Many people have the dream of one day swimming with dolphins. Whether it was when you were little and couldn’t imagine anything more thrilling, or if it is a dream that stays with you until now, imagine the added thrill of being able to not only swim with them but be with them in their natural habitat – the open sea. Dolphin House is just that, the Red Sea home of the dolphins.
Find out what you can expect to experience when booking this trip and just how thrilling it really is to have a dream come true.
What Exactly is the Dolphin House?
The dolphins of the Red Sea have claimed this area as their home. Congregating here to feed, sleep, and play, it has been named the Dolphin House.
This area is a large reef near Hurghada which has been naturally selected by the dolphins. Although chosen by the dolphins themselves, HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association) is involved in protecting and managing the area to ensure the dolphins are happy, safe, and healthy.
This means that all tours are designed to remain eco-friendly to maintain the natural habitat, and all tour guides are provided with knowledge specific to this area. More than that, there are over 300 dive guides who have been certified via educational programmes to ensure tourism guidelines are being followed.
What Can I See There?
Amongst the different shades of blue, you will have the exciting chance to see a variety of marine life, as well as the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.
The smaller breed of dolphins you can see at this reef are curious, smart, and like to come up to snorkellers and divers to say hello. Then you have the spinner bottlenose dolphins, the entertainers of the dolphin world.
You can witness them jumping along the side of the boat as it glides across the waves, playing and showing off with their spinning jumps as they say hello. Depending on the time of year, you may get the chance to see the mother dolphins caring for their calves, teaching them how to jump and dive, play, and hunt.
Dolphins in Hurghada
What to Expect on the Day
This isn’t just your normal boat trip; this is a boat trip made of fun and laughter where dreams come true. Heal that inner child and take a deep breath as you take in the Red Sea for all that it is. You’ll start your day by being picked up from your hotel and taken to the marina, where you will board the boat.
Once on board, pick your favourite spot, whether it be on the top deck, at the front next to the captain, or on the bottom deck at the back, ready to dive as soon as it’s safe to do so.
You’ll make your way to the Dolphin House, soaking in the rays, listening to music, and feeling that refreshing sea breeze. As you approach the reef, you can sometimes see the dolphins as they welcome you with acrobatic leaps and splashes.
If you travel in the summer months, you will find a few boats parked up, but all with a large distance between one another for safety reasons. In the cooler months, there may be fewer boats; dolphins prefer the warmer water, so the warmer it is, the more dolphins you’ll see at the surface.
Boats docked at a Reef in Hurghada
If you have arranged for the snorkelling experience, this will be when your guide takes you into the sea so you can watch the dolphins play under and around you. If it is a dive you have booked, you’ll gear up and become a part of the pod.
You’ll usually stay in this spot for anywhere between 45 minutes and 2 hours. Lunch will be prepared, and you will then start to make your way back to land with another snorkelling stop in between.
The second snorkelling stop is usually shorter and at a smaller reef, however, not lacking marine life. As you make your way back to land, you may find yourself witnessing the outstanding sunset with the cooler evening breeze blowing through your hair.
Must-Haves:
- Suncream, suncream, and more suncream
- A hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear and a change of clothes, maybe a jumper for later on in the day
- If you have your own snorkelling/diving gear – if not, this can be rented from the boat
- A camera to capture the memories; an underwater camera would be a bonus
- A towel
Did we mention suncream? It’s always important to remember to be safe in the sun.
Take some food and drinks with you; however, lunch is provided with soft drinks and water available. Be sure to advise your tour guide before the trip if you have any allergies.
Most boats do have a photographer on board who will capture some precious moments – take some cash so that if you want to buy these photos, you can do so.
Safety Measures:
Safety is a key point to make sure you enjoy the day to the fullest – all boats are equipped with enough life jackets for everyone on board.
If you are not a strong swimmer but still want to experience swimming with the dolphins, you can do so; just make sure to wear a jacket, advise your guide, and stay close to (or hold onto) the boat or the rope coming from the boat. We do not advise going into the sea if you are unable to swim at all.
The boats will also have a first aid kit to hand and a trained first aider on board, as well as safety checks of the boat being completed before and after every trip.
Safety measures while at sea
When swimming with the dolphins (or any marine life), it is important to remember that you cannot and should not touch them at all. It can be very dangerous for the wild dolphin, as they can become very sick.
It is also against Egyptian law to damage or destroy any coral – so please, take a million photos, but leave it in its natural habitat.
Why Dolphin House?
It is a given that the boat trips on the Red Sea are always beautiful, but why settle for that when you can experience something breathtaking? From beginning to end, the day will feel magical, exciting, educational, and exactly what dreams are made of.
How Much Does it Cost?
Dolphin House tours averages between £20 and £35 for adults, depending on the package you take, lunch and soft drinks are usually always included. Snorkelling or diving gear may be rented at an extra cost, and children often get a discounted price, with infants being free.
Some tours also include water sports like a banana boat or sofa bed, so be sure to check with your tour guide or company whether these are offered or not. For all that you experience on this full-day trip – it costs less than an evening meal at your favourite restaurant in the UK!
Banana boat activity
Is it Worth it?
What better way to spend your day than bathing under the sun, upon the waves, and surrounded by every shade of blue you can think of as you watch the dolphins dance, jump, and play by your side or from the comfort of the boat? This tour is one for the adults with a childhood dream and the children who dare to dream.
