Hurghada: Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling & Buffet Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada boat trip is the chance to see wild dolphins in the Red Sea, not animals kept in a marine park. You’ll also get two snorkelling stops, a buffet lunch, soft drinks, and room to stretch out on a boat with both sun and shade.

I like the simple value here: $26 includes the boat, gear, food, and guides, and I like that the day mixes wildlife watching with reef time instead of making you choose one. The main caution is that dolphins are wild, so nobody can promise a sighting. One passenger also found the boat a little crowded, which matters if you prefer a quiet outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Dolphins are seen in their natural habitat: The crew searches known areas, but sightings and close encounters cannot be guaranteed.
• Two reef stops are included: You receive a mask, snorkel, and fins, with an instructor and several guides available to help.
• Lunch is served on board: A fresh buffet, water, and soft drinks are included in the price.
• The boat has both shade and sun: You can relax between water stops rather than spending the whole day in the sea.
• Water activities go beyond snorkelling: Banana boat and sofa boat rides are included.
• Pickup needs checking: The meeting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga costs an additional €10 per person.

A Red Sea day built around dolphins and reefs

This is a full-day sea outing rather than a quick boat ride. Plan on about 6 to 7 hours from departure to return, with the day split between wildlife watching, two snorkelling stops, lunch, and time on deck.

You leave from Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada and head out over the Red Sea. The boat has a sun deck for anyone who wants a little color and shaded areas for those who would rather stay out of the strongest sun. Music is part of the atmosphere, so this is not a silent nature trip. It has a social, easygoing feel.

I would choose this outing if you want several activities packed into one morning and afternoon. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a first look at Red Sea sea life without paying for a more specialized boat charter.

The tradeoff is the group setting. You are sharing the boat with other participants, and one account describes it as somewhat crowded. That may be fine if you enjoy a lively day with a crew, but it is worth knowing if personal space is high on your list.

Searching for dolphins in open water

The dolphin portion is the emotional center of the trip. The crew takes you toward known dolphin areas and watches for animals moving through their natural surroundings. This is important: the dolphins are not trained performers, and the crew cannot control where they go or how long they stay.

That uncertainty is part of the deal. You may see dolphins several times, and some passengers have been able to get close to them in the water. Still, the honest way to book this is to treat a sighting as a welcome possibility, not a guarantee.

If dolphins appear, you’ll want to follow the crew’s directions closely. The boat includes 2 to 4 professional guides, along with a snorkeling instructor, so there should be help available as the group moves between wildlife watching and water activities.

The strongest reports describe seeing numerous dolphins and returning to the area more than once. That makes the trip especially appealing to families and nature fans, but you should not book it only because you expect a certain number of animals or a guaranteed swim.

Bring patience. The Red Sea may look calm and clear from the boat, but wildlife watching still involves waiting and scanning the water. A sun hat, sunscreen, and water are not optional extras here. You will be outside for much of the day.

Two snorkelling stops at coral reefs

After the dolphin search, the boat makes two snorkelling stops at coral reef sites. This gives the day more substance than a dolphin cruise alone. Even if the animals stay out of sight, you still have two chances to see fish and coral beneath the surface.

Masks, snorkels, and fins are supplied. A guide and snorkeling instructor are included, and the crew can provide assistance in the water. That makes the activity more approachable if you are a beginner or have not snorkelled recently.

The reef stops are described as colorful, with many fish and attractive coral. You should expect the usual limits of a group boat outing: you will enter the water with other people, and the length of each stop is not specified. The experience is about getting a good sample of Red Sea marine life, not spending an entire day at one quiet reef.

If you are comfortable in the water, bring your own prescription mask if you use one, though the supplied equipment covers the basics. If you are less confident, tell the snorkeling instructor before entering. The presence of several guides is useful, but you still need to be honest about your swimming ability.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, and it is not suitable for pregnant women. That is worth considering before you pay, since getting on and off a boat and entering the sea can be physically demanding.

Lunch, music, and the boat ride between stops

Lunch is served as a fresh buffet on board. Soft drinks and water are also included, so you do not need to plan for a separate meal during the outing. At this price, including food and drinks makes the trip easier to budget.

The meal is not the reason to book, but it is a useful pause between water activities. You can dry off, eat, and watch the Red Sea from the deck instead of rushing from one stop to the next.

The boat provides two distinct ways to spend the quieter stretches. The sun deck works for reading, taking photographs, or enjoying the view, while shaded areas offer welcome relief from the Hurghada heat. Bring a towel, since towels are not included.

Banana boat and sofa boat rides are also included. These add a playful, higher-energy element to the day. If you are travelling with children or a group of friends, they may become a highlight. If you want a calm nature trip, you can simply remain on the boat and enjoy the reef and dolphin portions.

Photography services are not included. You can bring your own camera or phone if it is protected from salt water, but do not assume that professional photos are part of the package.

Crew support and languages

The crew includes an expert team, a guide, and a snorkeling instructor. Between 2 and 4 professional guides are assigned to each boat, with safety and assistance part of their role.

The strongest praise goes to the crew’s friendly, funny manner and good organization. Several comments point to guides who were attentive and worked well together. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect to request a particular person when booking.

English, German, and Arabic are available. That is useful for mixed-language families and couples staying in Hurghada. If you have a question about the equipment, the water conditions, or the order of activities, ask early rather than waiting until you are already in the sea.

The atmosphere sounds more cheerful than formal. You get support and instruction, but this is not a private, high-end expedition with a quiet naturalist giving long talks. Think practical guidance, safety help, music, and a crew trying to keep the day moving.

What the $26 price really covers

At $26 per person, this is strong value if you plan to use the full package. The price covers round-trip boat transportation from the Hurghada meeting point, dolphin watching, two snorkelling stops, equipment, a guided session, lunch, drinks, and the banana boat and sofa boat activities.

Many sea excursions charge separately for equipment, meals, or soft drinks. Here, the included items reduce the number of small costs you need to track. That is particularly helpful for families.

The price does not include towels, personal spending, or photography. Pickup from several resort areas is also an extra €10 per person. Those areas include Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga.

Because the listed departure point is Public Beach Number 9, check your transport plan before booking. The activity is available from hotels in Hurghada, but additional charges may apply outside the central area. The trip returns to the same general meeting point at the end.

You can reserve and pay later, which is useful if your Red Sea schedule is still changing. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those terms make the booking less risky, though the dolphin sighting itself remains uncertain.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a broad sample of Red Sea activities in one day. It combines wildlife, reef snorkelling, a meal, and towable water rides without requiring separate bookings.

It is especially suitable for:

• Couples who want a relaxed day on the water with some active stops
• Families with children who can safely take part in a boat and snorkelling excursion
• First-time visitors to Hurghada who want an introduction to the Red Sea
• Nature enthusiasts who accept that wild dolphin sightings cannot be promised
• Budget-conscious visitors who value included gear, lunch, and drinks

I would be more cautious if you dislike group excursions, loud music, or busy boats. The trip can have a friendly social atmosphere, but it is not designed as a private cruise.

It is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or unaccompanied minors. Children under 3 years old can join free, but the information does not say that every activity is appropriate for very young children. Ask the operator about participation before booking for a toddler.

Practical tips for a better day

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes so you can change activities without fuss. Pack a towel, sun hat, sunscreen, and any personal medication you may need, since towels and personal expenses are not included.

Use plenty of sunscreen and reapply it. A day on open water exposes you to sun from above and reflected light from the sea, even when you spend time under shade.

If you have your own snorkel mask that fits well, you may prefer to bring it, though masks, snorkels, and fins are supplied. Otherwise, check the provided mask before entering the water and ask the instructor for help if it leaks.

Keep your expectations realistic about the dolphins. The best approach is to enjoy the search, the open-water setting, and the reef stops as separate parts of the day. If the dolphins appear, that becomes the bonus that ties everything together.

Finally, confirm your pickup location and any extra charge before travel. A €10 transfer fee may be worthwhile if you are staying in Makadi Bay, El Gouna, or another listed resort area, but you should know about it before setting your budget.

Should you book the Hurghada dolphin cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced, activity-filled day with a real chance to see dolphins, two reef stops, lunch, and friendly crew support. The combination is hard to fault at $26, especially when snorkeling gear, soft drinks, and boat rides are already included.

Do not book it if a dolphin encounter is the only reason you are going. Wild animals follow their own schedule, and the operator cannot guarantee a sighting. Also think twice if you need a quiet boat, generous personal space, or easy mobility access.

For most visitors staying in Hurghada, this is a sensible Red Sea introduction. Bring the right sun protection, accept the group atmosphere, and treat the dolphins as a wonderful possibility rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada and returns to the meeting point at the end of the activity.

How long does the dolphin cruise last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Are dolphins guaranteed to appear?

No. The crew searches for dolphins in their natural habitat, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided, and the tour includes two snorkelling stops with a guide and snorkeling instructor.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is served on board, and water and soft drinks are available.

Is hotel pickup included from every resort area?

The activity is available from hotels in Hurghada, though extra charges may apply. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga is available as an add-on for €10 per person.