Hurghada: Magawish Island and Reefs Snorkeling Yacht Cruise

Clear water, coral, and a boat day await. This Hurghada excursion combines a visit to Magawish Island with two snorkeling stops, lunch, fresh fruit, and a banana boat ride. I like the simple all-in-one plan, and I especially like that hotel transfers and equipment are included. The $27 price is also strong for an eight-hour outing.

The main tradeoff is that the schedule gives you about one hour on the island, so this is not a long, quiet beach escape. Communication may also feel a little loose at times, as one happy customer noted. Still, the friendly guides, lively boat ride, and easy access to the Magawish Reef make this a good-value choice for a first Red Sea snorkeling day.

• Magawish Island stop: Enjoy roughly one hour for swimming, beach time, and clear water.
• Two Red Sea snorkeling locations: The second stop is at Magawish Reef, known for coral and marine life.
• Lunch on board: The meal includes fruit, giving you a break between water activities.
• Banana boat ride: Finish the active part of the day with a short water-sports outing.
• Hotel pickup included: Transfers are included from Hurghada hotels, with extra fees for Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.
• Small maximum group: The boat accepts up to 30 people, which is more manageable than a very large cruise.

A Full Red Sea Day for $27

At $27 per person, this trip offers a lot for the money. You get hotel pickup in Hurghada, transport to the marina, a cruise on a luxury boat, snorkeling equipment, a professional snorkeling guide, lunch, fruit, two snorkeling stops, a visit to Magawish Island, and water sports.

You are not paying only for a boat ride. The price covers most of the pieces that can add up quickly when arranged separately. That makes this a practical pick if you want one active day on the Red Sea without planning every detail yourself.

The trip lasts about eight hours and begins at 8:00 a.m. That early start matters. You will have most of the day on the water, with enough time for the island, snorkeling, lunch, and the banana boat ride before returning to the marina and your hotel.

The boat can carry up to 30 people. That is not a private cruise, but it is still a limited group size for a popular Hurghada excursion. You should expect a shared outing rather than a quiet yacht charter.

From Your Hurghada Hotel to the Marina

The day starts with pickup from your hotel. You then travel to the marina, where you receive your snorkeling equipment before boarding the boat.

This arrangement is useful because you do not need to find a shop, rent gear separately, or carry equipment across town. The package includes the basic snorkeling equipment needed for both water stops.

The tour lists a luxury boat, while one customer described the boat ride as a speedboat experience. Either way, the ride itself is part of the fun. You can expect time on open water as the boat heads toward Magawish Island and the reef areas.

Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels. If you are staying in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna, expect an additional charge. Check that cost before booking, since the advertised $27 price does not cover those extra transfer fees.

One Hour on Magawish Island

Magawish Island is the first main stop. You have about one hour to relax on the beach or swim in the clear water.

This is a good opening to the day. You can get used to the sun, the sea, and the boat schedule before snorkeling begins. If you prefer a gentle start, use the time to sit on the beach and enjoy the setting. If you are eager to get in the water, swimming gives you an early taste of the Red Sea.

The one-hour limit is worth noting. It is enough for a swim and some beach time, but it will pass quickly if you want to do both at a slow pace. You will not have hours to wander or search for secluded corners of the island.

One Spanish-speaking customer described the day as perfect but wished there had been more chances to snorkel independently around the island. That is helpful advice for setting expectations. Magawish Island is a scheduled stop, not an open-ended snorkeling expedition. You follow the group timetable and then return to the boat.

Lunch and Fresh Fruit on the Boat

After the island visit, you return to the yacht for lunch. Fresh fruit is also served on board.

A boat lunch keeps the day moving. You do not lose time going ashore to find a restaurant, and you have a chance to rest between activities. After swimming and sun exposure, this pause is more than a pleasant extra. It helps break up the physical pace of the day.

The supplied details do not name the dishes or describe the menu, so you should not book this trip expecting a particular Egyptian meal. Think of lunch as a practical included meal during a day on the water.

Bring your own expectations down to earth here. The main reason to choose this cruise is the sea time, not a special dining experience. The meal and fruit add value because they are included and convenient.

Learning the Basics Before Snorkeling

After lunch, the boat heads to the first snorkeling location. A professional snorkeling master explains the basics before you enter the water.

That briefing is important if you are new to snorkeling or have not used a mask and snorkel recently. You can learn how the equipment fits and understand what to do before reaching the reef. Even confident swimmers benefit from a clear meeting point and basic safety instructions.

The tour includes a guide as well as a professional snorkeling guide. The exact division of duties is not explained, but you can expect staff support during the water activities.

The wording describes two snorkeling spots, not unlimited time in the water. You may have more freedom at some points than at others, but the schedule is designed around organized stops. If you want to spend an entire morning exploring one reef at your own pace, this is probably not the right format.

Two Snorkeling Stops in the Red Sea

The first snorkeling stop gives you a chance to practice and get comfortable. You can test the mask, adjust to breathing through the snorkel, and see what the local water offers before the second reef visit.

The second stop is Magawish Reef, presented as one of the area’s notable reef sites. The tour information refers to more than 1,000 fish species and 150 coral species in the Red Sea. Those figures describe the region’s marine variety, not a guarantee that you will see every type on this particular outing.

You might see fish moving around coral formations, along with the bright colors that make Red Sea snorkeling so popular. Conditions can change with weather, water clarity, and the exact position of the boat, so keep your expectations flexible.

The strongest part of this itinerary is the contrast between the two stops. The first location helps you get ready. Magawish Reef then gives the main snorkeling experience. That progression works well for beginners and mixed groups, since not everyone arrives equally comfortable in the water.

If you want to make the most of the snorkeling, listen closely to the guide and use the equipment carefully. The included gear removes a common hassle, but a good fit still matters. Ask for an adjustment before entering the water if the mask does not sit properly.

The Banana Boat Finish

After snorkeling, the program adds a banana boat ride along the coast. This is a short, playful water-sports activity rather than a cultural stop or a quiet nature experience.

I like this addition because it gives the day a change of pace. After swimming and looking below the surface, you get a faster, more social activity on top of the water. It can be a highlight for families, couples, and groups of friends who want a little excitement.

It may be less appealing if your ideal boat day is calm and unhurried. The banana boat is included in the water-sports portion, so you should expect the day to stay active until the return journey.

The tour description says most people can participate, but it does not provide specific medical, age, or swimming restrictions. If you have a concern about taking part in the banana boat activity, ask the operator before booking.

What the Boat Day Feels Like

This is a busy day, but not a frantic one. The route has a clear rhythm: pickup, marina, boat ride, island time, lunch, snorkeling, reef snorkeling, banana boat, and return to shore.

The boat ride itself received strong praise from one customer, who enjoyed both the speed of the boat and the snorkeling. That is useful because the transport is not just a way to reach the stops. It is part of the experience.

The group limit of 30 keeps the outing from becoming enormous, but you should still expect shared space on the boat and coordinated activity times. You may have to wait briefly while the group boards, receives instructions, or takes turns with the water sports.

Communication was the one clear area for improvement in the feedback. The customer still strongly recommended the trip, but noted that messages and instructions could be clearer. I would keep your phone available before pickup and pay close attention to instructions at the marina.

Who Will Get the Most from This Trip?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a straightforward first taste of Hurghada’s Red Sea activities. It is especially well suited to:

• First-time snorkelers who want equipment and instruction included
• Families or friend groups looking for several activities in one day
• Budget-conscious visitors who want lunch and transfers included
• People who enjoy a mix of swimming, reef viewing, boat rides, and water sports
• Anyone staying in Hurghada who prefers hotel pickup

You may want another type of outing if you want long, quiet beach time or extended independent snorkeling. The Magawish Island stop lasts about an hour, and the day follows a set timetable.

It is also not ideal if you dislike group activities. The maximum is 30 people, and the snorkeling and banana boat portions are organized. That structure is helpful for many people, but it does limit personal freedom.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, but I would still prepare for a full day in the sun. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and anything you need after getting wet. A phone or small camera may be useful, but protect it carefully around the water.

Eat a sensible breakfast before pickup. Lunch is included, but the day begins at 8:00 a.m. and includes several active stops. You will be glad to have a little energy before reaching the island.

Keep your belongings compact. You will be moving between hotel, marina, boat, island, and water activities. The less you carry, the easier the day will feel.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Booking Advice and Final Verdict

The $27 price makes this one of the easier Hurghada excursions to justify. You receive transport, a boat trip, gear, food, guided snorkeling, an island stop, two reef locations, and a banana boat ride in one package.

The best parts are the variety and the value. You are not stuck doing only one activity for eight hours. The island gives you beach time, lunch gives you a break, the two snorkeling stops offer underwater viewing, and the banana boat adds some fun at the end.

The limits are just as clear. You get only about one hour on Magawish Island, snorkeling time is scheduled, and communication may not always be perfectly clear. The tour is a shared group experience, not a private sailing day.

Book this cruise if you want an affordable, active introduction to Magawish Island and Red Sea snorkeling from Hurghada. Skip it if your priority is long independent exploration, a private boat, or a slow beach day. For most people seeking a full day of water activities at a modest price, the balance is very good.

FAQ

What is the price of the Magawish Island snorkeling cruise?

The price is $27 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled 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 included?

No. Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna require an additional fee.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The experience includes two snorkeling stops in the Red Sea.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and fresh fruit are served on board.

Does the tour include a banana boat ride?

Yes. Water sports, including a banana boat ride along the coast, are included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.