Review · HURGHADA

Private Speedboat To Dolphin House & Magawish Island _ Hurghada

★ 4.5 · 6 reviews From $19 Operated by Bella Tours · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the private speedboat. Instead of sharing a large excursion boat with a crowd, you travel with your own friends or family toward Magawish Island, about 30 minutes from the departure point. The Red Sea views, short travel time, and time on the island make this a simple way to get out on the water without giving up half your day.

I like the two hours at Magawish Island, which gives you more than a quick photo stop. I also like the practical extras: hotel pickup from Hurghada, fruit, snacks, soft drinks, water, snorkeling equipment, and entrance fees are included. The main caution is that the advertised 80 percent dolphin-watching chance is not a guarantee, and one serious complaint describes aggressive selling by a guide, including an allegation that the guide took a phone and posted a review without permission.

Key points to know before booking

Private Speedboat To Dolphin House & Magawish Island _ Hurghada - Key points to know before booking

  • Private Windy speedboat: Your group has the boat to itself rather than joining a large shared excursion.
  • About four hours total: The boat portion is listed as three hours, with roughly two hours at Magawish Island.
  • Dolphin watching is not guaranteed: The stated success rate is 80 percent, but wildlife sightings can never be certain.
  • One 30-minute snorkeling stop: Equipment is included, with a new mouthpiece available for an extra €5 if requested.
  • Hurghada pickup is included: Transfers from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh cost €5 per person, while El Gouna and Safaga transfers cost €10.
  • Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, provided the operator cancels the outing.

A short boat ride to Magawish Island

Private Speedboat To Dolphin House & Magawish Island _ Hurghada - A short boat ride to Magawish Island

Magawish Island is roughly 30 minutes from the departure point, so you do not spend most of the morning or afternoon simply getting there. That short run is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. You get a taste of the Red Sea without committing to a full-day cruise.

The outing uses a private Windy speedboat. That matters if you are traveling with family or a small circle of friends and want control over the pace. You can sit on the sundeck, use the cabin, enjoy the breeze, or relax with the supplied drinks and snacks. The private setup also gives you more personal space than a large group boat, although the size and exact seating arrangement of the vessel are not specified.

The Red Sea crossing is part of the experience, not just transport. You will see open water and the low island profile ahead, with the speedboat providing a quicker, livelier ride than a slow sightseeing vessel. If you prefer a calm, quiet boat trip, keep in mind that a speedboat may feel more active than a larger cruiser.

The overall tour lasts about four hours. The supplied schedule describes three hours on the private boat, including two hours at Magawish Island. Hotel transfers are also included for Hurghada properties, so the total time from your hotel and back may run longer than four hours depending on pickup arrangements.

Two hours at Magawish Island

Private Speedboat To Dolphin House & Magawish Island _ Hurghada - Two hours at Magawish Island

The island portion is where this trip earns its place on a Hurghada itinerary. Magawish is made up of two islands surrounded by coral gardens, with fish and other sea life in the nearby water. You get about two hours here, enough time to enjoy the setting instead of stepping ashore, taking one picture, and immediately leaving.

The value of the island stop depends on what you want from a Red Sea outing. If you want a quiet change from hotel pools and resort beaches, this is a useful break. If your priority is a long, serious snorkeling session, the schedule may feel limited because the dedicated snorkeling stop lasts only 30 minutes.

The water around the islands is described as home to coral gardens, exotic fish, and other marine life. That gives the stop real interest beyond sunbathing. Still, the exact island facilities, beach conditions, shade, toilets, and seating are not provided, so you should not book this expecting a fully equipped beach club.

Bring practical sun protection. The boat has a sundeck, and the island stop places you outdoors for a substantial part of the outing. Water is included, but you should still think about a hat, sunglasses, and clothing that protects you from the sun. The supplied details do not specify whether towels or sunscreen are provided, so plan as if they are not.

The 30-minute snorkeling stop

Private Speedboat To Dolphin House & Magawish Island _ Hurghada - The 30-minute snorkeling stop

The snorkeling stop is short but useful. Equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental before boarding. You can spend about half an hour looking beneath the surface around the coral areas and seeing whether fish are active that day.

Thirty minutes is enough for a first look, especially if you are new to snorkeling or traveling with children who may not want a long session. It is not a full marine outing. Experienced snorkelers who want extended time in the water should compare this trip with a longer reef cruise.

A new snorkel mouthpiece can be requested for €5. That small extra may matter if you care about using a fresh mouthpiece rather than a shared one. The listing does not explain the equipment sizes or whether fins are included, so ask the operator if you need a particular fit.

The Red Sea can offer clear water and colorful sea life, but conditions change with wind, visibility, and water movement. Do not judge the trip solely by the promised coral gardens. The operator can take you to the area, but nature controls what you see on the day.

Dolphin watching and realistic expectations

Dolphin watching is part of the appeal, and the stated chance is 80 percent. That is a strong advertised likelihood, but it is still not a promise of close views, swimming with dolphins, or a sighting on every departure.

Treat dolphin watching as a bonus rather than the entire reason to book. The trip still includes the island stop, snorkeling, the speedboat ride, and time on the Red Sea. If dolphins do not appear, the outing should still offer a worthwhile half-day at sea, but you should not expect compensation simply because wildlife stays out of sight.

The supplied details do not say how long the boat searches for dolphins or whether swimming with them is allowed. That distinction matters. You are booking dolphin watching, not a guaranteed dolphin-swimming program.

A private boat can be useful here because your group may have more flexibility than people on a large shared vessel. However, the exact route and captain’s decisions are not specified, so do not assume that a private booking means unlimited changes to the itinerary.

What is included for $19?

Private Speedboat To Dolphin House & Magawish Island _ Hurghada - What is included for $19?

At an advertised price of $19 per person, this is a low-cost way to reach the Red Sea by private boat. The value looks strongest for a group that can fill the boat and make use of the included pickup, drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, island access, and taxes.

The price includes:

  • Pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels
  • Snacks and fruit
  • Soft drinks and water
  • Tax and entrance fees
  • Three hours on the private speedboat
  • About two hours at Magawish Island
  • A 30-minute snorkeling stop
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Dolphin watching with an advertised 80 percent chance

The word private is important when judging the price. A low per-person fare becomes especially attractive if several people in your party share the boat. Group discounts are also available, though the exact discount is not stated.

The price is not the final figure for every hotel area. Transfers from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh cost €5 per person. Transfers from El Gouna or Safaga cost €10 per person. If you are staying in Hurghada proper, the advertised hotel pickup is the more favorable deal.

You should also account for the €5 new snorkel mouthpiece if you want one. That fee is optional. No other food, entrance, or tax charges are listed, which makes the base price easier to understand than many low-cost excursions.

Pickup, timing, and the private format

Pickup and drop-off are offered from Hurghada hotels. The exact pickup time is not given, and the total day length will depend on your hotel location and the operator’s schedule. Confirmation is provided when you book, so check the pickup details carefully rather than relying only on the general four-hour duration.

This is a private activity. Only your own group participates, which makes it a good fit for families, couples traveling with friends, or anyone who dislikes large boat groups. You can spend the trip with people you know, rather than being assigned to a mixed crowd.

The private format does not automatically mean luxury service. The boat includes a sundeck and cabin, but the available information does not give its capacity, age, shade coverage, or onboard toilet details. Ask those questions if they matter to you, especially when booking for a larger group.

Most people can participate. The tour does involve a speedboat, time outdoors, and a snorkeling stop, so you should consider your own comfort with the sea before booking. The supplied details do not set out specific accessibility arrangements.

A note about guide conduct

Private Speedboat To Dolphin House & Magawish Island _ Hurghada - A note about guide conduct

There is one serious concern you should not ignore. A published complaint describes a guide who spent the outing pushing other trips, would not leave the group alone, took a guest’s phone, and posted a review without permission.

That is a troubling allegation, even though it comes from one account and does not establish that every departure will be handled this way. I would confirm the guide’s name, the exact pickup contact, and the activity plan before leaving your hotel. Keep control of your phone and personal belongings, and be clear that you are not interested in buying add-on trips.

The supplied information does not name the guide, so no individual guide can be recommended in advance. This is the main reason I would avoid booking blindly if calm, professional hosting is your top priority.

The positive side of the arrangement is that the boat is private and the core inclusions are clearly listed. You are not forced to join a large group or pay for a long list of surprise basics. Still, a private tour only feels worthwhile when the staff respect your space.

Weather, cancellation, and planning advice

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. That is useful for a sea outing, since wind and rough water can affect both comfort and snorkeling visibility.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows local time, so check the time shown in your confirmation.

I would avoid placing this trip on the final morning of your holiday. A weather change could shift the outing, and you will have more flexibility if you schedule it earlier in your stay. That also gives you time to try again if the sea conditions are poor.

Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and a dry change of clothes. Water and soft drinks are supplied, but the information does not state that towels, sunscreen, or personal waterproof storage are included.

Who will enjoy this Hurghada boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a short, private day on the Red Sea rather than a full-day sailing program. Families and friend groups should especially consider it because the boat belongs to your party and the schedule includes both island time and snorkeling.

It also suits you if your main aim is a mix of activities: a fast boat ride, a chance to see dolphins, time at Magawish, and a quick look at the reef. The price is appealing when you value private use and included transfers.

I would hesitate if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The 30-minute stop is brief, and the itinerary gives more attention to the island and boat ride than to extended time underwater.

I would also think twice if you dislike sales pressure or want a polished, tightly controlled service. The complaint about the guide is isolated in the supplied information, but it is specific enough to justify asking questions before booking.

Should you book the Magawish Island speedboat?

Book it if you want an affordable private outing from Hurghada, like the idea of a speedboat, and are happy to treat dolphin watching as a chance rather than a promise. The included snacks, drinks, equipment, island access, and Hurghada pickup give the $19 price good practical value.

Skip it if you need guaranteed dolphin contact, a long snorkeling session, or certainty about a particular guide. Before paying, confirm your hotel transfer, ask who will accompany the group, and make sure the operator explains the private boat arrangement clearly.

For the right group, this is a straightforward Red Sea escape with a useful amount of island time. Just keep your expectations sensible and your phone in your own hands.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat trip?

The experience lasts about four hours. The boat portion is listed as three hours, including about two hours at Magawish Island, with pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels also provided.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. Transfers cost €5 per person from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh, and €10 per person from El Gouna or Safaga.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your own group participates.

Does the trip guarantee dolphin sightings?

No. Dolphin watching is advertised with an 80 percent chance, but a sighting is not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with one 30-minute snorkeling stop. A new snorkel mouthpiece can be requested for €5.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.

More like this

Hurghada Dolphin Watching Tours, compared.

The full Hurghada list →
3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 4,609 reviews· from $47

3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch

Our review of this trip →
Hurghada or Makadi: Discover the Magic of Dolphin House
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 4,198 reviews· from $27

Hurghada or Makadi: Discover the Magic of Dolphin House

Our review of this trip →
Speedboat Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling with Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 2,141 reviews· from $40

Speedboat Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling with Lunch

Our review of this trip →
Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 1,819 reviews· from $25

Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

Our review of this trip →
6 Islands Tour with Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 1,624 reviews· from $51

6 Islands Tour with Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling

Our review of this trip →
Dolphin World Show with Walruses and Pickup
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 1,075 reviews· from $23

Dolphin World Show with Walruses and Pickup

Our review of this trip →
Scroll to Top

Where to see dolphins

Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.