Исследуйте риф Долфин в Хургаде с нашим полным путеводителем. Узнайте советы по снорклингу, познакомьтесь с морской фауной, узнайте о местах обитания дельфинов и забронируйте незабываемое приключение в Красном море с Cruisara.
One of the best experiences on the Red Sea coast for international tourists is to discover Dolphin Reef Hurghada. Off the East Coast of Egypt, this natural sunken world provides a genuine experience of free marine life in undisturbed coral worlds. A professional dolphin tour Hurghada is a sure way of getting close to the protected coast waters where wild dolphins form natural groups.
What Is Dolphin Reef Hurghada?
The Dolphin Reef Hurghada is the official name of the natural area called Sha'ab El Erg, a coral reef system in the northern part of the Red Sea. Unlike managed dolphin parks, like the Dolphin World Hurghada, the Dolphin House is a natural sanctuary where animals are free to wander without humans.
The distinctive geological shape of the reef forms a calm inner lagoon shielded from heavy ocean swells and strong coastal currents. This natural barrier is the safe location for calls of wild dolphin fish to return after nocturnal trips to deeper seas for hunts.
Where Is Dolphin House Located?
The Dolphin House is located in the northern part of the Red Sea, roughly 25–45 km from the coastline of Hurghada and is accessible only by boat.
- Location: Hurghada, northern Red Sea waters.
- Lagoon depth: Inner lagoon depth is generally between 0 and 12 m, with optimum depth for snorkeling on the surface ranging between 8 and 10 m.
- Outer Reef Depth: Outer drop-off walls are 18 - 30 m deep for scuba diving.
- Transit Time: 60 - 90 minutes from the hotels by regular boat, 45 minutes by speedboat.
Read More: Marine Life in Hurghada
Dolphins You May Encounter
The dolphin population of the Dolphin Reef Hurghada is composed of mostly wild spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) famous for their playfulness and inquisitive nature around people. Scientific monitoring shows an annual use of a permanent pod of more than 60 resident spinner dolphins in the Sha'ab El Erg reef system.
Visitors wishing to swim with dolphins Hurghada will get to see these wild mammals gracefully playing alongside their mothers and calves in small family groups. However, larger Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops aduncus, sporadically pass over outer reaches of the reef in seasonal migrations as well.
Snorkeling Experience
The underwater clarity you observe when engaged in snorkeling actions over the dolphin reef hurghada is extremely good and can typically reach over 30 meters in very clear waters off the Red Sea. More than 180 tropical fish species are seen along with excellent soft and hard coral formations.
Marine Zone
Ecosystem Advantages
Wildlife Sightings
Inner Lagoon
Shallow and protected waters averaging 8 to 10 meters deep
Spinner dolphin pods, juvenile dolphins, resting groups
Coral Gardens
Diverse hard and soft coral species including brain coral
Clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish
Outer Reef Wall
Deeper drop-offs reaching depths between 18 and 30 meters
Barracuda, giant jacks, blue-spotted rays, reef sharks
Boat Trip Itinerary
The standard 8 hour dolphin tour Hurghada is designed to be a balanced amount of time for exploring the dolphins, relaxing and enjoying yourself above deck and enjoying the onboard features. The program of the day consists of the following:
- Air-conditioned transfer from surrounding hotels in the morning.
- Harbor departure followed by safety briefing and equipment distribution.
- Snorkeling in the Sha'ab El Erg lagoon for two hours.
- Freshly prepared lunch buffet on board with soft drinks and seasonal fruit.
- A second snorkeling trip to the Coral Gardens area to see the tropical fish.
- Getting back to the marina for drop offs at the hotel.
Read More: Hurghada Dolphin Trip
Best Time to Visit
To successfully plan a trip to the dolphin reef Hurghada, it is important to comprehend seasonal weather patterns and daily dolphin behaviors. The Red Sea is open for cruising all year round (22°C in winter and 30°C in summer), but dolphin sightings are most likely in the early morning hours when they can reach up to 70% - 90% sightings during peak days of the year!
In the morning hours when all the tooled up dolphin pods board the vessel, and the seas are calm before the afternoon winds increase surface wave action, activities are focused on morning excursions.
Tips for Responsible Dolphin Watching
There are environmental restoration protocols to be followed during a tour of the dolphin reef Hurghada to ensure the safety and preservation of the characteristics of the natural environment. Please adhere to the following key marine guidelines for a swim with dolphins Hurghada.
- Keep to Passive Floating: Float quietly on the surface, making low-splashy, controlled fin impulse movements.
- Maintain Distance: Never approach dolphin pods closely, do not swim towards dolphin pods and keep a distance of at least 20 meters.
- No Direct Contact: Do not touch, feed or chase dolphins under any circumstances.
- Wear buoyancy aids: life jackets or neoprene buoyancy suits should be used during all in water sessions.
Read More: Sea Trips in Hurghada
What to Bring
When packing for a day cruise to the dolphin reef in Hurghada, you should take personal carry items into consideration for an entire day out on the sea. Snorkeling gear, such as masks and fins are an integral part of any tour package by a licensed tour vessel but personal gear for comfort along the way is a must.
Suggested items include reef safe sunscreen, UV protection sunglasses, a quick dry beach towel, personal swimsuits, a light colored windbreaker jacket for the morning wind and a waterproof camera casing for underwater photos.
Why Book with Cruisara
When booking an offshore excursion to the dolphin reef Hurghada with Cruisara, guests can be assured of using licensed marine operators concerned with the safety and welfare of visitors and the protection of wild dolphins.
Cruisara offers direct bookings with a clear Dolphin Reef tour Hurghada price along with no hidden charges or any surprise add-ons. While marine parks such as Dolphin World Hurghada entertain dolphins in captivity Cruisara restricts its work to ethical marine tourism in open sea environments.
Our modern vessels are fully insured, rooms and equipment are sanitized and you're serviced by qualified marine guides and multilingual customer service which caters to travelers from around the world.
FAQs
Can you swim with dolphins?
Yes, the wild dolphins appear under controlled conditions in open water in Sha'ab El Erg where swimmers can observe the dolphins. There is no touching or feeding with the wild dolphins and only minimal interaction in that snorkelers do not get too close to the dolphins.
Is Dolphin Reef suitable for beginners?
Yes, the sheltered lagoon offers shallow water, with an average depth of 8-10m, high visibility, and conditions perfect for a novice snorkeler. The whole journey is supported by certified guides and buoyancy vests.
Is Dolphin Reef family-friendly?
Yes, full-day boat adventures can accommodate families with kids. Our day cruises have comfortable shaded decks, clean bathrooms, freshly cooked meals in the buffet and safety equipment for all sizes.