
easy
6–9 hours
Suitable for travelers in average fitness; comfortable swimming and basic stamina for repeated snorkel sessions recommended
A full‑day boat trip from Hurghada to Magaweesh Island blends two guided snorkeling stops among coral bommies with a buffet lunch and optional high‑speed water sports. Expect clear water, abundant reef life, and a pragmatic mix of relaxation and adrenaline.
You step off the dock in Hurghada before the sun has burned through the thin morning haze, and the Red Sea is already putting on a show—oil‑slick blues giving way to turquoise shallows that flash with fish. The boat hums to life and, within an hour, the shoreline of Magaweesh (one of the Giftun isles off Hurghada) slides into view: low, sandy, and ringed with coral that seems to pulse just below the surface. The day unfolds in clear segments—two guided snorkeling stops among bommies, a lunch served on deck, then a mid‑afternoon session of speedboat thrills for anyone who wants to trade fins for adrenaline.

Use mineral or labeled reef‑safe sunscreen and reapply on the boat to protect coral and your skin.
Carry a refillable bottle—the sun and salt dry you out faster than you think; bottled water is provided but plan ahead.
If you get queasy, take preventative medication 30–60 minutes before departure; morning swells can increase after leaving the bay.
Light water shoes protect toes when boarding and while exploring the island shoreline; reef shoes help in rocky shallows.
The Giftun and Magaweesh islands lie on ancient coral ridges that formed as the Red Sea widened; local communities used these spots for fishing long before tourism developed around Hurghada in the late 20th century.
Operators increasingly use designated moorings and enforce no‑touch rules; use reef‑safe sunscreen, avoid standing on coral, and ask crews about best practices to minimize impact.
A well‑fitting mask improves visibility and comfort during repeated snorkeling stops.
Protects your skin and the reef—choose mineral sunscreens without oxybenzone.
summer specific
A lightweight towel and swimwear that dry quickly keep you comfortable between swims.
Protects feet on rocky shores and provides extra traction when boarding from small ladders.