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

The best part of this three-island cruise is the variety packed into one day. You get beach time at Orange Bay, reef snorkeling near Giftun, another island stop at Magawish, dolphin watching, and meals on the boat without having to arrange separate excursions.

I like the strong support in the water, especially for first-time snorkelers, and I like the generous food and drink service. The main catch is weather: winter wind can make the boat ride cold and the sea choppy, and dolphin sightings are never guaranteed.

Key points

• Three distinct island stops: Orange Bay for beach time, Giftun for a protected reef area, and Magawish for a relaxed final swim.
• Two snorkeling sessions: One is guided, and the other gives you more freedom to explore.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: The crew searches for them, but wild animals set the schedule.
• Food is included: Breakfast, seafood lunch, fruit, water, hot drinks and soft drinks are served onboard.
• Helpful crew for beginners: Guides including Ashraf, Ahmed, Talal and Sabry have been praised for patient safety help.
• Excellent value at $47: For eight hours, transport from Hurghada, island fees, equipment and meals, the price is hard to beat.

A full Red Sea day for $47

At $47 per person, this is one of the better-value ways to see several Hurghada highlights in one outing. The price includes hotel pickup in Hurghada, the yacht, snorkeling gear, life vest, professional guide, island entrance fees, breakfast, lunch, fruit and unlimited soft drinks, water and hot drinks.

That matters because boat trips can become expensive once you add transfers, equipment hire, park fees and meals. Here, most of the day’s basic costs are bundled together. You may still want cash for personal purchases, photography or a drink on an island.

The trip lasts about eight hours, with a van transfer of roughly 30 minutes between the hotel area and the harbor. The exact pickup time can shift by up to an hour in Hurghada. If you are staying in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay or Safaga, pickup can vary by up to 90 minutes and costs extra unless you add the long-range service.

The morning pickup and boat welcome

Your pickup details arrive by email or WhatsApp at about 10:00 PM the night before. Wait at the hotel’s main entrance by the road, not at reception, and look for a white or black vehicle marked with the GoShalabi logo. The driver waits only five minutes, so being ready is important.

At the harbor, the crew welcomes you aboard and gives a short safety and activity briefing. The boat has shaded seating and a stereo system, useful during the long stretches between stops. The exact boat can vary, but the crew names often mentioned include Ashraf, Ahmed, Talal, Abdo, Maghraby, Sabry and Captain Atia.

Breakfast is served onboard. It includes eggs, cheese, butter, honey and bread. This is a simple meal, but it is welcome if your pickup is early. Water, coffee, tea and soft drinks remain available throughout the day.

Orange Bay, one hour of beach time

Orange Bay is the first major stop and gives you a change from boat life. You have about an hour to swim, take photos, sit on the beach or simply enjoy the shallow water. The setting has a polished, Caribbean-style feel, with pale sand and clear water.

I would treat Orange Bay as a scenic stop rather than a quiet island escape. It is designed for easy swimming, photographs and relaxation, not solitude. The hour passes quickly, especially if you want to walk around, take pictures and get into the water.

Bring cash if you plan to buy something there. One experience included a disagreement over a drink price, so it is wise to confirm the cost before ordering and keep your receipt if needed. This is a small point, but it can prevent an otherwise avoidable annoyance.

Giftun Island and the first reef stop

The Giftun section is the heart of the day for many people. The boat stops near Giftun Island National Park for about 40 minutes of snorkeling, with entrance fees already covered. The water can offer coral, schools of colorful fish, rays and, on lucky days, other reef creatures such as a puffer fish.

The first snorkeling location receives the strongest praise. The crew normally organizes people into small groups, and a guide leads the session. This helps you find the best areas and keeps less confident swimmers close to assistance.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part. Life vests and snorkeling equipment are supplied, and guides such as Ashraf and Sabry have helped nervous swimmers stay comfortable. One visitor who did not swim still enjoyed sunbathing on the boat while a companion snorkeled.

The current can be stronger than expected. Follow the guide’s instructions, stay with your group and do not waste energy trying to fight the water. If you are a beginner, tell the crew before entering. The support is one of the most useful parts of this trip.

Dolphin watching in the open water

After the first snorkeling stop, the boat spends time looking for dolphins. The stated dolphin-watching period is about 40 minutes, although the day’s timing can vary. Sightings have included dolphins near the boat and on the return journey.

You need to set realistic expectations. This is wildlife watching, not a scheduled animal show. Some people see dolphins quickly, while others see only one or none. Swimming with them is possible only if dolphins are present, sea conditions allow it and the crew considers it safe.

The crew also cannot control other boats. Several small speedboats may approach dolphins, which can make the animals move away. The larger yacht may get close enough for photographs without chasing them aggressively, but no operator can guarantee a calm encounter.

I like this part because it adds a little suspense to the day, but I would not book the cruise solely for dolphin swimming. Book it for the islands and snorkeling, then regard dolphins as a bonus.

Seafood lunch with plenty of drinks

Lunch is served onboard while the yacht is cruising or positioned near one of the stops. The spread includes fish fillet, rice, pasta, calamari, shrimp, green salad, tuna salad, tahini and bread. Fresh fruit comes later.

The food is a real strength for the price. Many meals have been described as fresh and filling, with the calamari receiving particular praise. One meal had chewy, cold calamari, so the standard may not be perfect every day, but the overall menu offers enough choice for most appetites.

Unlimited soft drinks, water and hot drinks are included. This saves money and means you do not need to carry a large supply of drinks onto the boat. If you have dietary restrictions, ask the crew before serving. The supplied information does not specify vegetarian, vegan or allergy arrangements, so do not assume special dishes are available.

Magawish Island and the second swim

Magawish is usually the more relaxed final island stop. You have about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing or sitting on the beach. The water here may be shallower and calmer than the earlier reef stop, though conditions change with wind and tide.

This is also where you may have more freedom with the snorkeling equipment. The first session is guided, while the later stop can feel less structured. That makes Magawish a good place to practice what you learned earlier or simply float near shore.

The second site may not match the first for coral and visibility. Wind can stir the water, and a late-day stop near the beach may be murkier. It can still produce surprises, including rays and puffer fish, but I would judge it as a pleasant extra rather than the main reef experience.

The hour gives the day a slower finish. If Orange Bay feels photo-focused and Giftun feels activity-focused, Magawish is the place to stop keeping score and enjoy the water.

Boat comfort, crew style and group size

The yacht has shaded seating, and you can stay onboard if you do not want to swim. The crew keeps the atmosphere lively with jokes, music and group interaction. Sayed, also called Said in some accounts, is remembered for his energetic showmanship, while photographers such as Jimmy, Adhan and Abdo may take photos and videos for purchase.

That energy suits people who want a social boat day. It may feel too animated if you are seeking a silent, private sail. A private group option is available for groups of 10 to 30 people, which may be worth considering for families, friends or celebrations.

The crew’s safety work earns particular attention. Briefings are clear, snorkeling is often organized in smaller groups, and guides help people of different swimming abilities. A serious medical incident was handled quickly and professionally during one trip, though you should still carry required medical information and take your own limitations seriously.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around the boat and reaching the water can be difficult. If that applies to you, ask the operator for a current accessibility assessment before booking.

Choosing the right season and packing wisely

Winter can bring sunny skies but cold wind once the yacht is moving. Several people were comfortable in the water but cold while drying off. Pack a jacket, even if the morning at your hotel feels warm, and bring a large towel or dry robe if you have one.

You should bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Warm layer or jacket
• Cash
• Passport or a copy of your passport

The operator asks for a passport copy, nationality, hotel name, address and room number. You are responsible for your belongings, so keep phones, wallets and cameras in a secure bag rather than leaving them loose on deck.

Calmer weather improves nearly every part of the experience. The boat ride is easier, snorkeling visibility is often better, and you will feel less cold after leaving the water. If you can choose your date, check the forecast and avoid a strongly windy day when possible.

What kind of visitor will enjoy this trip?

I would choose this cruise if you want a full Red Sea day with plenty of included extras. It suits couples, families with older children, first-time snorkelers and anyone who wants to combine beach stops with reef time.

It also works well for non-swimmers. You can remain on the shaded deck, enjoy the meals, watch for dolphins and visit the islands without entering the water. Just tell the crew what you need, and do not feel pressured to snorkel.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet private charter by default, long uninterrupted snorkeling sessions or guaranteed dolphin swimming. The day has a set rhythm, and each island stop is limited. One hour at Orange Bay can feel short if you want both swimming and many photos.

The music, jokes and sales approach for optional photographs or tips may not suit everyone. Most people enjoy the friendly atmosphere, but the group style is part of the product, not an accidental extra.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is offered in English and Arabic, with a private group option available.

Pickup confirmation arrives the night before, so check your messages before going to bed. For extended pickup areas, confirm that you have paid for the service in advance. If you have not, the information states that payment can be made at the harbor, but cancellations are not accepted after 6:00 PM the previous day.

The advertised rating is 4.7 from more than 4,600 ratings, and the strongest pattern is clear: people value the crew, the first snorkeling stop, the food and the amount included in the price. The repeated cautions are also clear: bring warm clothes in winter, expect rough water on windy days, and do not count on dolphins.

Should you book the Go Shalabi island cruise?

Yes, if you want the most variety for your money and are happy with a lively group boat. At $47, eight hours of transport, three island stops, two snorkeling sessions, dolphin watching, breakfast, lunch, fruit, equipment and drinks make this a strong buy.

Choose another option if your priority is a guaranteed wildlife encounter, a long quiet stay at one beach or a fully private sailing day. For everyone else, this is a practical first Red Sea excursion from Hurghada. Pack a jacket, protect your phone, confirm prices before buying island drinks, and let the dolphins be a lucky extra rather than the whole reason for going.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada island cruise last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including hotel pickup, the harbor transfer, the yacht cruise and the return journey.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The cruise visits Orange Bay, Giftun Island and Magawish Island. Each stop includes time for swimming, relaxing or snorkeling, depending on the location.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life vest are provided, along with a professional snorkeling guide.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops at different sites are included. One is guided, and the other offers more independent time in the water.

Is dolphin swimming guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for dolphins, but sightings depend on wildlife and sea conditions. Swimming with dolphins is possible only when conditions are suitable and the crew considers it safe.

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. Fruit, water, soft drinks and hot drinks are also included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. Long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay costs extra.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, jacket, cash and your passport or a copy. You should also secure your personal belongings, as the company is not responsible for lost or damaged items.