Hurghada gets quieter on a private speedboat. You’re whisked to Magawish Island for clear-water snorkeling, then back to town without the long, stop-and-go feeling you get on bigger tours.

What I like most is how well the crew keeps things moving while still acting like real humans. Multiple trip notes praise captain Snoopy and guide Amr for staying friendly, helpful, and funny—plus the snorkeling gear is described as clean and ready to use.

One thing to watch: not all the costs are locked in up front. There’s a national park fee of €5 per person paid in cash on the spot (and certain pick-up areas may add €10 per person cash).

Key things to know before you go

• Private speedboat setup with your own group and a dedicated captain/crew
• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle in the included areas
• One snorkeling stop with snorkeling equipment plus water sports time
• Magawish Island entrance included, so you can focus on the beach and the water
• Food on board: fruits, snacks, water, and soft drink
• Plan for cash add-ons: €5 national park fee per person, plus possible transfer fees

Why Magawish by private speedboat feels like a mini escape

If you want Red Sea scenery without the circus, this style of outing hits the mark. A private speedboat cuts down the waiting, keeps your time on the water tight (in a good way), and gets you to Magawish Island while the day still feels fresh.

Magawish itself is the payoff: white sand stretches, calm coves, and water clarity that makes snorkeling easier even if you’re not a confident swimmer. One strong theme in the trip notes is the low-crowd vibe—people describe it as a quiet, almost private-feeling island stop.

It’s also built for groups who want flexibility. The structure is simple (ride, island time, snorkeling stop, then return), but you’re not stuck with a rigid schedule of constant chores. You can mostly follow the flow and still have time to relax.

Price and value: the real math before you book

The listed price is $5 per person, and on paper that sounds like a steal for a private speedboat day. The catch is that a couple fees are not included.

Here’s the straightforward cost picture:

• Included: hotel pickup/drop-off, speedboat to Magawish, Magawish Island entrance, snorkeling equipment, one snorkeling stop, and drinks/snacks.
• Not included: national park fee €5 per person, paid in cash on the spot.
• Not included: €10 per person cash transfer fee if you’re coming from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, or Soma Bay.

So the “value” depends on where you’re staying and whether you can easily handle cash on the day. If you’re already in central Hurghada and you arrive with a few euros set aside, this is the kind of outing where you get a lot of water time for the money.

Also, remember the trip is only about 4 hours total. That short duration matters: you’re paying for a focused experience, not for a half-day bus ride that burns the day.

The 1:30 pm rhythm: how the timing usually works

The start time is 1:30 pm, and the total trip runs around 4 hours (approx.). In practice, that means this is a late-afternoon turnoff from your beach plans—perfect if you don’t want a morning tour that eats your breakfast.

Because pickup is included, you’ll likely be collected before 1:30, but the exact pickup window isn’t specified. Your best move is to be ready ahead of time so you don’t feel rushed when the car arrives.

In the time you have, the experience is designed around three moments:

• the speedboat ride out (quick change of scenery),
• the Magawish Island stretch (sand and downtime),
• and the snorkeling window (one main stop with equipment).

If you’re the type who likes to pack the day with activities, this might feel short. But if you want a clean, memorable water break without turning your afternoon into a checklist, it fits nicely.

The speedboat ride: what you’re buying is time on the water

This is the core of the tour. A private speedboat means you’re not sharing a cramped route with a full bus of snorkelers. You also usually feel the trip more than you experience it as a transfer.

Captain-crew service shows up again and again in the notes, with people specifically mentioning how kind and helpful the team is. Names come up: captain Snoopy and guide Amr. That matters because on open water, the “small” things—clear instructions, quick answers, good pacing—make snorkeling and safety feel easier.

Wildlife sightings are also part of the fun. Several trip accounts mention dolphins during the outing, and at least one note mentions seeing a turtle. That doesn’t mean you’ll definitely see them, but the odds feel higher than with a slow boat drift because you’re moving to the right spots.

Practical note: one person commented that the boat for around six people can feel a bit tight. If you’re tall, traveling with kids, or you hate cramped seating, it’s worth asking what the boat layout looks like for your specific group.

Magawish Island time: how to use the island stop well

This is where the outing stops feeling like a tour and starts feeling like a break. The island entrance is included, so you don’t lose minutes on paperwork or extra payments just to get to the sand.

What you’ll most likely notice first is the water clarity. Multiple notes describe crystal-clear water and bright, clean sand. People also talk about a low-crowd vibe, which is exactly what you want after a day or two of busier beach zones elsewhere in the area.

How long is the island time? The listing and structure point to a short stop within the 4-hour window. So think of it as:

• spend a bit of time soaking in the view,
• reset with snacks and drinks,
• then line up for snorkeling when the crew brings you to the water.

If you’re traveling with kids, the island portion is often the easiest sell. Notes mention children being genuinely happy the whole time—mostly because there’s white sand, clear water, and a crew that helps without making it complicated.

Snorkeling stop: gear quality and what you should expect

You get snorkeling equipment and one snorkeling stop, plus time that includes “water sports” (the exact types aren’t specified). One stop means you won’t be hopping between multiple reefs. Instead, you focus on quality over quantity.

From the trip notes, two things matter most:

• the equipment is described as clean,
• and the staff provides help that makes snorkeling less stressful.

People also report seeing plenty of fish, and at least one note says a wreck was included for additional fish and corals later in the day. Since the listing only promises one snorkeling stop, treat the wreck visit as a possible bonus rather than a guarantee.

If you’re deciding whether you’re “good enough” to snorkel, go by comfort, not bravado. The single best advice I can give from the provided notes: check the safety reality for your group before you go. One trip comment mentions that there were no life jackets on board for people who aren’t super strong swimmers. That doesn’t mean it’s always the case, but it’s enough of a red flag that I’d ask the crew on boarding what’s available for different swimming levels.

Snacks, drinks, and keeping the day easy for families

Included on board: fruits, snacks, water, and soft drink. That might sound basic, but in Egypt’s heat, it changes the whole mood of a short outing. You don’t have to hunt for refreshments midway through, and you can keep kids calm without turning the trip into a snack negotiation.

Families seem to like the pacing. Notes specifically mention kids enjoying the ride and the island without getting bored. When the crew is friendly (again, names like Amr and Snoopy show up), it helps kids feel like they’re part of the action instead of watching adults scramble for gear.

If you’re sensitive to hunger swings, this matters too. A late start at 1:30 pm means you’re likely coming in from a lunch gap or an early beach snack. The included food helps fill that gap.

Extras that can affect your total cost (and your stress level)

Two add-ons are clearly spelled out:

• €5 per person national park fee, paid cash on the spot
• €10 per person transfer fee in certain pickup regions (Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay)

This isn’t a reason to skip the tour—it’s just a reason to be ready. If you want the smooth “VIP day” feeling people describe, keep small cash available so you’re not scrambling while everyone else is boarding.

Also, since the tour uses a mobile ticket, you’ll want your phone charged and accessible. Nothing ruins a fun start like searching for confirmation while the boat is waiting.

Finally, this is private in the sense that only your group participates. That means the experience tends to feel more tailored and less chaotic than larger shared boat tours, even though the schedule stays compact.

What to ask on the day (so you’re not guessing)

I’d ask the crew these quick questions before you jump in:

• What safety gear is available for different swimming levels?
• Which side or area will you snorkel from during the single stop?
• Is the wreck/coral viewing part of the plan today, or is it weather-dependent?

These aren’t “nice-to-haves.” They help you match the experience to your comfort level. One note from the trip mentions the safety equipment situation, so asking directly is worth your time.

And if you care about comfort on the ride, ask about boat seating for your group size. One comment mentions the fit for a group around six people.

Potential downsides to weigh before you choose this

Let’s be honest: this tour is great for people who want a short, focused day, but it’s not perfect for everyone.

The main considerations:

• Only one snorkeling stop. If you want multiple long sessions in different spots, this may feel limited.
• Cash fees. The national park fee is €5 per person and it’s cash on the spot. Certain areas add €10 per person transfer fee.
• Safety gear availability isn’t guaranteed. One past note raises a life jacket concern for less confident swimmers. Ask on board and don’t assume.

If you go in expecting a compact, water-focused half-day with one main snorkeling window, you’ll probably love it.

Should you book this private Magawish speedboat with snorkeling?

I’d book it if you want:

• a private feeling without spending hours organizing the day,
• clear Red Sea water and a straightforward snorkeling plan,
• hotel pickup, included drinks/snacks, and a crew that keeps things fun and easy.

I’d think twice if you need:

• multiple snorkeling stops,
• guaranteed life jacket availability for non-strong swimmers,
• or you’re uncomfortable with cash add-ons for fees.

If you’re traveling with kids, it’s especially appealing. The island time plus an attentive crew is a reliable recipe for happy faces—at least that’s the pattern from the strongest trip notes.

FAQ

How long is the Magawish Island private speedboat trip?

The duration is about 4 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 1:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pick up & drop off by air-conditioned vehicle is included.

What’s included with snorkeling?

You get snorkeling equipment and one snorkeling stop.

Is the Magawish Island entrance included?

Yes. Entrance to Magawesh Island is included.

What fees are not included?

The national park fee of €5 per person is not included and is paid in cash on the spot.

Are there extra transfer costs depending on where I’m staying?

Yes. Transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay have an extra €10 per person cash transfer fee.

What food and drinks are provided?

The trip includes fruits, snacks, water, and soft drink.

Is it really private for just our group?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity with only your group participating.

What if I need to cancel?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.