Dolphin House Hurghada – Swim with Wild Dolphins | Full-Day Snorkeling Tour
Swim with wild dolphins at Sha'ab El Erg reef in Hurghada. Full-day snorkeling tour with BBQ lunch, hotel transfer & equipment included. Book from €45.
What is the Dolphin House in Hurghada? Sha'ab El Erg — known as Dolphin House — is a natural reef in the Red Sea about 25 km north of Hurghada. It's one of the only places in the world where wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins live year-round and can be encountered while snorkeling. We depart early every morning to be among the first boats at the reef. Early arrival means calm water, fewer boats, and dolphins that are still relaxed — that's the real difference between a memorable encounter and a rushed one. What's included? Hotel pickup, full-day boat trip, breakfast, freshly prepared BBQ lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a professional English-speaking guide. No hidden costs. Can you swim with dolphins in Hurghada? Yes — and Dolphin House is the best place to do it responsibly, in their natural habitat, without captivity or performances. Limited spots available daily — book early to secure your place.
Limited spots available daily — book now to secure your place at Dolphin House.
Description
Dolphin House Hurghada (Sha'ab El Erg) is the Red Sea's most famous wild dolphin habitat — and this full-day tour gives you the best conditions to experience it. The early departure is the key difference. Most boats arrive mid-morning when the dolphins are already stressed by crowds. We leave at 6:00–6:30 AM, giving you calm open water and the best opportunity for a genuine wild encounter. After the dolphin search, you'll stop at two different coral reef sites for snorkeling — vibrant underwater gardens full of angelfish, parrotfish, and reef life. Lunch is freshly prepared onboard, not pre-packed. Price: €45 per adult, €30 per child — including hotel transfers, boat, breakfast, BBQ lunch, snorkeling equipment, and professional guide.
Who Is This Tour For?
- Anyone who wants to swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat — not in a pool or show
- Families with children of all ages (life jackets provided, snorkeling guided)
- First-time snorkelers (beginner-friendly sites with full guidance)
- Travelers looking for an authentic Red Sea wildlife experience
Dolphin House vs Other Hurghada Snorkeling Tours
| Tour | Best For | Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin House (Sha'ab El Erg) | Wild dolphin encounters + snorkeling | Wild dolphins (90%+), 2 reef stops, breakfast & BBQ lunch | €45 |
| Orange Bay | Beach relaxation + snorkeling | Pristine beach, reef snorkeling, lunch | €30 |
| Mahmya Island | Eco-friendly paradise | Protected nature reserve, snorkeling, tranquility | €85 |
| Private Speedboat | Exclusive small group | Dolphins, island hopping, fully private | €190 (up to 6) |
Highlights
- ✓Among the first boats at Dolphin House every morning — calmer water, better encounters
- ✓Swim with wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat
- ✓Two different snorkeling stops at vibrant coral reefs
- ✓Freshly prepared BBQ lunch onboard (chicken, fish, pasta, salads, fruit)
- ✓Small group atmosphere — not a 40-50 person party boat
- ✓Professional English-speaking guide with marine wildlife knowledge
- ✓Life jackets and full snorkeling equipment provided
Schedule
- •6:00–6:30 AM – Pickup from your Hurghada hotel
- •Boat departure from the marina with welcome breakfast onboard
- •Arrive at Dolphin House (Sha'ab El Erg) — first boats on site
- •Dolphin watching and swimming alongside wild dolphins (following responsible guidelines)
- •First snorkeling stop at a vibrant coral reef
- •Freshly prepared BBQ lunch onboard
- •Second snorkeling stop at a different reef location
- •Afternoon return to Hurghada marina
- •Hotel drop-off around 16:00–16:30
Tour Details
Duration
Full day (approx. 10 hours)
Departure
6:00–6:30 AM from your Hurghada hotel
Return
Around 16:00–16:30
Suitable For
All ages, families, couples, solo travelers
Skill Level
Beginner-friendly — life jackets provided, guided throughout
Group Size
Small groups for a personal atmosphere
Wildlife
Wild Dolphins
Probability: High (90%+)
Spinner and bottlenose dolphins live year-round at Sha'ab El Erg — sightings are very likely, especially on early departures
Coral Reefs
Probability: Guaranteed
Two snorkeling stops at vibrant coral gardens with diverse marine life
Tropical Fish
Probability: High
Angelfish, parrotfish, moray eels, and colorful reef fish at every stop
Price Includes
- ✓Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada (and surrounding areas)
- ✓Full-day boat trip to Sha'ab El Erg (Dolphin House)
- ✓Breakfast onboard
- ✓Freshly prepared BBQ lunch (chicken, fish, pasta, salads, fruit)
- ✓Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
- ✓Life jacket
- ✓Professional English-speaking guide
- ✓Water and soft drinks throughout the day
- ✓All taxes and service charges
- ✓Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure
Not Included
- ✗Underwater photos and videos (available for extra charge)
- ✗Tips for guides and crew (optional)
- ✗Transfer surcharge for hotels outside central Hurghada (e.g., Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Soma Bay)
- ✗Personal expenses
What to Bring
- •Towel
- •Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen harms coral reefs)
- •Sunglasses and hat
- •Swimwear
- •Change of clothes
- •Waterproof camera or phone case
- •Light jacket for cooler months
Important Notes
- ⚠️Dolphins are wild animals — sightings are very likely (90%+) but cannot be guaranteed
- ⚠️Do not feed, touch, or chase the dolphins — we observe and swim alongside them respectfully
- ⚠️Use reef-safe sunscreen only — regular sunscreen damages coral reefs
- ⚠️Life jackets are available for all participants
- ⚠️Follow guide instructions for safe and responsible dolphin encounters
- ⚠️Early departure (6:00–6:30 AM) — please be ready on time for pickup
Optional Extras
Underwater Photos & Videos
Professional underwater photos of your dolphin encounter
Private Boat Charter
Exclusive private boat — your group only, full flexibility
FAQs
What is the Dolphin House in Hurghada?
Dolphin House — officially called Sha'ab El Erg — is a natural reef in the Red Sea, approximately 25 km north of Hurghada. It's one of the few places in the world where wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins live year-round and can be encountered while snorkeling. It's widely considered the best place in Hurghada to swim with wild dolphins.
Are there dolphins in Hurghada, Egypt?
Yes. The Red Sea around Hurghada is home to wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins. Sha'ab El Erg (Dolphin House) is their permanent natural habitat — not a show or a captive environment. Daily tours offer the chance to swim alongside them in the open sea.
What is the best time to see dolphins in Hurghada?
Early morning is the best time — the water is calm, the dolphins are most active, and fewer boats are at the reef. We depart at 6:00–6:30 AM specifically for this reason, giving you the best possible conditions for a genuine encounter.
How much does a Dolphin House tour in Hurghada cost?
Our full-day Dolphin House tour is €45 per adult and €30 per child, including hotel transfers, boat, breakfast, BBQ lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a professional guide. No hidden fees.
Can you swim with dolphins at Dolphin House?
Yes — that's what makes Sha'ab El Erg special. The dolphins there are wild and free, and snorkelers can enter the water alongside them following responsible wildlife guidelines. We don't feed or chase the dolphins; we arrive early and let the encounter happen naturally.
What is the difference between Dolphin House and a dolphin show?
Dolphin House is a natural reef where wild dolphins live freely in the open sea. A dolphin show involves captive dolphins performing in a pool. Dolphin House is an ethical wildlife encounter — nothing is captive, nothing is choreographed.
Is the Dolphin House tour safe for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome. Life jackets are provided, the snorkeling sites are beginner-friendly, and our guides are in the water throughout. Many families with young children join this tour every day.
What is the dolphin sighting rate at Dolphin House?
Very high — over 90%. The dolphins at Sha'ab El Erg are resident, not migratory. That said, they are wild animals and no tour can offer a 100% guarantee. Early morning departures significantly improve the chances.
Do I need snorkeling experience for this tour?
No. The snorkeling sites are shallow and beginner-friendly. Life jackets are provided for everyone, and our guides give a full briefing before each stop. Even non-swimmers can watch from the boat.
Do you pick up from El Gouna or Makadi Bay?
Yes — we pick up from all Hurghada areas including El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay. A small surcharge may apply for locations further from the marina.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before departure. No questions asked, no hidden fees.
Payment Options
EUR (€)
Euro - Our primary currency
USD ($)
US Dollars - Accepted worldwide
GBP (£)
British Pounds - For our UK guests
Currency Conversion
We accept multiple currencies. The final price is based on the current exchange rate at the time of booking. All prices are calculated at the official daily rate for your protection.
Payment Methods
- Credit/Debit Card
- PayPal
- Cash on Arrival
- Bank Transfer
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Booking Information
- ✓ Instant confirmation
- ✓ Free cancellation (48h)
- ✓ Book without visa - Secure your spot and pay upon arrival
- ✓ English & German-speaking guide