A Day at Sea: My 2025 Review of the Magawish Island Private Boat Trip

Okay, so let’s talk about getting away from the busy beaches of Hurghada for a day. You’ve probably seen pictures of the Red Sea, you know, with water that looks like blue glass and sand that seems impossibly white. I mean, the truth is that a private boat trip sounds like a pretty amazing idea. You get your own space, your own schedule, more or less, and a chance to see a part of Egypt that feels just a little bit untouched. I was actually in your shoes, looking through countless options online, and frankly, the Magawish Island Luxury Private Boat Excursion kept popping up. The name itself is a bit of a mouthful, right? But the idea behind it is simple: your own boat for a day of sun, sea, and snorkeling. I went ahead and booked it, and I’m here to give you the honest rundown of how it all went down, you know, so you can decide if it’s the right kind of day out for you.

What Your Morning Looks Like: Setting Off from the Marina

So, the day actually starts pretty smoothly with a hotel pickup. A comfy, air-conditioned van shows up right on time, which is always a nice feeling. You’re driven down to the Hurghada Marina, which is, by the way, a really pleasant place on its own with all the clean walkways and gleaming boats. Our captain and his mate were there to greet us, you know, with big smiles. I mean, you could tell they were just genuinely happy to take us out. The boat itself was sort of a perfect size; not some huge party boat but definitely big enough for our small group to spread out and feel completely comfortable. It was pretty much spotless, with comfy seating in the shade and a big open deck up front for sunbathing. As we pulled away from the dock, that feeling was just awesome. Honestly, leaving the shore behind and heading out into that open, blue water is something special, sort of like the adventure is really starting.

The Main Attraction: Finding Your Spot at Magawish Island

The boat ride over to Magawish Island isn’t super long, maybe about 30 or 40 minutes, which is just about right. It’s long enough to feel like you’re actually going somewhere, but not so long that you get bored. On the way, the crew pointed out a few things, and just seeing the Hurghada coastline disappear was, in a way, part of the fun. Then, you see it. Magawish Island, or more like a sandbank, honestly, looks like something out of a magazine. It’s this stretch of brilliant white sand surrounded by a ring of shallow, stunningly turquoise water. Seriously, the color is just unbelievable. Our captain apparently knew the best spot to drop anchor, a little away from any other boats that might be there. We had this whole beautiful area more or less to ourselves. It’s a very different experience from the main beaches; it’s quiet, incredibly peaceful, and the water is so shallow and warm that you can just walk right in. It’s literally perfect for just relaxing and taking it all in.

Under the Waves: The Snorkeling Experience

Alright, so after we had our fill of just soaking in the view, it was time for some snorkeling. The crew had all the gear ready for us—masks, snorkels, and fins—and it was all pretty clean and in good shape. They took us to a couple of different snorkeling spots. This is really where a private trip shines, you know, because they can take you to places the big boats might not go. The first spot was a pretty reef absolutely teeming with life. I mean, the moment you put your face in the water, it’s just a completely different universe. There were so many fish with intense, bright colors—blue ones, yellow ones, and striped ones darting all over the place. We even saw a funny-looking pufferfish and some beautiful parrotfish nibbling on the coral. The water was incredibly clear, so you could see everything almost perfectly. Frankly, it’s one of those experiences that makes you feel really small in the best possible way. The crew was super helpful too, pointing out different kinds of fish and making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable in the water.

More Than Just an Island: Food, Fun, and Fishing

At some point, after a lot of swimming and exploring, we started to get hungry. As a matter of fact, the crew had been preparing lunch while we were snorkeling. The smell of grilled chicken and fish wafting from the boat was just amazing. Lunch was actually a huge, pleasant surprise. It wasn’t some basic sandwich; it was a full spread of freshly grilled chicken, kofta (which is like a seasoned meatball), and some perfectly cooked fish. Alongside that, there were several kinds of fresh salads, rice, and Egyptian bread. To be honest, eating this delicious, fresh meal on a boat, surrounded by that gorgeous water, was pretty much a highlight. They also kept us supplied with soft drinks and water all day long. After lunch, they offered us some simple hand lines for a bit of fishing. It was a really fun, low-key activity. I mean, we didn’t catch anything huge, but just dangling a line in the water and chatting was incredibly relaxing. It’s those little things that kind of make the day feel complete.

Is This Private Excursion a Good Fit for You?

So, the big question is, who is this trip really for? At the end of the day, a private excursion is a bit of a splurge compared to joining a large group tour. Honestly, if you’re a couple looking for a romantic and quiet day away from everyone, this is absolutely perfect. The privacy you get is just on another level. I also think it’s a really fantastic option for a family, especially with younger kids. You don’t have to worry about them getting lost in a crowd, and they have the freedom to swim and play without bothering anyone. The crew tends to be really great with children, too. For a group of friends who just want their own private party on the water, it’s a no-brainer. If you’re a solo traveler on a tight budget, you might want to look at shared tours. But if you’re looking to treat yourself to a really memorable, stress-free day on the Red Sea, I’d say the extra cost is totally justified. You’re basically paying for space, freedom, and a personal touch you just don’t get otherwise.

“Frankly, getting your own boat for the day lets you escape the crowds. You’re on your own time, which just makes the whole experience so much more relaxed and special.”

A Few Practical Pointers for Your Trip

Okay, so if you decide to go for it, here are just a few little things to keep in mind to make your day even better. It’s pretty straightforward stuff, really.

• What to Pack: Honestly, you don’t need much. But definitely bring a good quality sunscreen, a hat, and your sunglasses. The sun on the water is seriously strong. Pack a towel and a change of clothes, just in case. And of course, your camera or phone for all the amazing pictures you’re going to take.
• What’s Included: Usually, these trips are pretty all-inclusive. Our trip covered the hotel transfers, the private boat and crew, all the snorkeling equipment, the fantastic lunch, and unlimited soft drinks and water. It’s a good idea to just double-check what’s included when you book, so there are no surprises.
• Tipping: Tipping is a customary thing in Egypt. The crew works really hard to give you a great day. So, if you had a wonderful time, it’s a very nice gesture to give them a tip at the end of the trip.
• Your Own Vibe: Remember, it’s your private trip. So, you should feel free to talk to the captain. If you want more snorkeling time or just want to chill at the island a bit longer, just ask. They are usually really flexible and just want you to have the best day possible.

Read our full review: [Magawish Island Luxury Private Boat Excursion Sea Trip – Hurghada Full Review and Details]

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Book Your Hurghada Private Boat Trip])