Diving with Dolphins in Hurghada
About an hour north of Hurghada lies Shaab El Erg, a horseshoe-shaped reef the local guides simply call Dolphin House. A pod of wild bottlenose dolphins uses its calm lagoon to rest and socialize, which is why they are seen here so often. We dive the reef, we snorkel the lagoon, and if the dolphins choose to come close, it becomes a day you will never forget.
How do I dive at Dolphin House?
We deliberately do not sell a separate "dolphin trip" - wild animals cannot be promised, and we will not charge you extra for a promise nobody can keep. Shaab El Erg is part of the normal daily diving rotation: when weather, sea conditions and the boat plan fit, the daily trip goes there.
Book regular daily diving (€40 per person, 2 dives with lunch and pickup), tell us you would love a Dolphin House day, and we will plan honestly around the conditions of your week.
Wild dolphins, on their terms
Before you book, read this. It is the part many operators skip, and the reason our guests trust us.
Sightings are never guaranteed
The dolphins at Shaab El Erg are wild animals, not an attraction. They are seen often, sometimes for a whole surface interval, sometimes not at all. Anyone who guarantees dolphins is not being honest with you. Even without them, Shaab El Erg is a beautiful coral reef day.
We approach respectfully
If dolphins appear, we slip into the water calmly and at a distance, and we let them decide whether to come closer. They are curious animals; when they are in the mood, they approach on their own. That is the only kind of encounter worth having.
No chasing, no touching. Ever.
We never chase, corner, circle or touch dolphins, and we ask every guest to follow the same rule. The lagoon is their resting place. Pressuring resting dolphins harms them and usually ends the encounter for everyone. Guides will call the group back if needed.
Shaab El Erg (Dolphin House)
Shaab El Erg, "the reef of the dunes", is a large crescent-shaped reef about an hour and a quarter north of Hurghada, on the way toward El Gouna. Its horseshoe shape wraps around a shallow, sandy lagoon dotted with small coral pinnacles (ergs), which makes it one of the calmest and most forgiving sites in the area for new and returning divers alike. Most dives start in the sheltered lagoon, where the sand sits at around 8 to 12 metres and the light floods in. From there you drift along the coral fingers and out toward the outer reef, where hard coral gardens and gentle walls step down to roughly 25 metres. Visibility is usually excellent, often well beyond 30 metres, and the water stays comfortable to dive all year round. The reef is genuinely alive. Expect green and hawksbill turtles grazing the coral, bluespotted rays resting on the sand, curious Napoleon wrasse, moray eels tucked into the reef, and clouds of glassfish and anthias drifting over the ergs. The shallow, sunlit water makes it a favourite for underwater photography. Shaab El Erg is also known as Dolphin House, because a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins often uses the lagoon to rest during the day after hunting at night. Encounters happen on many trips but are never guaranteed: these are wild animals in their own home, so we always keep a respectful distance and let them set the terms. Whether or not the dolphins appear, the reef itself is well worth the trip. The lagoon stays shallow and calm, which makes this one of the few trips where divers and snorkelers genuinely share the same great day.
- Sheltered horseshoe lagoon, calm and shallow
- Green and hawksbill turtles on the coral
- Napoleon wrasse, bluespotted rays and morays
- Wild dolphins rest here (encounters never guaranteed)
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Final dive sites depend on weather, sea conditions, certification level and the daily operation plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I guaranteed to see dolphins at Dolphin House?
Is Dolphin House a special dolphin tour?
Can I snorkel as well as dive at Shaab El Erg?
A beautiful reef day, with a real chance of wild dolphins.
Divers and snorkelers welcome. We will tell you honestly what to expect.
We work with licensed dive centers and legal marine activity providers. Final dive sites depend on weather, sea conditions, certification level, and the daily operation plan. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Safety and guest comfort always come first. Medical forms may be required for courses and diving. Certification cards may be requested for certified divers.
€40per person
Book Daily Diving