floating, and staying dry when needed
  • a less stressful pacing than longer tours

The other big feature of Magawish time is lunch. You’ll have lunch if it’s been added on selected before the trip returns. The lunch box included in the package is a cheese and turkey sandwich. That’s a helpful detail because it sets the expectation: it’s not a fancy sit-down meal, but it’s also not an empty “eat when you find something” scramble. You’ll also have snacks, fruits, bottled water, and soft drinks included across the outing.

So if you tend to get grumpy when you’re hungry at the beach, this tour’s approach helps. Food is part of the plan, not an afterthought.

One more practical point: snorkeling gear is included and life jackets are provided, so you’re not forced into extra rentals. If you’re sensitive about fit, it still helps to bring your own rash guard or swim shirt for comfort, but you won’t be left without gear.

Giftun Islands Snorkel Stops: Short Sessions That Still Matter

Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands - Giftun Islands Snorkel Stops: Short Sessions That Still Matter
There’s an additional snorkeling focus around the Giftun Islands. The schedule includes two snorkeling stops, each about 20 minutes, plus about 1 hour total tied to this segment.

Here’s how to interpret that if you’re deciding whether this is enough snorkeling for you:

  • Two 20-minute sessions can be a lot if the water is clear and your group stays organized.
  • It’s not a long, lingering underwater exploration experience.
  • It’s designed for “see the highlights, then move on.”

If your goal is a quick taste of reef life without spending hours on a boat or in the water, those time windows are actually a good match. Also, since snorkeling equipment is included, you can focus on enjoying the water rather than logistics.

The tradeoff is obvious: you might want more time if you get into a rhythm underwater. But for many people, two short sessions are easier on comfort levels—especially in a day that already includes island hopping.

What’s Included (and Why Those Details Matter)

Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands - What’s Included (and Why Those Details Matter)
This is one of the better-value elements of the tour: the included items cover the stuff that usually turns into extra spending.

Included:

  • Snorkeling equipment (so you’re not renting at the harbor)
  • Life jackets (key for comfort, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer)
  • Snacks and fruits
  • Bottled water and soft drinks
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Lunch box (cheese & turkey sandwich)

Not included:

  • All fees and taxes (listed as not included in full)
  • Long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh costs 10 euro

That lunch box detail is small but important. If you’re thinking about food cost and hunger management, having a planned sandwich helps you avoid spending time and money on a quick purchase while the best light and weather are happening elsewhere.

And because you’re getting life jackets and snorkeling equipment, you can pack lighter. You still should bring what the tour doesn’t list: swimwear, towel, and sunscreen—those are your responsibility either way.

Crew and Safety Energy: When Guides Like Mohammed and Youssef Make It Easier

Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands - Crew and Safety Energy: When Guides Like Mohammed and Youssef Make It Easier
The tone of the day hinges on the crew. This kind of trip runs smoothly when someone is paying attention to gear, timing, and water confidence.

Two guide names come up in the feedback for this operator:

  • Mohammed is mentioned as a problem-solver when things go sideways, with crew support stepping in to keep the trip from falling apart.
  • Youssef is described as taking a careful, one-on-one approach for snorkeling, focusing on making the experience feel safe.

You can’t guarantee which guide you’ll get, but you can use this as a decision signal. Look for tours where staff are known for hands-on snorkeling support rather than leaving everyone to figure it out alone. On a speedboat day, that difference matters because the time windows are short.

If you’re nervous about snorkeling, having someone take a little extra time with you can be the difference between forcing yourself and actually enjoying it.

Price and Value: Where the Money Is Going

Hurghada Speedboat Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish Islands - Price and Value: Where the Money Is Going
Let’s break down value in a practical way.

You’re paying for:

  • speedboat transportation
  • two island chunks (Orange Bay and Magawish) with admission tickets included for both
  • snorkeling gear and life jackets
  • snacks, fruits, soft drinks, bottled water
  • lunch box included in the package
  • air-conditioned vehicle for the land portion

Then you have possible add-ons:

  • long-range pickup costs 10 euro from specific areas
  • any remaining fees and taxes not included

At $58.73, this works best if you want a Red Sea day without extra rentals or extra meal hunting. If you’re the kind of traveler who already has snorkeling gear and likes buying food wherever, you may feel the price is higher than a do-it-yourself harbor plan. But most people like the simplicity. This tour is built around reducing friction.

Also, the group cap at 20 helps keep the day from turning chaotic. That’s not always visible in the headline price, but it’s a real value driver.

Who This Hurghada Speedboat Trip Is Best For

This itinerary fits best if you:

  • want a taste of multiple islands in one outing
  • like snorkeling but don’t want a long, all-day water commitment
  • appreciate included food and drinks so you can relax
  • prefer small-group energy rather than large crowds

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with people who want different things. Orange Bay is calmer and beach-focused. Magawish gives you the snorkeling chance. Giftun adds two short snorkeling sessions. That variety keeps more folks happy than a single-purpose boat day.

If you hate time pressure, you may struggle with the short one-hour stops. In that case, you might prefer a longer island or resort beach day where you’re not racing a schedule.

Quick Practical Tips Before You Board

I’d prep like this, so the day feels smooth:

  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply after swimming if you can.
  • Pack a dry bag for your phone and passport.
  • Wear footwear you’re okay getting wet (some areas can be slippery).
  • Keep a small towel in your day bag for the sand-to-boat moments.
  • If you’re new to snorkeling, go slow on the first session and don’t feel rushed—use the included gear and ask for help.

These aren’t tour facts; they’re just the kind of small moves that make island days feel easy.

Should I Book This Trip to Orange Bay and Magawish?

I’d book it if you want a well-paced Red Sea sampler: sand time at Orange Bay, a snorkeling-and-lunch stop at Magawish, and extra snorkeling windows around Giftun, all within about 5 hours and with key supplies included. The included snacks, fruits, drinks, life jackets, and snorkeling gear are what make it feel like actual vacation value instead of a bare-bones excursion.

I wouldn’t book if you’re chasing a long snorkeling adventure or you hate short stops and tight timing. This is a “go have fun now” tour, not a slow, linger-all-afternoon island drift.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada speedboat trip?

The duration is listed as approximately 5 hours.

Which islands are included in the trip?

You’ll visit Orange Bay (about 1 hour) and Magawish Island (about 1 hour). There are also snorkeling stops around the Giftun Islands.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered. If you need long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, or Sahl Hasheesh, it costs 10 euro and is not included.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life jackets.

What food and drinks are included?

Snacks and fruits are included, along with bottled water and soft drinks. Lunch is provided as a lunch box with a cheese and turkey sandwich.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission ticket details are included for Orange Bay and Magawish Island, and the Giftun Islands admission ticket is listed as free.

What is the cancellation policy and what if the weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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