Snorkeling in Hurghada: Dolphins & Red Sea Reefs

Swim beside dolphins, then drop anchor at two snorkeling sites

Speedboat snorkeling in Hurghada combines dolphin watching in open water with guided reef exploration at two separate stops, followed by beach time on Giftun Islands. The boat departs from Hurghada with hotel pickup, and the full outing runs roughly four hours. Life jackets, snorkeling equipment, fresh water showers and light refreshments are included; a live guide speaks English, Arabic or Russian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin watching and snorkeling cruise

• Board speedboat in Hurghada
• Search for dolphins (45-90 mins)
• Watch and swim near dolphins
• Snorkel at two coral spots
• Relax and swim at island

The Experience

The speedboat leaves Hurghada with a search for dolphins that typically takes 45 to 90 minutes. Once the pod is spotted, you watch from close range and, conditions permitting, swim alongside them—though environmental rules keep the interaction respectful and the animals undisturbed. This is the unpredictable part of the day: dolphins move, and sightings depend on where they are.

After the dolphin encounter, the boat stops at two different snorkeling spots in the Red Sea. You drop into water over colorful coral formations unique to this region, with the crew providing snorkeling gear and life jackets. The reefs here hold the visual payoff—schools of fish, coral structures, the clarity of the water—and you control how long you stay in at each site.

The final stretch lands on Giftun Islands, where the boat anchors and you have time to swim, sunbathe or simply rest in the shade. Fresh water showers are available on board, and the crew supplies fruits, soft drinks and water throughout the day. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included, so the logistics of getting to the pier are handled.

What’s included

• Life jackets and snorkeling equipment.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada.
• shaded seating on the boat with fresh water showers.
• fruits, soft drinks and water.
• a live guide in English, Arabic or Russian.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Go shalabi

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Hurghada without a car—the hotel pickup means you don't arrange transport to the pier, and the four-hour window fits easily into a day without leaving the city early or returning late.

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Top questions

How long does it take to find the dolphins?

The dolphin search typically runs 45 to 90 minutes from the time the speedboat leaves Hurghada. Once spotted, you watch and swim near them for a period before the boat moves on to the snorkeling stops.

What happens if we don't see dolphins?

The itinerary prioritizes the search, but dolphin sightings depend on where the animals are that day. Even if dolphins aren't found, the snorkeling at the two reef sites and beach time on Giftun Islands still proceed as planned.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided on the boat, along with life jackets. You don't need to bring gear or pay extra for it.

What are the Giftun Islands like?

Giftun Islands are a group of small islands in the Red Sea off Hurghada. The boat anchors at one of them, giving you time to swim, sunbathe and relax in a quieter setting away from the city.

Does the price include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included in the booking. You'll be collected from your accommodation and returned after the snorkeling finishes.

Can children come on this snorkeling trip?

Children are welcome from age one, though infants must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride. Life jackets are provided for all ages, and the crew can help younger swimmers with snorkeling gear.