Full-day Dolphin House And Swim With Dolphin

Planning a trip to Hurghada and looking for an experience that combines marine adventure with authentic interactions? The Full-day Dolphin House and Swim With Dolphins tour offered by Funny Picnic has been highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from over 150 reviews. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed feedback from travelers paints a compelling picture of what you can expect.

What makes this outing stand out? First, the chance to snorkel in the vibrant Red Sea with all necessary equipment included. Second, the opportunity—though not guaranteed—to spot dolphins in their natural habitat, which many reviewers found unforgettable. And third, the delicious, well-rounded lunch served on board, making the entire day feel like great value.

That said, it’s worth noting that dolphin sightings are natural and can’t be promised 100%. If you’re eager for guaranteed dolphin encounters or prefer a smaller group, you might want to explore other options. But for those seeking a full day of marine fun, scenic views, and a taste of local hospitality, this tour ticks many boxes.

Best suited for travelers who enjoy snorkeling, wildlife watching, and appreciate a relaxed, all-inclusive day on the water.

Key Points

• Authentic Marine Encounters: The tour offers multiple chances to see dolphins and explore underwater life, though sightings depend on natural factors.
• Inclusive Experience: Snorkeling gear, lunch, soft drinks, and hotel transfers are included, providing good value.
• Well-Organized: Many reviews highlight the smooth logistics, from hotel pickup to boat boarding, with dedicated staff ensuring comfort.
• Scenic and Fun: Expect stunning sea views, coral reefs, and vibrant fish during snorkeling stops, along with the thrill of dolphin searching.
• Varied Group Sizes: Limited to 30 travelers, creating a friendly, less crowded atmosphere.
• Potential Extra Costs: Be aware of additional charges like marine park taxes and transfers from certain hotels.

What Is This Tour All About?

The Dolphin House trip in Hurghada blends underwater exploration with wildlife spotting, set against the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea. It’s a full-day outing—around 7 hours—designed to be both fun and relaxing, making it ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a mix of adventure and leisure.

The tour begins early, with pickup around 8:00 am, which means you can start your day before the sun gets too intense. The transportation from your hotel to the marina is included, and many travelers appreciate how smoothly this runs, often receiving reminders and updates beforehand.

Once on the boat, you’ll have plenty of space to lounge or sit comfortably, thanks to the well-maintained vessel. The boat crew, including guides like Mahmoud Kelany, are often praised for their professionalism and friendliness, ensuring everyone feels looked after.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Snorkeling in the Red Sea and Sinai

The trip’s first major activity involves two 45-minute snorkeling stops. These are perfect for exploring the colorful underwater world filled with coral, tropical fish, and sea life. Reviewers often mention how vibrant and lively the coral reefs are, making this a highlight. The provided snorkeling equipment is in good condition, so even beginners can enjoy the experience.

One guest, Sara_T, described her experience as “very colorful and beautiful,” noting that the coral and fishes left her in awe. Many travelers find these stops to be a good length—not too short and not overly exhausting—giving you enough time to take photos and soak in the marine scenery.

Lunch Break and Refreshments

After snorkeling, the group gathers for a delicious onboard lunch. The meal includes traditional Egyptian dishes like kofta, fish, rice, pasta, salads, and fresh fruits. Reviewers like Karen_M mentioned the “great food” served, often describing it as tasty and plentiful. Soft drinks are available throughout the day to keep you energized and hydrated.

Dolphin Spotting and Additional Stops

The core attraction of this tour is the search for dolphins in their natural environment. The trip promises three stops in search of dolphins, but it’s crucial to understand that sightings depend on marine conditions—such as wind and dolphin activity. Some reviews, like Sylvia_H’s, noted “no dolphins” but still appreciated the overall experience.

Travelers have reported seeing dolphins, with one reviewer, Ayesha I, describing it as “very memorable,” and Sara_T’s husband swimming with them in the open water. The crew’s effort in locating dolphins is evident, and even if they’re not always visible, the pursuit adds excitement to the day.

What Makes This Tour Worth It?

Value for money is a consistent theme across reviews. At approximately $14 per person, the package includes transfers, snorkeling gear, a substantial meal, and soft drinks, making it an economical way to spend a day at sea. Many travelers feel they received more than they paid for, especially when considering the quality of the boat, the friendliness of staff, and the chance to see dolphins in the wild.

The scenic views during boat rides are another highlight. With the Red Sea stretching endlessly, you’ll enjoy the calming blue waters and the chance to snap stunning photos. For wildlife lovers, watching for dolphins adds a dash of unpredictability and thrill.

Logistics and Practical Details

Group Size and Comfort

Limited to a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere. This helps reduce crowds and allows for more personalized service. The boat crew, including guides like Mahmoud Kelany, are praised for their professionalism. Many reviews mention their friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile.

Pickup and Additional Transfers

The tour offers hotel pickups, but be aware of extra charges if you’re staying outside Hurghada or in specific areas like Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay. For instance, transfers from some hotels incur additional fees ranging from 250 to 500 Egyptian pounds per person. It’s best to clarify these costs before booking to avoid surprises.

Timing and Duration

Starting early at 8:00 am, the tour wraps up after about 7 hours. This schedule maximizes your day, with enough time to relax, snorkel, and enjoy meals without feeling rushed. The tour operates in good weather conditions, but if cancelled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Extra Costs to Consider

• Marine park tax: 600 Egyptian pounds, payable in cash, is not included in the standard price.
• Transport from certain hotels: Additional charges apply, so check your location in advance.

Review Highlights: Insights from Travelers

Many reviews praise the professionalism and friendliness of staff like Mahmoud Kelany, who’s often singled out for his helpfulness. Guests also appreciated the detailed communication beforehand, with reminders and updates from the team.

The snorkeling stops are consistently highlighted as vibrant and worth the effort. Sara_T wrote, “The coral and fishes were colorful and beautiful,” capturing the essence of what’s on offer.

While some travelers, like Sylvia_H, noted “no dolphins,” they still enjoyed the day overall. Others, like Ayesha I, found the experience “very memorable,” especially with dolphin sightings.

Food quality was another positive note, with many describing the onboard lunch as tasty and satisfying. The soft drinks kept everyone refreshed amid the warm sun and sea breeze.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive day of sea-based adventure at a very reasonable price point. It’s highly suitable for those who enjoy snorkeling, wildlife watching, and relaxing on a boat. The flexible itinerary with multiple snorkeling stops, combined with the chance to see dolphins (even if not guaranteed), makes for a well-rounded experience.

Group size limitations foster a friendly vibe, and the included amenities—lunch, drinks, and transfers—add to the overall value. The only real caveat is that dolphin sightings depend on natural circumstances, so patience and a bit of luck are involved.

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and family-friendly day out that balances adventure with comfort, this trip is a solid choice. Just be prepared for possible extra charges and the unpredictability of wildlife encounters.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from most Hurghada hotels, but additional charges may apply depending on your location.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 7 hours, beginning at 8:00 am.

Are snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included and generally in good condition, suitable for all levels.

Can I guarantee dolphin sightings?
No, dolphin sightings depend on natural marine conditions. Many travelers see dolphins, but it’s not promised.

What is included in the lunch?
The onboard meal features kofta, fish, rice, pasta, salads, and fresh fruits, with soft drinks available throughout the day.

Are there extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes, marine park taxes (600 Egyptian pounds) payable in cash are not included. Transfers from some hotels also have extra fees.

What if the weather is bad?
If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How many people can join the tour?
The group is limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers including families with children participate happily, especially since snorkeling and wildlife viewing are safe and enjoyable.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of underwater exploration, dolphin hunting, good food, and friendly guides makes it a memorable Marine experience at excellent value.

To sum it up, the Full-day Dolphin House and Swim With Dolphins tour reflects a well-rounded, engaging, and affordable way to enjoy Hurghada’s marine wonders. Perfect for adventure-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts, it offers enough flexibility and comfort to ensure a day filled with beautiful sights and experiences—dolphins or not.