Dolphin tours in Marsa Alam

No. They are wild. Both Samadai and Sataya have resident pods that rest in the lagoon on most days, and our guides know the timing. If the pod is not there we wait, move along the reef and snorkel the coral in the meantime. We do not refund for wild animals, and we tell you that honestly before you book.

No touching, chasing or feeding. You float at the edge of the rest zone with the guide and the dolphins choose how close they come. That is the marine-park rule and it is what keeps the pod coming back.

Samadai is 11 km from Marsa Alam and the easiest trip, ideal with children or half a day. Sataya is far south with a much bigger pod (100 to 200 animals) and a calmer lagoon, but the day starts at 06:00. If you have one full day and want the biggest pod, Sataya. If you want easy, Samadai.

Dolphin numbers at Samadai peak from May to July. Water is warmest from August to October. Winter (December to March) is calmer and cooler, and a shorty wetsuit helps. The pods are resident, so every month works.

Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) are the resident species at Samadai and Sataya. Bottlenose dolphins visit occasionally, and Wadi El Gemal also has Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.

No. Life jackets are on board for everyone who wants one and the guide stays in the water with the group. If you can float with a mask on, you can do this.

The Samadai half-day speedboat: 15 minutes on the water each way, life jackets, and back at the hotel by lunch. Children from 4 snorkel with a parent; under 4 stay on the boat and travel free.