Hurghada: Dolphin House Snorkeling & Banana Boat Day Trip

Summary

Red Sea dolphins snorkeling reefs banana boat fun Hurghada

You’ll swim alongside wild dolphins near Hurghada, snorkel vibrant Red Sea reefs with all equipment provided, and test your grip on banana boats if weather allows. Enjoy lunch on deck between swims and relax knowing pickup from your hotel is included — plus little moments of laughter and surprise you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t start exactly as planned — I forgot my towel in the rush to get downstairs for the hotel pickup. The microbus was already waiting, engine humming softly in the blue light before sunrise. Our guide, Ahmed, waved me over with a grin and handed me an extra towel he’d brought “just in case.” That small gesture set the tone for the whole day. I squeezed into a seat next to a German couple who were already swapping stories about other Hurghada dolphin tours they’d tried (I guess this one’s got a reputation for actually seeing dolphins — 90% chance, Ahmed said). The drive out to the marina was quiet except for someone’s ringtone playing some Egyptian pop song I couldn’t get out of my head for hours.

Climbing onto the boat, you could smell sunscreen and diesel mixed with that salty Red Sea air. There was this buzz of anticipation — everyone peering out at the water, hoping for that first glimpse. When we finally reached Dolphin House, Ahmed called us over: “Look!” Sure enough, there they were — a whole pod gliding just beneath the surface. Not gonna lie, my heart did this weird fluttery thing. We slid into the water with our snorkel gear (all provided), and suddenly it was just fins, bubbles, and these sleek shapes darting past. The water felt cool but not cold; sunlight flickered through it in ribbons. At one point I lost track of time completely.

Lunch happened somewhere between snorkeling stops — grilled chicken and rice on deck while drying off in the breeze. It tasted better than it probably was because we were all starving by then. Someone tried to explain what kind of fish we’d seen on the reef (parrotfish? butterflyfish?), but honestly I was too busy laughing at myself for nearly falling off the banana boat when it finally got going. There’s something about holding on tight while everyone else is shrieking that makes you forget about everything else for a minute.

I keep thinking back to that moment floating above coral gardens — just silence except for your own breath in your mask, sun warming your back even through the water. I didn’t expect to feel so… peaceful? Even after all the excitement and noise earlier. On the ride back to Hurghada I caught Ahmed humming quietly up front. Don’t know why but that stuck with me more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin tour with snorkeling and lunch

• Pick up from hotel early morning
• Drive to the boat by microbus
• Travel to Dolphinhouse area
• Look for dolphins (90% chance)
• Enjoy 2-3 snorkeling trips
• Marvel at Red Sea underwater life
• Have lunch on the boat

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Hurghada dolphin tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included by air-conditioned microbus.

How likely is it to see dolphins at Dolphin House?

The chance of encountering dolphins at Dolphin House is around 90% according to guides.

Are snorkeling equipment and lunch provided?

Yes, snorkel gear and lunch are both included during the trip.

Can children or infants join this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats available.

How many snorkeling stops are there during the excursion?

The trip includes 2–3 snorkeling stops at different Red Sea reefs.

Is banana boat riding guaranteed on every trip?

No, banana boat availability depends on weather conditions each day.

How long does it take to reach Dolphin House from Hurghada?

The drive from hotels in Hurghada to Dolphin House marina takes about an hour by microbus before boarding the boat.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned microbus from anywhere in Hurghada, all necessary snorkel equipment for exploring two or three different Red Sea reefs near Dolphin House where dolphins often swim by, a freshly prepared lunch served onboard between swims, soft drinks throughout the trip, plus chances to try banana boat rides if weather allows before returning you safely back to your hotel at the end of it all.