Seeing a pod of dolphins in the open Red Sea is one of the best memories you can take home from Egypt. In Hurghada there are several ways to do it: by boat to the area where wild dolphins live, by speedboat, or in a pool with trainers. This guide compares every dolphin trip in Hurghada, with 2026 prices, the best season and our tips to help you choose.
Where can you see dolphins in Hurghada?
There are two very different experiences. The first is wild dolphins, which live freely in the sea, especially around the reef known as Dolphin House. You go looking for them by boat or speedboat, and when they are close and conditions are safe, you can get in the water with a mask and snorkel near them. The second is dolphins in a pool (a dolphinarium), where you watch a show, swim with them or have a photo session, always supervised by trainers. There the encounter is guaranteed, but it feels nothing like the open sea.
5 ways to see dolphins from Hurghada
| Trip | Group | Duration | Adult price | Child price (6-11) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin House boat trip + snorkeling | Group | Full day (about 8 h) | €25 | €12.50 |
| Dolphin search by speedboat | Semi-private (6-8 people) or private | 3 to 4 h | €50 (semi-private) / €150 per private boat for 2 | On request |
| Swim with dolphins (pool) | Group | About 2 h | €60 | €30 |
| Dolphin show | Group | 1-hour show | €20 | €10 |
| Photo session with dolphins | Group | About 2 h | €40 | €20 |
On trips with a child price, children aged 0 to 5 go free. Every trip includes hotel pick-up in Hurghada. For the sea trips, a marine park fee of €5 per person is paid in cash on the day.
Dolphin House by boat: the most popular trip
A real day at sea. The boat leaves the harbour around 9:15, looks for the wild dolphins, then makes two snorkeling stops over coral reefs. Lunch is served on board with unlimited drinks, and the snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) is provided. When the dolphins are close and the instructor says it is safe, you can swim near them. Back at your hotel around 16:00. See the Dolphin House boat trip.
By speedboat, private or semi-private
Faster than a big boat, the speedboat takes you straight to the areas where dolphins are often seen, then to a sandbank such as White Island and a reef for snorkeling. On the semi-private trip the group is usually no bigger than 6 to 8 people (€50 per person). You can also book the whole boat: €150 for 2 people, plus €10 per extra adult and €5 per extra child, up to 6 people, for 4 hours. Water and soft drinks are included, but there is no hot meal. See the speedboat dolphin trip.
Swim with dolphins in a pool
In a pool near Hurghada harbour, after a safety briefing, you get in the water with the dolphins, with trainers by your side the whole time. You need to be comfortable in the water, and the session must be booked in advance, subject to availability. Professional photos are optional. See the swim with dolphins experience.
The dolphin show
A short, easy outing that children love. At Dolphin World in Makadi Bay, dolphins, walruses and sea lions jump, dance, play ball and even paint with their trainers. The show starts around 10:30 every day except Saturday, and the entrance ticket is included. Allow about 3.5 hours including transfers. See the dolphin show trip.
Photo session with dolphins
For about two hours, a professional photographer captures your moments with the dolphins in a pool in Hurghada. At the end you choose your favourite photos, delivered digitally (prints cost extra). A lovely idea for couples and families. Book in advance. See the dolphin photo session.
A typical day at Dolphin House
- Hotel pick-up around 8:00 and transfer to the harbour.
- Boat departure around 9:15 towards Dolphin House.
- Dolphin search, and a swim near them if it is possible and safe.
- First snorkeling stop on a colourful reef.
- Lunch on board around 12:30, with unlimited drinks.
- Second snorkeling stop, with free towed water rides if the authorities allow them that day.
- Back at the harbour around 15:15, then at your hotel around 16:00.
What is the best season to see dolphins?
Dolphin trips run all year, but the best months to see dolphins in the Red Sea are June to the end of November. To be honest with you: at sea the dolphins are completely free, and nobody can guarantee 100% that you will see them. The captains know their habits well and the chances are good, but if the encounter really matters to you (or your children), choose a pool activity instead.
Wild dolphins or pool: which should you choose?
Choose the Dolphin House boat trip if you want a full day at sea with snorkeling and a good chance of wild dolphins, at the lowest price. Choose the speedboat if you prefer a small group, more time near the dolphins and less time on a crowded boat. Choose the pool, show or photo session if you are travelling with young children, if you are not comfortable in open water, or if seeing a dolphin up close is a must.
Our tips for your dolphin trip
- Respect the animals: never touch or chase wild dolphins, and always follow the instructor.
- What to bring: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe if possible), sunglasses, a hat and a photo of your passport on your phone.
- Cash: bring some for the €5 marine park fee, photos and tips.
- Speedboat: the fast ride can be bumpy, so it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems.
- With children at the show: sit in the back rows, which are in the shade; the front rows are in full sun.
- Staying outside Hurghada? Pick-up from El Gouna, Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh is possible for a supplement: ask us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dolphin trip in Hurghada cost?
From €20 per adult for the show, €25 for the Dolphin House boat trip, €40 for the photo session, €50 for the semi-private speedboat and €60 to swim with dolphins in a pool. The private speedboat costs €150 for 2 people.
Am I sure to see dolphins at sea?
Not 100%, because they are wild animals. Your chances are best from June to the end of November.
Can you swim with wild dolphins in Hurghada?
Yes. When they are close and the instructor or captain decides it is safe, you can get in the water with a mask and snorkel near them.
What is the minimum number of people to book?
Just 1 person. You can pay in euros, US dollars, Egyptian pounds or by PayPal, and our team speaks English and French.
Can I cancel?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the trip. If we cancel because of bad weather, you get a full refund or a new date. To book or ask a question, message us on WhatsApp at +20 101 780 8340.
Love the sea? Read our Orange Bay guide, and for more ideas see the best things to do in Hurghada.
