Hurghada Boat Trips: Orange Bay, Dolphin House or Magawish?

Almost every visitor to the Red Sea coast wants a day on the water, and Hurghada boat trips are the easiest way to get it. The hard part is choosing. Orange Bay Island, Dolphin House and Magawish Island all start with a hotel pickup, all include snorkeling and all last most of the day, yet each one feels different once you are on the boat.

This guide compares the three trips we run, using the details from our own trip pages, so you can decide which one fits your group, your pace and your budget. Programs can shift with weather and sea conditions, and we confirm the final details with you on WhatsApp when you book.

Orange Bay Island: beach day with snorkeling

The Orange Bay Island trip is a good first choice if you like a mix of swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the sand. The tour runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with hotel pickup between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. The price is EUR 25 per person.

You cruise to the island, make two guided snorkeling stops at coral reefs, and then spend time at the island beach, which has wooden swings. A short banana boat or quattro ride is part of the program, and an open buffet lunch is served on the boat or at the island restaurant if booked. Water, tea and coffee are available on the boat, and beach chairs are provided.

• Best for: relaxed beach time plus snorkeling
• Included: transfers to the marina, snorkeling gear and guide, island entry fees, lunch
• Not included: photographer, island drinks, tips

Dolphin House: reef stops and a chance to see dolphins

Dolphin House is a full-day boat trip of about 8 hours to a reef area known for dolphins. It costs EUR 25 per person and includes two guided snorkeling stops at coral reefs, a banana boat and quadra cruise, lunch, and drinks on board.

Hotel pickup is around 8:00 AM, with the exact time confirmed on WhatsApp. There is a chance to swim with dolphins, but dolphins move freely, so we never promise an encounter. Treat it as a bonus on top of a good snorkeling day rather than the only reason to go.

• Best for: snorkelers who would love a dolphin encounter, with no guarantee
• Included: hotel transfers, snorkeling gear and guides, buffet lunch, drinks
• Not included: underwater or deck photography, tips

Magawish Island: a calmer day with free time on the beach

Magawish Island is a good match if you would like fewer activities and more time to simply swim. The full-day trip lasts about 8 hours, with hotel pickup around 8:00 AM (the exact time is confirmed when you book). You make two guided snorkeling stops at coral reefs, then enjoy roughly 1.5 hours of free time on the island and beach, with lunch and drinks on board.

A national park or environmental fee may apply and is paid locally, so ask us what to expect when you book. The price for this trip is available on WhatsApp.

• Best for: a slower day with beach time
• Included: hotel transfers in the Hurghada area, boat trip, snorkeling gear and guide, lunch
• Not included: photos and videos, personal expenses

Side by side: how to choose

If you can only pick one day, think about what you want most from it.

• Want activities and a lively beach? Orange Bay Island adds a banana boat or quattro ride.
• Hoping to see dolphins? Choose Dolphin House, and keep expectations realistic because sightings are never guaranteed.
• Prefer a quieter pace? Magawish Island gives you free time on the island.
• Travelling with a young child? Ask us for child prices on Dolphin House, the Dolphin Show and our other trips.
• Short on budget? Orange Bay Island and Dolphin House are both EUR 25 per person.

What to bring on any boat trip

Packing is similar for all three. Our trip pages list the essentials below, and the Dolphin House boat trip also suggests a power bank and a light jacket in winter.

• Passport or ID (a photo on your phone is useful for some trips)
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• A water bottle and comfortable clothes