REVIEW · HURGHADA
Dolphin House By Private Speedboat With Giftun Island _ Hurghada
Book on Viator →Operated by Meeka Tours · Bookable on Viator
Dolphins on a speedboat is a rare combo. This private Hurghada outing takes you out to the Orange Island / Giftun Island area for a fast ride, a snorkeling stop, and a good shot at seeing dolphins on the way back. Two things I like a lot: the speedboat quality and the snorkeling equipment included.
The one watch-out is what happens once you’re on Orange Island. The island day can include expensive extras if you start buying beach items, drinks, or other on-site add-ons, so budget for that.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually care about
- Hurghada to Orange/Giftun Island: a half-day that feels like a full day
- The private boat setup: what “only your group” changes
- The speedboat ride: views, wind, and how to stay comfortable
- Giftun Island beach time: enough room for snorkeling and sun
- Snorkeling details: what’s included and what costs extra
- Dolphin watching: 80% odds and the mindset that helps
- Food and drinks on board: the included snack boost
- The guide team: friendly service you’ll feel in the flow
- Price and value: what $20 covers, and what to budget for
- Weather and timing: how to plan your day in Hurghada
- Who should book this speedboat dolphin trip
- Should you book it or skip it?
- FAQ
- How long is the Dolphin House speedboat trip?
- Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
- What’s included for snorkeling?
- Is dolphin watching guaranteed?
- Are there extra costs besides the $20 price?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key highlights you’ll actually care about

- Private speedboat for your group: fewer hassles, more control over your timing.
- Snorkeling gear is included: you don’t have to scramble for rental equipment.
- Giftun Island entry included: saves a step and keeps the day simple.
- Dolphin watching is 80%: good odds, but not a guarantee.
- Snacks, water, soft drinks, and fruit included: helps you stay comfortable on the water.
- 2 hours on the island: enough time to enjoy the beach before heading back.
Hurghada to Orange/Giftun Island: a half-day that feels like a full day

This trip is built around momentum. You’re not spending hours just sitting at a dock. Instead, you get a high-speed boat run out over bright water, then you land with a chunk of time to enjoy the island side of the experience.
Total duration is about 4 hours (approx.), with around 3 hours on the private speedboat, including about 2 hours at Giftun Island. That rhythm matters. It’s long enough to feel like you got away, but short enough that you won’t go home exhausted.
The destination is described as Orange Island, and you also get entry/admission to Giftun Island included. In practice, the day is about the islands in this area—white-sand beach time plus sea life viewing—so you’re not just taking a photo from a pier.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Hurghada
The private boat setup: what “only your group” changes

This is listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That’s not just marketing. When the boat is dedicated to your group, you typically spend less time herding people and more time doing the fun parts: getting out onto the water, following the captain’s plan, and staying on schedule.
Hotel pickup and drop-off inside Hurghada is included, which helps a lot if you don’t want to deal with taxis and finding a meeting point. If you’re in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, or Safaga, there are extra transfer charges—so do check your location before you assume it’s covered.
You also get a mobile ticket, which is convenient. No paper chase. You just show your ticket when you meet the team.
The speedboat ride: views, wind, and how to stay comfortable
The big “wow” moment starts immediately. You step onto a powerful boat, then the ride kicks into gear. The route is described as showing the coastline along the way, and the high-speed feel is part of why people book this: you get wide sea views without waiting all day.
Here’s the practical side. On a speedboat, wind can make it feel cooler than you expect. That’s good if you’re used to Hurghada’s heat, but it can also leave you slightly chilled if you’re sensitive. I’d plan to wear swimwear, then bring a thin layer you can toss on.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, be smart: try to sit where you feel the least vibration (often toward the middle), and keep your eyes on the horizon when the boat accelerates. The tour is designed for speed, so your body will notice.
Giftun Island beach time: enough room for snorkeling and sun

Once you land, you get 2 hours on the island. That’s the sweet spot for a quick getaway style day: long enough to snorkel, wander a bit, and enjoy the beach vibe, without turning into a full-day grind.
This is also where the experience can include a snorkeling stop with equipment. Having the gear included makes a big difference. In places like Hurghada, last-minute rentals can slow you down and sometimes cost extra. Here, you’re covered for the core snorkeling portion.
You may also have the chance to go to White Island during the beach time. That’s the kind of bonus that turns a standard island stop into a more memorable outing—especially if you like variety in sand and sea views.
What to watch: island areas often charge for extras. One hint from real-world experience—people note the island itself can be expensive. So if you want souvenirs, beach seating, or extra snacks, decide ahead of time what you’re comfortable spending.
Snorkeling details: what’s included and what costs extra

Snorkeling is part of the plan, and the important part is equipment is included in the package. That means you should be able to do the snorkeling stop without buying gear.
There is one extra line item: a new snorkel mouthpiece (€5) upon request. This isn’t uncommon. If you prefer a fresh mouthpiece for comfort or hygiene, you’ll have the option to request it.
Because your snorkeling time happens during the excursion, you’ll want to keep things simple:
- Bring sunscreen that won’t sting your eyes.
- Dry off a bit before you switch back into non-wet clothes.
- Keep valuables in a dry pouch or sealed bag if you have one.
If you’re new to snorkeling, the day typically includes a snorkeling guide who helps you get oriented. In the feedback tied to this tour, the snorkeling guidance gets high marks for being helpful.
You can also read our reviews of more dolphin watching tours in Hurghada
- Swimming with Dolphin VIP Snorkeling Sea Trip With Lunch and Transfer – Hurghada
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Dolphin watching: 80% odds and the mindset that helps

This trip includes dolphins watching (80%). That number is important. It’s not guaranteed, and you shouldn’t bet your whole day on a sighting. But it’s also not just wishful thinking.
The key is the timing and the return leg. The boat goes out to the island area and then heads back, and dolphins are often more likely when the boat is moving steadily over the water rather than idling.
When you’re scanning the sea, keep your search wide. Dolphins can surface fast and then move on. Have patience for a minute or two at a time, then re-scan. If you’re distracted by phones or constant back-and-forth, you’ll miss the short appearances.
Also, remember you’re on a speedboat. If you’re focused on dolphins, protect your balance and keep your footing safe. You don’t want a great day ruined by a sloppy step on a wet deck.
Food and drinks on board: the included snack boost

On the water, you get snacks, water, soft drinks, and fruit. That’s not just about calories. It helps you stay comfortable during the ride and keeps the island time from feeling like a long stretch until dinner.
It’s especially useful if you’re doing this before a later plan in Hurghada. A lot of day trips leave you hungry and annoyed. This one tries to prevent that with the basic refreshment pack.
The guide team: friendly service you’ll feel in the flow
What shows up strongly in the experience feedback is how smooth the team tries to keep the day. People mention the team being friendly and professional, and they also specifically thank someone named Fadi for helping make the trip enjoyable.
You’ll feel that kind of organization most in the small moments:
- quick check-ins
- clear timing for boarding and island time
- support with snorkeling setup
- reassurance during the dolphin search
That’s the kind of help that matters on a fast-moving boat day. When the schedule is tight, friendliness plus competence becomes part of the value.
Price and value: what $20 covers, and what to budget for
The headline price is $20 per person, and the package includes several practical items that add real value:
- hotel pickup and drop-off inside Hurghada
- private speedboat time (about 3 hours total, with ~2 hours on the island)
- Giftun Island entry
- snorkeling stop and equipment
- snacks, water, soft drinks, and fruit
- dolphin watching (80%)
- group discounts and mobile ticket
Now the careful part. Extras do exist:
- New snorkel mouthpiece €5 (upon request)
- transfers from Makadi & Sahl Hasheesh hotels: EUR 5 per person
- transfers from El Gouna & Safaga hotels: EUR 10 per person
- Taxes and fees: EUR 10 per person
So your real “all-in” cost may be a mix of the $20 base plus those EUR charges, depending on where you’re picked up and whether you request the mouthpiece.
Still, for a day that includes entry fees, snorkeling gear, and actual private boat time, it can be a strong value—especially compared to doing those pieces separately.
Weather and timing: how to plan your day in Hurghada
This experience requires good weather. If weather is poor, you may be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a smart policy for a sea trip, and it’s also a reminder to keep your Hurghada schedule flexible.
In practical terms, I’d avoid booking this on your only morning if you have tight connections. A plan with one backup day gives you less stress.
Who should book this speedboat dolphin trip
This is a good match if you want:
- speedboat fun without a full-day time commitment
- a straightforward snorkeling stop with equipment included
- a realistic shot at dolphins with 80% odds
- convenience from pickup/drop-off in Hurghada
- a private setup for your group
It may be less ideal if you hate boats, hate wind, or get easily motion sick. It also may feel tight if you’re the type who wants hours and hours on one beach with no schedule.
Should you book it or skip it?
If you want a short, active day that mixes dolphins, snorkeling, and island beach time, I’d book this style of trip. The combination of included equipment, entry, snacks, and a private speedboat makes the value feel practical—not just a ticket price.
I’d hesitate only if you’re sensitive to boat motion or if you’re expecting unlimited island shopping and ultra-low prices on-site. With island extras potentially costly, you’ll enjoy it more if you treat the beach as the main event and pack what you can.
FAQ
How long is the Dolphin House speedboat trip?
It runs about 4 hours (approx.), including 3 hours private speedboat time with around 2 hours stay at Giftun Island.
Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes. Hotel pick up and drop off service inside Hurghada is included.
What’s included for snorkeling?
You get a snorkeling stop with equipment included.
Is dolphin watching guaranteed?
No. Dolphin watching is listed as 80%.
Are there extra costs besides the $20 price?
Yes. Taxes & fees are EUR 10 per person, and there are optional or location-based extras like a new snorkel mouthpiece (€5 upon request) and added transfer fees from places outside central Hurghada.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
More Dolphin Watching Tours in Hurghada
- Swimming with Dolphin VIP Snorkeling Sea Trip With Lunch and Transfer – Hurghada
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