If you’re dreaming of a day packed with stunning scenery, underwater adventures, and tasty food in Egypt’s Red Sea, this tour promises just that. While we haven’t personally joined, the experience consistently earns high praise—an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from over 100 reviews.
What travelers love most are the chance to sail through El Gouna’s man-made lagoons, snorkel or dive among vibrant marine life, and the opportunity — even if not guaranteed — to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. Plus, the onboard buffet lunch and soft drinks are frequently highlighted as a real treat. However, some mention the dolphin sightings aren’t always as close or interactive as hoped, which is worth considering if your main goal is swimming with dolphins.
This experience is best suited for those who appreciate a good mix of relaxation, adventure, and scenic beauty — especially if you’re comfortable on boats and keen to explore underwater worlds. Families with older children, solo travelers, or couples looking for a full-day escape will find plenty to enjoy here.
Key Points
- Stunning scenery: Cruising through El Gouna’s lagoons offers picture-perfect views of water channels, villas, and resorts.
- Marine encounters: Snorkeling or diving near coral reefs provides mesmerizing underwater sights.
- Dolphin spotting: Wild dolphins are often seen, but swimming with them isn’t guaranteed.
- Quality food: An open buffet with seafood, salads, fruits, and unlimited drinks makes for a satisfying meal.
- Professional guides: Knowledgeable staff, including a PADI-certified instructor, ensure safety and an enjoyable experience.
- Value for money: At $56 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive trip packed with activities, transportation, and food.
The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect
Looking for more options in El Gouna? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Pick-up and Transfer
The journey begins with hotel pickup — an essential perk if you’re staying in Hurghada or El Gouna, saving you from the hassle of organizing transport. The exact pickup time is confirmed via WhatsApp or email the evening before, which helps you plan your morning accordingly. Additional fees apply if coming from other popular resorts like Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay, so consider this if you’re outside the main pickup zones.
Scenic Lagoon Cruise
Once aboard a luxurious boat, the real magic starts. We loved the way the boat glided smoothly through the clear waters, giving plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the shimmering lagoons, lined with colorful villas and lush landscapes. The cruise itself is relaxing, offering a chance to unwind with soft drinks, water, or a hot coffee.
Snorkeling and Diving
The core of the experience is exploring Red Sea’s marine life. The tour typically takes you to popular sites near El Gouna, known for vibrant coral reefs and abundant fish. Many guests, including one reviewer, appreciated the personalized attention from guides like Mohamed and Ahmed, who were praised for their patience and clarity.
While some travelers, such as a GetYourGuide reviewer, were a bit disappointed with the snorkeling spots—desiring better coral or more fish—they still enjoyed the chance to see various marine species. The snorkeling gear (fins, masks, life jackets) is provided, and guides help ensure everyone gets the most out of the underwater adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyDolphins in Their Natural Habitat
One of the standout features is the chance to spot wild dolphins. While sightings are common, they’re not always guaranteed, and some travelers noted that the dolphins sometimes only appear briefly or at a distance. A reviewer from September 2025 said, “we saw dolphins from the boat, but it wasn’t quite the swimming experience many hoped for.” Still, many found the sightings thrilling and appreciated the effort made by crew members to get close.
Lunch and Refreshments
A major highlight is the open buffet lunch, served directly on board. Expect grilled shrimp, calamari, fried fish fillet, and a variety of salads, fruits, and oven-baked potatoes. Reviewers repeatedly mention the delicious quality of the food as an unexpected bonus, with some calling it “awesome” and “well prepared.” Unlimited soft drinks, water, and hot beverages like Nescafe and black tea keep guests refreshed.
Additional Watersports and Activities
The tour also includes water sports rounds and an open snack bar—offering crackers, cookies, stuffed dates, chips, popcorn, mini pizzas, and oriental desserts. These little extras keep the energy levels high and add to the fun, especially during downtime or after snorkeling.
What’s Unique and Valuable About This Tour
Authentic Scenery and Marine Life
Unlike busy, commercialized trips, this tour gives you a genuine look at El Gouna’s scenic lagoons and natural underwater environment. The boat cruise itself is a visual feast, with an unobstructed view of the turquoise waters and luxurious surroundings.
Professional Guidance and Safety
The presence of a certified PADI instructor and experienced guides such as Mohamed and Ahmed means you’re in safe hands. Their knowledge enhances the experience—whether explaining marine species, giving snorkeling tips, or ensuring safety during water activities.
Food and Drinks
The all-inclusive buffet and drinks on board represent good value, especially considering the variety and quality. It’s a great way to enjoy a full meal without worrying about extra costs or finding somewhere to dine after the tour.
Flexible Options
The tour offers options to snorkel or dive, catering to different comfort levels and experience. This flexibility makes it suitable for families with children over 10, as well as more adventurous travelers.
Value for Money
At $56 a person, this tour packs in a lot—boat cruise, snorkeling/diving, dolphin sightings, lunch, and transfers. The reviews highlight that most feel they receive good value, especially with the quality of food and the effort to spot dolphins.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
Dolphin Sightings Are Not Always Guaranteed
While many guests enjoy dolphin sightings, some reviews highlight that swimming with dolphins is not guaranteed. You might see dolphins from the boat, but the possibility of getting into the water with them is uncertain.
Snorkeling Conditions Vary
Some travelers found that the snorkeling spots could be better, citing less colorful reefs or fewer fish than expected. If vibrant coral reefs are your main goal, it’s worth managing expectations.
Language and Communication
A few reviews mention that an English-speaking guide would improve the experience. The current guides speak English, German, and Arabic, but some travelers felt that a dedicated English guide would enhance clarity and instructions.
Weather and Rescheduling
As with all sea-based activities, bad weather can lead to rescheduling or cancellations. Safety is prioritized, so flexibility is essential if conditions aren’t suitable on the day.
Additional Costs
Pickup from resorts outside Hurghada and El Gouna incurs extra charges, and optional extras like photos or souvenirs aren’t included in the base price. Be prepared with some cash if you wish to purchase pictures or additional services.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a full-day escape into the Red Sea’s beauty. Families with children over 10 will appreciate the structured activities, while couples and solo explorers will enjoy the scenic boat cruise and marine encounters. If you’re a foodie, the onboard buffet provides a delicious slice of local and international flavors.
However, if your main goal is swimming with dolphins, keep in mind that sightings can be fleeting. It’s best viewed as part of a broader experience of sailing, snorkeling, and enjoying the scenery rather than a dedicated dolphin swim tour.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and scenery at a competitive price point. The highlight for many will be the chance to see dolphins in the wild and explore the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea. The onboard lunch and friendly guides add to the overall value, making it a solid choice for those staying in Hurghada or El Gouna who want a well-rounded day on the water.
While some may wish for more guaranteed dolphin swimming or more colorful snorkeling spots, the overall experience is likely to leave you with plenty of memorable moments and beautiful photos.
In summary, this trip is best suited for travelers who love scenic boat rides, underwater exploration, and enjoying delicious local cuisine — with a bit of luck, a dolphin sighting too.
FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered
Is pickup included in the tour price?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included if you are staying in Hurghada or El Gouna. For other locations like Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, or Safaga, there’s an additional fee.
Can I choose to snorkel or dive?
Yes, the tour offers options to snorkel or dive depending on your preference and experience level. Guides help ensure safety during both activities.
Are dolphins guaranteed to be seen?
No, dolphin sightings are in the wild, so while they are often spotted, they can’t be guaranteed. Some guests see dolphins from the boat, others get brief glimpses.
What’s included in the lunch?
A generous open buffet with grilled seafood, salads, fruits, and baked potatoes. Soft drinks and hot beverages are unlimited.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and cash for extras. Note that alcohol and drugs are not permitted.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 10 can participate, and they must be accompanied by an adult. The activity is not recommended for pregnant women or those with serious health conditions.
How long is the tour?
It’s a full-day experience, typically starting early with hotel pickup and returning in the late afternoon or evening.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons. Communication regarding changes is usually handled via WhatsApp or email.
Can I purchase photos taken during the trip?
Yes, a professional photographer may be on board, and photos or videos can often be bought separately.
Is there a dress code or restrictions?
Swimwear is recommended for snorkeling and swimming. Strollers are not allowed on the boat, and alcohol or drugs are prohibited on the vessel.
In essence, this tour is a well-rounded, value-packed day out on Egypt’s Red Sea, perfect for those wanting a scenic, marine-filled adventure with delicious food to top it all off.
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