Hurghada: Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling & Buffet Lunch

Hurghada’s Red Sea is at its best when you leave the shoreline, and this trip puts wild dolphin watching at the center of the day. You cruise to known dolphin areas, then stop twice at coral reefs where guides help you snorkel among fish and colorful corals.

I like the simple value here: two reef stops give you more than a quick swim, and lunch, soft drinks, gear, and boat activities are included for $26. The main thing to keep in mind is that dolphins are wild animals, not scheduled performers, so sightings cannot be promised.

Key points

• Dolphins in the wild: Look for them in their natural Red Sea habitat, with the chance to see them more than once or enter the water near them when conditions allow.
• Two snorkeling stops: Each stop gives you time to see coral and fish rather than rushing through one brief swim.
• Lunch at sea: A buffet meal, water, and soft drinks are included, which keeps extra spending low.
• Comfortable boat setup: Use the sun deck, shaded areas, music, and open sea views between activities.
• More than snorkeling: Banana boat and sofa boat rides add a playful option for families and couples.
• Clear practical limits: The trip lasts about 6 to 7 hours, starts at Public Beach Number 9, and is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or unaccompanied minors.

Why the dolphin search is worth your morning

The best part of this Hurghada cruise is the chance to see dolphins behaving naturally. You are not entering a marine park or watching a trained show. The crew takes you out toward known dolphin areas and keeps watch across the open water.

That makes the search exciting, but it also sets a fair expectation. You may see dolphins repeatedly, as some people on this trip have, and you may get close enough to enter the water near them. You may also spend time searching without a sighting. No responsible operator can control wild animals.

If dolphins appear, listen closely to the guide and crew. The chance to swim near them depends on the conditions, the animals’ behavior, and safety instructions. Treat this as wildlife watching first, with a possible swim as an extra reward.

Leaving Hurghada from Public Beach Number 9

The meeting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada, and the cruise returns there at the end of the day. The tour lasts roughly 6 to 7 hours, so set aside most of your day rather than trying to fit it between short sightseeing stops.

Round-trip boat transportation is included from Hurghada. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga can be arranged for an added €10 per person. Check that arrangement before booking, since the standard meeting point is in Hurghada.

The boat has both a sun deck and shaded areas. That matters in Egypt, where the sun can become tiring long before the water does. Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and your own towel. Towels are not supplied.

There are two to four professional guides on each boat, along with a snorkeling instructor and experienced crew. English, German, and Arabic are available. The crew’s role is practical: helping you with equipment, explaining the snorkeling areas, and assisting with safety in the water.

A full day built around three water stops

The day has a clear rhythm. First comes the outward cruise and dolphin search. Then you visit two snorkeling locations, with time between them to rest, eat, and enjoy the boat.

The schedule is useful because it gives you several ways to enjoy the sea. If you are not a strong swimmer, you can spend more time on deck while others snorkel. If you love the water, two separate reef stops give you a better chance to see different sections of coral and marine life.

The exact order can vary with sea conditions and the crew’s plans. The important point is that this is not only a transport ride to one swimming area. You get a dolphin search, two reef sessions, a meal, and additional boat activities during the same outing.

Snorkeling at two Red Sea coral reefs

The two snorkeling stops are the strongest part of the trip for anyone who wants more than a quick dolphin photo. Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided, and an instructor guides the session.

The Red Sea is known for clear water and coral habitats filled with fish. The supplied information does not name the individual reef sites, so you should not expect a choice of famous named locations. Still, two separate stops allow you to see more than one underwater setting.

You might find that one stop has calmer conditions or better visibility than the other. That is normal on a boat day. Water clarity, wind, and sea movement can change, and the crew may adjust how the session is handled.

If you are new to snorkeling, ask the instructor for help before entering the water. The presence of two to four guides per boat is useful, especially when a group includes children or people with different swimming abilities. You should still be comfortable following instructions and managing yourself in the water.

Bring sunscreen that you can reapply after swimming. A hat helps on deck, and a towel is essential once you come out of the sea. The boat supplies the main snorkeling equipment, but personal gear is allowed if you prefer a familiar mask or snorkel.

A chance to swim near dolphins, with sensible expectations

This is where the tour can become special, but it is also where you need the most patience. Dolphins may approach the boat, or you may see them moving through the water at a distance. The crew aims to find them in their natural habitat, yet sightings are not guaranteed.

When dolphins are seen, the experience may include watching them from the boat and, when permitted by the crew and conditions, getting into the water near them. Reports from this outing include repeated sightings and close encounters in the water. That is encouraging, but it should not be treated as a promise for every departure.

I would book this for the possibility of a genuine wildlife moment, not as a guaranteed swimming appointment. That approach protects the rest of your day from disappointment. Even without dolphins, you still have two snorkeling stops, lunch, reef scenery, and time on the water.

The crew’s attitude matters here. Follow instructions about when to enter or leave the water, keep a respectful distance from the animals, and do not expect to touch or chase them. Wild dolphins are the reason for the trip, not a prop for it.

Lunch, soft drinks, and time to rest

A buffet lunch is served on board, with water and soft drinks available. At sea, an included meal is more useful than it may sound. You do not need to leave the boat, carry cash for lunch, or rush through a reef stop to find food.

The lunch has received strong praise, and the information describes it as fresh. Exact dishes are not specified, so bring any special snacks or dietary items you know you need. Personal expenses are not included.

The meal also creates a natural break between active parts of the day. After snorkeling, you can eat, dry off, and sit in the shade. Music plays on board, and the sun deck offers room to relax and watch the Red Sea pass by.

Do not underestimate the heat. Even with shade available, a full day on bright water can leave you tired. Drink regularly, use sunscreen, and alternate between the sun deck and shaded seating.

Banana boat and sofa boat rides

The cruise includes a banana boat and sofa boat, adding a more playful side to the outing. These rides are a good fit for couples, families, and anyone who wants an activity beyond reef viewing.

They also make the tour feel less repetitive during the time between snorkeling and dolphin watching. If you prefer a quiet day, you can simply remain on the main boat and use the shaded seating or sun deck.

The supplied information does not give age, height, or weight rules for these rides. Ask the crew before participating, especially if you have any health concern. The general activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues.

Is $26 good value for a Red Sea boat day?

At $26 per person, this is a strong package if you use most of what is included. The price covers round-trip boat transport from the Hurghada meeting point, snorkeling equipment, two reef stops, a guided session, dolphin watching, buffet lunch, soft drinks, water, and the banana boat and sofa boat.

You would normally pay more if each part were arranged separately. The value is especially clear for a family or couple trying to keep spending predictable. You know that lunch and basic drinks are already covered, and you do not need to rent snorkeling equipment at the beach.

The price does not include towels, personal purchases, photography, or pickup from the listed resort areas outside Hurghada. If you are staying in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga, add the €10 pickup charge per person if you want that service.

Photography is also an extra. You can bring your own waterproof camera if you have one, but do not assume that an onboard photographer is part of the package.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want one easy Red Sea day that combines wildlife, snorkeling, food, and light adventure. It suits couples who want time on the water, families with children who can follow instructions, and nature enthusiasts who are happy to accept an uncertain dolphin sighting.

It is also useful for first-time snorkelers. The gear is supplied, and a snorkeling instructor is present. You do not have to arrange a separate reef trip or figure out equipment rental on your own.

The tour is less suitable if you want a quiet, private boat. The boat can feel busy, particularly when many people gather for dolphin watching or enter the water. Some people still find the atmosphere enjoyable, but you should not expect a small private charter.

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or unaccompanied minors. Children under three can join free, but the provided information does not specify other child age limits. Confirm the details before booking if you are bringing older children or infants.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive ready to swim. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, pack a hat and sunscreen, and bring a towel because none is provided. A small dry bag can help protect personal items, though it is not listed as supplied.

Use the first part of the cruise to settle into the boat and listen to the guides. If you are unsure about the snorkeling equipment, ask for help before the boat reaches the reef. A mask that fits well makes a bigger difference than expensive gear.

Keep your dolphin expectations realistic. The strongest version of this day includes repeated sightings, close views, and a chance to swim nearby. The guaranteed parts are the cruise, two snorkeling stops, lunch, refreshments, and the boat activities.

Flexible booking also helps. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the conditions at the time of booking, especially if your plans around Hurghada may change.

Should you book the Hurghada dolphin cruise?

Book it if you want good value and a busy day at sea rather than a private, quiet outing. The combination of two reef stops, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and dolphin watching gives you plenty for $26.

The main decision comes down to your attitude toward wildlife. If you need a guaranteed dolphin swim, this is not the right promise to rely on. If you can enjoy the reef, boat ride, lunch, and sea views while hoping for dolphins, it is an appealing and practical Hurghada choice.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin cruise start and finish?

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

How long does the tour last?

The cruise lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

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

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included, along with snorkeling gear and a guided snorkeling session.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch, water, and soft drinks are included on board.

Is hotel pickup available outside Hurghada?

Pickup is available from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga for an added €10 per person. The standard meeting point is in Hurghada.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not provided.