Snorkeling in Marsa Alam: Dolphin House Reef with guide

Two guided dives at Dolphin House, coral gardens and a reef teeming with dolphins

Snorkeling excursion from Marsa Alam to Samadai Reef (Dolphin House Reef) with hotel pickup, professional guide, snorkeling equipment and national park entry included. Two dives with a one-hour surface break let you explore coral formations, encounter dolphins and navigate the underwater landscape with expert instruction. Buffet lunch and beverages round out the day before return to your hotel.

The Experience

Hotel pickup starts at 8:00 a.m., followed by a pre-dive briefing where your guide covers the site layout, current conditions, safety procedures and the marine life you're likely to meet. This sets the frame for what happens next: two guided dives with a one-hour break between them, giving you time to surface, eat and reset before the second descent into the reef.

Samadai Reef—known locally as Dolphin House Reef—sits in the Red Sea off Marsa Alam and holds coral gardens, soft coral formations and the dolphins the site is named for. Crystal Temple Reef is your second dive site. Your certified guide leads both dives, meaning you follow instruction the whole time rather than navigating solo; the guide points out marine life, keeps you oriented and watches for safety. Snorkeling equipment is provided; you bring nothing but yourself and a valid ID.

Between dives, a buffet lunch with fresh fruit and beverages waits at the boat. The day wraps around midday when your guide returns you to your hotel. National park tickets and the 14% VAT are built into the price, so no surprises at checkout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup at 8:00 a.m.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• professional certified guide leading both dives.
• national park entry ticket.
• buffet lunch with fresh fruit.
• beverages throughout the day.
• return transport to your hotel.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Coral Reef Divers

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, German or Russian—choose the language at checkout so the briefing and dive instruction reach you clearly. The excursion suits swimmers of all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with cardiovascular concerns; if either applies, contact the operator before booking.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the two dives at Dolphin House Reef?

Both dives happen at Samadai Reef (Dolphin House Reef) and Crystal Temple Reef, the two main sites in the area. The first dive lasts roughly an hour, then you surface for the one-hour break and lunch. The second dive follows the same structure—your guide leads you through the coral and points out dolphins and reef life. The sites themselves differ in coral formation and which marine life congregates there, but both are guided dives with the same equipment and safety setup.

Will I definitely see dolphins at Dolphin House Reef?

Dolphins inhabit Samadai Reef year-round, which is why the site carries the name Dolphin House. Your guide knows where they tend to gather and will position the group to maximize the chance of an encounter. Sightings are common but not guaranteed on every dive—marine life moves and conditions shift—so the guide adjusts based on what's happening that day.

Do I need diving certification, or is snorkeling enough?

This excursion is snorkeling-based, not scuba diving. You use snorkeling equipment—mask, fins and snorkel—which requires no certification. Your guide provides all gear and instruction on how to use it safely. Scuba diving is not included in this product.

What time does the day end, and when do I get back to my hotel?

Pickup is at 8:00 a.m., and the full excursion runs roughly four hours. You return to your hotel in the late morning, typically by midday, leaving your afternoon free.

Can children join this snorkeling excursion?

Children are welcome from age 8 and up. They use the same snorkeling equipment and follow the same guide-led structure as adults. If your child is under 8, contact the operator to discuss options.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring or pay extra for?

Hotel pickup, snorkeling equipment, a professional guide, national park entry, lunch and beverages are all included. Sunscreen, personal towels and alcoholic drinks are not; bring your own sunscreen and towel if you prefer your own. Nitrox tanks, if you want them, cost extra.