Hurghada: Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling & Buffet Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada cruise is the chance to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat, then enter the Red Sea at two coral reef stops. I also like the easy all-in price: for $26, you get the boat ride, gear, lunch, soft drinks, guides, and water activities. That is a lot for a full day on the sea.

I especially like the combination of wildlife and reef time. You are not spending the whole day waiting for dolphins, and the two snorkeling stops give the trip a clear purpose even if the animals stay out of sight. The main drawback is simple: dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed, and the boat may feel busy when the tour is full.

Key points at a glance

• Wild dolphins, not a dolphin show: You search for them in open Red Sea waters rather than watching trained animals in a pool.
• Two reef stops: Each stop gives you time to see colorful coral and fish with supplied masks, snorkels, and fins.
• A 6 to 7 hour outing: The pace leaves room for the boat ride, wildlife search, snorkeling, lunch, and water activities.
• Lunch is included: A fresh buffet meal, soft drinks, and water are served on board.
• Several guides on each boat: Two to four professional guides and a snorkeling instructor help with safety and equipment.
• Pickup details matter: The meeting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada. Transfers from several nearby resort areas cost extra.

Setting out from Public Beach Number 9

Your day begins at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada, and the tour returns to this same meeting point. This is important if you are staying outside central Hurghada, since pickup is not automatically included everywhere.

Hotel pickup is available in Hurghada, with extra charges for Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, and Safaga. The listed add-on for these areas is €10 per person. Check this before booking so the low headline price does not catch you by surprise.

The cruise lasts about six to seven hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper Red Sea day rather than a quick boat ride, but it also means you should prepare for several hours in the sun, wind, and salt water.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Towels are not included, and the boat may have both open sun and shaded areas, so you will want the choice. The spacious boat has a sun deck and shade, giving you somewhere to sit between water activities.

Searching for dolphins in open water

The dolphin watching comes first as the main wildlife element of the outing. The crew takes you toward known dolphin areas and searches for animals in the sea. This is the right setup if you prefer seeing dolphins behaving naturally rather than watching a staged performance.

You may see the dolphins from the boat, and if conditions allow, you may have the chance to enter the water near them. One of the strongest parts of the supplied feedback describes seeing many dolphins and getting close to them in the water. Another account notes repeated sightings and swimming near the animals.

That possibility is exciting, but you should keep your expectations sensible. The sea is not a zoo, and the crew cannot promise a sighting. Weather, water conditions, and animal movement all matter. If dolphins do not appear, the two reef stops, lunch, and the other boat activities still give the day structure.

The guides are there to help with safety and assistance, but you should follow their instructions closely around the dolphins. Do not treat a close sighting as a guarantee that you will swim beside them. The most honest way to view this part of the trip is as a wildlife search with a real chance of reward, not a scheduled animal encounter.

Two snorkeling stops on the Red Sea

After the dolphin search, the boat makes two snorkeling stops at coral reefs. This is where the outing becomes more than a wildlife cruise. You get time in the water to see coral and fish, with masks, snorkels, and fins supplied on board.

A guided snorkeling session is included, and each boat carries two to four professional guides. That matters for first-time snorkelers and families, since you can ask for help with equipment and get direction before entering the water. An instructor is also included, so you are not left to work out the gear alone.

The reef stops are described as colorful and full of fish and coral. Conditions can vary, of course, but these locations are intended for seeing Red Sea marine life rather than simply taking a quick swim. I would plan to spend your energy carefully: enjoy the first stop, but remember that you have another one ahead.

You should also expect other people to be in the water. One piece of feedback specifically points to some crowding on the boat, even though the group still managed to swim near dolphins. If you want a quiet, private snorkeling session, this is not that type of trip. If you are happy sharing a boat and reef stop in exchange for a lower price, the arrangement makes good sense.

The provided gear includes a mask, snorkel, and fins. Bring your own equipment only if you have strong preferences about fit. Otherwise, the included set keeps you from arranging extra rentals.

Lunch, drinks, and time between stops

A fresh buffet lunch is served on board, with soft drinks and water available during the day. The meal is a practical part of the price, since you do not need to arrange food while you are out at sea.

The lunch has received especially strong praise in the feedback, with the meal described as very good. That does not turn the cruise into a food tour, but it does mean the meal is more than an afterthought. You can eat, rest, and enjoy the view without losing time searching for a restaurant.

The boat also provides music and space to relax on the sun deck. I like this balance. A day spent only in the water can become tiring, especially for children or anyone new to snorkeling. The quieter time lets you dry off, eat, and enjoy the sea before the next activity.

Bring sunscreen and use it often. Sun exposure builds quickly on a boat, even when a breeze makes the temperature feel comfortable. A hat and access to shade will make the return journey much more pleasant.

Banana boat and sofa boat rides

Banana boat and sofa boat rides are included. These add a livelier note to the day and give you something to do besides watch dolphins or snorkel.

The water rides may suit couples, families with suitable-age children, and anyone who likes a bit of movement. They are not the reason to book the cruise, but they help fill out the day and make the outing feel varied.

The safety team and guides are there to provide assistance. Listen to their instructions and tell them if you are uncomfortable in the water. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, and pregnant women should not book it.

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Children under three join free, but the tour still involves a full day on a boat and several water-based activities. Parents should consider how their child handles sun, wind, boat time, and swimming before choosing this outing.

Crew support and languages

The experience includes a guide, a snorkeling instructor, and two to four professional guides on each boat. The crew speaks English, German, and Arabic.

The strongest praise is aimed at the crew’s attitude and organization. The team is described as friendly, funny, attentive, and good at working together. That matters on a water trip, where help with fins, masks, boarding, and swimming instructions can affect the whole day.

The crew’s role is practical as well as social. They help you use the snorkeling equipment, provide safety assistance, and guide the reef session. Still, you should remain responsible for your own comfort and swimming ability. Tell the guides if you need help, and do not push yourself to stay in the water longer than you want.

What $26 really includes

At $26 per person, this is a strong-value day if you plan to use most of what is included. The package covers round-trip boat transport from the Hurghada meeting point, dolphin watching, two snorkeling stops, gear, a guided water session, lunch, drinks, water, banana boat and sofa boat rides, and the guide team.

Comparable boat days can become expensive when you add equipment rental, meals, and activities separately. Here, those basics are bundled together. The cost is especially reasonable for families, couples, or anyone looking for a full day at sea without booking several separate activities.

There are extra costs to remember. Towels, personal expenses, and photography are not included. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, and Safaga is available for an added €10 per person. If you are staying in one of those resort areas, include that fee when comparing the total cost with other cruises.

The price does not buy certainty. You are paying for the boat day and the chance to find wild dolphins, not a guaranteed swim with them. That distinction is important, and it is the main thing to keep in mind when judging the value.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to nature lovers who want two different Red Sea activities in one day. You get wildlife watching, reef snorkeling, a meal, and light water sports without having to coordinate separate bookings.

It also suits couples who want a relaxed day with some excitement, and families whose children are comfortable on boats and in the water. The shaded areas, lunch, and guide support help break up the day, while the banana boat and sofa boat add a playful option.

First-time snorkelers may appreciate the instructor and the supplied equipment. You do not need to arrange your own mask, fins, or snorkel, and the guides can assist during the reef session.

I would choose another activity if you need a private boat, quiet water time, guaranteed wildlife, or easy access for someone with mobility limitations. The boat can be busy, the dolphins may not appear, and the schedule includes several active water stops.

Booking and preparation advice

Reserve ahead if you want flexibility, since the booking option allows you to reserve and pay later. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel from your hotel. Pack sunscreen, a sun hat, and any personal items you need for several hours outside. Photography is not included, so bring your own waterproof solution if you want pictures, while keeping your phone protected from salt water.

Plan around the meeting point. If you are in central Hurghada, Public Beach Number 9 is the listed start and finish. If you are in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, or Safaga, arrange the paid pickup rather than assuming hotel transfer is part of the base price.

Keep your expectations flexible on the dolphin portion. The best day includes repeated sightings and a close look in the water, but the sea decides what happens. The reef stops and onboard program are there to make the trip worthwhile even when nature does not cooperate.

Should you book the Hurghada dolphin cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced, full-day Red Sea outing with two snorkeling stops, lunch, and several included activities. The friendly crew, guide support, and strong reports of dolphin sightings make it appealing, especially at $26.

Skip it if guaranteed dolphin contact, a small private group, or a calm, accessibility-friendly boat trip matters most. For everyone else, this is a sensible way to combine wildlife watching and reef time without paying for each part separately. Just bring a towel, accept that dolphins are never promised, and prepare to share the boat with other people.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts approximately six to seven hours.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for dolphins in their natural habitat, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops at coral reef locations are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided on board, along with a guided snorkeling session and an instructor.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A fresh buffet lunch, soft drinks, and water are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is available from hotels in Hurghada, with extra charges for Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, and Safaga. The listed add-on for those areas is €10 per person.

Who should not join this activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Children under three can join free.