Marsa Alam Safari

Sataya Dolphin Reef Snorkeling Trip (Dolphin House)

4.9(508)Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 508 reviews
Sataya Dolphin Reef Free hotel pickup
Wild spinner dolphins swimming beneath snorkelers at Sataya Reef near Marsa Alam
Photo gallery for Sataya Dolphin Reef Snorkeling Trip (Dolphin House)

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

Overview

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 across glassy water to a vast horseshoe reef where hundreds of wild spinner dolphins rest and play by day.

You’ll enjoy several 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.

Highlights

  • Snorkel near wild spinner dolphins at Sataya
  • Explore pristine, protected coral gardens
  • Freshly prepared lunch served on board
  • Several unhurried snorkel stops
  • Responsible, small-group encounters

Itinerary

  1. 6:00 AM

    Pickup

    Early transfer south to Hamata harbour (about 2 hours from Marsa Alam).

  2. 8:30 AM

    Set sail

    Board the boat, meet the crew and cruise toward Sataya Reef.

  3. 10:00 AM

    First snorkel & dolphins

    Anchor at the reef for your first snorkel and, conditions permitting, the dolphin encounter.

  4. 12:30 PM

    Lunch on board

    Enjoy a fresh lunch while the crew repositions to a new snorkel spot.

  5. 1:30 PM

    Second snorkel

    More time over the coral gardens and shallows.

  6. 3:00 PM

    Return sail

    Cruise back to harbour with drinks and sun on deck.

  7. 5:30 PM

    Drop-off

    Transfer back to your hotel.

What’s included

What’s included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Boat trip with crew
  • Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
  • Onboard lunch and soft drinks
  • Guide and safety briefing
  • Marine park fees

Not included

  • Underwater camera rental
  • Wetsuit (available in winter)
  • Gratuities
  • Towels

Hotel pickup

This is a southern trip with an early start — pickup times of 5:30–6:30 AM are normal and confirmed the day before.

  • Marsa Alam town
  • Port Ghalib
  • Coraya Bay
  • Sharm El Luli
  • Hamata hotels

What to bring

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • Sunglasses and a hat
  • A light cover-up or towel
  • Swimwear and towel
  • Motion-sickness tablets if prone
  • Waterproof camera

Where you’ll go

Cancellation policy

Free 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.

Traveller reviews

What guests say about this tour

Rated 5.0 out of 5

Swam with wild dolphins at Sataya — unforgettable

We saw a huge pod of dolphins and the crew was incredibly respectful of the animals. The boat, the lunch, the snorkeling — everything was first class. Worth the early start.

Sophie L.

France · 2 May 2026

Verified

Questions & answers

Everything you need to know

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.

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