Two reefs and one bright island day. I like the hotel pickup and the smooth yacht ride, and I love that you get two snorkeling stops with a guide for the first session. One thing to consider: the island time is short, so if you want extra unsupervised snorkeling, you might feel a bit rushed.

This is an easy, good-value day on the Red Sea from Hurghada. You’ll sail to Magawish Island, enjoy beach time and clear water, eat lunch and fresh fruits onboard, then head to the reefs where the Magawish Reef is promoted for huge marine life counts. Group size is capped at 30, so it’s busy enough for fun without turning into a zoo.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Hotel-to-marina transfer: pickup and drop-off in Hurghada keeps the day simple.
• Two snorkeling stops in one outing: you’ll do guided snorkeling first, then explore Magawish Reef second.
• Snorkeling master guidance for your first session: you get basics before you head in.
• Magawish Reef marine life focus: the reef is marketed as home to over 1,000 fish species and around 150 coral species.
• Lunch plus fruits onboard: you’re not skipping food between swimming and sailing.
• Banana boat water sports after snorkeling: a fun coast run when you’re ready to swap fins for thrills.

Getting to Magawish: Hotel Pickup and Yacht Setup in Hurghada

The day starts with pickup from your Hurghada hotel, then you’re taken to the marina to meet the group and get organized. The time window is tight in a good way: the tour begins at 8:00 am and runs about 8 hours total, so you’re not burning daylight on logistics.

At the marina, you’ll get your snorkeling equipment before boarding. That matters because it saves time later, when you’d rather be in the water. Once you’re on the boat, you’ll sail out to Magawish Island—described as a luxury yacht-style cruise—so expect a more relaxed pace than a crowded speed-boat hop.

This tour is run by Egyptra Travel Services, and it keeps the group size capped at 30 people. That’s a sweet spot for snorkeling days: enough people to feel like it’s happening, but not so many that you lose track of the guide’s instructions.

Magawish Island Beach Time and Onboard Lunch With Fresh Fruits

After sailing to Magawish Island, you get about 1 hour to enjoy the shore. You can relax on the beach or swim in the clear water. That short island window is perfect if you want a quick break from the snorkeling routine, photos, and a chance to calm down before you head back onboard.

Then the schedule shifts to food. You’ll hop back on the yacht and enjoy lunch with fruits served onboard. For a day this structured—snorkeling, then reef snorkeling, then water sports—this onboard meal is a real value. It also helps if you’re the type who needs a proper break between swimming sessions so you don’t feel drained by the afternoon.

One practical note: that island time is brief. If you’re the kind of person who wants long stretches of freestyle snorkeling around the island, you may feel like the clock is moving. The upside is that you’re still getting two reef-focused snorkeling moments later, which is the main reason most people book this outing.

Two Snorkeling Stops: First Session Basics and Reef Timing

The cruise is built around two snorkeling spots, and the order is smart. Your first snorkeling location is designed to get you comfortable with the basics. A professional snorkeling guide (sometimes described as a snorkeling master) explains what to do so you can handle breathing, staying oriented, and moving with the group.

That first guided session is where you’ll learn the rhythm: when to adjust your mask, how to float more calmly, and how to follow directions without fighting the water. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, I like this setup because it reduces the guesswork. You spend less time figuring things out mid-water and more time looking at fish.

After you return onboard and snack on lunch and fruits, you move to the second snorkeling location: the Magawish Reef area. The second stop is where the tour really leans into the wildlife experience, with coral and schools of fish.

Timing-wise, your day is not just “sail, swim, repeat.” It’s structured so you’re not constantly stuck waiting in the sun with nothing happening. Still, keep in mind you’re spending a big chunk of time outdoors, so bring sun protection and plan to reapply.

Magawish Reef: Coral and Fish Spotting in the Red Sea

The star of the day is the second snorkeling stop at the Magawish Reef. This is where you’ll swim among coral formations and marine life, with the tour promoting impressive biodiversity numbers: over 1,000 species of fish and around 150 species of coral.

What does that mean for your actual experience? You can expect the kind of snorkeling where you stop looking at your feet and start scanning for movement—small flashes of fish darting around coral, and bigger shapes that cruise slower through the scene. If you’ve snorkeled in places where the reef feels thin or the water is dim, this kind of description usually points to the opposite: enough life to keep your attention.

The guide’s role here is also useful. Even when you feel confident, they can help you stay in the right area. On snorkel days, small changes in position can mean the difference between “I saw something” and “I see it everywhere.”

One more thing: the tour focuses on guided structure, not endless free roaming. That’s great for confidence and safety, but it can also limit how long you spend just drifting where you like best. If you want total freedom to snorkel at your own pace across the island or multiple small coves, plan on saving that for another trip.

Banana Boat Water Sports Along the Coast

After reef snorkeling, you get a chance to switch gears with water sports—specifically, a banana boat ride along the coast. This is a fun add-on because it changes the energy. Snorkeling is calm and visual; the banana boat is loud, bumpy, and good for laughs.

It also helps you avoid the common burnout problem of a full day of water time. By the time you reach the banana ride, you’ve already had the main underwater experience. Now you can enjoy something more adrenaline-based without needing to keep track of mask fit and buoyancy.

Price and Logistics: Is This $27 Hurghada Snorkeling Cruise Good Value?

At $27 per person, this cruise is priced like a budget-friendly way to do a full Red Sea day without doing the planning yourself. What you’re paying for isn’t just the boat—it’s the package setup: hotel transfers, snorkeling equipment, lunch and fruits, a professional guide, two snorkeling spots, and banana boat water sports.

That matters because those small costs add up fast if you arrange everything separately. For many people in Hurghada, the time-saving value of pickup and the included gear is the biggest win.

Also, the tour’s timing is straightforward: start at 8:00 am, return late enough for you to still feel like you had a real day out. It’s the kind of schedule that works well if you have limited days in Egypt and want one organized outing.

Two logistics points to keep in mind:

• The tour includes transfers in Hurghada, but it notes extra fees for Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.
• The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Tips to Make Your Snorkeling Day Easier (and More Fun)

You don’t need fancy gear for this cruise, but a few smart choices can make a big difference.

• Use sunscreen you can tolerate in water, and reapply as needed before the second snorkeling stop. Long outdoor time plus water glare is a recipe for missed sun protection.
• Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch. You’ll likely want photos of coral and fish, especially at the Magawish Reef stop.
• Ask for a quick checklist from the guide right at the start of snorkeling. Since the first session is taught, clarity early helps you relax faster.
• Plan your energy: island time is short, then you eat, then you snorkel again. Don’t overdo the first swim if you want to enjoy the second.
• Expect the banana boat to be wet. Bring something to change into later, even if it’s just a dry shirt.

Also, the boat ride is part of the fun. If you’re sensitive to motion, consider whether you’ll need any personal remedies you already know work for you.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

This experience is a good match if you want:

• A guided Red Sea snorkeling day with two reef-focused stops
• A smooth, organized format with pickup and drop-off
• A mix of activities: island beach time, underwater time, then banana boat fun

If you’re an advanced snorkeler who wants long, independent time in the water, you might wish the schedule gave more free-roam snorkeling around the island. But if you value structure, safety, and a clear plan for seeing reef life, this cruise delivers exactly that.

It also suits couples and small groups who don’t want to juggle transport, gear rental, and multiple booking confirmations. And with a maximum of 30 people, you’re not stuck in a giant group for hours.

Should You Book the Hurghada Magawish Island and Reefs Yacht Cruise?

I’d book this tour if you’re looking for an organized, affordable day that hits the essentials: two snorkeling stops, a real chance at Magawish Reef marine life, and a full package that includes transfers, lunch, equipment, and water sports.

Skip it (or at least set your expectations) if you know you need lots of unstructured snorkeling time. The island stop is brief, and the day is built around guided sessions and fixed activity blocks.

For most people, though, the value math is strong. With a small group size, included gear, and a schedule that actually flows, it’s one of the easier ways to experience the Red Sea from Hurghada without turning your vacation into a logistics project.

FAQ

What time does the Hurghada Magawish yacht cruise start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

How long does the cruise last?

It lasts about 8 hours.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You’ll make two snorkeling stops.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What’s included in the price besides snorkeling?

Lunch and fruits are served onboard, snorkeling equipment is provided, and water sports are included. A professional snorkeling guide is also included.

Are there extra fees for pickup outside Hurghada?

Yes. Extra fees may apply if you’re staying in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna.

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