See dolphins in the Red Sea lagoon.

This Hurghada tour takes you to the dolphin house area just off the coast, in the Sharb el Erg lagoon and coral reef zone where dolphins are often active. I like the mix of choices—stay onboard and watch from above, or get in and swim when it’s safe. I also like that the day includes two snorkeling stops, so you’re not only waiting for dolphin luck. The one thing to keep in mind is that dolphins can be shy some days, so your closest swims depend on how they behave that day.

You’ll start early (around 8:00 am) and spend most of the day on the water, which is great if you want a full Red Sea session—but it’s not a short, low-effort outing. The good news: the tour is capped at a maximum of 33 people, and the crew focus on keeping the group organized, including during transfers to the lagoon.

Dolphin House in Sharb el Erg: The Real Point of the Day

The core experience is the trip to the dolphin house, described as a beautiful lagoon inside a coral reef area. In practice, that means you’re snorkeling in a place where marine life activity is the main attraction—not some random stop where you hope for something interesting.

Here’s what to expect once you reach the dolphin house zone:

• You can observe dolphins from the boat if you prefer to stay dry.
• If you swim, you’re working in a shared space with wild animals, so you’ll want to move calmly and follow crew instructions closely.
• The goal is a respectful, low-stress experience for the dolphins. The tour guidance specifically warns you to be careful not to scare them or harm them.

A useful detail from real trip stories: when dolphins are active, the crew actively positions the group to increase your chances. One review mentioned seeing dolphins making what they described as a show-like moment for their group, which lines up with how dolphin behavior tends to look in nature—sometimes you get playful movement close by, sometimes they keep their distance.

How the Full Day Flows: Pickup, Boat Time, and Transfers

This is an all-in outing that runs about 9 hours, starting at 8:00 am. If your hotel pickup is included for your booking, you’ll be collected from Hurghada and taken to the departure point, then returned at the end.

Once you’re on the water, expect the day to be structured like this:

• Big boat ride out from Hurghada
• Time in the dolphin house lagoon zone
• Two snorkeling stops spaced during the day
• Back to port with lunch handled onboard during the trip

One traveler described a long outbound boat ride (around 50 km) before switching to a smaller dinghy to reach the dolphin house area and follow dolphins carefully. That may not be exactly the same every day, but it does give you a feel for why this tour feels “full day”—there’s real travel time, not just a quick hop to the nearest reef.

Group size is also part of the experience. The tour caps at 33 people, and at least one group of 11 reported plenty of room onboard and that it never felt overfilled. If you’re someone who hates cramped boats, that limit is a comfort point.

Two Snorkel Stops: Coral, Fish, and Calmer Water Sessions

Beyond dolphins, the snorkeling schedule is built around two separate stops. The idea is simple: more water time at different reef conditions increases your chance of seeing colorful fish and coral life.

What you can realistically hope for at each snorkeling stop:

• A guide or crew member helps you get into the water safely and keeps an eye on the group.
• You’ll snorkel in reef areas where fish activity is visible.
• One trip description specifically notes a pattern of a short swim by the dolphins first, followed by two calmer snorkeling sessions near the reefs.

So while dolphins steal the headline, the snorkel stops are doing their own job: they keep the day interesting even if dolphin closeness changes.

Snorkeling gear and guidance

The tour experience assumes you’ll snorkel with gear during the water stops. If you’re the kind of person who wants confidence in the water, there’s an upgrade (more on that below) that effectively turns the day into a guided snorkeling session, not just a “follow the group” situation.

Lunch and Drinks Onboard: A Surprisingly Important Value Piece

A lot of boat days fail because you’re hungry and stuck paying for food at the wrong time. Here, lunch is included onboard along with soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

In real-world terms, that means:

• You get a proper lunch while you’re already in motion, not after the tour ends.
• Lunch has been described as buffet-style, with treats also mentioned in trip stories.
• You can plan your day around activity instead of calculating meals.

For $46.46 per person, that included onboard meal + drinks matters. You’re paying for the whole water day, not just access to a lagoon. The tour isn’t priced like a “cheap transfer only” add-on.

Dolphins Up Close: What You Can Control and What You Can’t

Dolphins are wild animals. That means your experience can swing from amazing closeness to more distant observation depending on their mood.

Still, you’re not left alone with luck:

• The crew is engaged and focused on getting you dolphin time.
• Some trips include dinghy follow-ups to stay near dolphin movement.
• There’s a clear emphasis on swimming responsibly so you don’t push the dolphins away.

A good tip that comes directly from trip advice: bring a camera. More than one person singled out how excited they were and noted that video was hard to keep steady—especially underwater—so a waterproof setup (and the right way to hold it) can make the difference between a blur and a memory.

Also, if you’re hoping to swim with dolphins, know that the dolphin house part gives you the option. One reviewer said they wished they could swim with the dolphins; that’s the reminder to be flexible: some days are better for entry, and some are better for watching.

The Optional Snorkeling Guide Upgrade (25 Euro): For People Who Want Structure

There’s a specific upgrade option: rent your very own snorkeling guide for an additional 25 EURO.

This matters for a simple reason: confidence in the water changes everything. The tour explains that if you’re afraid to move in the water and follow the group on your own, the guide helps you:

• Get secure in the sea
• See the Red Sea in a more supported way
• Make the experience more individual and less stressful

In plain terms, the upgrade is for you if you want coaching instead of freedom. If you’re a strong swimmer and comfortable with groups, you may not need it. But if you want someone watching your pace and helping you feel comfortable, this is the most direct way to reduce anxiety and increase enjoyment.

Trip stories also mention boat guides by name—Hany, Hossam, and Albert show up in different accounts—so you know you’re dealing with crew who pay attention to what you see and how you handle the water.

Price and Logistics: Is $46.46 a Fair Deal?

At $46.46 per person, this tour is positioned as an affordable full-day water experience: pickup offered (when available), time at the dolphin house, and two snorkeling stops, plus lunch and drinks onboard.

What’s included:

• Lunch
• Soft drinks, coffee, and tea on board
• Pickup is offered
• Mobile ticket
• Dolphin house visit with the option to swim or observe
• Two snorkeling stops
• An upgrade option for a snorkeling guide (extra)

What’s not included:

• All fees and taxes

That missing line matters because some add-ons can change the final total. Still, the overall value is strong if you want a packed day on the Red Sea without finding restaurants or arranging separate transport.

One more practical note: the tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’re offered a different date or a full refund.

Who This Dolphin Snorkeling Tour Suits Best

This tour fits best if you want:

• A full day outdoors on the Red Sea
• A realistic shot at dolphin encounters in a lagoon setting
• Snorkeling time that isn’t limited to one stop
• An onboard lunch so you’re not rushed or hungry

It’s also appealing for families. One report noted snorkeling gear that worked for children around 10 years old, and another described the trip as enjoyable for the whole family with no overcrowding.

If you’re uncomfortable in the water, the optional snorkeling guide is your best tool for turning the day from stressful into fun.

Should You Book the Meet the Dolphins Snorkeling Tour from Hurghada?

I’d book this if your top priority is a dolphin house experience plus real snorkeling time in one day, and you like the idea of lunch and drinks handled onboard. The price-to-inclusions ratio is the main reason. You’re not paying only for the dolphin moment—you’re also buying two snorkeling stops, which gives the day depth even if dolphins choose to stay a bit farther away.

I’d think twice if you’re extremely dependent on swimming right next to dolphins. While the tour offers the swim option, dolphin behavior is unpredictable, and some days mean more observation than close contact.

If you want my decision rule:

• Want dolphins + snorkeling in one organized day? Book.
• Need extra help in the water to feel safe and steady? Add the snorkeling guide upgrade.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The experience start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the dolphin house snorkeling tour?

The duration is listed as about 9 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered from your Hurghada hotel (when selected for your booking).

What’s included with lunch onboard?

Lunch is included, along with soft drinks, coffee, and tea on the boat.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 33 travelers.

Can I upgrade to have a snorkeling guide?

Yes. There’s a snorkeling guide option for an additional 25 EURO.

What happens if weather is bad?

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.