Hurghada or Makadi: Discover the Magic of Dolphin House

Dolphins set the day’s mood. The Dolphin House trip from Hurghada or Makadi Bay combines an open-sea dolphin search with two snorkeling stops, lunch, soft drinks, and a sofa boat ride for $27 per person. I like the mix of wildlife, coral, and simple water fun, and I especially like that the crew puts safety ahead of forcing a dolphin swim.

The main consideration is that dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled show. You may see them and still be unable to swim beside them because of wind, deep water, or too many boats. The early hotel pickup can also involve waiting while other passengers arrive, so bring patience along with your sunscreen.

Key Points at a Glance

• Dolphins in open water: The search takes place at Dolphin House, where sightings are reported to be about 95 percent, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• Two snorkeling areas: Clear Red Sea water, coral, and colorful fish make the snorkeling a major part of the day, not just a filler stop.
• Swimming conditions matter: Dolphin swimming lasts 15 to 20 minutes and depends on weather, water depth, boat traffic, swimming ability, and age.
• Good-value inclusions: Hotel pickup, boat transport, gear, life vest, lunch, fruit, mineral water, soft drinks, and sofa boat rides are included.
• Friendly, active crew: Guides and crew members such as Mohamed, Adam, Sherif, Mahmoud, and Phillip are often praised for helping people in the water.
• Bring practical basics: Pack a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and a passport or ID card. A copy of your passport is accepted.

Setting Out From Hurghada or Makadi Bay

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel. Transport is also available from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay as an added option. You should provide your hotel location and room number once you have it, since clear pickup details matter more than they sound when several resort areas are involved.

The pickup may be early. One reported departure was around 7:30 a.m., followed by roughly an hour waiting on the boat for other people. That is not ideal if you dislike slow starts, but it is a common tradeoff on shared boat trips. Once everyone is aboard, the day becomes much more active.

I would treat this as a full-day outing, even though an exact duration is not stated. The itinerary includes the boat ride to Dolphin House, time looking for dolphins, two snorkeling stops, lunch, water sports, and time to relax on deck. You are getting much more than a short dolphin-viewing cruise.

The boat is described as clean and comfortable, with enough deck space for a fairly large group. It may not feel private or quiet, but there is room to sit in the sun, watch the coast, and take a break between activities.

Searching for Dolphins at Dolphin House

The first major part of the trip is the search for dolphins in the open sea. This is the experience’s strongest draw, but it also requires realistic expectations. The crew looks for dolphins in the Dolphin House area, where the stated sighting rate reaches 95 percent, yet wind, sea conditions, and natural behavior can change the result.

You might see a small group, or you might watch dolphins moving near the boat for a longer stretch. Several people describe seeing dolphins close to the boat, with one account placing a dolphin about two meters away. That can be a thrilling moment, even if you remain on deck.

The captain may follow the dolphins for as long as conditions allow. This is where the experience feels different from a pool encounter. There is no guarantee that the animals will approach, stay nearby, or perform on cue. Your reward is the chance to see them behaving in their own environment.

That freedom also creates the biggest limitation. Seeing dolphins does not automatically mean you can swim with them. Swimming is allowed only when the weather is suitable, the water is safe, the swimmer is capable, and there are not too many boats around the animals.

Wind is a frequent reason for restrictions. Strong wind can make the water rough and prevent both dolphin swimming and some water sports. In another case, the captain decided the water was too deep for a swim, even though other boats were allowing one. That may feel frustrating in the moment, but the captain is responsible for the boat’s license and your safety.

If swimming is approved, the session lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. Children under 12 cannot swim with the dolphins, and pregnant women should not book this trip. Anyone who is not a confident swimmer may also be excluded from the dolphin swim, though the snorkeling team can still offer support during regular water activities.

Two Snorkeling Stops on the Red Sea

The snorkeling stops give the day more substance. Even if dolphin swimming does not happen, you still have time in clear water among coral and fish. People describe the coral as beautiful, with a broad mix of fish and good visibility.

The tour includes snorkeling gear, a guide, and a life vest. You do not need to bring your own mask or fins, though you should pack a towel and sunscreen. The guide explains the safety rules before you enter the water, and you are expected to follow them.

The crew receives especially strong praise for helping less confident swimmers and children. Guides have assisted people in the water, checked that everyone was comfortable, and helped families take part rather than leaving them watching from the boat. That support can make a real difference if you are nervous about open water.

The stops are not just a quick photo opportunity. Several accounts describe spending a good amount of time in the water, and one person reported four snorkeling entries during the day. The standard program specifically promises two snorkeling spots, so treat any additional water time as a possible bonus rather than a guarantee.

The snorkeling does depend on the sea. Wind and rough water may affect visibility or shorten a stop. Coral can also be delicate, so keep your fins and hands away from it, follow the guide, and avoid standing on the reef.

Lunch, Fruit, and Drinks on Board

Lunch is served on the boat and includes fried chicken, kofta, fish, rice, pasta, and four types of salad. Fresh seasonal fruit is also included. The meal is described as simple but satisfying, rather than a major culinary event.

I see the food as a useful part of the price. You do not need to arrange lunch separately, and the spread offers several choices for different tastes. The meal may feel basic to you, but after time in the water, a filling plate is exactly what many people want.

Mineral water and soft drinks are available throughout the day. That is important in the Egyptian sun, especially when you are swimming, snorkeling, and sitting on a bright deck. Still, bring cash for personal purchases or optional extras, and keep drinking regularly rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.

Sofa Boat Fun and Time on Deck

The sofa boat ride adds a burst of energy after the quieter snorkeling and lunch periods. You are pulled across the water on an inflatable sofa, with the crew managing the activity. It is playful rather than technical, and it suits people who want a little more action without committing to a serious water sport.

Some passengers also jump from the boat into the water. The crew may allow this when conditions and safety rules permit, but it should never be assumed. Strong wind has prevented water sports on some outings, and the same weather can affect jumps and swimming.

The pace is flexible. You can join the sofa ride, snorkel, swim, or simply remain on deck. That choice is useful for families and mixed groups, since not everyone wants the same level of activity.

Music and a friendly atmosphere are part of the boat experience. Guides such as Adam, Mohamed, Sherif, Mahmoud, and Phillip are repeatedly praised for being cheerful, attentive, and helpful. Names may vary by departure, but the practical point is clear: the crew plays a large role in how relaxed the day feels.

Guides, Safety, and the Human Side

The crew’s strongest quality is their attention in the water. Several people were pleased with the way guides supported weaker swimmers, helped children, and checked on individual needs. That makes this more approachable than a trip where you are simply handed equipment and pointed toward the sea.

Mohamed is singled out for both guiding and communication, including contacting passengers before the trip to confirm details. Adam receives praise for being especially helpful and good fun. Sherif is described as attentive, while Mahmoud helped people during snorkeling. Phillip is noted for being warm and welcoming.

The captain also deserves credit when a dolphin swim is refused for safety reasons. You may see another boat allowing people into the water and wonder why your group cannot join. The responsible choice is to follow the captain’s decision, since conditions around wild dolphins can change quickly and boat traffic creates real risks.

The rules are not minor technicalities. Swimming with dolphins is limited to capable swimmers, children under 12 are excluded, and rough weather can stop the activity. Listen closely to the snorkeling guide before entering the water, and do not push for an exception.

What the $27 Price Really Buys

At $27 per person, this is strong value if you want several activities in one day. The cost includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a boat cruise, snorkeling gear, a guide, a life vest, two snorkeling spots, dolphin searching, lunch, fruit, drinks, and sofa boat fun.

The value is strongest when you take part in more than one activity. Even if dolphin swimming is cancelled, you still receive the boat trip, dolphin search, snorkeling, lunch, and the chance to relax or enjoy other water activities. That makes the tour less risky than paying mainly for a guaranteed dolphin encounter, which this is not.

You should also understand what is not included in the promise. A dolphin sighting is not guaranteed, and swimming with the dolphins is an optional outcome controlled by nature and safety rules. If your entire holiday depends on entering the water beside dolphins, this may not satisfy you.

A photographer is present on board and takes photos and videos during the day. Several people liked the quality of the finished images and felt the extra cost was worthwhile, especially for dolphin and snorkeling memories. The photography package is not listed in the $27 price, so ask about the cost before buying.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want an active Red Sea day without paying for separate dolphin, snorkeling, and water-sport activities. It works particularly well for families with older children, couples, groups of friends, and first-time visitors who want a broad sample of what the sea offers.

It is also a sensible choice for people who are not strong swimmers, provided you are comfortable with the tour’s open-water setting. The life vest and guide support help, and you can choose how much time to spend in the water. You should still tell the snorkeling guide if you are nervous or inexperienced.

This is less suitable if you want a small, quiet boat or a private wildlife encounter. The group can be large, pickup may involve waiting, music is part of the atmosphere, and other boats may gather near the dolphins.

You should also skip it if you are pregnant, under 12 and hoping to swim with dolphins, or unable to swim confidently. The general snorkeling portion may still be possible for some less confident swimmers with crew assistance, but dolphin swimming has stricter conditions.

What to Pack and How to Prepare

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and your passport or ID card. A copy of the passport is accepted, which is useful if you prefer not to carry the original document on a boat.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and apply sunscreen before pickup. Reapply it after snorkeling, even if you do not feel hot. The combination of sun, wind, and reflected light from the sea can catch you quickly.

Keep your expectations flexible. The best attitude is to see dolphin swimming as a possible extra, not the only reason for going. If the dolphins remain too far away or the sea becomes rough, the coral stops, lunch, crew, and boat time still give you a worthwhile day.

Should You Book Dolphin House?

I would book this tour if you want good value and variety. The price covers a full set of practical inclusions, and the strongest parts are the open-sea dolphin search, two snorkeling stops, helpful guides, and easygoing water activities.

I would not book it if you require a guaranteed dolphin swim. Nature and safety rules decide that part, and the tour is honest about the limits. For most people, though, the combination of possible dolphin contact, coral snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and friendly crew makes this one of the better low-cost boat outings from Hurghada or Makadi Bay.

FAQ

Is swimming with dolphins guaranteed?

No. Dolphin sightings are reported to reach about 95 percent, but dolphins are wild animals and may be affected by wind and other natural conditions. Swimming also depends on safety conditions and boat traffic.

How long does swimming with the dolphins last?

The dolphin swimming session lasts about 15 to 20 minutes when conditions allow it.

Can children swim with the dolphins?

Children under 12 years old are not permitted to swim with the dolphins.

Can people who are not strong swimmers join the dolphin swim?

No. Dolphin swimming is limited to people who can swim well. The snorkeling guide may still help less confident swimmers during regular snorkeling activities.

What happens if the weather is windy?

Strong wind can prevent swimming with dolphins and may also stop the water sports. You may still see dolphins, depending on conditions, and the boat may continue with other parts of the program.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling spots are included. Some departures may offer additional time in the water, but the stated program promises two stops.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes fried chicken, kofta, fish, rice, pasta, and four types of salad. Fresh seasonal fruit is also provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Mineral water and soft drinks are available throughout the day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, a snorkeling guide, and a life vest are included.

Which areas offer hotel pickup?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada. Transport from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay is available as an added option.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, cash, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. A copy of your passport is accepted.