- DurationApprox. 8 hours
- Tour typeShared tour
- StartsPickup from your Hurghada hotel, about 07:30–08:00
- PriceFrom $38 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
North of Hurghada lies Shaab El Erg, a large horseshoe shaped reef where pods of spinner dolphins often come to rest in the calm, shallow water. Our Dolphin House snorkelling trip takes you there by boat for a relaxed day on the Red Sea, with two snorkelling stops, lunch on board and plenty of time on deck in the sun. It is one of the most popular days out from Hurghada, and with good reason.
These are wild dolphins, so we cannot promise you will see them. On many days they are there and you may swim near them, but some days they move on. The crew follows local rules on keeping a respectful distance and never chases or feeds the dolphins. Even if they do not appear, the coral and fish at the second reef make the day worthwhile.
This is a shared group trip on a comfortable boat, so you will be with other guests from around Hurghada. Snorkel masks, fins and life jackets are provided, and the crew help beginners and nervous swimmers get started safely. The boat has a shaded lower deck, toilets and a sunny upper deck, and the sea in this area is usually calm, though the captain always has the final say on conditions.
Highlights
- Boat trip to Shaab El Erg, the horseshoe reef known as Dolphin House
- A good chance of seeing spinner dolphins in the wild, never guaranteed
- Two snorkelling stops on coral reefs full of colourful fish
- Lunch on board, soft drinks and snorkel gear included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Hurghada
- Children aged 4–11 at a flat $25
Itinerary
Morning – Pick-up from your Hurghada hotel
A minibus collects you from your hotel in Hurghada between about 7:30 and 8:00am, depending on where you are staying, and takes you to the marina. The crew welcome you on board, fit you with a mask, fins and life jacket and give a short safety briefing. The boat then heads north towards Shaab El Erg, a journey of about one and a half to two hours. Find a spot on the sun deck or in the shade and enjoy the open sea.
Late morning – Dolphin House reef
At Shaab El Erg the boat moors inside the sheltered lagoon where spinner dolphins often rest. If a pod is nearby, the crew will tell you when it is safe to slip into the water and snorkel quietly at a respectful distance. Please remember that dolphins are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed. Whether or not they appear, the reef itself has corals, parrotfish and other marine life to enjoy. You have around an hour in the water here.
Midday – Lunch on board
Back on deck, the crew serve a freshly cooked lunch as the boat moves to the next reef. Expect rice, pasta, grilled chicken or fish, salads, bread and fruit, with vegetarian options available on request. Soft drinks and water are included throughout the day. It is a good time to dry off, reapply sun cream and relax in the shade. Let us know about any food allergies when booking so the crew can prepare for you.
Meals: Lunch
Afternoon – Second snorkel stop and return
The second stop is at a coral reef chosen on the day according to the sea conditions. The water is clear and calm, with soft and hard corals, clownfish, butterflyfish and sometimes turtles or rays. After about 45 minutes in the water you head back towards Hurghada, arriving at the marina in the mid afternoon. The minibus then drops you back at your hotel at around 4pm, in good time to rest before dinner.
Good to know: Dolphins are wild and sightings are never guaranteed. The port authority can stop boats sailing in strong wind; if the trip is cancelled you can rebook or cancel free of charge.
What’s Included
Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Hurghada
- Shared boat trip to Dolphin House and a second reef
- Snorkel mask, fins and life jacket
- Lunch on board
- Soft drinks and water on board
- Crew assistance in the water
Not included
- Marina and reserve fees if charged locally on the day
- Alcoholic drinks
- Underwater photos and videos
- Diving (available on request at extra cost)
- Tips for the crew
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $45 |
| 2 travellers | $43 |
| 3–5 travellers | $40 |
| 6+ travellers | $38 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book. Prices can be higher over Christmas, New Year and Easter; we confirm the exact price in writing before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we definitely see dolphins?
No, and any company that promises it is not being honest. Spinner dolphins often visit Shaab El Erg, and on many days guests see them or swim near them. But they are wild animals and some days they simply are not there. The snorkelling on the reefs is still excellent if they do not appear.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. Life jackets are provided and the crew help anyone who is new to snorkelling. You can stay close to the boat or hold onto a float. If you cannot swim at all, you are still welcome to come and enjoy the boat trip and the view from the deck.
How do I pay for the trip?
There is no deposit. You pay on arrival, usually in cash at your hotel or when you are picked up. We confirm your pick-up time and the total price in writing when you book. If the trip is cancelled due to rough sea, you will not pay anything.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, it is a popular family day out. Children aged 4 to 11 pay a flat $25, and children’s life jackets and smaller fins are available. Younger children should be supervised by an adult at all times in the water. The boat has a shaded deck where little ones can rest.
What happens if the sea is rough?
The port authorities decide whether boats can sail, and the captain may change the route for safety. On windy days the boat might visit a different, more sheltered reef instead. If the trip cannot go ahead, we will offer you another date or cancel at no cost.
You May Also Like
Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
