Where to swim with wild dolphins in Hurghada

The main place to snorkel with wild dolphins near Hurghada is Shaab El Erg, the reef known as Dolphin House, north of the city. Boats take about 45 to 75 minutes to reach it. Our House of Dolphins trip costs from $33 per person with lunch, an instructor and snorkelling equipment. Dolphins are seen often, but no one can guarantee them.

Where is Dolphin House?

Dolphin House is the name boat crews use for Shaab El Erg, a large horseshoe-shaped reef with a sheltered lagoon north of Hurghada, on the way towards El Gouna. HEPCA, the Red Sea conservation group, names Shaab El Erg, Fanous and Abu Nugar as areas where dolphins come mainly to rest. The boat ride takes about 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the marina and the sea.

Do not confuse it with Samadai near Marsa Alam, which is also called Dolphin House. If you stay in Marsa Alam, read our Sataya Dolphin Reef guide.

Which dolphins will you see, and how likely is it?

Spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are both seen at Shaab El Erg. On many days a pod passes the boat or rests in the lagoon. On other days the dolphins are elsewhere, and the crew uses the stops for snorkelling on the coral. Mornings are usually best, because pods often leave the lagoon later in the day.

What are the rules for swimming with wild dolphins?

HEPCA’s dolphin code of conduct applies around Hurghada, and breaking it can lead to a fine:

• Wear a mask, fins, snorkel and life jacket in the water.
• Never touch, feed or chase the dolphins.
• Boats must keep at least 30 m away, move slowly and moor at the set places.
• Stay quiet. No shouting or music.

Your instructor tells you when you can get in and where to swim.

Wild dolphins or the dolphinarium?

	House of Dolphins by boat	Swim 5 minutes	Swim 10 minutes	Dolphin show
Price	From $33 per person	From $55 per person	From $80 per person	From $18 per person
Where	Open sea, Shaab El Erg	Dolphinarium pool	Dolphinarium pool	Dolphinarium
Dolphins guaranteed	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hotel pickup	About 8:00	About 10:00	About 10:00	About 14:00
Back at hotel	About 17:00	About 13:00	About 13:00	About 16:00
Runs	Daily	Daily	Daily	Daily except Saturday
Also included	Yacht, instructor, mask, fins, vest, thermal suit, drinks, buffet lunch	Ticket, life jacket	Ticket, life jacket	Ticket, show of about an hour

All four include the bus from your hotel and a guide. Pickup from El Gouna, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi and Soma Bay costs extra.

Which should you choose?

• House of Dolphins by boat (from $33): the only way to meet wild dolphins, plus a full day of snorkelling and lunch.
• Swimming with dolphins, 5 minutes (from $55): a certain, short encounter, usually from age 6.
• Swimming with dolphins, 10 minutes (from $80): more time in the pool with the dolphins.
• Dolphin show (from $18): the cheapest choice for small children and non-swimmers.

Tips for the Dolphin House trip

• Non-swimmers can come. Wear the vest in the water or watch from the deck.
• Take seasickness tablets before the boat leaves if you need them.
• Bring sun cream, a hat, a towel and a photo of your passport on your phone.
• Bring cash for the photographer and tips.
• The included thermal suit is useful from November to April.
• Give us your exact hotel name when you book, and we will send the pickup time the afternoon before.

For more sea trips see the best snorkelling in Hurghada, our island trips compared and the Hurghada excursions page. Staying in Sharm? Read where to see dolphins in Sharm El Sheikh.