Swim with Dolphins at Samadai Reef from Marsa Alam

Wild spinner dolphins live in the shallow lagoons here, and you enter the water alongside them during guided snorkeling sessions.

A full-day snorkeling cruise from Marsa Alam to Samadai Reef, one of the Red Sea's protected marine sanctuaries where resident spinner dolphins swim in shallow turquoise lagoons. Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guides, snorkeling equipment, two reef stops, and a buffet lunch onboard are all included. Snorkeling is suitable for all experience levels, and guides lead sessions in English, Italian, French, German and one additional language.

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your Marsa Alam hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, followed by a short transfer to the marina where you board a comfortable snorkeling boat. The cruise across the Red Sea toward Shaab Samadai takes you to a horseshoe-shaped reef system that is home to wild spinner dolphins — animals that live here year-round and are regularly seen gliding through the turquoise lagoons in their natural habitat. This is a protected marine reserve, so the dolphins remain undisturbed while you snorkel in designated areas nearby.

You slip into the warm, shallow waters for guided snorkeling sessions where the reef itself is the draw: vibrant coral gardens filled with colorful tropical fish and diverse Red Sea marine life surround you at every stop. The guides lead you through two separate snorkeling areas, with time to rest and recover between them. All equipment — mask, fins, and life jacket — is provided, and the sessions are designed for all experience levels, so whether you are a confident swimmer or new to snorkeling, you move at a pace that works.

Between snorkeling stops, you relax onboard while a freshly prepared buffet lunch is served, along with soft drinks, tea, and coffee. After eating, you head back into the water for a second snorkeling session around additional coral areas of Dolphin House Reef before the boat turns back toward the marina in the afternoon. The return journey gives you time to dry off and take in the Red Sea views before the transfer back to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle.
• snorkeling equipment including mask, fins and life jacket.
• two guided snorkeling stops at Samadai Reef.
• buffet lunch onboard.
• soft drinks, tea, coffee and fresh seasonal fruits.
• professional licensed guides speaking English, Italian, French, German and one additional language.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Marsa joys Travel

Is this one for you?Choose this if you're based in South Marsa Alam and want a full-day boat experience to Samadai Reef—a small transfer fee applies from your hotel, but meals and all snorkeling gear are included onboard.

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Top questions

What are the chances of seeing dolphins on this snorkeling trip from Marsa Alam?

Samadai Reef is home to resident spinner dolphins that live in the shallow lagoons year-round, so they are regularly seen during snorkeling sessions. The reef is a protected marine sanctuary specifically known for its dolphin population, and guided sessions are timed to maximize encounters while respecting the animals' natural space.

Is this snorkeling cruise suitable if I have never snorkeled before?

Yes, the guided snorkeling sessions at Samadai Reef are designed for all experience levels. Professional licensed guides lead you through the water, and all equipment — mask, fins, and life jacket — is provided. The shallow lagoons and calm conditions make it accessible for first-time snorkelers.

What happens during the eight hours of this full-day trip from Marsa Alam?

The day includes hotel pickup, a boat cruise to Samadai Reef, two guided snorkeling stops with time to rest between them, a buffet lunch onboard, and a return transfer to your hotel. The snorkeling sessions take place in the warm, shallow waters around the horseshoe-shaped reef where dolphins and colorful coral gardens are found.

What is included in the price for this dolphin snorkeling cruise?

Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle, snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, life jacket), two snorkeling stops, a buffet lunch onboard, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and fresh seasonal fruits are all included. Professional licensed guides who speak English, Italian, French, German and one additional language lead the snorkeling sessions.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear, or do I have to use the equipment provided?

Equipment is provided as part of the cruise, including mask, fins, and life jacket. If you prefer to use your own gear, check with the operator at booking, as the provided equipment is included in the price and designed for the reef conditions at Samadai.

What is the water temperature and visibility like at Samadai Reef?

Samadai Reef is known for warm, shallow waters and crystal-clear visibility, making it ideal for snorkeling. The horseshoe-shaped lagoon system creates calm conditions suitable for all experience levels, and the clarity allows you to see the colorful coral gardens and tropical fish throughout your snorkeling sessions.