Hurghada: Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling & Buffet Lunch

Hurghada has a special kind of day trip, the kind that mixes wildlife with underwater time. This dolphin watching cruise takes you out onto Red Sea waters where you can spot dolphins in their natural habitat, then adds two snorkeling stops so you are not just sitting and hoping.

What I really like is the practical mix of sights and time in the water, plus the onboard comfort. You get a sun deck with shade, music between stops, and a buffet lunch, all while a safety-minded crew and multiple guides look after you.

One thing to keep in mind, dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed. Also, if the boat is busy, you may need to be a bit flexible about when you get the best view or snorkel window.

Key highlights you should care about

• Wild dolphin spotting on known hotspots, with the chance to see them more than once while the boat moves around
• Two snorkeling stops with masks, fins, and snorkels included
• Guided snorkeling support plus multiple professional guides on each boat (typically 2 to 4)
• Lunch and soft drinks onboard, so you avoid the hassle of hunting food between swims
• Spacious boat setup with both sun deck and shade, plus music during the day
• Banana boat and sofa boat listed as included, if you want a playful add-on ride

From Public Beach Number 9 to a Full Red Sea Day

This outing runs as a proper day on the water, around 6 to 7 hours. The starting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada, and the tour ends back at the same meeting spot.

If you are staying in the Hurghada area, you generally just meet there. Pickup can be available from places like Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga as an add-on (priced separately), so plan ahead if you are farther out.

I like this format because it is straightforward: one departure, a few scheduled stops, and then you are back where you started. It is the kind of trip that works well when you want one solid block of time rather than juggling multiple activities.

What to bring so you do not waste time

Pack for a long stretch outdoors on the water:

• Swimwear
• Towel (not provided)
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Any water-friendly basics you like (and keep valuables stowed)

Since the tour is water-based, arriving ready to swim helps. The more time you spend getting yourself organized at the beach, the less time you get for dolphins and snorkeling.

Dolphin Watching That Feels Wild, Not Scripted

The main mission is simple: go out from Hurghada and look for dolphins in their natural habitat. The boat heads toward dolphin hotspots, so you are not just cruising aimlessly and hoping.

Here is the honest part. While the operators aim to find dolphins, you cannot count on a guaranteed sighting. That is true for any dolphin tour, because these animals decide where they swim.

What you can count on is that the day is designed for wildlife viewing:

• The crew works the route to maximize chances.
• Once you are near dolphins, you are more likely to enjoy the moment than if you were stuck far away.

A couple of practical tips can make your dolphin time better. First, be ready on deck, not just once but again later. Second, do not panic if you miss the first view. The schedule includes cruising between points, and the overall day is built around trying for sightings along the way.

Two Snorkeling Stops at Coral Reefs, Plus Real Gear Support

After dolphin time, the cruise turns to snorkeling. You get two snorkeling stops, and snorkeling gear is included: mask, fins, and snorkel. You will also get a guided snorkeling session at a coral reef.

I like that the tour does not assume you are already a pro. When a qualified snorkeling instructor and guide are involved, it is easier to relax, get oriented, and focus on what you came for, seeing fish and coral close up.

What snorkeling feels like on this kind of boat day

Think of snorkeling here as “guided, structured, and timed.” You will typically:

• Listen and get instructions before the first water entry.
• Go in at a reef spot where there is enough marine life to make your time worth it.
• Come back on board and reset between stops.

Because the day includes two separate water windows, you get a better shot at seeing interesting things than if there were just one short session.

If the boat is busy, how to still have a good swim

On crowded days, it helps to know what matters most:

• Go when the guides signal you are in the right flow.
• Keep your gear adjusted before you enter the water.
• Focus on calm breathing and gentle fin control. It keeps you from getting tired too fast.

This is where having multiple guides per boat (typically 2 to 4) can really help. You are not left alone to figure everything out.

About coral and marine life

The reef stops are where the underwater scenery does its work, coral and lots of color with fish around. Expect to see colorful reef life and beautiful coral during the guided snorkeling time, and use the instructor guidance to find the best spot to watch.

Lunch Onboard: Easy Fuel That Keeps the Day Moving

One of the biggest time-savers is lunch. You get a fresh buffet lunch onboard, plus soft drinks and water available on board.

I love that because it changes the vibe of the day trip. You are not searching for food right after snorkeling, you are not losing the best daylight hours waiting in line somewhere. You eat, rest briefly, and then you are back out for the next part of the day.

What to do with your lunch strategy:

• Eat when it is served, not later. The day is paced around the boat schedule.
• Bring a water bottle habit in your mind. You are in the sun and on the move, so staying hydrated matters.
• If you are sensitive to sea conditions, keep your plate lighter and go slow.

Buffet style is convenient, but it also means the options are simple. Do not expect fine dining, do expect steady energy so you can snorkel and still enjoy the deck time.

Boat Comfort, Shade, and Crew Energy

This is a boat day, so comfort is not just a nice-to-have. It affects whether you are able to enjoy dolphins and snorkeling without feeling exhausted.

The boat setup includes:

• Sun deck space for viewing
• Shade for breaks from the sun
• Music between stops, which makes downtime feel less dead and more like a party boat vibe

And then there is the human side. The experience is guided and staffed by an expert crew and snorkeling instructor. Multiple professional guides are listed per boat (again, often 2 to 4), so you are not just handed a mask and sent away.

From a value perspective, this matters because snorkeling days go better when someone is paying attention to safety and timing. When you have enough staff, you tend to get clearer instructions, and you spend less mental energy worrying about logistics.

A note on extra rides

“Banana boat and sofa boat” are listed as included. If you want that kind of splashy fun, it is worth asking what timing they plan for it. Sometimes these rides are slotted into the day around other activities, so being flexible helps.

Price and Value at About $26 Per Person

At around $26 per person, this tour is priced like a solid budget-to-midrange experience, not a premium wildlife expedition.

Here is what you are paying for in practical terms:

• Round-trip boat transportation from Hurghada
• Dolphin watching while cruising known areas
• Two snorkeling stops
• Snorkeling gear included
• Guided support for snorkeling
• Buffet lunch plus soft drinks
• A staffed setup with multiple guides and a crew focused on safety

The “hidden” value is in what you do not have to purchase separately. Towels are not included, and personal expenses are not included, but most of the big-ticket items, boat time, guided snorkeling, and food, are part of the package.

So the value question comes down to your priorities. If your dream day is dolphins plus two reef swims, this price is easy to justify. If you only care about one or the other, you might consider a more focused half-day option.

One more thing: pickups outside Hurghada can cost extra, and photography services are not included. If you care about photos, plan accordingly so you are not surprised later.

Who Should Book, and Who Should Skip

This cruise is a good match for:

• Couples who want a shared day experience
• Families looking for an activity that mixes surface excitement with underwater time
• Nature lovers who care about animals and marine life

It is also clear about who it is not for. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women and not suitable for those with mobility issues.

There is also a rule for minors. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, so if you are traveling with kids, plan to go with an adult who will stay with them.

If you are bringing very young children, children under 3 join for free. That can help with family budgeting.

Are you a confident snorkeler?

The tour includes a guided snorkeling session, and snorkeling gear is provided. Still, snorkeling is physical work. If you know you get panicky in open water, or you struggle with breathing in tight gear, you might want to plan how you will handle it, because the day includes two water stops.

Practical Tips to Get the Best Day Possible

You will get more out of this cruise if you treat it like a day of water routines, not just a sightseeing trip.

Here are my best practical tips based on how these tours work in real life:

• Arrive early and ready to go. Meeting at the beach is a real countdown to boat departure.
• Put on sunscreen before you board, not after. Sun hits hard on deck.
• Bring a towel even if you think you can skip it. You will want it after snorkeling.
• Keep your swimwear on under your clothes if you can. It saves time.
• If you get motion discomfort, bring your own coping plan. The tour is on open water for several hours.
• During dolphin spotting, remember that dolphins are wild. Stay patient, watch the water, and be ready to shift positions quickly on deck.

Language support is available in English, German, and Arabic, which can make instructions easier to follow if you are not comfortable with a single language.

Also, the operator is FTS Travels, so if you are asking questions or clarifying timing, use the company name when you speak with staff.

Should You Book This Dolphin Cruise With Snorkeling?

Book it if you want a single day that mixes:

• Wildlife excitement from the boat
• Two chances to see coral and marine life in the water
• A packaged lunch and drinks that keep the day smooth
• Guided snorkeling support and multiple guides on board

Skip it or rethink it if:

• You would be very disappointed by the chance of no dolphin sightings. Wild animals decide.
• You are pregnant or have mobility limitations, because it is not suitable.
• You prefer private, calm, low-group experiences. This is an activity that can involve a busier boat day.

My take is that the price makes sense for what you get, especially the combination of dolphins plus two snorkeling stops plus lunch onboard. If your goal is a classic Red Sea day that delivers both surface and underwater moments, this is an easy one to put on your shortlist.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the dolphin cruise?

The tour duration is approximately 6 to 7 hours.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You get snorkeling gear onboard, including a mask, fins, and snorkel.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The tour includes 2 snorkeling stops at coral reef locations.

Is lunch and drinks included?

Yes. A fresh buffet lunch and soft drinks are included, and water is available on board.

Is pickup available from areas outside central Hurghada?

Pickup is not included by default from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga, but it may be available as an add-on for €10 per person.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or mobility issues?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women and not suitable for those with mobility issues.