Hurghada: Speedboat Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling with Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada trip is the small speedboat. You move quickly between dolphin areas, reef stops, and a bright patch of sand or island, instead of spending most of the day on a crowded party boat. I especially like the chance to see dolphins in open water and the patient water support from guides such as Islam, Ahmed, Karim, and Ibrahim. The main catch is simple: dolphins are wild, and rough seas or crowded boats can affect the experience.

I also like the two snorkeling stops, where the trip shifts from fast and exciting to quiet and colorful. You get lunch, fruit, soft drinks, water, equipment, and hotel pickup for $40, which is strong value. Just note that the lunch box is basic, pickup is strict, and some departures may stop at shallow water rather than a classic island beach.

Key points at a glance

• Dolphins in open water: The search usually takes 15 to 40 minutes, and sightings are never guaranteed.
• Two or three reef stops: Expect coral, reef fish, and help from a snorkeling guide in the water.
• Small speedboat format: Most boats carry a small group, giving you more room and less waiting than a large cruise.
• Sandbank or island relaxation: Swim, sunbathe, and take photos, though the exact stop may be shallow sand rather than a developed beach.
• Optional five-minute flight: Add parasailing if you want a view of the Red Sea from above.
• Useful inclusions: Transfers, lunch, gear, drinks, fruit, life jackets, shaded seating, and reserve fees are covered.

Why the small speedboat changes the day

Hurghada offers many boat trips, but this one is built around speed and a relatively small group. That matters. You can cover more water while searching for dolphins, then reach snorkeling sites without spending hours tied to a large vessel.

Several bookings describe boats holding around eight people, with four seats at the front and four at the back. The exact number can vary, but the format is far more personal than a large excursion boat carrying dozens of people. You get a better view during the dolphin search, and the crew can pay closer attention to nervous swimmers and children.

The ride itself is part of the fun. Captains sometimes open the throttle when conditions allow, giving you a lively burst across the Red Sea. It is not all speed, though. A careful captain will slow down near swimmers, reefs, and dolphins. That balance matters more than simply going fast.

The tour has a rating of 4.6 from 2,141 reviews, and the most repeated praise goes to the crews. Captain Islam, Ahmed, Karim, Momo, Abdo, Hasan, Ibrahim, and others are singled out for being friendly, careful, and willing to help. Crew assignments change, so do not book expecting one particular person, but the pattern is clear: the people on the boat are a major part of the experience.

Searching for dolphins in their own water

The dolphin search begins after you leave shore and usually takes 15 to 40 minutes. This is not a controlled animal encounter. You are looking for dolphins in their natural habitat, so the boat may cover a fair stretch of sea before anything appears.

That uncertainty is important. You may see one or more pods close to the boat, as some departures have, or you may not see dolphins at all. One group saw several pods and even a baby dolphin. Another did not spot any, but still enjoyed the sea and sunset. The honest way to view this excursion is as a wildlife search with strong backup activities, not as a guaranteed swim-with-dolphins appointment.

When dolphins are found, the captain should keep a respectful distance and follow local rules. Some crews have allowed people to enter the water when conditions were suitable, but open-water swimming beside dolphins is not guaranteed. In busy areas, several boats may gather around the animals, making it impossible or unwise to swim with them.

I appreciate that the better captains do not chase or box in the dolphins. You may have a less dramatic photograph, but the animals are not being pushed into unnatural behavior. Watch from the boat, listen to the guide, and treat any swim as a bonus rather than an entitlement.

Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you have one. The boat may get spray, and the moments with dolphins can be brief. Also, keep your expectations sensible. A close sighting can last minutes, or the animals may simply pass beneath the boat.

Two reef stops, with real time in the water

After the dolphin search, the boat stops at two snorkeling locations, or three on some departures. This is where the trip earns much of its value, especially if dolphin sightings are limited.

The Red Sea is known for clear water, coral formations, and colorful fish, and the stops are selected for underwater viewing rather than for a long beach stay. You can expect to see coral and reef fish, with some groups spotting moray eels, manta rays, sea turtles, parrotfish, clownfish, and other small sea life.

The guide does more than hand you a mask. Guides such as Ibrahim, Ahmed, Basir, and Adam have helped people find fish, stay with the group, and feel secure in the water. If you are unsure of your swimming ability, ask for a life jacket and stay close to the guide. Several crews have entered the water with less confident swimmers and guided them along the reef.

The equipment is included, which saves you the trouble of renting a mask and fins elsewhere. Still, fit can vary. Check your mask before the boat leaves the stop, and tell the guide if it leaks. Pack your own water-resistant footwear if you dislike stepping near a rocky or coral bottom, though the supplied information does not promise footwear.

Snorkeling conditions depend heavily on weather. One departure faced high, rough waves that tossed the small boat and made the water harder to manage. January water can also feel cold, even under strong sun. A sunny day does not always mean calm water, so use the life jacket and follow the guide’s instructions.

The island stop may be an island, sandbank, or shallow-water break

The final stop is described as one of the area’s beautiful islands, where you can swim, sunbathe, and relax. Some departures have visited Orange Bay, while others stopped at what was effectively a shallow sandbank with clear turquoise water.

That difference is worth understanding before you book. This is not necessarily a developed beach visit with facilities and a long stretch of dry sand. You might stand in shallow water, float, take photos, or sit on a small sandy area. For some people, that is exactly the appeal. The water can look wonderfully clear, and the stop gives you time to slow down after the boat ride.

Plan on roughly an hour to an hour and a half at this final stop, depending on the day’s timing. Use the time for a swim, sun, photos, or simple sunbathing. If you need shade, remember that the shaded area is on the boat, not necessarily on the sandbank.

This stop also helps make the tour family-friendly. Children who tire of snorkeling can enjoy shallow water, while adults get a quieter break. Keep sunscreen and sunglasses handy, but apply sunscreen carefully and avoid getting greasy lotion on shared equipment.

Lunch, drinks, and what $40 really covers

At $40 per person, this is good value if you use the inclusions. The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, the speedboat, captain, snorkeling equipment, a guide, two or three snorkeling stops, dolphin watching, lunch, mineral water, soft drinks, fresh seasonal fruit, life jackets, shaded seating, nature reserve fees, and a stereo system.

The lunch is a simple box with turkey, cheese, roast beef, pickles, and juice. Think practical fuel after swimming, not a restaurant meal. A few people found the lunch box underwhelming, so if food is central to your day, bring a small extra snack. One person suggested bringing your own lunch to save money, but food is already included in the advertised price.

Fruit, water, and soft drinks are useful additions, particularly after time in the sun. You will be glad to have them after snorkeling, even if the lunch itself is basic.

Parasailing costs extra and must be selected as an add-on. The flight lasts up to five minutes, giving you a view of the Red Sea from above. That is a short flight, but it adds a second type of activity to a day otherwise focused on the water below. One departure could not fit the parasailing because the boat returned late, and the money was refunded. If you add it, keep in mind that timing and sea conditions can affect availability.

Hotel pickup requires attention

Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels, but you need to provide accurate details: nationality, hotel name, address, and room number. You will receive pickup information by email at about 10 p.m. the night before.

Wait at the main entrance by the road. Do not wait at the reception gate or inside the hotel complex. Pickup is strict, and the vehicle may wait no more than five minutes because other people are being collected.

Long-range pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay is available as a paid add-on during checkout. If you are staying outside Hurghada proper, check the extra cost before booking. The transfer can be less comfortable than the boat. One person described a cramped van and poor seatbelt situation, while most other comments praised punctuality and smooth organization.

You must also provide a passport copy for daily permissions. This is a small administrative task, but do it early so your booking does not face a last-minute delay.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this excursion if you want several Red Sea activities in one half-day or day outing, especially if you prefer a small boat to a large cruise. Families can benefit from the patient guides and life jackets, while confident swimmers will enjoy the reefs and the fast ride.

It is also a good fit if dolphins are important to you but you accept that nature sets the schedule. The snorkeling and sandbank stop keep the day worthwhile if the animals stay away.

This is less suitable for anyone with back problems. A fast boat can bounce in rough water, and the small craft may feel uncomfortable when waves rise. People who dislike open-water uncertainty should also think twice. The sea may be calm and inviting, or it may make snorkeling tiring.

Smokers should note that one person found smoking unpleasant on the small boat. If you are sensitive to smoke, ask the crew about the boat rules before departure.

Booking advice and final verdict

I would book this tour if you want a compact, active Red Sea outing at a fair price. The strongest reasons are the small speedboat, useful snorkeling stops, careful guides, and the chance to see dolphins without committing to a huge boat for eight or more hours.

Book with realistic expectations. Dolphins may not appear. Swimming beside them may not be allowed. The island stop may be a shallow sandbank, and lunch is basic. Rough water can change the mood quickly, and the transfer may be less comfortable than the boat itself.

For the best day, wear swimwear, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and drinking water, and arrive at the road-facing hotel entrance early. If you want the five-minute aerial view, add parasailing when you book. If your priorities are wildlife, coral, speed, and personal attention, this $40 trip is an appealing choice. If you need a guaranteed dolphin encounter, a gourmet lunch, or a long sandy beach visit, choose something else.

FAQ

Are dolphins guaranteed on this tour?

No. The dolphins live in the open sea, so sightings are not guaranteed. The search usually takes 15 to 40 minutes, and the rest of the trip continues with snorkeling and a beach or sandbank stop.

Can I swim with the dolphins?

You may be able to swim near them if conditions, safety rules, and animal behavior allow it. Swimming is not guaranteed, and the crew may keep everyone on the boat to avoid disturbing the dolphins.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The trip includes two or three snorkeling stops. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a snorkeling guide are included.

What food and drinks are provided?

You receive a lunch box with turkey, cheese, roast beef, pickles, and juice. Mineral water, soft drinks, and fresh seasonal fruit are also provided on the boat.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. Extra pickup charges apply for Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay areas.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, sunscreen, and water. You should also be ready at the hotel’s main road entrance, since pickup may wait no more than five minutes.

Is parasailing included?

Parasailing is included only when you select that option. The flight lasts up to five minutes, and timing or sea conditions may affect whether it can operate.