Hurghada: Orange Bay & Magawish Island Speedboat with Lunch

Red Sea snorkelling, minus the hassle. This day trip is built around two standout ideas: Orange Bay timed for a quieter beach hour, and two snorkeling stops that give you real reef time without stretching the day too long. I also like that the crew approach feels hands-on, with guides such as Saif and Hassan helping you get comfortable and safe from the first minute.

My favorite part is how much variety you pack into 4–6 hours: sand time, calm water snorkelling, then island time with lunch. The only real drawback I’d plan around is snorkeling learning curve stuff—if you’re new, getting into the water with the snorkel gear can be awkward at first, and a few people end up with water where they don’t want it.

Key takeaways before you go

• Early timing at Orange Bay means more relaxed water and easier beach time
• Two separate snorkeling stops (20 minutes each) give you more chance to see fish and coral
• Magawish Island lunch setup includes a shaded area (tenda) plus a lunch box
• Parasailing is a true add-on option for up to 5 minutes if selected
• Hotel pickup is part of the deal, but you must confirm the exact meeting point and share required details

Hurghada speedboat to Orange Bay and Magawish: why this format is smart

This trip works because it respects your time. You’re not spending half the day stuck in a vehicle. You get a hotel pickup, then you’re on a roundtrip speedboat doing the thing Hurghada is known for: moving across the Red Sea fast, with the option to see it both from above and underwater.

Orange Bay is your first taste of the area’s postcard water. Then you switch from “look” to “float and explore” with two snorkeling stops. After that, Magawish Island becomes your reset: beach, lunch, and a Caribbean-style vibe people often love in this part of the Red Sea.

The value is in the combo. Paying for a speedboat day that also includes entry fees, snorkeling equipment, and lunch (not just “bring your own stuff”) is the main reason this feels worth it when you compare it to smaller or more add-on-heavy options.

Getting picked up in Hurghada: the details that keep the day smooth

The experience starts with hotel pickup and drop-off, and the difference between a smooth morning and a frustrating one is communication.

Here’s what you need to have ready:

• Share your passport copy for daily permissions
• Provide your nationality, hotel name, hotel address, and room number
• The pickup point is at the main entrance of your hotel’s main gate (by the road), not the reception gate

One more timing detail matters: pickup instructions arrive by email at 10 pm the night before. Also, the operator can wait no more than 5 minutes at the pickup point, since they’re collecting other passengers.

If you’re staying farther out (Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay), the long-range pickup is available as an add-on at checkout, so you’re not forced into an extra taxi plan.

The speedboat ride: fun, fast, and mostly about safety

Once you reach the harbor, the team gives instructions and then you’re off. The speedboat portion is a big part of the experience—quick, exciting, and designed for getting you to the islands before the day gets crowded.

Life jackets are included, and you’ll have snorkeling gear ready for the water stops. From the overall feel of the crew, a big emphasis is being helpful and keeping people at ease. Guides you might run into include Saif, Tula, Alex, Momo, and Islam (names vary by departure), and the consistent theme is clear guidance on what to do next.

One practical note: the ride can feel bumpy when conditions are windy. If you’re sensitive to choppy water or have any back issues, this is listed as not suitable for people with back problems, so take that seriously. If you know you get motion sick, consider your usual plan (timing, staying hydrated, and any meds you use on boats).

Orange Bay: using your 1-hour white-sand window well

Orange Bay is your first island stop, with 1 hour on the beach. The trip is timed so you arrive before the area becomes crowded, which is a big deal in a place that can get busy fast. That early arrival matters because it changes the whole mood—more space to spread out, fewer people competing for the best water access.

Once you land:

• Sunbathe on the white sand while the boat unloads and settles
• Use the time to ease into the water before your snorkelling later
• Treat it like your “warm-up” stop, not just a photo break

You’ll be on a beach environment, not a long island hike. If you like simple island time—sand, sun, and clear water—this hits the spot.

A small planning tip: if you’re the kind of person who wants maximum water time later, don’t spend Orange Bay burning through all your energy. Save some for the snorkeling window.

Snorkeling with 2 stops: what you’re paying for

The real heart of the day is the snorkeling—two snorkeling stops, each 20 minutes. That structure is good for two reasons:

1. You’re not stuck in one underwater spot for too long.
2. If one location isn’t perfect for you (visibility, currents, comfort), the second stop gives you another chance.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the guide/instructor support is a key part of why people rate this so highly. You’ll be paired with a snorkeling instructor (names you may see include Adam, and other guides depending on departure), and their job is to keep you feeling safe and supported.

Here’s the one drawback to plan around: if you’re new to snorkeling, water can get into the snorkel when the entry is rushed or the technique isn’t explained clearly. I’d do two things before you jump in:

• Take 10 seconds to check the snorkel fit while still on the boat
• Practice the calmest entry you can, instead of “plunge and hope”

Also, remember that you’re snorkeling in open-water conditions. Even when the sea looks perfect from the boat, your comfort comes from being deliberate.

Magawish Island: lunch, shaded tenda time, and the island reset

Next comes Magawish Island, with 1 hour there. This is where the trip shifts from active water time to relaxing island time—especially because lunch is built in.

You’ll get:

• A lunch box
• Seasonal fruits
• Soft drinks and water
• A tenda (shaded area)

This stop is often described as having a Caribbean-like feel, and the attraction is simple: clean sand, a calm place to sit, and a break from the boat rhythm. The photos people take here are great, but what you’ll probably enjoy more is the downtime. After snorkeling, sitting in shade with food and fruit is the kind of reset that makes the day feel balanced.

One extra practical point: included lunch is a lunch box, not a full buffet feast. If you’re a big eater, plan to supplement with what you can buy on-site. Bringing cash is a smart idea for drinks or extras.

Optional parasailing: 5 minutes above the Red Sea

If you choose the option, you get parasailing for up to 5 minutes. That short duration is intentional. It’s enough time to get the main thrill—seeing the sea from above—without turning it into an all-day extra activity.

Think of parasailing as the vertical version of snorkeling:

• underwater for reefs
• above for the wider view of water color and island shapes

If you’re choosing between “more time in the sea” and “a view from the sky,” this lets you do both.

Price and value: is $47 actually a fair deal?

At around $47 per person, what you’re really buying is organization plus inclusions. This isn’t just a boat rental. Your price covers:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Roundtrip speedboat
• Orange Bay and Magawish entry fees
• Two snorkeling stops
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch box, soft drinks, water, and seasonal fruits
• A guide
• Life jacket and nature reserve fees
• Plus the option for 5-minute parasailing if selected

When a trip includes entry fees and equipment, it lowers the chance you’ll get hit later with surprise costs. It also means you can show up and let the day run.

The most important value question isn’t only price. It’s whether the day’s mix matches your energy level:

• If you want a full Red Sea experience in half a day, this is strong value.
• If you want long island time or a long snorkeling session, you may wish you had more hours.

That said, for a 4–6 hour plan, the structure is efficient.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tour is a great match if you:

• want speedboat fun without spending all day traveling
• care about snorkeling and want equipment provided
• like a balance of beach time plus underwater time
• prefer a guided day (you’ll get help with the gear and route between stops)

Be careful or consider another option if you:

• have back problems (the trip is listed as not suitable)
• get motion sick easily (the ride can be bumpy in windy weather)
• expect a long stay on one island (Orange Bay and Magawish are each 1 hour, by design)

Families often like this format too because it’s structured. If you’re bringing kids, the crew’s support style can matter a lot—snorkeling can be intimidating, and you’ll want a guide who helps you feel safe.

Should you book Hurghada Orange Bay and Magawish?

Yes, if you want a well-packed Red Sea day that’s mostly about clear water, snorkeling, and two island environments without complicated logistics. This is the kind of trip that tends to feel like good planning: pickup handled, gear included, entry fees covered, and food waiting when you’re done exploring.

Only skip it if you specifically want either:

• a long, slow beach day, or
• long snorkel time in one location

Otherwise, the combination here is hard to beat for the money, especially with the included equipment, lunch box, and shaded rest time at Magawish.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Orange Bay and Magawish Island speedboat tour?

The tour is described as a 4–6 hour experience, with 1 hour at Orange Bay and 1 hour at Magawish Island, plus two snorkeling stops of 20 minutes each.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Pickup is from the main entrance of your hotel’s main gate by the road, not from the reception area.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life jackets, and there are two snorkeling stops with guide support during the water time.

What does lunch include at Magawish Island?

Lunch is provided as a lunch box, along with seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and water. A shaded tenda area is also included.

Is parasailing included, and how long is it?

Parasailing is available as an option and is included for up to 5 minutes if you select it.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and cash.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed on this experience.

Do I need to share a passport copy, and what about refunds?

You’re asked to share a passport copy for daily permissions. Cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.