REVIEW · HURGHADA
Private Speedboat To Dolphin House & Magawish Island _ Hurghada
The best part of this Hurghada outing is the private speedboat. You share the boat only with your own family or friends, then reach Magawish Island in about 30 minutes instead of spending the day on a large party boat. Add a snorkeling stop and a chance to watch dolphins, and you have a compact Red Sea escape.
I like the two hours at Magawish Island, which gives you more than a quick photo stop. I also like that snacks, fruit, soft drinks, water, equipment, hotel pickup, and entrance fees are included. The main caution is the uneven service record: the score is 4.3 from six ratings, but one serious complaint describes aggressive sales pressure and a guide who allegedly took a phone and posted a review without permission.
Key points to know before booking
- Private boat for your group: You are not sharing the speedboat with unrelated passengers.
- About 30 minutes to Magawish: The island is close enough for a short transfer and more time in the water.
- Two hours at the island: This is the main portion of the outing, not a rushed landing.
- One 30-minute snorkeling stop: Equipment is included, with a new mouthpiece available for an extra €5.
- Dolphin watching has an 80 percent stated chance: Wildlife is never guaranteed, so treat this as a possibility, not a promise.
- Pickup costs change by resort: Hurghada hotel transfers are included, while Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh cost €5 per person, and El Gouna or Safaga cost €10.
A short private run across the Red Sea
This tour is built around speed and privacy. From a Hurghada hotel, you are picked up and taken to the departure point, then board the Windy private speedboat for the sea portion of the trip.
The full outing lasts about four hours. The boat portion is listed as three hours, including roughly two hours at Magawish Island. That leaves time for the ride out, the snorkeling stop, dolphin watching, and the return to shore.
That timing matters. You are not signing up for a full-day cruise with long waits, several unrelated stops, or a crowded upper deck. You are paying for a shorter outing that keeps the main sights close together.
The $19 price is especially low for a private boat, at least on paper. For a couple or small family, it offers a good way to get a private Red Sea outing without paying for a full charter. Still, check the pickup zone before booking. The advertised price includes hotel pickup in Hurghada, but not every resort area.
More Dolphin Watching by Speedboat in Egypt
- Hurghada: Speedboat Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling with Lunch
★ 4.6 · 2,141 reviews - Hurghada: 3-Island Speedboat, Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling
★ 4.7 · 426 reviews - PRIVATE! | 4-hour Speed Boat Trip | Swim With Dolphins, Snorkeling & Island
★ 5.0 · 341 reviews
Reaching Magawish Island in about 30 minutes

Magawish is about 30 minutes from the departure point. That short crossing is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. You spend less time commuting and more time around the island and coral gardens.
The trip is made aboard a speedboat rather than a slow sightseeing vessel. You can sit on the sundeck, use the cabin, or take in the sea air while the boat moves between the coast and the island.
A speedboat can make the ride feel exciting, but it also means a more exposed journey than a large vessel. The Red Sea can be bright, windy, and choppy. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where you feel most stable, keep water nearby, and use the cabin if the open deck becomes tiring.
The boat is private for your own group. That is valuable if you want to choose where to sit, spend time with family, or avoid a crowded excursion. It also means your group’s mood matters more. A quiet family may enjoy the calm. A lively group may make better use of the private setting.
Two hours at Magawish Island

The island stop is the heart of the trip. You get about two hours at Magawish, surrounded by coral gardens and Red Sea water known for colorful fish and other sea life.
Two hours gives you time to slow down. You can enjoy the setting, swim, snorkel, take photographs, or simply sit in the sun, depending on the conditions and the day’s instructions. The supplied details do not specify beach facilities, changing rooms, or a meal on the island, so do not assume those extras are available.
The island visit is also where the tour earns much of its value. A short boat trip followed by a meaningful stop feels more satisfying than an itinerary made up of many brief pauses. If you want a simple sea day rather than a packed schedule, this format should suit you.
There is one tradeoff. The tour is still only about four hours long. You get a taste of Magawish, not an entire day on the islands. If you want several snorkeling sites, a long lunch, or a full-day island cruise, choose a longer program instead.
One 30-minute snorkeling stop
The itinerary includes one snorkeling stop lasting about 30 minutes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange a mask and fins before leaving.
The stop is short but useful. It gives you a focused chance to see the coral gardens and fish around Magawish. For a first snorkeling outing, half an hour may be enough to get comfortable in the water without making the day feel strenuous.
The equipment is part of the package, but hygiene-conscious visitors can request a new snorkel mouthpiece for €5. That is a small extra cost, and it may be worth considering if you prefer not to share the standard mouthpiece.
Do not confuse this with a dedicated snorkeling trip. You get one stop, not a series of reef locations. The experience is best for someone who wants a little time in the water alongside the island visit and dolphin watching.
More Dolphin Watching by Speedboat in Hurghada
- Hurghada: Private 4 Hours Speedboat Dolphin House Snorkling Tour
★ 5.0 · 253 reviews - Dolphin House By Private Speed Boat & Drinks & Transfer-Hurghada
★ 5.0 · 225 reviews - Hurghada: Private Speedboat to Dolphin House with Pickup
★ 4.6 · 150 reviews - From Hurghada: Hula Hula Island Speedboat Tour with Dolphins
★ 4.6 · 100 reviews
Dolphin watching with an 80 percent chance
Dolphin watching is included, with an 80 percent success rate stated in the tour details. That is a strong promise, but dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled performance. You should book this for the chance to see them, not as a guarantee.
The search for dolphins can add excitement to the boat ride. It also introduces uncertainty. The captain may need to adjust the route or spend time looking for activity, and sightings can be brief.
Keep your phone or camera ready, but protect it from spray. The boat has a sundeck and a cabin, giving you more than one place to watch from. If the sun is strong, the cabin can provide a break between sightings and the island stop.
The dolphin element is most appealing to families and anyone who wants wildlife added to a beach outing. If your main goal is snorkeling, focus your expectations on Magawish and the coral gardens rather than on a perfect animal encounter.
Snacks, drinks, and the small details that help

The package includes snacks, fruit, soft drinks, and water. These provisions make the short trip easier, especially after time in the sun and salt water.
This is not described as a full lunch. Eat a proper meal before pickup if you normally get hungry during a four-hour outing. The included refreshments are best viewed as light support rather than a replacement for lunch.
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels are included. That removes the need to arrange a taxi to the marina and makes the $19 price more useful for people staying within the standard pickup area.
Extra transfer charges apply outside Hurghada:
- Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh: €5 per person
- El Gouna or Safaga: €10 per person
Those fees can change the value calculation. A couple from El Gouna pays an extra €20 total for transfers, which is more noticeable than the base price suggests. Confirm your hotel’s location and transfer cost before you treat the tour as a $19 outing.
Tax and entrance fees are included. That is helpful because you are less likely to face surprise admission charges during the day.
What the private format really gives you

Private does not mean luxury. It means only your group participates in the activity. The boat, route, and staff are arranged for your party rather than mixed with a large public group.
That can be a major advantage in Hurghada, where many boat excursions gather large numbers. You can spend the ride with your own companions and avoid having to fit around strangers’ preferences.
The private format also gives you less anonymity. If communication with the guide becomes difficult, there is no larger group to dilute the problem. A serious complaint connected to this experience describes intimidating sales behavior, repeated hard selling of other trips, and unauthorized use of a guest’s phone to post a review.
I would not ignore that warning. At the start, make it clear that you are not interested in buying another excursion. Keep control of your phone, booking details, and personal belongings. If any staff member asks to use your device, you can decline.
This concern does not cancel the value of a private boat, but it does make staff conduct an important part of the booking decision. The overall rating of 4.3 from six ratings is positive, yet the small sample means you should not treat it as a firm guarantee of consistent service.
Who should book this four-hour outing
I would consider this tour a good match for:
- Couples wanting a private Red Sea trip without spending a full day at sea
- Families who prefer their own boat and a short, simple schedule
- Friends who want dolphin watching, a little snorkeling, and island time
- Visitors staying in Hurghada hotels who can use the included pickup
- First-time snorkelers who prefer one 30-minute stop instead of several water sessions
It is less suitable for people who want a full-day marine program. You get one snorkeling stop and about two hours at Magawish, not a long series of reefs and islands.
It may also disappoint anyone expecting a guaranteed dolphin encounter. The stated 80 percent chance is encouraging, but no wildlife sighting can be certain.
Finally, consider your comfort with direct sales. The serious complaint about the guide is not a minor issue. If calm, low-pressure service is your top priority, ask Bella Tours for clear confirmation about the guide and the day’s arrangements before paying.
Weather, timing, and cancellation protection
The activity requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.
You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.
That policy is reasonable for a boat trip, but it makes your schedule important. Do not book this for the only open morning of a very short visit if wind or weather could leave you without another date.
Confirmation is provided at booking. Most people can participate, although the supplied details do not give specific accessibility information. If you have mobility, swimming, or medical concerns, ask the provider before booking rather than assuming the speedboat and island arrangements will suit you.
Is the $19 price good value?
At $19 per person, the package is attractive. You get hotel pickup in Hurghada, a private speedboat, snacks, fruit, soft drinks, water, tax, entrance fees, snorkeling equipment, dolphin watching, and island time.
The strongest value comes from the private format. Comparable public boat outings may cost less per person, but you would be sharing the schedule and space with other groups. Here, the low base price gives you a more personal setup.
The extra transfer charges are the main adjustment. Add €5 per person from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh, or €10 per person from El Gouna or Safaga. Also consider the €5 mouthpiece fee if you want a new one.
The short duration keeps the price down, but it also limits what you see. You are buying a focused half-day style outing, not an all-day sea safari. For a first taste of Magawish, that is sensible. For serious snorkelers, the limited water time may feel too brief.
Should you book the Magawish speedboat?
Book it if you want a short private trip from Hurghada, like the idea of reaching Magawish in about 30 minutes, and value two hours at the island more than a long list of stops. The $19 base price is strong, especially with food, drinks, equipment, entrance fees, and Hurghada pickup included.
Before booking, confirm the pickup area, the final transfer charge, and the expected order of dolphin watching, snorkeling, and island time. I would also set a firm boundary about extra tour sales and keep your phone with you.
My call: this is a good-value choice for a private, compact Red Sea outing, but not the best pick for anyone who wants guaranteed dolphins, extensive snorkeling, or a consistently low-pressure guide service.
FAQ
How long is the Magawish Island tour?
The experience lasts about four hours. The private speedboat portion is listed as three hours, including about two hours at Magawish Island.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. Extra transfer fees apply from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, and Safaga.
How much do transfers from other resort areas cost?
Transfers cost €5 per person from Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh hotels. Transfers from El Gouna or Safaga cost €10 per person.
Is the boat private?
Yes. This is a private activity, and only your own group participates.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes. One 30-minute snorkeling stop and snorkeling equipment are included.
Can I request a new snorkel mouthpiece?
Yes. A new snorkel mouthpiece is available on request for €5.
Are food and drinks included?
Snacks, fruit, soft drinks, and water are included. The provided details do not describe a full lunch.
Is dolphin watching guaranteed?
No. The tour states an 80 percent chance of dolphin watching, but dolphins are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
More Private Dolphin Charters in Hurghada
- Private Speed Boat & Swim With Dolphins & Water Sports-hurghada
★ 4.5 · 64 reviews - Private Dolphin Watching And Snorkeling Tour
★ 5.0 · 59 reviews - Private Speed Boat 4 Hours to White Island and Dolphin House
★ 5.0 · 34 reviews - private speedboat 3 hours to dolphin house – Hurghada
★ 5.0 · 32 reviews
More Private Dolphin Charters in Egypt
- Private Yacht Cruise to Dolphin House with Lunch : Hurghada
★ 5.0 · 120 reviews - Swim with Dolphins Semi Private Speedboat Sea Tour – Hurghada
★ 5.0 · 77 reviews - Private Dolphin House Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch– Hurghada
★ 5.0 · 71 reviews - Private Speed Boat Snorkeling with Dolphins Trip – Hurghada
★ 4.5 · 71 reviews
Just added around Hurghada
- Cruise and Snorkeling with Dolphins Including Lunch from Hurghada★ 5.0 · 9 reviews
- Private Speedboat Swim with Dolphins, Water Sports – Hurghada★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Full-day Dolphin House And Swim With Dolphin★ 5.0 · 152 reviews
- Dolphin House Royal VIP Special Day Snorkeling Sea Trip With Lunch – Hurghada★ 4.5 · 33 reviews
- Swim with dolphin By Private Speed Boat and Sub wing Game – Hurghada★ 5.0 · 2 reviews
- Snorkeling with Dolphins at Dolphin House Boat Trip in Hurghada★ 5.0 · 28 reviews
- 4-Hour Private Speedboat to See Dolphins from Hurghada★ 5.0 · 24 reviews
- Dolphin House With Snorkeling & Lunch -Hurghada★ 4.5 · 7 reviews
Hurghada Dolphin Tours, compared.

Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch
Read our review →
Hurghada or Makadi: Discover the Magic of Dolphin House
Read our review →
Hurghada: Speedboat Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling with Lunch
Read our review →
Hurghada: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch
Read our review →
Hurghada: 6 Islands Tour with Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling
Read our review →
Swimming with Dolphin VIP Snorkeling Sea Trip With Lunch and Transfer – Hurghada
Read our review →
Hurghada: Dolphin World Show with Walruses and Pickup
Read our review →
ROYAL Dolphin House & Water Sports Snorkeling Sea Trip – Hurghada
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in
