Hurghada: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water filled with playful dolphins, colorful coral reefs, and a tasty Egyptian lunch, then this Hurghada dolphin watching tour might just be the highlight of your trip. With consistently high reviews and a reputation for fun, safety, and value, it’s no wonder this full-day excursion has earned a stellar 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 1800 travelers.

What we love about this experience is how it combines wildlife spotting with spectacular snorkeling and laid-back boat enjoyment. The guides and crew are praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and genuine care for marine life—making it feel more like a responsible adventure than just a tourist attraction. Plus, at only $25 per person, it’s hard to beat the value for such a memorable day out.

One possible consideration is that dolphin sightings are not guaranteed—these are wild animals, after all. You might find yourself enjoying a beautiful boat ride and snorkeling regardless, but the chance to see dolphins, especially multiple times, adds a unique magic. This tour suits families, couples, and nature lovers who appreciate a well-organized, engaging day on the Red Sea.

Key Points

• Wild Dolphin Encounters: Watch dolphins in their natural habitat, with multiple reviews confirming sightings and interactions.
• Vibrant Snorkeling Stops: Explore coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, with guided support available.
• Value for Money: At just $25, including lunch, soft drinks, and equipment, it offers excellent overall value.
• Expert Guides & Crew: Knowledgeable staff like Mido and Abdul ensure safety, fun, and environmental respect.
• Family-Friendly & Relaxing: Suitable for children and adults alike, with options for non-swimmers and safety gear provided.
• Eco-Conscious Approach: Guides follow ethical standards to protect marine animals, making the experience responsible.

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An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Getting Started: From Hurghada to the Red Sea

The tour begins with a round-trip transfer from Hurghada, which is appreciated for its punctuality and comfort. The meeting point is at Public Beach Number 9, and from there, you’re whisked away aboard a modern, well-maintained boat that many reviews describe as clean and spacious. The crew quickly sets a friendly tone, with guides like Mido and Abdul leading the charge.

The Dolphin-Hunting (or Not) Experience

The main highlight, of course, is dolphin watching. The crew takes you to known dolphin hotspots where, based on reviews, many guests are lucky enough to see these mammals swimming and even playing alongside the boat. Reviewers like Darcy and Vanessa describe their excitement at swimming with dolphins and how the crew makes the experience safe and respectful, often with multiple sightings.

While whales and dolphins are free to roam, and sightings are not guaranteed, the crew’s keen efforts and local knowledge significantly increase your chances. Reviewers mention that guides like Mido are persistent and passionate, sometimes even swimming with dolphins themselves to get closer and ensure everyone gets a good view.

Snorkeling in Stunning Coral Reefs

After dolphin spotting, the boat makes two snorkeling stops. These locations are praised for their vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, including fish, eels, turtles, and sometimes stingrays. Guides provide snorkeling gear (masks, fins, snorkels), and many reviews note their helpfulness, especially for non-swimmers or nervous first-timers.

Reviewers like Filippo and Myrthe mention that snorkeling was breathtaking and that the guides did a good job of making sure everyone was comfortable. It’s a relaxed, no-rush experience—perfect for those who prefer to take their time exploring underwater or just float around soaking up the views.

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Lunch & Refreshments: A Taste of Egypt at Sea

A buffet lunch is served onboard, often described as “home-cooked” and authentically Egyptian, with plenty of options to satisfy different tastes. Reviewers like Caris and Daniel say the food was delicious and plentiful, and soft drinks are available throughout the day to keep everyone hydrated.

Guests also rave about the generous refreshments, which include water and soft drinks, essential when spending hours on the water under the sun. Some reviews mention optional activities like banana boat rides or sofa boats to add extra fun, making the day feel even more lively.

Comfortable, Fun, and Safe Atmosphere

The spacious boat features a sun deck and shaded areas, so you can choose to sunbathe or stay cool in the shade. The crew’s attention to safety is frequently highlighted, with multiple guides on each boat and strict adherence to environmental standards to protect the wildlife.

Music, cheerful chatter, and the stunning scenery make for a relaxing yet exciting atmosphere. Guests often mention the friendly guides, especially Mido, who is known for his energy, humor, and dedication. He goes above and beyond to ensure everyone is enjoying themselves and feeling safe—whether helping nervous snorkelers or calming children.

The Overall Experience: Authentic, Responsible, and Fun

From the reviews, it’s clear that this tour strikes a great balance between entertainment and responsibility. The crew’s respect for the animals and environment is evident, with many guests noting their appreciation for guides who follow ethical guidelines.

Guests like Celine appreciate how the crew’s care extends to marine life and how they avoid disturbing the dolphins, making it a trip you can enjoy guilt-free. The guides’ knowledge about the reef and marine creatures also enhances the experience, adding educational value without feeling preachy.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Value & Inclusivity

For just $25 per person, you get a full day of adventure—dolphin sightings, snorkeling at two reefs, a hearty lunch, and fun extras like banana boat rides. Many reviews emphasize the excellent value for money, especially considering the amount of activity packed into the trip.

Experienced Guides & Crew

Multiple reviews mention Mido and crew members like Abdul and Mustafa as enthusiastic, caring, and professional. They’re praised not just for their expertise but also for their ability to create a friendly, inclusive environment. They’re attentive to safety, marine ethics, and guest comfort, which is a huge plus.

Authentic Encounters

Guests often highlight how lucky they felt to see dolphins swimming freely in their natural habitat. The chance to swim with these intelligent creatures—if they decide to come close—is a rare and precious moment, made more special by the crew’s respectful approach.

Family & Non-Swimmers Friendly

The tour is described as suitable for children, with guides helping nervous swimmers or those who prefer to stay dry. The boat’s design, combined with helpful safety gear and attentive staff, keeps everyone comfortable and confident.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day.
• Meeting Point: Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada.
• Transport: Round-trip boat transfer included; pickups available from Hurghada hotels (extra for some areas).
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, swimwear, towel, waterproof camera, sunscreen, and a regular camera.
• Children: Under 3 years old join for free; the tour is generally safe for families, but not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.
• What’s Not Included: Towels, personal expenses, photography services (though cameras are encouraged).
• Booking & Cancellation: Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dolphin sighting guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on the dolphins’ presence and behavior. However, guides make every effort to find them, and many guests do experience multiple dolphin encounters.

Are snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, masks, fins, and snorkels are included and provided by the guides, ensuring everyone can enjoy the underwater scenery comfortably.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Absolutely. The crew is attentive, and life vests and safety rings are available. Many reviews mention helping children and nervous swimmers feel secure.

What is the lunch like?
A fresh, Egyptian-style buffet lunch is served onboard, with many guests describing it as delicious and home-cooked.

How long is the trip?
The tour lasts around 6 to 7 hours, including transfers, dolphin watching, snorkeling, and lunch.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, guests can enjoy banana boat rides or sofa boat experiences, adding extra fun to the day.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, reviews highlight the clean, modern, and spacious boat with sun decks and shaded areas to relax.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, waterproof cameras, sunglasses, and a hat. Towels are not provided.

Are there guides available?
Yes, with 2 to 4 professional guides on each boat, including snorkeling instructors and marine environment advocates.

Can I book this tour from other locations?
Yes, pickup is available from Hurghada hotels, with extra charges for Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and other nearby resorts.

Final Thoughts

This Hurghada dolphin watching tour offers a fantastic mix of wildlife encounters, underwater exploration, and cultural flavor—all at an accessible price point. It’s clear from thousands of reviews that the guides, especially Mido and Abdul, are passionate about providing an enjoyable, safe, and respectful experience for everyone.

If you’re after a day that combines fun, relaxation, and a touch of adventure, and you’re happy with the slight chance that dolphins might not always appear, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly well-suited for families, first-time snorkelers, and wildlife enthusiasts eager to witness the beauty of the Red Sea in a responsible way.

Final Words

For those seeking an authentic, value-packed day filled with playful dolphins, vibrant coral reefs, and friendly guides, this Hurghada tour ticks all the boxes. The pleasures of swimming with dolphins, exploring underwater worlds, and enjoying Egyptian hospitality are hard to beat at just $25 per person.

While it’s not a guarantee to see dolphins every single trip, the many positive reviews and the guides’ dedication suggest that most guests leave with incredible stories and photos. Perfect for anyone looking to add a memorable, responsible adventure to their Egypt itinerary.

Note: Remember to check if your hotel or nearby resorts offer pickup options and consider bringing a waterproof camera to capture those unforgettable underwater moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: