From €65 / adult
Full day
Duration
Full day (10–11 hrs incl. transfer)
Group size
1–25 people
Availability
Daily (sea conditions permitting)
Difficulty
Easy
Languages
English, German, Italian
Minimum age
4+ years
Sataya Reef — Dolphin House — is the highlight of the southern Red Sea, and this full-day boat trip is the best way to experience it. Cruise out from Hamata to a vast horseshoe reef where a large pod of wild spinner dolphins rests and plays by day.
You’ll enjoy two snorkel stops over untouched coral gardens, a freshly prepared lunch on board, and — with respect and a little luck — the unforgettable moment of watching wild dolphins glide beneath you. Our guides follow strict responsible-encounter rules so the dolphins stay wild and free.
Early transfer south to Hamata harbour (about 2 hours from Marsa Alam).
Board the boat, meet the crew and cruise toward Sataya Reef.
Anchor at the reef for your first snorkel and, conditions permitting, the dolphin encounter.
Enjoy a fresh lunch while the crew repositions to a new snorkel spot.
More time over the coral gardens and shallows.
Cruise back to harbour with drinks and sun on deck.
Transfer back to your hotel.
This is a southern trip with an early start — pickup times of 5:30–6:30 AM are normal and confirmed the day before.
Is your hotel included? Check pickup areasFree cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If we cancel due to weather or safety, you receive a full refund or a free reschedule.
Google reviews of the reef
Галя Саламаха
Local Guide · August 2026
Great trip for a day. Possibility to see dolphines 91-100% (according to a research that was held for 1.5 year). Not always however you'll see whole bunch of them. We caught mama and two calves at our first visit) still will come again
Google review
Дмитрий Ларионов
Local Guide · July 2026
A unique place on earth. Pods of dolphins every day. If you come on a safari boat and stay for several days, you can lose yourself in watching how the dolphins interact within their pods. I think it is a unique place on earth. One downside: huge numbers of unprepared people are brought out from the shore on day boats. A wish for the Egyptian authorities: limit how many boats and people can be in the water at the same time, to preserve this protected place! This unique reserve must be protected!!!
Google review
Arleta Kopańska
Local Guide · June 2026
The boat trip is long — over 2 hours, plus the bus ride to the departure point; for us it was over 5 hours in total, but it is really worth it. The sight of the pod of dolphins makes up for the long journey. They are amazing, I recommend it 😍 A meal and drinks were provided on the boat.
Google review
Katarzyna Glimos
June 2026
The best moment of the whole holiday: pods of dolphins, a beautiful reef, sunshine and warm water… what more could you want?!! I recommend it. Sataya is better and more reliable than Samadai. I recommend it.
Google review
Michael Bodenbender
Local Guide · June 2026
An incredible experience. Swimming with about 80 dolphins. We were surrounded by dolphins; the video only shows a small part of it. An overnight tour on a yacht in the middle of the reef. In 1966, as a small child, I watched the first episode of “Flipper”. Ever since, I have wanted to swim with dolphins. Now the dream has come true.
Google review
Petra Velebilová
Local Guide · June 2026
I highly recommend this place for an experience with dolphins, snorkeling, relaxing, switching off from the mainland and simply being on the boat and in the water. The crews are very friendly, there is always plenty of food, and a good group of people is recommended 😀🐬👌
Google review
Questions & answers
Can’t find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll reply quickly.
Sataya has a resident pod and sightings are very frequent, but these are wild animals, so we can never guarantee them. We maximise your chances with early timing and experienced skippers, and always follow responsible-encounter rules.
Basic swimming ability helps, but the lagoon is calm and life jackets and pool noodles are available. Our guides stay close and can assist nervous snorkelers.
Yes — mask, snorkel and fins are included and sanitised. If you prefer your own gear, you’re welcome to bring it.
About 1.5–2 hours each way from Hamata harbour. The southern reefs are worth the distance — they’re far less crowded and beautifully preserved.
Most people are fine in the usually-calm morning sea. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take a tablet an hour before boarding and stay on deck in the fresh air.
Yes, children 4+ love it. Little ones stay in the shallow lagoon with life jackets and a parent, and the crew keeps a careful eye on everyone.
We think so, when done right. We never chase or feed the dolphins, limit group size and time in the water, and let the animals choose whether to approach — which is why the pod keeps returning.
A freshly prepared buffet-style lunch with vegetarian options, plus soft drinks and water throughout the day. Tell us about allergies in advance.
Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a waterproof camera. In winter a wetsuit (available to rent) keeps you warm.
Yes, year-round, though sailings depend on sea conditions. Winter water is cooler (around 22°C), so we recommend a wetsuit.
This is a snorkeling trip, but certified divers can arrange dives at nearby sites — message us and we’ll tailor it.
Before you go
Sataya or Abu Dabbab? Choose Sataya for a full day at sea on the reef where wild spinner dolphins rest, and Abu Dabbab for a relaxed half day snorkeling from the beach in a bay where green turtles feed. Here is how the two trips compare.
Marsa Alam in November is one of the most comfortable times on the Red Sea coast: the fierce summer heat has gone, the sea is still warm from summer, and both the reefs and the desert are at their most enjoyable. Here is what to expect and how to make the most of the month.
Snorkeling in Marsa Alam is some of the best in the Red Sea: healthy reefs close to shore, green turtles in sheltered bays and wild dolphins on the southern reefs. Here is where to go, when, and how to choose the right trip.
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Tell us your dates and hotel — we’ll craft the perfect itinerary and confirm everything in minutes.
