Snorkeling at Sha'ab Samadai Reef: Dolphin House, Marsa Alam
Swim alongside dolphins resting in their own reef.
Snorkel Sha'ab Samadai Reef, also called Dolphin House, near Marsa Alam in Egypt's Red Sea. You travel by bus to the coast, then by boat to the offshore reef where dolphins rest during the day. The activity runs seven hours and includes snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, coffee and tea. A live guide speaks English, Italian, French, German and additional languages.
The Experience
The day starts with a bus ride from Marsa Alam to the departure point on the coast. From there, a boat carries you out to Sha'ab Samadai, a national park reef where dolphins come to rest and play during daylight hours. The reef itself holds two main draws: the chance to swim near dolphins in their natural habitat, and the underwater landscape of coral gardens and canyons that spread across the site.
Once in the water with snorkeling gear, you explore the reef at your own pace. The dolphins are not penned or trained. They arrive on their own schedule to rest, so sightings are not guaranteed, but the reef's coral formations and canyon walls are constant. The full-day structure gives you time in the water without the rush of a half-day excursion, and the boat crew manages the timing around the dolphins' natural behavior.
Lunch and drinks are provided during the day. You bring nothing but a willingness to enter the water. The guide is present throughout and communicates in your language, though the activity itself is self-directed snorkeling rather than a led tour of specific points.
What’s included
- Snorkeling equipment.
- lunch.
- bottled water.
- coffee and tea.
- boat transport to Sha'ab Samadai Reef.
- bus transport from Marsa Alam.
- live guide in English, Italian, French, German and additional languages.
Operated by Scuba World Divers - Iberotel Costa Mares - Marsa ALam
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel a living reef with the possibility of dolphins nearby, rather than a guided tour of specific underwater points. The day is built around the reef itself and the dolphins' natural schedule, not a predetermined route.
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Top questions
Do I need snorkeling experience to join this activity?
No. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the activity suits all fitness levels. The reef is accessible to beginners, though comfort in the water helps.
Will I definitely see dolphins at Sha'ab Samadai?
Dolphins visit the reef to rest during the day, but sightings depend on their natural patterns and cannot be guaranteed. The coral gardens and canyons are always there to explore.
What's included in the seven-hour day?
The day includes bus transport from Marsa Alam, boat passage to and from the reef, snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, and coffee or tea. A guide in your language is present throughout.
How long do I actually spend in the water?
The full day is seven hours total, which covers transport, the boat ride, time at the reef, and lunch. Most of that time is spent snorkeling or on the boat near the reef.
Snorkeling at Sha'ab Samadai Reef: Dolphin House, Marsa Alam
7h · EN · DE +4
from US$ 92 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.676 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider