Hurghada: Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling & Buffet Lunch

The main draw is simple: you cruise into the Red Sea looking for wild dolphins, then stop at two coral reefs for snorkeling. I like the mix of wildlife, swimming, and downtime, and I especially like that lunch, soft drinks, equipment, and several guides are included in the $26 price.

I also like the spacious boat, with both a sun deck and shaded areas, plus banana boat and sofa boat rides for a little extra fun. The one thing to keep in mind is that dolphins are free animals, not a scheduled show, so sightings cannot be promised. The boat may also feel busy on a popular departure.

Key points at a glance

• Wild dolphin watching: Search for dolphins in their natural Red Sea setting, with no guaranteed sighting.
• Two reef stops: Use the included mask, snorkel, and fins at two colorful coral sites.
• Lunch on board: A fresh buffet meal, water, and soft drinks are included in the fare.
• Good onboard support: Each boat has two to four professional guides, including a snorkeling instructor.
• Easy value at $26: Boat transport, food, equipment, and water activities are bundled into one modest price.
• Hurghada meeting point: Begin and end at Public Beach Number 9 unless you arrange paid pickup from selected resort areas.

Setting out from Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada

Your day begins at Public Beach Number 9, the stated meeting point in Hurghada. The activity lasts about six to seven hours, and the boat returns to the same meeting point at the end.

That length matters. This is not a quick two-hour swim trip squeezed between hotel meals. You have time for a dolphin search, two snorkeling stops, lunch, and rest on the boat. The tradeoff is that a full day on open water takes more energy, especially under the Egyptian sun.

Round-trip boat transport is included from Hurghada. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga can be arranged for an extra €10 per person. Check this point carefully when booking, since the standard meeting point is in Hurghada and the added transfer fee applies outside the main departure area.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not supplied, so this is an easy item to forget and an annoying one to replace once you are on the water. You should also expect personal expenses and photography to cost extra if you choose them.

Searching for dolphins in open Red Sea water

The dolphin portion gives the day its character. You cruise toward known dolphin areas and watch for animals moving through their natural habitat. Seeing dolphins in the open sea feels very different from watching a trained performance, but it also comes with uncertainty.

You may see several animals, and some departures have had repeated sightings close to the boat. The experience can sometimes include entering the water near dolphins, but the timing and opportunity depend on the animals and the crew’s judgment. No sighting is guaranteed, so book this for a day on the Red Sea with a chance to see dolphins, not for a fixed wildlife appointment.

That distinction is important for families. Children may love the excitement of scanning the water, but younger participants can also find the waiting part less thrilling. Children under three join free, while unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

The crew’s role is especially important here. The boat carries two to four professional guides, along with an expert crew and snorkeling instructor. They provide assistance, help with water activities, and guide you through the day in English, German, or Arabic. The supplied information does not give individual guide names, so you should not expect a named private guide.

Two snorkeling stops over coral reefs

After the dolphin search, the boat makes two snorkeling stops. This is where the tour becomes more than a wildlife cruise. You get two chances to see coral and fish, rather than one rushed swim before heading back.

Mask, snorkel, and fins are provided, and a snorkeling instructor leads the reef session. That is useful if you have snorkeled before but want help with the local conditions, and it offers reassurance if you are still learning how to move comfortably in the water.

The reef sites are described as colorful, with fish and coral visible below the surface. The exact locations are not specified, so conditions can vary by wind, water clarity, and the day’s route. Still, two stops give you a better chance of enjoying the water even if one site is less impressive than expected.

You should bring your own towel and sunscreen, and remember that the boat’s equipment is shared activity gear. If you need a particular fit or prefer your own mask, bringing personal equipment may be sensible, although the included set keeps the price low and saves luggage space.

The snorkeling is likely the most dependable part of the day. Dolphins may remain out of sight, but the reef stops are planned activities. If your main goal is to see coral and fish, this tour offers a stronger reason to book than a dolphin-only trip.

A boat built for both sun and shade

Between water stops, you can rest on the boat’s spacious deck. There are sunny areas for those who want to dry off and shaded spots for anyone ready to escape the heat. I like this arrangement because it lets you choose your pace instead of spending the whole day in one exposed position.

Music is part of the onboard atmosphere, and the overall mood is social and light. The crew is described as friendly, funny, and attentive, which helps during a long day shared with other people. This is not a quiet private charter. One review specifically notes that the boat can have a fair number of people, even though the group still had the chance to swim with dolphins.

That makes the tour a better fit for couples, families, and nature enthusiasts who enjoy a lively group outing. If you want silence, privacy, or a carefully timed wildlife excursion for just your own party, this is probably not the right format.

The additional banana boat and sofa boat rides add variety. They are included, so you can choose to take part without paying another activity fee. They may appeal most to families and adults who want something more active after snorkeling. If you prefer a calm day, you can simply stay on the deck.

Buffet lunch and drinks on the Red Sea

A fresh buffet lunch is served on board, along with soft drinks and water. For a six to seven-hour trip, this is more than a small convenience. You do not need to leave the boat to find food, and the meal breaks up the day after the dolphin search and snorkeling.

The lunch has received especially strong praise, with the food described as very good. Exact dishes are not provided, so you should not book this expecting a specific menu or special dietary arrangement. The useful point is that a proper buffet is included rather than requiring you to carry a packed meal.

Soft drinks and water are also available throughout the outing. You should still bring sunscreen and a hat, since refreshments do not solve the main problem of a hot day at sea. A towel is more important than it sounds after two swims.

The lunch also adds to the tour’s value. At $26 per person, you are paying for the boat, wildlife search, two reef stops, gear, instruction, lunch, drinks, and extra water activities. Even if dolphins do not appear, the included snorkeling and meal make the price reasonable for a full day on the Red Sea.

What the reviews reveal about the experience

The strongest pattern is the crew. The onboard team is repeatedly praised for being kind, funny, well organized, and attentive. That matters when several activities happen on one boat, because clear instructions and quick help make swimming stops feel less stressful.

The organization also gets high marks. The crew is said to work closely together, with two to four professional guides on each boat. You can expect several people sharing responsibility for safety, snorkeling support, and the schedule rather than one guide trying to manage everything alone.

Dolphin sightings have been excellent on some outings. One account describes seeing many dolphins several times and getting close to them in the water. Another describes both dolphin swimming and two excellent snorkeling locations filled with colorful fish and coral.

Still, you should keep the natural uncertainty in view. Those good sightings do not change the stated policy that dolphins cannot be guaranteed. A fair way to think about the trip is this: you are buying a Red Sea day with dolphin potential, not purchasing a guaranteed encounter.

The only clear caution in the feedback is crowding. A busy boat can make the dolphin search and water entry feel less personal. It may also mean waiting your turn near popular snorkeling areas. The spacious deck and multiple guides help, but they do not turn a group cruise into a private boat.

Who should book this Hurghada cruise?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several activities in one outing and prefer a straightforward price. Families can use the included gear and lunch, couples can share a relaxed day at sea, and nature fans get both wildlife watching and reef snorkeling.

It is also a good pick if you want support in the water. The snorkeling instructor and several professional guides are useful for beginners or anyone who wants reassurance around the reef. English, German, and Arabic are available.

You should think twice if you are pregnant or have mobility issues, since the activity is not considered suitable for you. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted. The boat setting, swimming stops, and water rides also mean you should be comfortable with a full day around the sea.

The tour works best for people who accept a group atmosphere and a flexible wildlife schedule. You may have an outstanding dolphin encounter, or you may spend more of the day enjoying coral reefs, lunch, music, and the boat itself.

Price, pickup, and cancellation details

At $26 per person, this is a low-cost way to spend most of a day on the Red Sea. The price includes the core expenses that can quickly add up elsewhere: boat transport, snorkeling equipment, a guided reef session, lunch, soft drinks, water, and banana boat or sofa boat rides.

Pickup is available from hotels in Hurghada, with extra charges possible for other resort zones. The listed add-on for Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga is €10 per person. Since the official start and finish are at Public Beach Number 9, confirm the pickup arrangement before setting out.

You can reserve now and pay later, which is helpful if your schedule is still moving. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those terms make it easier to hold a place without locking yourself into the outing too early.

Should you book it?

Book this dolphin cruise if you want a well-priced full day that combines open-water wildlife watching, two snorkeling stops, lunch, and a few playful boat activities. The friendly crew, strong organization, and good food add real value, while the reef stops give you worthwhile content even if dolphins keep their distance.

Skip it if you need a private, quiet boat or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. Also avoid it if pregnancy or mobility concerns make a swimming-focused day unsuitable. For most people staying in Hurghada who accept a busy group cruise and the unpredictability of nature, this is an appealing Red Sea outing at a modest price.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin cruise start?

The activity starts at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six to seven 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?

The tour includes two snorkeling stops at coral reef locations.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided on board.

Is a snorkeling guide included?

Yes. A snorkeling instructor and two to four professional guides are available on each boat.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A fresh buffet lunch is served on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and water are available on board.

Can I get picked up outside Hurghada?

Pickup is available from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga for an added €10 per person. Hotel pickup in Hurghada may also be available.

Is the activity suitable for children?

Children under three years old join for free, but unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues.