Hurghada: Magawish Island and Reefs Snorkeling Yacht Cruise

Magawish Island gives this Red Sea boat trip a useful mix: one hour on a sandy beach, two snorkeling stops, lunch at sea, and a banana boat ride before you return to Hurghada. I like the variety, especially if you want more than a short swim from a beach resort.

I also like the price. At $27 per person, the package includes hotel pickup in Hurghada, a luxury boat, equipment, a guide, lunch, fruit, and water sports. The possible drawback is the group size, which can reach 30 people, and communication may not always be perfectly clear.

The schedule starts at 8:00 a.m. and runs for about eight hours. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, but poor weather can change the plan.

Key points at a glance

• One hour on Magawish Island: Relax on the beach or swim in the clear water before returning to the boat.
• Two separate snorkeling stops: The first comes with a basic lesson, while the second takes you to Magawish Reef.
• Lunch and fruit served onboard: You do not need to arrange a separate meal during the day.
• Banana boat ride included: The final water activity adds a playful burst of speed after the reef stops.
• Pickup from Hurghada hotels: The listed start time is 8:00 a.m., with return transport to your hotel.
• Maximum group size of 30: A fairly manageable boat outing, though it is not a private cruise.

Why Magawish Island makes a good first stop

The trip begins with pickup from your hotel in Hurghada and a transfer to the marina. Once there, you receive your snorkeling gear and board the yacht for the ride toward Magawish Island.

The island stop lasts about one hour. That is enough time to sit on the beach, swim, or simply enjoy being away from the resort strip. I like this pause because it gives the day a slower start before the more active water stops begin.

The wording of the trip allows you to choose how active you want to be here. You can swim in the clear water, or stay on the sand if you prefer not to spend the entire morning in the sea. The tradeoff is that one hour passes quickly, especially if you want both beach time and a swim.

One useful point is that this is not presented as an open-ended snorkeling session from the island. The scheduled snorkeling comes later at two specific sites. If you want to explore every corner of Magawish on your own, this timetable may feel a little tight. A Spanish-speaking guest enjoyed the day but wished there had been more time for independent snorkeling around the island.

Sailing from Hurghada on an included yacht

The boat ride is part of the attraction, not just a transfer between stops. You sail from the marina on a boat described as a luxury yacht, with the open Red Sea around you and the island and reef stops ahead.

The exact sailing time is not provided, so I would not book this expecting a precise minute-by-minute schedule. Sea conditions, pickup arrangements, and the pace of the group can affect the timing. The full outing lasts about eight hours, giving you a substantial day on the water rather than a quick morning excursion.

A maximum of 30 people keeps the outing smaller than many large day boats, though it can still feel social and active. If you want a quiet private cruise, this is not that kind of trip. If you like having a guide, equipment, meals, and several activities arranged in one package, the group format helps keep the price low.

The company is Egyptra Travel Services. A guide and professional snorkeling instructor are included. No individual guide names are supplied, so you should not expect to select a particular guide when booking.

Two snorkeling stops with different roles

The snorkeling program has two stops. At the first location, the professional snorkeling instructor explains the basics before you enter the water. That is useful if you are new to snorkeling or need a quick reminder about the equipment.

This short briefing matters because the trip is built for mixed experience levels. You do not need to arrive as a confident snorkeler. The supplied information says most people can participate, and the presence of an instructor gives beginners a clearer starting point.

The second stop is Magawish Reef, described as one of the Red Sea’s notable reef areas. Here, you can swim over coral and look for fish and other marine life. The trip information cites more than 1,000 fish species and 150 coral species in the wider Red Sea environment. That figure gives you a sense of the region’s biological variety, but it does not promise that you will see every species on this one outing.

I like the two-stop format. The first site lets you get comfortable, while the second gives the reef more attention. Still, your viewing conditions depend on weather, water clarity, and where the boat is able to stop that day. The schedule does not promise particular animals or named species.

The snorkeling is guided rather than completely independent. That can make the outing easier for first-timers, but it may feel restrictive if you prefer to swim alone and set your own route. One past participant specifically wanted more free snorkeling time around the island, so keep that in mind before booking.

Lunch, fruit, and a practical break at sea

After the island visit, you return to the yacht for lunch with fresh fruit. The meal is included, which improves the value of the $27 price and means you do not need to carry a separate lunch plan for an eight-hour outing.

The available information does not give a menu, dietary options, or serving time. If you have food restrictions, ask Egyptra Travel Services before booking rather than assuming the onboard meal will suit you.

Lunch also creates a natural break between the island stop and the snorkeling locations. An eight-hour boat day can feel long if every hour is active. Having food and fruit onboard lets you rest, sit back, and enjoy the sea between activities.

The trip does not list drinks separately, so check what is provided before departure. The package specifically includes lunch and fruit, but it does not promise bottled water or other refreshments.

The banana boat ride adds a playful finish

After the snorkeling stops, you get a banana boat ride along the coast. This is a simple activity, but it changes the mood of the day. After a quiet swim over the reef, you get a short, energetic water ride before heading back to the marina.

Water sports are included in the price, and the banana boat is the named activity. The information does not state the ride length, age rules, or whether participation is optional. If you would rather sit out, confirm the arrangements with the guide on the day.

I see this as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. The reef and island are the core of the outing. The banana boat makes the package more appealing for families and groups who want a little fun after the slower parts of the day.

What the $27 price really covers

At $27, this is a strong-value day if you plan to use most of the package. You receive transport from and back to your Hurghada hotel, yacht sailing, snorkeling equipment, a guide, a professional snorkeling instructor, lunch, fruit, two snorkeling stops, and a banana boat ride.

Many boat excursions charge separately for transport, equipment, or water sports. Here, those items are grouped together. The price is especially practical for someone staying in Hurghada who wants an easy day at sea without arranging a marina transfer or hiring equipment.

The value depends on your expectations. This is a shared trip with up to 30 people, not a private yacht charter. It also gives you a fixed schedule, with about one hour on the island and two planned snorkeling sites. If you want long, quiet swims at several reefs, a more specialized snorkeling trip may suit you better.

Pickup outside the main Hurghada area can cost extra. The listed additional-fee areas are Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. Check the pickup supplement before payment, since the $27 headline price may not apply in the same way to those locations.

The 8:00 a.m. start and hotel pickup

The day begins at 8:00 a.m. Pickup is offered from hotels in Hurghada, followed by the transfer to the marina. Return transport to your hotel is included for the standard Hurghada pickup area.

An early start makes sense for a full day on the water. It gives the boat time to reach Magawish Island, complete both snorkeling stops, serve lunch, run the banana boat activity, and return to the marina within the eight-hour window.

You should allow some flexibility around the stated timing. The duration is approximate, and pickup transfers can vary. The trip does not state an exact return time, so avoid booking a tight evening connection or fixed appointment immediately afterward.

The mobile ticket is useful for a simple morning departure. Confirmation is provided at booking, so keep the booking details available on your phone.

Communication and group size

The strongest praise for this outing centers on the speedboat ride, the guides, and the fun of snorkeling. The practical criticism is modest but worth noting: communication could be improved.

That means you should listen carefully for instructions about meeting points, equipment, swim times, and the order of activities. If something is unclear, ask the guide right away rather than waiting until the boat leaves the marina.

The group limit of 30 is important. A group this size can make the outing lively and social, but it may also mean more people entering the water at each stop. The guide’s attention is shared, so beginners should stay close during the safety briefing and follow the instructor’s directions.

The trip is described as suitable for most people. No detailed accessibility information is provided, so anyone with specific mobility or medical needs should confirm suitability with the operator before booking.

Weather, cancellation, and sensible planning

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

This policy makes it wise to book early in your Hurghada stay if your schedule allows. You then have a better chance of moving the trip to another day if weather affects the boat. The experience is booked, on average, about 11 days ahead, so reserving before your holiday may be sensible during busy periods.

Who will enjoy this Magawish trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several Red Sea activities in one day and prefer a ready-made plan. It suits first-time snorkelers because an instructor explains the basics, and it works well for families or groups who want beach time, reef swimming, lunch, and a banana boat ride.

It is also a good fit for anyone watching costs. The combination of hotel transport, equipment, food, two reef stops, and water sports gives the $27 price real weight.

You may want to choose another kind of boat trip if your main aim is long periods of quiet, independent snorkeling. The island stop lasts about an hour, and the reef visits follow a group schedule. The experience gives you variety rather than unlimited time in one place.

I would also check the pickup fee if you are staying in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna. Those areas are not included in the standard pickup arrangement.

Should you book the Magawish Island cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, full-day Red Sea outing with a clear mix of beach time, guided snorkeling, lunch, and a banana boat ride. The two snorkeling stops are the heart of the day, while Magawish Island gives you a welcome hour to swim or rest.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a highly flexible schedule, or extensive independent snorkeling. For most people staying in Hurghada, though, the included transport and equipment make this a practical way to reach Magawish Island and its reef without much planning.

FAQ

How long does the Magawish Island snorkeling trip last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Transfer from and back to your hotel in Hurghada is included.

Are transfers from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna included?

No. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna requires an extra fee.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling locations are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a professional snorkeling guide.

Is food included?

Yes. Lunch and fruit are served onboard.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.