Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada boat trip is the variety. In one day, you get three island stops, two snorkeling sessions, dolphin watching, breakfast, a seafood lunch, and a sunset ride back to harbor. The first reef near Giftun is the star, with coral, colorful fish, rays, and puffer fish reported in the clear water.

I like the way the crew supports mixed abilities. Guides such as Ashraf and Sabry help nervous swimmers, while the boat provides a shaded seating area for anyone who would rather sunbathe than snorkel. I also like the value: at $47, the price covers transport from Hurghada, entrance fees, equipment, two meals, fruit, and unlimited water, soft drinks, and hot drinks.

The main caution is weather. Wind can make the sea cold and rough, especially in winter, and the second snorkeling stop may be murkier near the beach. Orange Bay can also feel short on time, and drinks bought there may cost more than expected, so bring a jacket, towel, sunscreen, and some cash.

Key Points At A Glance

• Three very different island stops: Orange Bay for beach time and photos, Giftun for reef snorkeling, and Magawish for a slower final swim.
• A strong first snorkeling stop: The water near Giftun can offer coral, schools of fish, rays, and other Red Sea life.
• Dolphin watching is not guaranteed: You may see dolphins, but swimming with them depends on sightings, sea conditions, and responsible boat handling.
• Good support in the water: Snorkeling guides help less confident swimmers and provide life vests and equipment.
• Two meals are included: Expect a light breakfast, a seafood lunch, seasonal fruit, and unlimited nonalcoholic drinks.
• Weather matters greatly: Calm, warm days make this outing far more comfortable than cold, windy ones.

What You Get For $47 In Hurghada

At $47 per person, this is one of the easier Red Sea excursions to justify on cost. The fee includes hotel pickup and return from Hurghada, the yacht cruise, island entry charges, snorkeling gear, life vests, a professional snorkeling guide, breakfast, seafood lunch, fruit, water, soft drinks, and hot drinks.

That matters because small extras can quickly raise the cost of a day on the water. Here, the main expenses are already bundled in. You are not paying separately for Orange Bay, Giftun Island Nature Reserve, or Magawish Island.

You should still carry cash. Drinks at Orange Bay are not covered, and one person reported being charged more than expected for a drink there. Check the price before ordering. Tips may also be requested at the end, so decide in advance what you feel the service was worth.

The boat is set up for a full day rather than a quick transfer. There is shaded seating, a stereo sound system, and room to sit out between stops. The group format can include 10 to 30 people, while a private group is available if you want more control over the day.

Getting From Your Hotel To The Harbor

Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels, but do not expect a precise city bus timetable. You receive the final pickup details by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before. The message should give you the pickup information and may confirm the vehicle.

Wait at the hotel’s main entrance by the road, not at reception. Look for a white or black vehicle marked with the Go Shalabi logo. The driver can wait only five minutes, so be ready before the stated time.

For Hurghada, pickup can vary by about an hour. Hotels in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga can have a variation of up to 90 minutes, and long range pickup costs extra. If you have not added that service, you may need to pay at the harbor, and cancellation is not available after 6:00 PM the day before.

The transfer to the harbor takes about 30 minutes by van. This early part of the outing is practical rather than scenic, but it gets you to the boat without having to arrange a taxi.

Orange Bay Brings The Beach Photos

Orange Bay is usually the first major stop, with about an hour to swim, relax, and take photos. Its shallow, pale beach and casual setup give it the closest feel to a Caribbean beach during the day.

This is the place for easy swimming and photographs rather than serious reef time. You can sit on the sand, enjoy the views, or order a drink if you are prepared to pay separately. The backdrop is attractive, but the hour can pass quickly, particularly if you want time to walk around, swim, and take pictures.

I would not make Orange Bay the sole reason to book this excursion. Its value comes from being one part of a full day. Some people wish they had longer there, especially for photographs, but the tight timing helps the boat fit in the reef stops and Magawish later.

If you want a relaxed beach day with no schedule, this may feel rushed. If you want several different Red Sea experiences in one outing, the short stop works well.

Giftun Has The Best Snorkeling

Giftun Island National Park is the strongest section for underwater time. The scheduled stop lasts about 40 minutes, followed by a longer period devoted to swimming and dolphin watching in the Giftun area.

The first reef stop can be excellent. You might see coral, many types of fish, stingrays, eagle rays, or puffer fish. One person who was new to snorkeling found the guides especially helpful, and that support is useful because currents can be strong even when the water looks calm from the boat.

You receive a mask, snorkel, and life vest, and a professional guide leads the first session. The crew may divide people into smaller groups, which helps keep the reef from becoming too crowded and makes it easier for the guide to watch less confident swimmers.

The experience is not completely free-form. Some swimmers have felt held back by the guided format at Giftun. That is a fair trade: you get safety and direction, but experienced snorkelers may prefer more time to explore at their own pace.

A second snorkeling session takes place at Magawish, so you are not limited to one attempt. If you are new to the activity, the first guided stop gives you a chance to learn, and the later session lets you try more independently.

Dolphin Watching Requires Luck And Patience

The crew spends about 40 minutes searching for dolphins in their natural setting. Some departures see dolphins soon after leaving harbor, while others spot them on the way back. Sightings are possible, not promised.

You may be offered the chance to swim with dolphins if they are present and the sea is safe. Keep your expectations sensible. Dolphins move freely, and several fast boats in the area can make them change direction. The crew cannot guarantee a close encounter or a swim.

This part of the outing is best treated as wildlife watching rather than a scheduled show. The captain may bring the boat near enough for photographs without chasing the animals. That is a better approach for the dolphins and usually makes for a calmer experience onboard.

Bring binoculars if you already have them, but do not count on a sighting. The islands and reefs still make the trip worthwhile when the dolphins stay out of reach.

Magawish Ends The Day More Slowly

Magawish Island gives you about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply sitting by the water. It is a useful final stop because you can choose how active you want to be after a long day.

The water here may be shallower and easier for a relaxed swim. It can also be less clear than the first reef stop, especially if the sea is choppy or the site is close to the beach. That does not make it a poor stop. You might see interesting creatures, including a ray or puffer fish, but the underwater setting can vary.

Magawish often suits people who want more choice. Strong swimmers can snorkel again, while non-swimmers can stay on the beach or deck. One person who did not enter the water still enjoyed the island views and sunbathing from the boat.

For many people, this is the most comfortable place to slow down. You have already had the main reef session, so there is less pressure to make every minute count.

Meals Keep The Long Day Comfortable

Food is a real part of the value here. Breakfast is served onboard and includes eggs, cheese, butter, honey, and bread. It is a light meal, but welcome if pickup is early.

Lunch is a seafood spread with fish fillet, rice, pasta, calamari, shrimp, green salad, tuna salad, tahini, and bread. Seasonal fruit is served later, and water, soft drinks, coffee, and other hot drinks are available throughout the day.

The food has received strong praise overall, especially the calamari, fish, and general freshness. Still, food quality can vary slightly on a boat. One person found the calamari chewy and cold, so do not expect a restaurant meal prepared to order for each plate.

If you have dietary needs, ask before booking because the provided information does not list vegetarian, allergy, or special meal arrangements. It is wise to bring a small snack if you have a sensitive stomach or eat at set times.

The Crew Sets The Tone

The crew is a major reason this trip works. Names frequently singled out include Ashraf, Ahmed, Talal, Sayed, Sabry, Abdo, Maghreby, Jo, and Tito, along with captains such as Atia and Talar. The exact team will vary, but the role of the crew remains important.

Expect a safety briefing, instructions before entering the water, and help with equipment. Guides support people who are not strong swimmers, and the presence of life vests makes the snorkeling easier for beginners.

The mood is lively. Sayed, in particular, is known for bringing plenty of energy and humor to the boat. That can make a long day more fun, though people seeking a quiet cruise may find the music and group atmosphere less restful.

Photographers may take pictures and videos during the water activities. These can be purchased at the end. You are not required to buy them, so decide beforehand if you want to budget for extra images.

Wind, Cold Water, And What To Pack

The Red Sea can feel cold on a moving boat, even under a warm sun. Winter departures have been uncomfortable for some people, especially after getting out of the water. Bring a warm jacket, towel, and sunscreen. A dry robe or extra layer would be useful, though it is not listed as supplied.

Wind also affects visibility and comfort. On a calm day, the boat ride and snorkeling can be smooth and clear. On a windy day, the ride may be rough, the water may look murkier, and drying off can be unpleasant.

You should bring cash for personal purchases, your passport or an accepted copy, and your hotel details for pickup. Keep your belongings close. The operator does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

This outing is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around the boat, and reaching the beach or water require a reasonable level of mobility.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most

I would recommend it to first-time visitors to Hurghada who want a broad Red Sea introduction in one day. You get beaches, reefs, wildlife watching, food, and a boat ride without booking several separate activities.

It also suits families and mixed groups. A confident swimmer can snorkel, a beginner can stay with the guide, and someone who does not want to enter the water can relax on the deck or island beaches.

It is less ideal for a dedicated snorkeler who wants long, uninterrupted reef sessions. The schedule is packed, and the guided format limits complete freedom at some points. It is also not the best choice if your top priority is guaranteed dolphin swimming.

The group size matters. A private option may suit you if you are traveling with 10 to 30 people and want a more personal setup. A shared boat offers the lively atmosphere and lower price, but timing and onboard noise are less under your control.

Practical Booking Advice Before You Go

Choose the calmest, warmest day available if your schedule allows. January and February can bring cold wind, even when the sun is bright. Pack more warmth than you think you need.

Read the pickup message carefully and wait outside at the main road entrance. Keep your phone available for the WhatsApp update, and do not assume the boat will wait beyond the five minute limit.

Expect a full eight hour outing, including the van ride, harbor time, sailing, island stops, meals, and return. The exact sequence may shift with weather, sea conditions, and dolphin sightings.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans are still changing.

Should You Book It?

Book this trip if you want good all-round Red Sea value rather than a specialist snorkeling charter. The first Giftun reef, helpful guides, three island stops, two meals, and included transport give you plenty for $47.

Skip it if you dislike group schedules, cold wind, boat motion, or the chance that dolphins may not appear. For everyone else, choose a calm day, bring warm layers, and treat the dolphin search as a bonus. The reef snorkeling and island time are the dependable reasons to go.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included from Hurghada?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. You must wait at the hotel’s main entrance by the road, not at reception.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including transport, sailing, island visits, snorkeling, meals, and the return to harbor.

Are snorkeling equipment and life vests provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are provided, and a professional snorkeling guide assists during the water activities.

Is dolphin swimming guaranteed?

No. Dolphins are searched for in their natural habitat, but sightings are not guaranteed. Swimming with them also depends on sightings and sea conditions.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast includes eggs, cheese, butter, honey, and bread. Lunch includes fish fillet, rice, pasta, calamari, shrimp, salads, tahini, and bread. Water, soft drinks, hot drinks, and seasonal fruit are also included.

Can people from areas outside Hurghada join?

Yes, but pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay requires a long-range pickup add-on. Availability and extra charges should be checked when booking.