REVIEW · HURGHADA
Hurghada: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by FTS Travels · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Dolphins on the Red Sea can be pure magic. This Hurghada boat tour mixes wild dolphin spotting with two reef snorkel stops, plus lunch and plenty of time to relax on deck. It’s a simple plan that still feels like a full day of getting out on the water.
My favorite part is the mix of wildlife and water time: you’re not stuck watching from a distance for hours. I also like the organization—multiple guides and a snorkeling instructor help keep things calm and safe, with standout energy from guides like Mido, plus others such as Abdul and Khalid. You can expect a relaxed boat day that still feels adventurous.
One consideration: dolphin sightings are not guaranteed since they’re wild animals. If you’re traveling with very limited time or you’d be truly disappointed with no dolphins, plan to be flexible and treat it as a nature encounter, not a show.
In This Review
- Key highlights that make this tour worth your time
- Leaving Hurghada From Public Beach No. 9 for a Classic Red Sea Day
- Wild Dolphins: How Dolphin Hotspots Work on the Water
- Two Snorkeling Stops Over Coral Reefs (Plus Guidance That Helps)
- Lunch on the Boat: Buffet Food and Soft Drinks That Keep the Day Easy
- Boat Comfort and Crew Attention: Why the Experience Feels Managed
- Price and Value: Why $25 Can Actually Be a Deal Here
- Who Should Book This Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour
- Practical Tips Before You Go (So the Day Stays Comfortable)
- Should You Book This Hurghada Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the dolphin watching and snorkeling tour?
- Where does the tour start and where does it end?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
- Do you offer pickup from hotels in other areas?
- Is the tour suitable for children or young kids?
Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

- Wild dolphin watching with active crew searching so you have the best odds once you’re out on the water
- Two separate snorkeling stops with guided support at a coral reef
- A real boat day setup: sun deck, shade, music, and breaks between activities
- Onboard lunch and soft drinks included so you’re not scrambling for food
- Multiple guides per boat to help with safety and comfort in the water
Leaving Hurghada From Public Beach No. 9 for a Classic Red Sea Day

This tour runs about 6–7 hours, and it starts right where you want it: at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada. You come back to the same meeting point at the end, which keeps the day straightforward—no complicated transfers or mystery drop-offs.
The boat setup is part of the appeal. You get time on a sun deck when you want the fresh sea breeze, and shade when the sun starts doing its job. Between dolphin searches and snorkel stops, you’ll likely spend plenty of time just watching the coastline and open water roll by.
If you’re staying outside central Hurghada (Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga), you should know pickup isn’t always included automatically. The data says pickup from those areas can be an add-on, and extra charges may apply for hotels in those zones—so confirm what your price includes before you go.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Hurghada
Wild Dolphins: How Dolphin Hotspots Work on the Water

The dolphin portion is the headline, but it’s also the part you should approach with the right mindset. The crew takes you to known dolphin hotspots, and while sightings are actively pursued, the tour also makes it clear that you can’t guarantee dolphins every single day.
What I’d take from the way this tour runs is that the crew doesn’t treat dolphin time as a checkbox. You’re out on the water looking for them in their natural habitat, and if a pod is nearby, you’ll get the chance to watch. Many past outings also include moments where people end up swimming with dolphins, but again, that depends on what the sea gives you that day.
Dolphin tours can turn ethical or chaotic fast—too close, too loud, too rushed. This one is described as strongly focused on safety and on respecting marine life, with guides who remind the group about distance and proper behavior around animals. That matters because it protects both the dolphins and your own experience; you’re more likely to enjoy watching than worry that things are getting out of control.
Also, pay attention to how the guides manage attention onboard. In the feedback, Mido is repeatedly mentioned for keeping everyone involved and making sure no one is left out when dolphins appear. That kind of hosting detail sounds small, but when you’re trying to spot movement at sea, it’s the difference between missing your best moment and seeing it clearly.
Two Snorkeling Stops Over Coral Reefs (Plus Guidance That Helps)

After the dolphin search, you switch gears to snorkeling. You’ll get two snorkeling stops at coral reef locations, and you’ll also have a guided snorkeling session. The key practical win here is that you’re not just handed gear and pointed at the water.
Snorkeling gear is included—mask, fins, and snorkel—so you don’t need to travel with equipment. You’ll want to bring your own sunscreen, and yes, a towel helps because you’ll be wet at some point no matter how careful you try to be.
The guided part is especially useful if you’re not a confident swimmer. Many people in the feedback describe the crew as supportive in the water and attentive to comfort. The snorkeling is also organized in a way that groups people by comfort level, which tends to make the experience feel safer and less hectic for everyone.
What you’ll likely see under the surface is what makes the Red Sea such a draw: schools of fish and reef life around the coral structure. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, the variety of marine sightings can surprise you. One person even called out seeing a turtle and stingray, which is the kind of reminder that snorkeling here isn’t only about pretty coral—it’s about living ecosystems.
A small timing note: this is a full-day tour, so you’ll snorkel more than once but you’ll also get breaks. That matters because it prevents the usual snorkel-tour fatigue where everyone is tired and the later stop feels like a chore.
Lunch on the Boat: Buffet Food and Soft Drinks That Keep the Day Easy

One of the underrated reasons to do a boat tour like this is that your meal is handled. You get a fresh buffet lunch onboard, plus soft drinks and water are available. Past experiences also mention the food feeling home-style and aligned with Egyptian traditions, which usually means it’s not just “something to keep you full.”
In real life, this is what saves your energy. If you’re out at sea for hours, going hungry kills your mood. With lunch and drinks included, you can focus on the water—watching dolphins, then switching to snorkeling—without spending the day searching for food or negotiating prices.
The lunch timing also naturally sits between the more active parts of the day. That helps you recover, cool down, and reset. You’ll often see people spread out on deck after eating, scanning the horizon for wildlife again.
On top of that, the tour includes banana boat and sofa boat options. Some days include a bit of fun at the end—more movement, more laughs—once the snorkeling is done and everyone is in that post-adventure mood.
Boat Comfort and Crew Attention: Why the Experience Feels Managed

A good dolphin-snorkel day isn’t just about the animals. It’s about whether you feel looked after while you’re out there. This tour is run with an expert crew and 2 to 4 professional guides per boat, plus a snorkeling instructor. That staffing level shows up in how quickly issues get handled.
For you as a traveler, this can mean less stress. Snorkeling tours often have one problem: if you get nervous or slower in the water, the group can feel like it’s moving without you. Here, the guide approach seems more like coaching than herding—checking on people, keeping things organized, and making sure everyone is included when it’s time for action.
It’s also worth noticing the focus on safety rules. The tour info clearly says the crew ensures safety and provides assistance. And in the feedback, people repeatedly highlight how the team keeps the day calm, watches out for kids and less confident swimmers, and encourages proper behavior around the marine environment.
If you’re traveling with children, this matters even more. Some families mention their kids were supported in the water and given extra flotation options like a life ring or vest. If your group includes smaller kids or first-time snorkelers, you’ll likely appreciate a crew that doesn’t treat them as an inconvenience.
A few more Hurghada tours and experiences worth a look
- Swimming with Dolphin VIP Snorkeling Sea Trip With Lunch and Transfer – Hurghada
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Price and Value: Why $25 Can Actually Be a Deal Here

At $25 per person, this tour prices in the “easy to book” range—especially for what’s included. You’re getting:
- round-trip boat transportation from Hurghada
- dolphin watching in the wild
- snorkeling gear
- two snorkeling stops and guided reef time
- a buffet lunch plus soft drinks and water
Then you add the staffing—guides and an instructor on board—and the fact you’re doing multiple activities in one ticket. If you tried to cobble these elements together separately, the cost usually climbs fast.
The tour’s reviews show a 4.9 rating and a huge number of ratings, which suggests the experience is consistent. Most of the praise clusters around organization, the friendly crew, good food, and solid snorkeling time. One recurring theme is that people felt looked after throughout the day, not just during the “main events.”
There’s also a little bonus in the details: children under 3 join for free. If you’re traveling as a family, that can make the overall trip feel much more affordable than it first looks.
Just remember the one reality check: dolphins are wild, so your value is greatest when you’re flexible about wildlife sightings.
Who Should Book This Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour

This tour is a strong fit for couples, families, and nature lovers who want a single boat day that covers both wildlife and snorkeling. If you’re the type who enjoys watching animals in their own habitat and then getting hands-on with the reef, you’ll probably love the flow.
It’s also a good choice if you want guidance. You don’t need to bring gear, and you’ll have snorkeling support—helpful if your comfort level is mixed. Many people in the feedback describe the guides as fun and attentive, which helps when your group includes kids or someone who gets nervous in open water.
Who should think twice: the tour info says it’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues. If either of those applies, don’t assume a boat tour will work out fine—confirm suitability with the operator before paying.
Also, if you’re traveling on a tight schedule and the dolphins are your only goal, be emotionally ready for the possibility of no dolphins that day. The crew does their job, but nature decides.
Practical Tips Before You Go (So the Day Stays Comfortable)

Bring what the tour suggests: swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and a camera (waterproof if you have it). A waterproof camera can be a real win because snorkeling moments can happen when you least expect them.
I’d also recommend packing a dry bag for your phone or camera so you’re not scrambling. Sea spray happens. Deck time happens. And you’ll want your stuff safe between dolphin sightings and reef snorkeling.
Finally, if you can, go with a relaxed attitude. The best dolphin spotting days aren’t forced. You’ll do more enjoying when you treat it like shared time on the Red Sea rather than a strict checklist.
Should You Book This Hurghada Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour?

If you want a well-paced Red Sea day with dolphins, two snorkeling chances, and a real onboard lunch for a budget-friendly price, I’d book it. The combination of included snorkeling gear, guided reef time, and multiple guides onboard means you’re not just paying for a boat—you’re paying for support and organization.
You should only skip if dolphins are a must-have for your trip and you’re unwilling to accept that sightings can’t be guaranteed, or if mobility/pregnancy considerations make a boat day inappropriate.
If you do book, aim to enjoy the whole day: deck views in between, reef snorkeling twice, and that moment when the sea decides to show off a pod of dolphins close enough to make your day feel special.
FAQ
How long is the dolphin watching and snorkeling tour?
It’s approximately 6–7 hours.
Where does the tour start and where does it end?
The tour starts at Public Beach Number 9, Hurghada and ends back at the same meeting point.
What’s included in the price?
Included are round-trip boat transportation from Hurghada, dolphin watching, snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel), 2 snorkeling stops, a guided snorkeling session, fresh lunch onboard, and refreshments including soft drinks and water.
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
No. While the crew searches dolphin hotspots, sightings cannot be guaranteed because dolphins are wild animals.
Do you offer pickup from hotels in other areas?
Pickup is available as an add-on from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga. Hotels in Hurghada are available, and extra charges may apply for those other areas.
Is the tour suitable for children or young kids?
Children under 3 years old join for free. The tour is also stated as not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.
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