Hurghada: Snorkelling Trip by Speedboat with Hotel Pickup

The best part of this Hurghada trip is the small speedboat, which gets you to several Red Sea snorkelling sites faster than the big excursion boats. In about four hours, you visit Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and mangrove-fringed Abu Mingar, with time for coral, fish, a possible wreck, and a sandy beach stop.

I like the way the trip combines three separate water stops with a short schedule, and I like the helpful crew. Guides such as Yusuf, Sayeed, Ahmed, and Ibrahim have been praised for staying close to swimmers and pointing out sea life. The fresh fruit, soft drinks, shaded seating, and hotel transfer add useful comfort.

The main caution is timing. Pickup can be 60 to 90 minutes before the advertised start, and one afternoon booking felt rushed. A small speedboat is also far more comfortable with a handful of people than with a full load.

Key points at a glance

• Three Red Sea stops: Swim near Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and Abu Mingar, with exact sites shaped by sea conditions and the day’s plan.
• Small speedboat access: Travel quickly between locations instead of spending much of the morning on a large boat.
• Good wildlife chances: Coral, fish, rays, flying fish, dolphins, and even a shipwreck have been spotted on different outings.
• Helpful in-water guidance: Guides including Yusuf and Sayeed stay with the group and can assist weaker swimmers.
• Simple four-hour format: Morning and sunset departures suit visitors who want snorkelling without giving up a full day.
• Pickup needs attention: Wait at the hotel’s main entrance by the road, and expect the exact pickup time to vary.

Why the speedboat changes the day

A standard Red Sea boat trip can involve a larger group, a slower ride, and long stretches spent getting from the marina to the reef. This Hurghada outing takes a different approach. You board a speedboat at the marina and move between several sites during a four-hour trip.

That matters if you mainly want to snorkel. The boat can cover more ground, so you spend less time waiting between stops. The ride itself is part of the fun, with Egyptian sunshine, open sea views, and a lively burst of speed along the coast.

The tradeoff is space. One small group found the boat clean and spacious with only a few people aboard, but felt it could become uncomfortable with more than four passengers. The experience is best when the group remains small, which is why the private or small-group option deserves consideration if it is available for your date.

The boat has a shaded area called a Taneda, plus life jackets and a stereo system. You can sit out in the sun or take a break under cover. Bring sunglasses and a towel, since the boat offers shade but does not replace basic sun protection.

Getting from your hotel to Hurghada Marina

Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels. The vehicle may be a white or black bus with the GoShalabi logo. You need to wait at the main entrance of the hotel, by the road, rather than at the reception entrance.

This detail matters. The driver can wait no more than five minutes because other passengers may be on the route. Pickup confirmation is sent by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before, so check your messages before going to bed.

The stated pickup time is only an estimate. For Hurghada hotels, allow a possible variation of about one hour. Hotels in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga can involve a variation of up to 90 minutes, and long-distance pickup must be booked as an add-on.

Some people may find the early collection inconvenient. A booking listed for 9:00 AM can involve pickup around 7:15 AM, followed by departure from the harbor around 8:15 AM. That is not a problem if you have left the rest of the morning free, but it is important if you have another tour, a flight, or a fixed lunch booking.

You must provide your nationality, hotel name, address, room number, and a passport copy. Keep your belongings with you. The company does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Magawish Island and the first coral stop

The first main stop is Magawish Island. Here, you enter the Red Sea for a look at coral and fish in clear water. The first snorkel site is often the strongest part of the outing, especially for people who want to see plenty of fish without waiting long to reach the water.

The guide helps you get oriented before you swim. This is useful even if you have snorkelled before, because a guide can point out small creatures and coral formations that are easy to miss when you are scanning the water alone.

The equipment is included, as are life jackets. A guide has even helped pull along a swimmer who could not swim, though you should still be comfortable following the crew’s safety instructions and entering the water. The trip is not suitable for people with back problems.

Expect the stop to feel active rather than formal. You are not sitting through a long presentation about marine life. Instead, the guide points out what is in front of you, keeps the group together, and helps you make better use of the time in the water.

Dolphins may also appear while the boat is travelling between sites. They are a welcome possibility, not a guaranteed part of the program. When dolphins are spotted, several boats may gather, and the sight can raise a fair question about how closely people should follow wild animals. Enjoy the moment, but keep your expectations sensible.

Giftun Island and the changing quality of the reefs

The route continues toward Giftun Island, with another snorkelling stop in the area. Conditions can change from one site to the next. One reef may have the clearest water and the most fish, while another may feel less impressive.

That variety is part of the value of visiting several places. If one stop is quiet, you still have more water time ahead. On different outings, the route has included two reefs and a shipwreck, while another trip stopped at four bays with five snorkelling areas. The exact number and quality of the sites can vary, so treat the three-stop plan as a guide rather than a promise of identical locations every time.

The wreck is a special feature when it forms part of the day’s route. It gives you something different from a natural reef and can make the second or third swim feel distinct. You may also see rays in shallow water, flying fish from the boat, and many kinds of reef fish.

I would choose this trip for variety rather than for one famous underwater site. If you want to spend a very long time at a single reef, a dedicated snorkelling charter may suit you better. If you want several chances to see different conditions within one half-day, the speedboat format makes sense.

Abu Mingar, mangroves, and the final beach stop

Abu Mingar brings a different setting, with mangroves along the shore. The stop helps break up the reef visits and gives you a chance to see a quieter, shallow-water side of the Red Sea.

The final beach or sandbar stop is useful for people who want a relaxed finish. You can swim again, take photos, or simply sit in the shallow water. Some outings have included a visit to a beach nicknamed the Egyptian Maldives, though the stop is brief rather than a full beach day.

Do not expect a long island stay. This is primarily a snorkelling trip, and the beach stop is a short extra rather than the main event. The afternoon departure can feel rushed if the group spends too long moving between activities, so morning departures may be better if you want a calmer pace and more time in the water.

The sunset option has a clear appeal. You get the same general water-based outing later in the day, with softer light toward the end. The practical drawback is that the available daylight and the timing of each stop may make the day feel tighter.

Guides who make the water easier

The crew is an important part of this experience. Ahmed has been praised as a capable boat driver, including for adding a dolphin sighting on the way to a snorkelling site. Yusuf has been singled out for guiding swimmers toward good underwater views.

Other named crew members include Wissam, Khaled, Ibrahim, and Sayeed. Sayeed has been especially helpful with children, while Ibrahim and the wider crew have assisted older passengers with patience and good humor. A guide staying in the water with the group is a real benefit, particularly if your snorkelling confidence is modest.

This is not a fully narrated marine biology tour. The guide’s role is more practical: show you where to look, help with equipment, keep the group together, and point out interesting creatures. That approach works well for a short outing.

The only language listed is English. If your group includes children, weaker swimmers, or people new to snorkelling, tell the crew early. The reviews make clear that assistance is available, but you should not treat the trip as a substitute for being able to follow basic water-safety instructions.

Food, drinks, and comfort on the boat

Fresh seasonal fruit, mineral water, and soft drinks are included. This is a small detail, but it matters after swimming in the sun. You do not need to plan a full meal around the trip, though the information provided does not promise lunch.

The shaded area protects you from constant sun between stops. Life jackets are supplied, and snorkelling equipment is included. Bring your own towel and sunglasses, and carry cash for personal needs.

The boat also has a stereo system. That can add a holiday feel, though anyone looking for a quiet nature outing should know this is not designed as a silent wildlife cruise.

Boat comfort depends heavily on group size. With four to six people, the speedboat can feel friendly and manageable. With more passengers, seating may be tighter. Ask about the expected group size if personal space is important to you.

Is $37 good value?

At $37 per person, the trip offers solid value if you want transport, equipment, a guide, refreshments, nature reserve fees, and several water stops in one package. You are also paying for speed, which is the feature that separates this from a basic large-boat snorkelling day.

The price is strongest for visitors staying in Hurghada who want a half-day activity and do not need a full meal or a long beach stay. A private or small-group booking can be worth extra consideration if you care about comfort and personal attention.

Check the transfer supplement carefully if you are staying outside central Hurghada. Pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay is not part of the standard arrangement and can be booked as an add-on. If you did not reserve it, payment may be due at the harbor, and cancellations are not accepted after 6:00 PM the day before for that extended service.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Egyptian itinerary is still changing.

Who should book this Hurghada snorkelling trip?

I would choose this trip if you want:

• Several snorkelling chances without spending a full day at sea
• A faster boat and a smaller group than a standard large-boat cruise
• Hotel pickup from Hurghada
• A guide who can help you spot marine life
• A mix of reefs, possible wreck viewing, dolphin sightings, and a beach stop
• A morning or sunset schedule

It is a good fit for confident beginners, families with children who can follow instructions, couples, and anyone with limited time in Hurghada. The crew has helped older passengers and less confident swimmers, but you should still tell the guide about any concerns before entering the water.

I would hesitate if you have back problems, dislike speedboat motion, need a guaranteed dolphin encounter, or want a long, quiet stay on an island. You should also avoid booking it immediately before another fixed activity because pickup and return times can shift.

FAQ

How long is the Hurghada speedboat snorkelling trip?

The boat activity lasts four hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off add extra time, and pickup may be 60 minutes earlier or later than the scheduled time in Hurghada.

Which places does the boat visit?

The planned route includes Magawish Island, Giftun Island, and Abu Mingar. The day can also include several bays, reefs, a shipwreck, or a short beach and sandbar stop.

Are snorkelling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes snorkelling equipment, life jackets, mineral water, soft drinks, and fresh seasonal fruit. A shaded area is available on the boat.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for Hurghada hotels. Extended pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay must be booked as an add-on.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, and cash. You should also keep personal belongings secure because the company is not responsible for lost or damaged items.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.

Should you book it?

Book this Hurghada speedboat trip if you want a focused half-day on the Red Sea, not a full-day beach cruise. The strongest reasons are the quick boat transfers, several snorkelling locations, attentive guides, and the chance of seeing dolphins, rays, fish, coral, or a wreck.

Before booking, check your hotel’s location, allow extra time for pickup, and ask about group size if comfort matters. Choose the morning if you want the best chance of feeling unhurried. With those points in mind, $37 buys a lively and useful introduction to Hurghada’s offshore waters.