Hurghada: Orange Bay & Magawish Island Speedboat with Lunch

Orange Bay and Magawish Island give you the classic Red Sea day out in a compact package: a fast boat ride, two pale-sand islands, reef snorkeling, lunch, and the option to fly above the water. I especially like the small speedboat format, which feels more lively and personal than a large boat excursion, and the chance to reach Orange Bay before the crowds build. The coral stops are another strong point, with clear water, colorful fish, and occasional dolphin sightings.

The main trade-off is time. Four to six hours goes quickly once transfers, boat travel, island stops, and snorkeling are added. Orange Bay can also become busy later in the morning, and the included lunch box may not satisfy a large appetite, so bring cash for food or drinks on Magawish Island.

Key points to know before you book

• Two very different island stops: Orange Bay is set up for a beach break, while Magawish feels quieter and more open.
• Two reef stops of about 20 minutes each: The snorkeling is not an afterthought and can be the best part of the day.
• Speedboat rather than a large cruise boat: You spend more time moving quickly across the Red Sea and less time waiting for a big group.
• Early timing pays off: Reaching Orange Bay before the main crowds can make a major difference.
• Private trips offer more freedom: A private boat may let you adjust snorkeling and island time, depending on the day.
• Optional five-minute parasailing: Select this add-on if you want a view of the sea from above as well as below.

A fast start from Hurghada to the open Red Sea

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada and nearby resort areas. The exact pickup details arrive by email at about 10 pm the night before, so check your inbox and provide your correct hotel name, address, room number, and nationality when booking.

The vehicle collects you at the main entrance of your hotel gate, by the road. It does not collect you from the reception entrance or inside the hotel grounds. This small detail matters, especially at a large resort where several entrances may look similar.

The operator allows only about five minutes of waiting because other passengers may be joining the transfer. I would be ready early, with your phone on and your group together. Pickups from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay are available as paid add-ons, rather than being included in the basic Hurghada arrangement.

At the harbor, the crew explains the day, fits life jackets, and takes you to the speedboat. The ride itself is part of the fun. It is quicker and more open-air than a standard group boat, but the ride can become bumpy in windy conditions. If you have back problems, this is not the right excursion.

The boat format also affects the feel of the day. A shared trip gives you a social outing with a small group, while a private boat gives you more control over pace and stop lengths. Families have particularly appreciated the attentive crew, including guides such as Saif, Momo, Tula, Joo, Hassan, and Ahmed. The exact guide depends on the departure.

Orange Bay: white sand with a crowd problem

Orange Bay is usually the first major stop, with about an hour to enjoy the beach and shallow, clear water. The setting has the look people come to the Egyptian Caribbean for: light sand, bright water, and a simple island break far from Hurghada’s hotel strip.

I like Orange Bay best as a place to slow down after the speedboat ride. You can sit under shade, sunbathe, wade in the water, or take photographs. The entry fee is included, as are nature reserve fees, so you are not paying an unexpected admission charge when you arrive.

Timing matters here. An early boat can reach the island before the main wave of visitors, leaving the beach calmer and making photographs easier. Several departures use an early schedule, and one morning option runs from about 9 am to 1 pm. An afternoon departure can offer a sunset finish later at Magawish, but Orange Bay is more likely to feel busy.

That is the key weakness of this stop. Orange Bay is popular, and the beach is not an untouched desert island once the day gets going. One private group had its own area, which made the visit more comfortable, but shared groups should expect a more public beach setting.

The hour can feel short if you want a long swim, a full lunch, and relaxed photographs. If the island is your main reason for booking, a private departure may give you more say over the pace, although actual timing remains dependent on weather and the operator’s schedule.

Two reef stops where the trip earns its price

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to two snorkeling locations, with about 20 minutes at each. The crew supplies masks, snorkels, and life jackets, and a guide is in the water to help you get comfortable.

For first-time snorkelers, the support matters. Some people need a few minutes to learn how to breathe through the mask and keep water out of the nose. Ask the guide to explain the equipment before you enter the water, rather than trying to work it out while floating. Guides including Adam, Islam, and Ahmed have helped nervous swimmers and families feel safe during this part of the trip.

The water is often clear enough to see coral and many kinds of fish without going far from the boat. Rays, dolphins, and colorful reef fish have all been spotted on different departures, though none of these sightings is guaranteed. Dolphin sightings are a lucky extra, not a promised part of the program.

I would give the snorkeling real weight when comparing this excursion with cheaper beach-only trips. The two reef stops break up the island visits and give you a look at the Red Sea’s underwater life. The time is limited, though. Twenty minutes passes quickly once you put on gear, enter the water, and get your bearings.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the guide before entering the water. The crew provides safety equipment and assistance, but this is still an active boat excursion, not a glass-bottom sightseeing ride. Young children can remain on the boat with an adult if they do not want to snorkel. One family with a three-year-old found the crew attentive, but supervision remains the parent’s responsibility.

Magawish Island and a simple lunch by the water

Magawish Island is the second major island stop and has a more relaxed feel than Orange Bay. The sand is clean and pale, and the setting has a wide-open, Caribbean-like look. You normally have about an hour here, including time for lunch and a rest in a shaded tent.

The lunch is supplied as a packed box, with soft drinks, bottled water, seasonal fruit, and snacks also included. For a normal appetite, this should keep you going through the afternoon. If you eat a large lunch, do not rely on the box alone. Food and cocktails can be purchased on the island, so bring cash.

This is one of the places where the tour’s value depends on your expectations. You are paying for a full outing with transport, entry fees, snorkeling gear, a guide, and two island visits, not for a restaurant meal. The food is convenient and useful between activities, but it is not the reason to book the trip.

Magawish is small, so an hour may feel generous if you simply want to walk around. It works better as a rest stop after snorkeling. Sit in the shade, eat fruit, swim, and take in the open view before returning to the boat.

An afternoon departure can make this stop especially appealing. With the right weather and timing, you may see the sun drop over the water, and later departures can be quieter once most other boats leave. A private trip may also allow more flexibility, with one group staying for sunset and choosing how long to remain at the islands.

Optional parasailing from above the Red Sea

The parasailing option adds up to five minutes in the air. It gives you a completely different view of the islands, speedboat, and open water, and it pairs naturally with the snorkeling stops below.

Choose it when you want an extra burst of activity and a high view over the Red Sea. Skip it if you would rather spend every available minute swimming, resting, or taking photographs on the islands. It is optional, so the core boat trip does not depend on it.

The five-minute flight is brief. Think of it as a short extra activity, not a separate parasailing tour. The package includes it only if you select the relevant option when booking.

Shared or private speedboat?

The shared version is the better value for solo visitors, couples, and families who do not mind following a set plan. At around $47 per person, the price covers hotel pickup and return, the speedboat, island entry, nature reserve fees, two snorkeling stops, gear, lunch, soft drinks, fruit, a guide, and life jackets.

That is a strong package for a half-day on the Red Sea. You would pay separately for several of those items on a self-arranged outing, and arranging an island transfer and reef stops yourself would be difficult.

A private boat costs more, but the value is different rather than simply better. You may have more freedom to decide how long to snorkel or stay at each island. One private group even arranged to remain until sunset. This option makes the most sense for families, couples celebrating something, or anyone who dislikes waiting for a large group.

Do not assume private means every part of the schedule can change. Weather, sea conditions, entry rules, and harbor timing still affect the day. Ask the operator about the exact flexibility included with your chosen private option.

What to bring, and what can catch you out

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and cash. The sun reflects strongly off the water and pale sand, so shade alone will not protect you for the whole day.

Bring a passport copy as requested for daily permissions. Also give the operator accurate nationality and hotel information. A mistake in the hotel address can create an avoidable pickup delay.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep valuables to a minimum. Pets are not allowed. Since this is a boat ride with snorkeling and possible rough water, anyone with back problems should choose a gentler activity.

English and Arabic are offered. Communication can vary by guide, but the crew’s practical help is often more important than a long commentary. Guides such as Saif, Momo, Kiko, Adam, Islam, Hassan, and Karim have been praised for helping with gear, taking photographs, explaining the stops, and checking that people were comfortable.

One useful tip: ask for help with the mask before you enter the water. First-time snorkelers have sometimes swallowed water simply because the gear was not explained clearly enough at the start. A two-minute briefing can make the reef stop much more enjoyable.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this for you if you want several Red Sea experiences in one outing. It suits couples, families with older children, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who prefers a fast boat to a large party vessel.

It is also a good choice if you want a flexible half-day. The 9 am to 1 pm option can leave the rest of your day open, while an afternoon departure can offer a sunset finish at Magawish.

I would think twice if you dislike speed, wind, or bouncing over waves. The boat ride can be rough on windy days, and the islands are popular rather than secluded. You may also prefer another option if your priority is a long, quiet beach stay, since the schedule divides time between two islands and two reef stops.

The overall rating is 4.7 from 1,578 ratings, and the strongest pattern is clear: people value the crew, the clean speedboats, the snorkeling, and the mix of activity and rest. The most useful praise is practical rather than glamorous. Guides help nervous swimmers, keep families comfortable, provide water and fruit, and make the day feel organized.

Should you book the Orange Bay and Magawish trip?

Book it if you want a well-priced Red Sea sampler with genuine time in the water. At $47, the package offers good value because it combines transport, two islands, two snorkeling stops, lunch, equipment, and a guide in four to six hours.

Choose an early departure if Orange Bay crowds worry you. Choose private if you care about setting your own pace. Bring cash if you want island food or cocktails, and do not count on the lunch box to satisfy a very large appetite.

For an active half-day with a fast ride, clear water, coral, and two contrasting island stops, I would recommend it. Just keep your expectations realistic: this is a lively, tightly scheduled outing, not a deserted-island escape.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada speedboat trip last?

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

What islands does the boat visit?

The trip visits Orange Bay and Magawish Island. Orange Bay is used mainly for beach time, while Magawish includes lunch and a longer rest period.

How long do you stay at Orange Bay?

The planned stay at Orange Bay is about one hour. Early departures can reach the island before it becomes crowded.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, along with assistance from the guide.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A lunch box is included, along with soft drinks, bottled water, and seasonal fruit. You can bring cash to buy extra food or drinks on Magawish Island.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only when you select the relevant option. The flight lasts up to five minutes.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is at the main entrance of your hotel’s main gate, by the road. It is not at the reception gate or inside the reception area.

What should you bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and cash. You should also provide a passport copy for the daily permissions requested by the operator.