Dolphin House Hurghada: What to Expect on the Boat Trip

Dolphin House is one of the most asked-about boat trips in Hurghada, and it is easy to see why: a full day at sea with the chance to see dolphins, plus snorkeling, lunch and time to relax on deck. If you are comparing Dolphin House Hurghada trips, it helps to know how the day is organised and what you can and cannot expect.

This guide describes our Dolphin House boat trip as it runs on a larger boat, using the details from our own trip page. Programs and timings can change with weather and sea conditions, and we confirm the final details with you on WhatsApp when you book.

How the Dolphin House day works

The trip is a full day of about 8 hours. Hotel pickup in the Hurghada area is around 8:00 AM, and we confirm your exact pickup time on WhatsApp after booking. You travel to the marina, board the larger boat and head out to the Dolphin House area, with the return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Along the way the day is split into three simple parts: the sailing, the dolphin watching and two guided snorkeling stops at coral reefs. Between them there is time for lunch, a swim, music and sunbathing on board. Because it is a larger boat, there is room to move around, shade to sit in and a shower for when you are back on deck.

• Duration: full day, about 8 hours
• Pickup: around 8:00 AM, confirmed on WhatsApp
• Boat: the larger boat, with sunbeds, music and a shower
• Price: EUR 25 per person

Dolphins: what is realistic

Dolphins move freely in the sea, so a sighting can never be guaranteed. Our trip gives you dolphin watching with a chance to swim with dolphins, and the best way to enjoy it is to treat the dolphins as a bonus on top of a good day at sea rather than the only reason to come.

Whether the dolphins appear, and how close they come, depends on the dolphins themselves, the weather and the sea conditions on the day. Follow the crew's instructions when the boat slows down, stay calm in the water and keep a respectful distance. If you prefer a shorter, more predictable plan, our Dolphin Show is an option with trainers, and we explain the difference below.

Snorkeling, water sports and lunch

The day includes two guided snorkeling stops with a snorkeling guide, and the snorkeling and safety equipment is provided. You do not need to be an expert: tell the guide if you are a beginner and ask for a life jacket if you want extra support. The reefs here are home to colorful fish, but what you see changes from day to day.

For something more active there are two water sports during the day: a banana boat and a quadra cruise. Lunch and fruit are served on board, with soft drinks, water, tea and coffee included, so you do not need to bring food.

• Included: hotel transfers (Hurghada area)
• Included: boat trip to Dolphin House on the larger boat
• Included: two guided snorkeling stops, with snorkeling and safety equipment
• Included: banana boat and quadra cruise
• Included: lunch and fruit on board, plus soft drinks, water, tea and coffee
• Not included: national park fee, if applicable (paid locally per person)
• Not included: photos and videos, personal expenses and optional tips
• Not included: extra transfer fee for hotels outside Hurghada city

Shared boat, private boat or dolphin show?

The shared Dolphin House trip suits couples, friends and families who like a full, relaxed day with food and snorkeling included. If you want your own schedule, a private speedboat can follow a tailored route that includes Dolphin House, with pickup at a time that suits you in the morning.

If you only have a couple of hours, our Dolphin Show includes hotel transfers and about two hours at the show, where you watch the dolphins perform and can meet them with their trainers. It is a different experience from the open sea, and some families like to choose it for younger children.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack light and keep your valuables to a minimum. The sun and sea are strong on the Red Sea, so plan for protection as well as fun, and bring a light jacket in winter because it can be cool on the open deck.

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• A water bottle and a power bank
• A photo of your passport on your phone
• A light jacket in winter
• Some cash for the national park fee (if applicable), photos and optional tips