Hurghada: Orange Bay & Magawish Island Speedboat with Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the mix of fast boat travel, two island stops, and serious snorkeling time. You get the Red Sea from several angles: racing across open water, sitting on pale sand at Orange Bay, and floating above coral reefs filled with fish.

I like the early timing, which can get you to Orange Bay before the beach fills up. I also like the small-boat feel compared with a large day cruiser. Guides such as Saif, Momo, Hassan, and Captain Karim are praised for helping nervous swimmers and keeping families comfortable. The main consideration is that Orange Bay can become busy, and the included lunch is modest, so bring cash if you want food or cocktails at Magawish.

Key points at a glance

• Two distinct island stops: Orange Bay is set up for beach time, while Magawish feels quieter and more open.
• Two snorkeling locations: Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, giving you a good look at coral and Red Sea fish.
• Speedboat rather than a large cruise boat: The ride is quicker and more lively, though wind can make it bumpy.
• Early departures have an advantage: Reaching Orange Bay before the busiest period can make a major difference.
• Optional five-minute parasailing: Select the right booking option if you want a view of the sea from above.
• Strong value at $47: Hotel transfers, island fees, equipment, lunch, drinks, and a guide are included.

A Red Sea day built around speed and scenery

This is a 4 to 6 hour trip from Hurghada, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The exact rhythm can vary with the selected departure, boat arrangements, weather, and whether you choose a private or shared outing.

At the marina, the crew gives you instructions and explains the plan. Then you board the speedboat for the ride out to the islands. It is a more active start than a slow ferry crossing, with open water, spray, and a strong sense that you are leaving the city behind.

The boat is one of the main reasons to choose this experience. You spend less time getting to the islands than you would on a large group vessel, and the small format makes it easier for the captain and guide to keep an eye on everyone. On windy days, though, expect a bumpy ride. Kareem, Hassan, and other captains are praised for checking on passengers and helping families stay comfortable, but anyone with back problems should skip this trip.

Orange Bay before the crowds

Orange Bay is usually the first major stop, with about one hour on the island. It is known for pale sand, shallow clear water, shaded areas, and a relaxed beach setting that gives the Red Sea a Caribbean look.

The timing matters here. Early departures have reached the bay before the main rush, creating a quieter hour for photographs, swimming, and sitting on the sand. That calm period is not guaranteed, since Orange Bay is a popular stop, but an early start is your best move if you want more space.

Some bookings include access to a private area at Orange Bay. That can be useful when the public beach is busy. You should still think of this as a developed island stop rather than an untouched beach. The appeal is easy access, clear water, and a pretty setting, not solitude all day.

One hour is enough to enjoy the view and take a swim, but some people may want more time here. The schedule has several parts, so you will need to keep an eye on the meeting time. Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, and sun protection. There is little reason to spend the whole visit in the shade, but you will want a break from the strong sun.

Two snorkeling stops over Red Sea coral

After Orange Bay, the boat visits two snorkeling spots for about 20 minutes each. This is the part I would not treat as an afterthought. The underwater scenery is one of the strongest reasons to book this trip, with coral, colorful fish, and clear water that can make the sea feel like a large aquarium.

The crew supplies masks, snorkels, and life jackets. Guides including Adam, Islam, and Hassan have helped first-time snorkelers feel safe, which matters if you are unsure about getting into open water. You can expect assistance with the equipment and basic guidance at the site.

If you have never snorkeled, ask the guide to show you how the mask fits and how to breathe through the tube before you swim away from the boat. One family had trouble with water entering the nose and mouth because the gear and technique were not explained clearly enough at first. That is an easy problem to avoid if you ask for a quick demonstration and adjust the mask carefully.

The two stops are short but useful. Twenty minutes can feel brief if you love watching fish, yet two separate locations give you a better chance of seeing different coral formations and marine life. Conditions depend on wind, visibility, and the day’s sea state. Some outings have included sightings of rays, dolphins, and large numbers of fish, but wildlife sightings are never promised.

Families can manage this section with support. A three-year-old joined one outing and was kept safe on the boat when the child did not want to snorkel. Children still need close supervision, and the life jacket is essential for anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

Magawish Island and the included lunch

Magawish Island is the second island stop, with about one hour set aside for beach time and lunch. It has white sand, clear water, and a broad, open feel. Several people have found it more peaceful than Orange Bay, especially later in the day when many other boats have left.

The lunch is provided as a box, along with bottled water, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit. This is convenient because you do not need to arrange a meal during the tour. The food has been described as plentiful and good quality on some outings, but other experiences suggest you should not rely on it as a large meal.

I would treat the lunch as a useful picnic rather than a full restaurant service. If you have a big appetite, bring a small extra snack if allowed or plan to buy food at the island stop. Cash is also sensible for cocktails, drinks, and other purchases, since those extras are not part of the listed price.

Magawish is not a huge island, so the hour may feel long if you are not interested in swimming, photographs, or sitting on the sand. It can feel short if you want a slow lunch and a long swim. Private trips may offer more flexibility, and one private outing even continued toward sunset, but the standard schedule follows the planned timing.

Optional parasailing above the islands

You can select an option that includes up to five minutes of parasailing. This gives you a short look at the Red Sea from above, adding a second viewpoint to the snorkeling and boat ride.

The parasailing option is not part of every booking, so check the selected package before paying. Five minutes is enough for a memorable lift and photographs, but it is an add-on highlight rather than a separate long activity. If you prefer a quieter beach day, the basic boat and snorkeling plan already has plenty to fill the schedule.

Shared boat or private outing

The shared option offers good value and a social atmosphere. One small group had only eight people, which made the boat feel manageable and allowed the guide to give attention without the crowds of a large excursion vessel.

A private boat costs more, but it can make sense for families, couples, or anyone who wants control over the pace. Private groups have had more flexibility with snorkeling time, island stops, and even staying for sunset. You should confirm exactly what the private option includes, since the standard description gives the overall route but not every private arrangement.

The guide can make a real difference. Saif is praised for being funny and kind, Momo for being attentive, and guides such as Tula, Joo, Alex, and Ahmed are credited with keeping the day enjoyable and helping with photographs. Names may change with the departure, but the pattern is clear: the guide handles the practical details while the captain concentrates on the boat.

English and Arabic are available. Communication has occasionally been imperfect, but the crew generally uses demonstrations and hands-on help during snorkeling.

Pickup details that can affect your morning

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada. The pickup point is at the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not the reception entrance or an interior gate.

You must provide your correct nationality, hotel name, address, and room number. A passport copy is also requested for daily permissions. Pickup details are sent by email at about 10 p.m. the night before, so check your inbox before going to bed.

Be ready on time. The vehicle can wait no more than five minutes because it may have other pickups. If you are staying in Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay, the longer transfer is available as an extra during booking. That added drive may make the day longer, but it is useful if you are based outside central Hurghada.

The transfer minibus has been described as a little tight by one person. That is worth keeping in mind if you are tall or carrying bulky beach gear. Pack lightly and keep your towel, water, and sunglasses easy to reach.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, this is a strong package if you plan to use most of what is included. You get hotel transport, a round-trip speedboat, two island entry fees, two snorkeling stops, equipment, lunch, fruit, water, soft drinks, a guide, shaded space, life jackets, and nature reserve fees.

Comparable outings can cost more once transfers, equipment, and island access are added separately. The biggest value comes from combining several activities in half a day rather than paying for a beach transfer, snorkeling trip, and boat ride on different days.

The price does not cover every possible expense. Drinks and cocktails on the islands may cost extra, and the lunch box may not satisfy a large appetite. Parasailing is included only if you choose that option. Still, the main sightseeing and water activities are covered, which keeps the budget predictable.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. That is useful if your Hurghada plans depend on weather or your hotel schedule.

Who should book this Hurghada trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants a Red Sea outing without spending a full day on a large boat. The route has a good balance of action and rest, and the guides are used to helping people who are new to snorkeling.

It also suits photographers and short-stay visitors. The boat ride, white sand, coral, fish, and optional sunset timing provide plenty of photo opportunities in four to six hours.

I would think twice if you have back problems, dislike fast boats, or want a completely quiet island. Wind can make the ride rough, Orange Bay may be crowded, and the schedule does not leave unlimited time at any one stop.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, and cash. Leave pets at home. Most important, listen to the guide before entering the water and tell the crew if you are nervous or need help.

Should you book the Orange Bay and Magawish speedboat?

Book it if you want a compact Red Sea day with strong snorkeling, two island beaches, and a lively speedboat ride. The $47 price covers the essentials, and the small-group format gives the crew a good chance to help you personally.

Choose an early departure for the best chance of a quieter Orange Bay. Choose a private option if flexibility matters more than price. If you want sunset, check the afternoon schedule carefully. For most people, this is a well-priced way to see Hurghada’s islands without committing to a long cruise.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat trip last?

The full experience lasts about 4 to 6 hours, including hotel pickup, the boat ride, island visits, snorkeling, lunch, and the return to the harbor.

What islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Orange Bay and Magawish Island. Both have white sand and clear water, but Orange Bay is generally the more popular and developed stop.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. Each one lasts about 20 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and life jackets are provided as part of the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A lunch box, soft drinks, bottled water, and seasonal fruit are included. Extra food and cocktails at the islands may cost more.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only with the option that specifically lists it. That option provides up to five minutes of parasailing.

Where will hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is at the main entrance of your hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance or another interior gate.

Is the trip suitable for people with back problems?

No. The experience is not suitable for people with back problems, and the speedboat can be bumpy in windy conditions.