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About This Tour
Some experiences stay with you for life. Swimming alongside wild dolphins in the open Red Sea is one of them. **Dolphin House Hurghada** is the most iconic sea excursion from Hurghada — a full-day boat trip to one of Egypt's most extraordinary marine locations, where resident spinner dolphins live year-round and regularly approach snorkelers in the water. This is not a dolphin show or an aquarium. These are wild, free dolphins in open ocean — and with a **90% encounter rate**, the Dolphin House trip is the highest-probability wild dolphin swimming experience in the entire Red Sea region. ## What Is Dolphin House? Dolphin House (also known as Sha'ab El Erg) is a horseshoe-shaped coral reef about 90 minutes by boat from Hurghada, located within a protected Red Sea National Park. The reef's shallow, sheltered lagoon creates an ideal habitat for a resident pod of spinner dolphins — the same dolphins who have lived here for years and are accustomed to the presence of snorkelers. Unlike destinations where dolphins pass through briefly, Dolphin House has **resident dolphins who return to the reef daily**. They rest in the shallower parts of the lagoon in the morning and hunt in the deeper water beyond the reef in the afternoon. The boat captains and guides know the dolphins' patterns, and the timing of the visit is planned specifically around maximum dolphin activity. ## 90% Dolphin Encounter Rate — In the Wild The encounter rate at Dolphin House is among the highest for wild dolphin swimming anywhere in the world. On most days (approximately 90% of trips), dolphins are present in the water and approach snorkelers closely, swimming alongside, diving beneath, and sometimes engaging in the energetic spinning jumps that give spinner dolphins their name. No dolphin encounter is ever guaranteed — these are wild animals and their behaviour cannot be controlled. However, the combination of resident pod, ideal habitat, and experienced guides produces a consistently extraordinary encounter rate. ## Three Snorkeling Stops — National Park Reefs The Dolphin House trip includes **two to three snorkeling stops** at different reef locations, all within the Red Sea National Park. The reef at Sha'ab El Erg is exceptionally pristine — a direct result of its protected status and the deeper, cleaner water of the open Red Sea (compared to the nearshore reefs closer to Hurghada). Visibility at these reef sites regularly reaches 40–45 metres. The coral formations are extraordinary: towering coral towers, expansive table corals, vivid sea fans, and coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, chromis, groupers, moray eels, and the occasional turtle or reef shark in the deeper sections. A professional snorkeling guide accompanies the group in the water at every snorkeling stop. All equipment — masks, fins, and life jackets — is provided on board. ## Seafood Lunch on Board The Dolphin House trip is long enough to include a full lunch at sea. **Freshly prepared seafood** is served on board during the return journey — a proper meal cooked by the boat's chefs, with mineral water and soft drinks included throughout the day. Previous guests have specifically highlighted the quality of the food as a standout part of the experience. ## The Boat Journey — 90 Minutes Each Way Dolphin House is further from Hurghada than the island trips — approximately 90 minutes of sailing in each direction. This is part of what makes the experience feel so genuinely remote and special. The journey itself is pleasant: you're sailing through the open Red Sea, far from the shore, with nothing but blue water in every direction. Dolphins are sometimes spotted from the boat deck during the journey. ## Who Is the Dolphin House Trip For? - **Wildlife lovers** who want a genuine wild animal encounter rather than a captive show - **Snorkeling enthusiasts** who want the best, most pristine reefs in the Hurghada region - **Families** creating once-in-a-lifetime memories for children - **Couples** seeking the most extraordinary and emotional Red Sea experience - **Anyone** who has ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins in the wild ## Price & Inclusions At **€28 per person** — children 6–12 years €14, under 5 free — the Dolphin House trip is one of the most remarkable value propositions in Hurghada. National Park entrance fees are included, along with hotel pickup and return, all snorkeling equipment, guide assistance, freshly prepared seafood lunch, and unlimited soft drinks and mineral water throughout the day. Note: transfers from hotels outside central Hurghada (e.g., Makadi Bay) incur a small additional fee.
Tour Highlights
- ✦ Swim with wild spinner dolphins in their natural habitat at Dolphin House
- ✦ 90% dolphin encounter rate — the highest for wild dolphin swimming in the Red Sea
- ✦ Resident dolphin pod at Sha'ab El Erg reef — not a tourist show, real wild dolphins
- ✦ 2–3 snorkeling stops at pristine National Park reefs with 40–45m visibility
- ✦ Spectacular coral formations: towers, fans, turtles, moray eels, reef sharks
- ✦ Freshly prepared seafood lunch on board included
- ✦ All snorkeling equipment included: mask, fins, and life jacket
- ✦ Professional snorkeling guide in the water throughout
- ✦ National Park entrance fees included
- ✦ Hotel pickup and return transfer from Hurghada included
Itinerary
Pickup from your hotel between 7:30 and 8:00 AM, then transfer to the marina to board our comfortable boat.
Sail for about 90 minutes toward Dolphin House while relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying the fresh sea air.
With up to a 90% chance of seeing wild dolphins in their natural habitat, enjoy the chance to swim alongside them. Colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life await at this first snorkeling stop.
A second snorkeling location with different coral formations and marine life to explore.
Freshly prepared seafood lunch served on the boat, with mineral water and soft drinks available all day.
One final snorkeling stop to round off a perfect day on the Red Sea.
Transfer back to your hotel around 16:00 with unforgettable memories of wild dolphins and the Red Sea.
What's Included
✓ Included
- ✓National Park fees included
- ✓Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- ✓Snorkeling guide assistance
- ✓2–3 snorkeling stops
- ✓Snorkeling equipment
- ✓Lunch on board (seafood)
- ✓Mineral water and soft drinks
✗ Not Included
- ✗Any extras not mentioned in the program
- ✗Personal expenses
- ✗Professional photo shoot
- ✗Photos or DVD
What to Bring
- →Bath towel
- →Sunglasses
- →Sunscreen
- →Swimwear
- →Photo/video equipment
SAFARI
PASSPORT
HURGHADA SAFARI
www.hurghadasafari.travel
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Desert Safari Experience
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Every guest who books with Hurghada Safari receives a personalized Safari Passport and Adventure Certificate - a beautiful keepsake to remember your Egyptian desert experience forever.
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Photo Gallery
Guest Reviews (26)
The Dolphin House trip with Hurghada Safari was an absolute highlight of our Egypt holiday. Wild dolphins all around the boat and then swimming alongside them in the clear blue water — pure magic. The crew were brilliant and very safety conscious. The Red Sea coral reef was breathtaking. An unforgettable experience for everyone in our group!
One of the most amazing experiences of my life! Swimming with wild dolphins in the Red Sea is something truly special. Hurghada Safari made every aspect of the trip seamless — the boat was great, the crew were brilliant and we had incredible dolphin encounters. The coral snorkelling was stunning too. Cannot recommend this activity enough!
Really special experience at Dolphin House! Hurghada Safari organised a lovely trip. We saw plenty of wild dolphins and some of the group swam alongside them. The coral reef snorkelling was beautiful — so many colourful fish. The boat was comfortable and the crew were helpful and friendly. Lunch was a nice touch. Highly recommend this trip!
Incredible experience! Swimming with wild dolphins at Dolphin House was everything I had hoped for and more. Hurghada Safari ran a brilliant trip — the boat was great, the crew were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and the dolphin encounters were amazing. Snorkelling at the coral reef was a beautiful bonus. The Red Sea is spectacular. Don't miss this!
The Dolphin House sea trip was a dream come true! Hurghada Safari organised it wonderfully. The boat was spacious and clean, the crew were friendly and professional, and the dolphin encounter was extraordinary — a huge pod swimming right alongside us. The Red Sea snorkelling was stunning too. This is without doubt the best trip from Hurghada!
Exceptional trip to Dolphin House! Hurghada Safari ran the tour brilliantly — great boat, knowledgeable crew and we were extremely lucky with a huge dolphin pod encounter. Swimming with wild dolphins in the Red Sea is an experience unlike anything else. The coral snorkelling was beautiful too. Came home absolutely thrilled. Strongly recommend!
The Dolphin House trip with Hurghada Safari was simply magical. Wild dolphins swimming all around the boat and then alongside us in the water — truly breathtaking. The crew were wonderful and very experienced. The snorkelling at the coral reef was also spectacular. The Red Sea is so clear and full of life. An absolute must-do in Hurghada!
Swimming with wild dolphins was on my bucket list for years and Hurghada Safari made it happen in the most spectacular way. The dolphin encounter was incredible and the Red Sea snorkelling was beautiful. The boat was comfortable and the crew were brilliant. Everything was well organised and the day was perfect from start to finish. Highly recommend!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Dolphin House trip from Hurghada?
The Dolphin House trip costs €28 per adult. Children aged 6–12 years are €14. Children under 5 are free. The price includes hotel pickup and return, National Park entrance fees, 2–3 snorkeling stops with all equipment, a professional snorkeling guide, freshly prepared seafood lunch, and unlimited soft drinks and water throughout the day.
Is seeing dolphins at Dolphin House guaranteed?
No wildlife encounter is ever 100% guaranteed, as dolphins are wild animals. However, Dolphin House has one of the highest wild dolphin encounter rates in the world — approximately 90% of trips result in dolphin sightings, and in most cases guests swim alongside the dolphins in the water. The resident pod at Sha'ab El Erg returns to the reef daily and is accustomed to snorkelers.
What type of dolphins are at Dolphin House Hurghada?
The resident dolphins at Dolphin House are spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) — the same species famous for their acrobatic spinning jumps out of the water. They live in a resident pod at Sha'ab El Erg reef and are present year-round.
How far is Dolphin House from Hurghada?
Dolphin House (Sha'ab El Erg reef) is approximately 90 minutes by boat from Hurghada marina — further than the island trips. This distance is what keeps the reef so pristine and the dolphin habitat so undisturbed. The journey through open Red Sea is pleasant, and dolphins are sometimes spotted from the boat during the trip.
Is the Dolphin House trip suitable for non-swimmers and children?
Yes. Life jackets are provided for everyone who wants them, making it safe for non-swimmers to participate in the dolphin encounter by staying near the surface with a life jacket. The snorkeling guide provides full in-water assistance. Children under 5 travel free and can participate with life jacket support. Children 6–12 are charged half price.
What does 'National Park Fees included' mean?
Sha'ab El Erg is located within a protected Egyptian Red Sea National Park, which requires an entrance fee for all visitors. This fee is included in your trip price — there are no hidden charges on the day.
Is the Dolphin House trip good for snorkeling even if I don't see dolphins?
Absolutely. The reefs at Sha'ab El Erg and the surrounding National Park area are among the most pristine in the entire Hurghada region — with extraordinary coral formations, 40–45m visibility, and exceptional marine life diversity. Even on the rare days when dolphins are less visible, the snorkeling at Dolphin House is world-class.
What should I bring to Dolphin House?
Swimwear (worn under clothes), a bath towel, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe preferred), an underwater camera or waterproof phone case (essential — you'll want photos of the dolphins), optional seasickness remedy for those sensitive to open-sea conditions, and cash for optional tips.
Contact Us
Phone/WhatsApp: +20 122 879 6791
Email: info@hurghadasafari.com
Location: Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt
