Hurghada: Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling & Buffet Lunch

The best part of this Hurghada day cruise is the chance to see wild dolphins in the Red Sea, then enter the water at two coral-reef sites. You are not watching animals in a tank or aquarium. You are searching for them in open water, where the experience feels exciting but remains subject to nature’s timetable.

I like the useful mix of activities: two snorkeling stops give you real time in the water, while the sun deck, shaded areas, lunch, and drinks make the cruise easy to manage. The crew also provides masks, fins, and snorkels, plus assistance from two to four guides on each boat.

The main consideration is that dolphin sightings cannot be promised, and one boat may carry enough people to feel busy. You should also be comfortable getting in and out of the water, since the trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues.

Key points before you book

• Dolphins in open water: The crew searches known dolphin areas, but sightings and close encounters depend on the animals.
• Two reef stops: You get two separate chances to snorkel among fish and coral rather than one quick swim.
• Lunch included: A fresh buffet lunch, water, and soft drinks are served on board.
• Easy Hurghada departure: The meeting point is Public Beach Number 9, with hotel pickup available in Hurghada.
• Water activities beyond snorkeling: Banana boat and sofa boat rides are included.
• Good value at $26: The price covers boat transport, guides, equipment, food, and refreshments, though transport from several resort areas costs extra.

Setting out from Public Beach Number 9

Your day begins at Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada, where the boat departs and returns. The activity lasts about 6 to 7 hours, so plan it as a full morning and afternoon rather than a short boat ride.

The starting point matters if you are staying in central Hurghada. You can reach the meeting point without paying for a transfer from a distant resort area. Pickup is available from hotels in Hurghada, but you should check the exact arrangement and any added charge when booking.

If you are staying in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga, pickup is available as an add-on for €10 per person. That extra cost can still be reasonable compared with arranging separate transport, but it changes the advertised $26 price, so include it in your budget.

The boat is set up for a relaxed day at sea, with a sun deck and shaded places. I like having both options. You can sit in the sun between water stops, then move under cover when the heat becomes too strong. Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel, since towels are not supplied.

Searching for dolphins in the Red Sea

The first major goal is dolphin watching. The crew heads toward areas where dolphins are known to pass, then looks for them in their natural surroundings. That makes the sighting feel more special than a guaranteed animal encounter, but it also means you need to accept that nature may not cooperate.

If dolphins appear, you may watch them from the boat and possibly enter the water near them, depending on the conditions and the crew’s instructions. Several people who enjoyed this trip were able to see dolphins more than once, and some got close to them in the water. That is a memorable possibility, but it should not be treated as a promise.

I would book this part for the chance, not for certainty. A dolphin-focused tour can be disappointing if you measure its success only by the number of animals seen. The crew still provides the boat ride, reef snorkeling, lunch, and water activities, so the day has value even if the dolphins stay out of sight.

The open-water setting also calls for sensible behavior. Listen to the guides, stay with the group, and do not chase animals. The tour includes two to four professional guides on each boat, along with a snorkeling instructor, so you have people available to help with safety and technique.

Two snorkeling stops at coral reefs

The snorkeling is the other major reason to book this cruise. You stop twice at coral-reef locations, giving you two chances to see fish and coral in clear Red Sea water. The separate stops are useful because conditions can change, and one site may suit you better than the other.

The included mask, snorkel, and fins save you from packing or renting equipment. A guided snorkeling session is also included, which helps if you are new to the activity or want a crew member nearby while you get comfortable.

The reef sites are described as full of colorful coral and fish. You should expect the usual practical limits of a boat trip: visibility, wind, waves, and water conditions can affect what you see. The experience is about observing the reef from the surface, not about a private or technical underwater expedition.

Each stop gives you time away from the deck and a reason to use the equipment provided. If you are traveling with children, check that they are confident in the water and can follow instructions. The tour does not allow unaccompanied minors, so children need appropriate adult supervision.

Bring your own towel, as this is specifically excluded from the package. A sun hat and high-factor sunscreen are also wise, since you may spend long periods exposed to strong sun before and after the swim.

Lunch, drinks, and time on board

A fresh buffet lunch is served on the boat, with soft drinks and water available during the day. This is more than a small snack between stops. Since the cruise lasts up to seven hours, having food included means you do not need to organize a separate meal while out at sea.

The lunch also gives you a natural break after the snorkeling. You can dry off, eat, and rest before the next activity instead of rushing from one stop to another. The meal is a practical part of the package, especially for families who would otherwise need to carry food for a full day.

The boat has music, a sun deck, and shaded areas. If you enjoy a social day on the water, the atmosphere should suit you. The crew has been praised for being friendly, funny, and attentive, and good teamwork matters on a trip that combines boat handling, food service, snorkeling, and water sports.

Still, this is not a quiet private charter. One person found the boat somewhat crowded, and that is worth keeping in mind. The tour includes multiple guides and several activities, but the exact boat capacity is not given. If you need lots of personal space, a private cruise would be a better fit, though it would not offer the same low price.

Banana boat and sofa boat rides

The included banana boat and sofa boat rides add a playful edge to the day. These are optional-style water activities within the wider cruise, so you can take part if you want more speed and laughter, or remain on board and enjoy the views if snorkeling and dolphin watching are enough.

For families and couples, these rides can break up the slower parts of the cruise. They also give you something to do if the dolphin search takes time. As with the snorkeling, follow the crew’s instructions and judge your own comfort in the water before joining.

The attractions are not the main reason I would choose this experience. The real value comes from combining dolphin watching, two reef stops, lunch, and a full day on the Red Sea for $26. The banana boat and sofa boat rides are useful extras rather than the foundation of the tour.

What the $26 price really covers

At $26 per person, this is a strong-value package if you want several Red Sea activities in one outing. The price includes round-trip boat transportation from the Hurghada meeting point, dolphin watching, snorkeling gear, two reef stops, guided snorkeling, lunch, water, soft drinks, professional guides, and the two towable water rides.

A comparable day can become expensive when you add equipment rental, food, and drinks separately. Here, those basics are already covered. That makes the trip particularly appealing to families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone trying to keep the Hurghada budget under control.

The price does not include towels, personal spending, or photography. If a photographer is working on board, treat any photo package as an extra purchase rather than part of the advertised deal.

Transfers are another point to calculate. Pickup from certain resort areas costs €10 per person, while the public beach meeting point is the included starting location. Before booking, compare the transfer charge with the cost and effort of reaching Public Beach Number 9 yourself.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to couples who want a lively day at sea without paying for a private boat. It works well for nature enthusiasts who care about dolphins and reef life, especially if they understand that wild-animal sightings are never certain.

Families can also enjoy the broad mix of activities, provided children are accompanied and comfortable around boats and water. Children under three join free, which can help the total cost for a family with a very young child, though the adults remain responsible for supervision.

The trip suits confident swimmers and people who can manage boarding, snorkeling, and boat movement. It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

You should think twice if you want a calm, private, luxury-style day. The boat may feel crowded, music is part of the atmosphere, and several activities happen in one shared setting. That is not a flaw for everyone. It is simply the trade-off for a low price and a full schedule.

Languages, flexibility, and useful planning details

The tour is offered in English, German, and Arabic. A guide and snorkeling instructor are included, with two to four professional guides on each boat. That level of staffing is useful when people have different swimming abilities or need help with masks and fins.

You can reserve and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while arranging your Hurghada plans. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, according to the stated conditions.

I would keep the day before and after this cruise reasonably flexible. The duration is approximately 6 to 7 hours, and the return is to the same meeting point. Pack only the items you need for the sea: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, and perhaps a waterproof bag for small personal belongings.

Do not rely on dolphin sightings as the only reason for booking. Go for the complete package: open-water wildlife, two reef stops, lunch, and a sociable boat day. That expectation will make the experience feel far more worthwhile.

Should you book the Hurghada dolphin cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, active Red Sea day with several built-in activities. The combination of wild dolphin watching, two snorkeling stops, buffet lunch, and water rides gives you a lot for $26, and the friendly crew adds to the appeal.

Skip it if you need guaranteed dolphin encounters, a private boat, or a quiet setting with plenty of room. Also skip it if you are pregnant, have mobility limitations, or are not comfortable with getting into open water.

For most people staying in Hurghada, this is a sensible choice when value matters more than luxury. Just bring a towel, budget for a possible resort transfer, and treat the dolphins as a welcome bonus rather than a certainty.

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 at the end of the activity.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Are dolphin sightings 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 are included, along with a guided snorkeling session at coral-reef locations.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided on board.

Is lunch included?

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

Can I get picked up from a resort outside Hurghada?

Pickup is available from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga for an additional €10 per person. Hotel pickup is also available in Hurghada, with extra charges potentially applying in some areas.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under three years old join for free. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, so children must attend with an accompanying adult.