Hurghada: High-Speed Sea Taxi Tour to Orange Bay or Magawish

Hurghada’s best island trips are not about spending an hour on a slow ferry. This high-speed sea taxi gets you across the Red Sea in roughly 15 to 20 minutes, leaving more time for sand, swimming, and sun. You can choose Orange Bay, Magawish, or a six-hour split between both.

I like two things here: the quick ride and the flexible island time. Guides such as Ahmed, Bram, Mohammed, and Ibrahim have been praised for friendly service, dolphin spotting, and helping with photos and snorkeling. The main drawback is that a four-hour booking can include road transfers, so your time on the island may be closer to two and a half or three hours.

What makes this sea taxi worth considering

• A fast crossing: Reach Orange Bay or Magawish in about 15 to 20 minutes instead of taking a slower ferry.
• Two island choices: Pick the beach-focused Orange Bay, the snorkeling-friendly Magawish, or spend about three hours at each.
• A more personal boat trip: The speedboat carries a smaller group than a large ferry, with a captain and guide looking after you.
• Useful extras: Water, life jackets, shaded seating, island entry, and round-trip transfers are included.
• Optional water fun: Add parasailing, and look out for dolphin or shipwreck stops when sea conditions and timing allow.
• Simple planning: Hotel pickup, island transfers, and a guide are arranged for you, though pickup times can shift.

The quick ride from Hurghada to the islands

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada. The road transfer to the harbor takes about 25 minutes, though the full pickup window is wider because the vehicle may collect people from several hotels.

For Hurghada hotels, pickup can vary by about an hour from the scheduled time. Hotels in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga can request a longer-distance pickup as an add-on, with a possible variation of up to 90 minutes.

You need to wait at the main entrance of your hotel, by the road. Do not wait at the reception entrance. The vehicle is described as a white or black bus with the GoShalabi logo, although one booking used a regular car instead.

The company sends the final pickup details by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 p.m. the night before. Provide your nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a copy of your passport. Bring a photo or copy of the passport rather than assuming the harbor can accept another form of identification.

At the harbor, the process is designed to move quickly. You receive a life jacket and instructions before boarding the speedboat. The operator allows only about five minutes of waiting at the pickup point, so be ready when the vehicle arrives.

The boat ride is the star of the transfer. Its powerful engines make the crossing far faster than a standard island boat, but speed also means spray. Sit prepared to get wet, especially in windier conditions. A hoodie or light jacket is useful in cooler months, and a waterproof bag will protect phones and cameras.

Orange Bay: soft sand, easy swimming, and a lively setting

Orange Bay is the simpler choice if your priority is beach time. You get white sand, clear water, a shaded area, and time to swim or relax without needing a full day of activities.

The island is attractive and easy to enjoy. You can stretch out on the beach, take photographs, wade in the shallow water, or simply sit beneath the shade. Three hours is a sensible visit for many people. It gives you time to settle in, swim, eat something, and enjoy the view without making the island day feel too long.

The early arrival is a real advantage. The speedboat can reach Orange Bay before the larger ferry groups, giving you a quieter start and more room around your seating area. The island can become busier later, so an early boat is especially useful if you want photos or a calmer beach session.

Do not book Orange Bay expecting included snorkeling. Snorkeling is not part of the standard Orange Bay package, and equipment is not included. You can still swim in the clear water, but Magawish is the better choice if coral and fish are central to your plans.

Food arrangements can vary by booking. Breakfast or lunch may be available as an option, and some trips provide sandwiches, fruit, snacks, or drinks. Still, take cash for anything you buy on the island. Card machines may not work, cellphone reception can be limited, and island prices are higher than mainland Egypt.

One vegetarian visitor found the included lunch limited, with only a meat-based choice. If you have dietary needs, bring your own food or confirm the meal arrangement before departure. Snacks and drinks are allowed, and carrying your own supplies is the safer plan.

Magawish: the better pick for snorkeling

Magawish Island is the stronger choice for people who want more than a beach. Snorkeling is included here, and the surrounding water is the main attraction. You can swim above coral and look for colorful fish with the guide nearby.

The quality of snorkeling depends on the day, water conditions, and exact stop. Some people have found the coral and fish excellent, while another outing produced little to see. That is normal for a sea activity, so choose Magawish for the chance to snorkel rather than a guarantee of a particular marine sighting.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask and fins or budget to rent them. The basic package does include life jackets and a guide. If you are not a strong swimmer, tell the guide before entering the water and use the life jacket.

Magawish also works well for a quieter beach break. Several bookings used a three-hour visit, and some groups chose three hours at Magawish followed by three hours at Orange Bay. That split gives you both a beach setting and a snorkeling stop, though the day becomes longer and more exposed to sun and wind.

The island has shaded seating, but do not count on shade everywhere. Bring a hat, sunscreen, towel, and plenty of water. The provider includes a bottle of water, but one bottle is not enough for a full day in the Egyptian sun.

One island or both for six hours

The most complete option is about three hours at Orange Bay and three hours at Magawish. This is a good fit if you want to compare the islands rather than make a single choice.

Orange Bay gives you the classic sandy beach stop. Magawish adds the snorkeling. The transfer between the two islands also gives the captain a chance to choose calmer water or make a short sightseeing stop when conditions permit.

The tradeoff is time. Six hours on the islands, plus road transfers and boat time, can turn into a full day. That suits active groups and families who want a full outing, but it may be too much if you mainly want a quick swim and a few beach photographs.

The shorter option is better for a focused visit. Choose Orange Bay for beach relaxation, or Magawish for snorkeling and a less ferry-like feel. The full-day choice offers more variety, but it also means more sun, wind, and time on a moving boat.

Dolphins, a shipwreck, and what is actually guaranteed

Dolphin spotting has become a memorable extra on several trips. Captains have stopped when dolphins were nearby, and some groups saw them soon after leaving the island. Other trips included a look at an old shipwreck.

These stops depend on timing, location, and sea conditions. They are not the core product and should not be treated as guaranteed wildlife encounters. If your group wants to go directly to the island, tell the crew. If you have spare time, asking about a dolphin stop can add a special moment to the ride.

A guide may also help with photographs. Ahmed was praised for acting as a personal photographer, while other guides stayed with belongings or helped a less confident swimmer. This is useful because you can enjoy the water without leaving phones and bags unattended, but you remain responsible for your own property.

Speedboat comfort, wind, and family suitability

The speedboat makes the day efficient, but it is not a quiet cruise. Wind can make the ride chilly, even in a warm climate, and spray can leave you wet. In February, one booking found the sea cold at around 9:30 a.m. A hoodie is a practical addition outside the hottest months.

People with back problems should not book this activity. The fast ride can be bouncy, particularly when the sea is rough. Young children have joined family groups, including a baby, but the boat is still a fast marine transfer. Think carefully about how your own group handles sun, spray, motion, and a firm seat.

The service is available in English and Arabic. The group can be private, and the boat size in one booking was described as modern and comfortable with around 11 people. Group size can vary, so do not assume every departure will feel like a private charter.

Guides generally help when needed without taking over the day. That balance suits you if you want assistance with snorkeling, photos, and island arrangements but also want free time to relax.

What the $33 price really covers

At about $33 per person, the trip offers good value if you are staying in Hurghada and want a fast island visit. The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, the speedboat, island entry, a guide, a bottle of water, life jackets, and shaded seating.

Magawish snorkeling is included, but snorkeling equipment is not. Orange Bay snorkeling is not included at all. Parasailing also costs extra, so check the final price before assuming the headline rate covers every water activity.

The long-distance pickup areas cost extra. One booking from Sahl Hasheesh paid about $12 per person for the additional transfer. If you stay in Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay, select the pickup add-on during checkout or ask about paying at the harbor. If you did not arrange the add-on, there may be no cancellation after 6:00 p.m. the day before.

Food is another variable. Breakfast or lunch may be offered, and some trips include sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks. Island food and drinks cost more than mainland prices, so the value is better if you bring your own water and snacks.

The price is strongest for the speed and convenience. If you only want a cheap beach day, extra food, parasailing, equipment, and long-distance transfers can raise the total. If you value arriving before ferry crowds and avoiding a slow crossing, the sea taxi earns its cost.

Practical packing for a dry and comfortable day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, water, cash, and a camera. Add a light hoodie or jacket if you are going in winter or expect wind.

A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag is sensible because the speedboat can throw spray into the seating area. Keep cash in a sealed bag, since Orange Bay may have weak phone service and card payment may not be available.

Pack snorkeling equipment if Magawish is your choice. The provider supplies life jackets, but not masks or fins. If you plan to snorkel for a long time, your own equipment will usually be more comfortable than relying on whatever rental stock is available.

Pets are not allowed. People with back problems should avoid the ride. Everyone else should be prepared for strong sun, limited shade, and a firm, fast boat journey.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your weather plans are uncertain, but it does not remove the need to check the pickup details the night before.

Who should book this island trip

I would choose this trip for a couple, family, or small group that wants an efficient Red Sea outing without spending an hour on a ferry. It is especially good for you if you want a clear choice between beach time and snorkeling, or if you like the possibility of dolphin spotting on the way.

Choose Orange Bay if you want a straightforward beach visit, white sand, swimming, and a shaded place to sit. Choose Magawish if snorkeling matters more. Choose both if you have the energy for a full day and want a broader taste of the islands.

I would skip it if you have serious back trouble, dislike fast boats, need guaranteed quiet water, or want a fully inclusive food and equipment package. I would also avoid arriving without cash or assuming Orange Bay includes snorkeling.

For most people staying in Hurghada, the best balance is the three-hour option at one island. Pick Magawish for coral and fish, or Orange Bay for a relaxed beach morning. If you want the full Red Sea day, the six-hour split is the most varied choice.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat take to reach the island?

The boat ride to Orange Bay or Magawish takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Can I visit both Orange Bay and Magawish?

Yes. One option allows about three hours at Orange Bay and three hours at Magawish.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is included at Magawish Island. It is not included at Orange Bay, and snorkeling equipment is not included in the standard package.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. Longer-distance pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay requires an add-on or possible payment at the harbor.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, water, and cash. A hoodie or light jacket is useful in windy or cooler conditions, and you should bring snorkeling equipment if you plan to snorkel at Magawish.

Is this activity suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems because of the fast boat ride and possible bouncing on the water.