Dolphin Trip Hurghada

What to Expect on a Dolphin Trip in Hurghada

The dolphin trip in Hurghada is one of the most magical experiences the Red Sea has to offer. Observing wild dolphins in their natural habitat and swimming alongside them in crystal-clear waters is a dream that can come true in Hurghada. Dolphin House, a protected reef approximately 45 boat minutes from Hurghada, is home to a group of spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins that are regularly found here.

What makes the Hurghada dolphin trip special is that you experience the dolphins not in an aquarium or dolphinarium, but in the wild. The dolphins swim near the boats of their own accord, play in the bow waves, and perform their acrobatic jumps. When conditions allow, you can enter the water and snorkel with the dolphins, an experience that gives you goosebumps and that you will never forget.

The Red Sea off Hurghada is home to several dolphin species, including the bottlenose dolphin, the spinner dolphin, and occasionally the striped dolphin. The encounter rate is approximately 90 percent, as the Dolphin House reef is a well-known resting place for dolphins where they spend the day before heading out to the open sea to hunt at night. The best time for dolphin sightings is the morning, when the animals are most active and playful.

Schedule & Program

Departure and Boat Trip

In the early morning, you are picked up from your hotel in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, or Sahl Hasheesh and brought to the harbor. Departure is typically around 7:30 AM, as dolphins are best observed in the morning. The boat trip to Dolphin House takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on sea conditions. During the journey, you enjoy the view of the open sea, and with some luck, you may already spot dolphins on the way.

Dolphin Watching and Swimming with Dolphins

Upon arriving at Dolphin House, the boat initially keeps its distance to avoid disturbing the dolphins. Our experienced captain knows the animals' behavior precisely and approaches carefully. Once the dolphins become curious and swim toward the boat, you have the opportunity to gently slide into the water and observe the dolphins underwater with mask and snorkel. The animals often come surprisingly close, swimming directly past you. The experience of seeing a wild dolphin up close is breathtaking.

Our guides always ensure the dolphins are treated with respect. It is strictly forbidden to touch, feed, or corner the animals. We adhere to international guidelines for the protection of wild dolphins. The encounter takes place exclusively on the dolphins' terms. If they approach the boat and show interest, swimming is possible. If they withdraw, we respect their space.

Snorkeling at Dolphin House Reef

Besides the dolphin encounter, Dolphin House reef offers excellent snorkeling. The reef is beautifully preserved and home to an abundance of tropical fish, including bright blue surgeonfish, orange-and-white clownfish, and elegant lionfish. Colorful soft and hard corals create a vibrant underwater landscape waiting to be explored. Sea turtles are also regularly spotted at Dolphin House. After snorkeling, you can relax on a nearby sandbank and enjoy the sun.

Lunch and Return

A fresh lunch is served on board, typically grilled fish, rice, salad, and fresh fruit. Soft drinks, water, and tea are available throughout the day. After lunch, there is an optional additional snorkeling stop at a nearby reef before the boat begins the return journey in the afternoon. You are back at your hotel by approximately 3:30 PM.

Prices & Booking

The dolphin trip in Hurghada is available from 35 euros per person. The price includes hotel transfer, the boat trip to Dolphin House and back, snorkeling equipment with mask, snorkel, and fins, lunch on board, drinks, and experienced guides and a boat captain who knows the dolphin spots.

Our VIP dolphin excursion with a smaller group, better boat, and premium service is available from 65 euros per person. Private charter boats for families or groups of up to 20 people can be booked individually. We also offer combination excursions that combine the dolphin trip with a visit to Giftun Island or Orange Bay.

Children between 4 and 12 years pay half price, toddlers under 4 are free. Please note that dolphin sighting cannot be guaranteed as these are wild animals. However, dolphins are spotted in over 90 percent of cases.

Tips & Advice

The best season for the dolphin trip is from April to November, when the sea is calm and underwater visibility is optimal. Dolphin sightings are also possible in winter, though the sea can occasionally be rougher. Bring waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A rash guard or UV-protection shirt is recommended to prevent sunburn while snorkeling.

If you want to photograph dolphins underwater, we recommend a waterproof camera or an underwater housing for your smartphone. The best shots are achieved when you float quietly in the water and let the dolphins come to you, rather than chasing after them. Quick movements can startle the animals.

For those prone to seasickness, we recommend taking anti-nausea medication before departure. The boat ride to Dolphin House can be somewhat choppy in rough seas. However, there is also a sheltered indoor area on board. Never wear fins near the dolphins while snorkeling to avoid injuring the animals. Maintain at least two meters of distance and enjoy the encounter at a relaxed pace.

Dolphins in the Red Sea: Species and Behavior

Several dolphin species inhabit the Red Sea off Hurghada. The bottlenose dolphin is the best-known species and can reach a length of up to four meters. These intelligent marine mammals live in groups of ten to thirty animals and communicate through a complex system of clicks and whistles. The spinner dolphin, named for its spectacular spinning leaps out of the water, is particularly common at Dolphin House. When jumping, it rotates multiple times around its own axis, a breathtaking sight that never fails to thrill guests.

Dolphins are extremely social animals with a pronounced curiosity toward humans. It is not uncommon for dolphins to approach swimmers on their own initiative and accompany them for a while. Mother dolphins sometimes even show their young the swimmers, as if introducing their offspring to the visitors. These spontaneous encounters, where the animal takes the initiative, are among the most moving moments that our guests experience on the dolphin trip in Hurghada.

Responsible Dolphin Tourism

At Ra Reisen, the protection of dolphins and their habitat is particularly close to our hearts. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association and regularly train our crews in respectful interaction with marine mammals. This includes turning off the engine when approaching dolphins, maintaining a maximum number of swimmers in the water at any one time, and never pursuing or encircling the dolphins. Through responsible tourism, we ensure that future generations can also experience the fascination of wild dolphins in the Red Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dolphin Trip

Is dolphin sighting guaranteed?

Although we cannot guarantee dolphin sighting one hundred percent as these are wild animals, our sighting rate exceeds 90 percent. The Dolphin House reef is a well-known resting place for dolphins where they regularly spend the daytime. Our captains have known the animals' habits for many years and deliberately navigate to the best spots for dolphin sightings. On the rare days without dolphin encounters, the trip still offers an excellent snorkeling experience at the beautiful Dolphin House reef.

Can children participate in the dolphin trip?

Yes, the dolphin trip is suitable for children of all ages. Children can watch the dolphins from the boat and, in calm seas, also snorkel in the shallow areas of the reef. Life jackets are provided free of charge for children. The joy children feel at the sight of playful dolphins is often the highlight of the entire family vacation. However, we recommend keeping an eye on seasickness with small children, as the boat ride to Dolphin House may have some wave action depending on weather conditions.

How close can you get to the dolphins?

The dolphins themselves determine how close they approach swimmers. In many cases, they swim past at a distance of just a few meters, sometimes even closer. It is important to remain calm in the water and not actively pursue the animals. Dolphins are curious creatures and often come closer on their own when they do not feel threatened. An underwater encounter with a dolphin from just a few meters away is a spine-tingling moment that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Why Choose Ra Reisen?

Ra Reisen stands for responsible dolphin excursionism in Hurghada. We follow strict behavioral guidelines to protect the dolphins and regularly train our crews in respectful interaction with marine mammals. Our boats are modern and comfortably equipped with sun decks, sanitary facilities, and a sheltered seating area.

Our captains have known the habits of Red Sea dolphins for many years and know exactly when and where the best sighting opportunities exist. We deliberately limit group sizes so the experience remains pleasant for all participants and the dolphins are not disturbed by too many people in the water. Ra Reisen's English-language service accompanies you from booking to your return journey. Book your dolphin trip in Hurghada now and experience the fascination of dolphins in the Red Sea up close.