Hurghada: White Island Speedboat Tour, Snorkeling, & Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the small speedboat, which gets you away from the large day-cruise crowds and onto two coral-reef stops before reaching Nemo Island. You get clear water, beach time, lunch, and a fast ride in one neatly packed day.

I like the chance to spend about 1.5 hours on a quieter island beach, and I like that the crew serves lunch, fruit, water, and soft drinks instead of leaving you to sort out food on your own. The main consideration is the price: $180 for a group of up to two is not cheap, and the ride may be uncomfortable if you have back problems.

Key points

• Two guided snorkeling stops give you time to see different parts of the Red Sea reef, with about 20 minutes at each site.
• Nemo Island provides the main beach break, with roughly 1.5 hours for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring.
• Small-group speedboat travel feels more personal than a large shared boat and keeps the day moving.
• Lunch, fruit, water, soft drinks, equipment, and entry fees are included, so most basic costs are covered.
• Yousaf, Karim, Hassan, and Baaki are among the crew members praised for patience, good organization, and snorkeling help.
• A flight add-on of up to five minutes lets you see the Red Sea from above as well as from the water.

A faster way to reach the Giftun Islands

This trip starts with a hotel pickup in Hurghada, followed by a transfer to the marina. At the marina, you receive a briefing before boarding the speedboat, either privately or with a small group depending on the option you book.

The speedboat is the real difference here. You are not spending the day on a large vessel with a long list of stops. After about 20 minutes on the water, you reach Giftun Islands National Park and begin the snorkeling portion of the day.

That short crossing also makes the tour practical if you want to see a lot without spending hours in transit. The boat has a shaded area, life jackets, and a stereo system. Bring a towel and some warm clothing, since the wind can make the ride back feel cooler than expected.

The boat ride is lively, but it is still a boat ride. If you are prone to back discomfort, this may not be the right choice. Speed and open water are part of the appeal, so the ride can feel bumpy at times.

Two 20-minute snorkeling stops

The tour includes two snorkeling stops, each lasting about 20 minutes. A guide accompanies you and helps direct the group toward the coral reefs.

I like this setup because two stops give you a better chance of seeing a good reef even if one location is less impressive on the day. Conditions in the sea can change, and one site may have clearer water or more interesting coral than the other.

Several crew members have received especially strong praise for their help in the water. Yousaf was singled out for being patient with a swimmer who needed assistance, while Karim and Hassan were praised for making the day run smoothly. The guides are not simply there to point out the water and send you off. Their support matters if you are not a confident snorkeler.

The snorkeling time is still limited. Forty minutes total is enough for a worthwhile look, but not enough for a relaxed, all-day reef session. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep that in mind. The island visit is nearly as important as the time in the water.

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life jackets. You should still bring your own mask if you already have one you trust, but the supplied equipment means you do not need to pack specialist gear.

Nemo Island and the long beach break

After the snorkeling stops, the boat cruises for about five minutes to Nemo Island. You have approximately 1.5 hours there, which gives you time to swim, sit on the beach, sunbathe, and look around without rushing straight back to the boat.

This is the strongest part of the tour for anyone who wants a quieter island stop. The small boat and limited group size can make the beach feel more private, especially compared with larger excursions that bring many people ashore at once. The exact crowd level will change, but the experience is designed around a more personal visit.

The beach is simple rather than heavily developed. That is part of the appeal. You are there for the white sand, clear water, and open setting, not for a long list of facilities or organized entertainment.

One practical warning: bathroom facilities may not be well maintained. A serious complaint described the men’s toilet as being in poor condition. Do not book this trip expecting polished island amenities. Bring sensible expectations and make use of facilities before leaving the marina or hotel.

The tour provides a packed lunch, seasonal fruit, mineral water, and soft drinks. You may eat the lunch on the island, which is useful because it lets you spend the break where the scenery is best rather than returning to the boat for a meal. Fruit and drinks are also available during the return journey.

There may be drinks for sale on Nemo Island, but check the price carefully if you pay by card. One visitor reported being overcharged. This does not change what is included in the tour, but it is a good reason to confirm the amount before approving a card payment.

What the $180 price really covers

The listed price is $180 per group of up to two people. For a couple, that works out to $90 each. It is a higher price than a basic shared boat trip, but the comparison is not quite like for like.

Your payment covers hotel pickup and return, the speedboat, a guide, two snorkeling stops, equipment, island entry, nature reserve fees, lunch, fruit, water, and soft drinks. You are also paying for the smaller format and the ability to move quickly between the reef stops and Nemo Island.

That package can be good value if you are traveling as two people and care about avoiding a large boat. The price makes less sense if you mainly want a cheap ride to the beach or only a short swim. In that case, a standard group excursion may suit you better.

The add-on flight option can last up to five minutes and gives you a view of the Red Sea from above. It is not essential to the tour, but it adds a different kind of activity for anyone who wants more than swimming and snorkeling. Treat it as an extra cost and confirm exactly what is included when you book.

Long-range pickups from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay are available as an added purchase. If you are staying outside Hurghada, check this cost before booking, since it can change the total value of the day.

Hotel pickup requires careful timing

The operator sends pickup details at 10:00 PM the night before. You need to provide the hotel name, address, and room number so the driver can plan the collection.

Meet at the hotel’s main entrance on the street side, not at reception. Be ready 10 to 15 minutes early. The driver waits a maximum of five minutes, and the schedule matters because other passengers may be collected afterward.

This is one area where you should take responsibility. Keep your phone available the evening before, read the pickup message, and do not assume the driver will search the lobby for you. One positive account praised the overall organization from pickup to drop-off, while another felt transport could have been arranged better. The safest approach is to treat the pickup time as firm.

A passport copy is required for daily permissions. Have that ready before the trip rather than trying to arrange it at the last minute.

The crew makes a real difference

A speedboat trip depends heavily on the captain and guide. The strongest feedback here centers on a friendly, capable crew that keeps the day moving without making it feel rushed.

Yousaf was praised for patient snorkeling assistance. Captain Karim and Baaki, who was identified as the captain of the black speedboat, were also thanked for their work. Karim and Hassan were named as guides on another outing, with special credit for choosing good snorkeling spots.

Names and crews can change, so do not assume you will receive the exact same team. Still, the repeated praise for guide support is useful. You are not booking only a boat and a beach. You are booking a guided water activity where clear instructions and calm assistance can make a major difference.

If you are a nervous swimmer, tell the guide early. A life jacket is provided, and the crew can help you get comfortable. The tour is not intended as a swimming lesson, but the personal attention described by past customers suggests that beginners are not simply left on their own.

A full day, with an option for more island time

The main schedule is described as a full-day outing, with around 1.5 hours on Nemo Island and a return speedboat ride to the marina before your hotel transfer.

The day is built around variety: a short crossing, two reef stops, beach time, lunch, and the ride home. That balance works well for couples and small groups who want a broad taste of the Red Sea rather than a single long snorkeling session.

There is also a full-day option if you want more time on the islands. Check the exact duration and price at booking, since the supplied details do not specify how much extra island time this option provides.

The timing may feel tight if you want to swim, snorkel, eat, sunbathe, and explore every corner of the island. I would treat the 1.5 hours as a chance to slow down, not as enough time for a long expedition. Pick one or two priorities before you arrive.

What to bring, and what to leave behind

Bring cash, a towel, and warm clothing. Cash is useful for any optional purchases, and warm layers help on the open-water ride, especially on the way back.

You do not need to bring snorkeling equipment or food. Equipment, lunch, fruit, mineral water, and soft drinks are included. Life jackets are also provided.

Pets are not allowed. The tour is also not suitable for people with back problems, a point worth taking seriously because a speedboat can produce a sharper ride than a slow excursion vessel.

Wear practical swimwear and bring sun protection, although sun protection is not specifically listed among the required items. The island visit includes open beach time, and the shaded area is on the boat, not necessarily beside you on the sand.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This tour suits you if you want a small-group Red Sea outing with a mix of speed, snorkeling, and beach time. It is particularly appealing for couples because the $180 price covers up to two people rather than charging the full amount per person.

It also works well for families who value help in the water and a simple meal already arranged. One family account praised the crew for taking photos and allowing lunch on the island, although you should not assume photography is a formal included service.

You may prefer another tour if you dislike fast boat rides, need very gentle transport, or want several hours of snorkeling. A large boat can offer a slower pace, while a specialist snorkeling trip may give you more time in the water.

This is also not the best pick if comfortable toilets and developed beach facilities are important to you. Nemo Island’s appeal comes from its natural, relatively simple setting, and the facilities may be basic.

Should you book the White Island speedboat tour?

I would book this if your priority is a well-rounded day with a small boat, helpful guides, two reef stops, and a quieter beach visit. The strongest value comes when two people share the $180 group price and make full use of the included transfers, food, equipment, and reserve fees.

You should hesitate if the price is stretching your budget, if you have back trouble, or if you want a long snorkeling session rather than a mixed itinerary. Check the pickup message carefully, carry a passport copy, confirm any card charges on Nemo Island, and pay for the longer pickup only if the total still feels worthwhile.

For the right visitor, this is one of the more appealing ways to see the Red Sea near Hurghada without spending the whole day on a crowded boat.

FAQ

How much does the speedboat tour cost?

The listed price is $180 per group of up to two people. Long-range pickup from Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay costs extra.

What is included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat cruise, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, a guide, island entry, lunch, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, mineral water, life jackets, nature reserve fees, and access to a shaded area on the boat are included.

How long do you spend on Nemo Island?

You spend approximately 1.5 hours on Nemo Island. A full-day option is also available if you want more time on the islands.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The tour includes two snorkeling stops. Each stop lasts about 20 minutes and is guided.

Is the flight option included?

No. Flying for up to five minutes over the Red Sea is an add-on option.

What should you bring?

Bring cash, a towel, and warm clothing. You must also provide a passport copy for daily permissions.

Where do you meet the pickup vehicle?

Meet at the hotel’s main entrance on the street side, not at reception. Pickup details are emailed at 10:00 PM the night before, and you should be ready 10 to 15 minutes early.