Three Islands Cruise: Orange Bay, Magawish & White Island: trip overview
Why choose one island when you can see three? This premium cruise links Orange Bay on Giftun Kebir, the quiet shores of Magawish Island and the White Island — a sandbank that appears in the middle of turquoise water and is often called the 'Maldives of Hurghada'.
Because the boat moves more, you get a wider range of scenery and snorkel spots than on a single-island trip. Lunch includes grilled fish and seafood, and the day runs on selected days of the week so the boat is never overloaded.
Highlights
- Three island stops in a single day
- Photo stop on the White Island sandbank
- Snorkeling on a coral reef
- Seafood and grill lunch on board
- Music on the sun deck and a relaxed atmosphere
Your day, as it feels
This is the day for people who want to see more. The boat heads first to Magawish, where the water glows an impossible shade of blue and the first swim sets the tone for the day.
Next comes Orange Bay on Giftun Kebir for beach time and photos, followed by a seafood and grill lunch on deck. Then the highlight: the White Island, a ribbon of pure white sand rising out of turquoise water. Walk barefoot on the sandbank, swim in the shallows and take the photo that will end up as your phone background.
Because the cruise runs only on selected days, the boat is never overloaded, and the pace stays relaxed despite the three stops.
Why guests choose this trip with Hurghada Day Trips
Maximum variety
Three different islands and a coral reef stop in one day.
Photos you'll keep
The White Island sandbank is one of the most photogenic spots on the Red Sea.
A proper lunch
Grilled fish, chicken, salads and sides served on board.
Limited departures
Selected days only, which keeps group sizes comfortable.
Itinerary, hour by hour
- 08:00
Hotel pickup
Transfer to the marina.
- 09:00
Sail to Magawish
Swim, snorkel and relax near the island.
- 11:00
Orange Bay
Beach time on Giftun Kebir.
- 13:00
Lunch on board
Grilled fish, chicken and salads.
- 14:30
White Island
Walk on the sandbank and swim in the shallows.
- 16:30
Return
Back to the marina and your hotel.
Times are approximate and confirmed with your booking. Pickup times vary by hotel area — you receive yours the evening before.
What's included
- Hotel transfers
- Boat trip with crew and guide
- Snorkel equipment
- Seafood lunch, water and soft drinks
- Island entry fees
Not included
- Towels
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips (optional)
Optional extras — told to you before you book
| Optional extra | Cost |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic drinks | if available on board |
| Photos (optional) | price told before shooting |
Your safety on this trip
- The captain decides the order and timing of stops based on wind and tide.
- The White Island stop is only made when conditions are safe; otherwise a sheltered beach replaces it.
- Life jackets and a snorkel guide for the reef stop.
- Shade and drinking water on board throughout the day.
What other travellers complain about — and what we do instead
We read public reviews of Hurghada excursions so you don't have to learn the hard way. Here is what goes wrong on some trips of this kind, and the standard we hold ourselves to.
Is this trip right for you?
Perfect for
- Guests who have already done Orange Bay
- Photographers and Instagram lovers
- Groups of friends and couples
Maybe not for you if…
- Guests wanting a long, lazy beach stop (choose Mahmya)
- Days outside the cruise schedule
Insider tips from our team
- Bring a waterproof phone pouch — the sandbank photos are worth it.
- Reef shoes help on the White Island's crushed-shell edges.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding; there's little shade on the sandbank.
What to bring
- Swimwear, towel and hat
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Waterproof phone pouch for photos
Good to know
- The White Island stop depends on tide and wind; if it is not safe, the captain replaces it with another beach.
- On other days of the week you can book the classic Orange Bay trip instead.
Hotel pickup areas
Pickup and drop-off are arranged from hotels in central Hurghada and from El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, Safaga. Read our pickup areas guide for typical transfer times.
Three Islands Cruise: Orange Bay, Magawish & White Island: questions & answers
Why does it only run three days a week?
Keeping departures limited means smaller groups and a better experience at each island.
Is the White Island always visible?
It is a sandbank, so its size changes with the tide. It is almost always there, but the captain has the final say on safety.
Which days does the cruise run?
Usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On other days we recommend the classic Orange Bay trip.
Is it very different from the Orange Bay trip?
Yes — more stops and more variety, with slightly less time at each beach.
Is seafood the only lunch option?
No, grilled chicken, salads and vegetarian dishes are also served.
