Plan your visit

Plan your Boat Trip

Prepare for a full day on the Red Sea. Learn what to pack, when to go, and how the marine park zones operate.

Dolphin House - Shaab Samadai

Shaab Samadai Reef, Red Sea, Marsa Alam

GPS 24.9901, 34.9685

Open directions

Getting there

Getting to the reef

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Tour: Full-day yacht tour departing from Marsa Alam Marina or Tondoba Bay	40-50 minutes each way	45-85 Euros	Standard daily tours usually include hotel transfers, buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and guide.
Boat: Private or shared speedboat trip from local bays	30 minutes each way	70-100 Euros	A faster, more direct option that takes about 3 hours round trip, skipping the full-day yacht experience.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

Tours depart daily between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Water temperatures reach 29 degrees Celsius in summer and drop to 23 degrees Celsius in winter. Visit between April and November for peak conditions.

What to bring

Reef-safe sunscreen (apply 30 minutes before entering the water)
Snorkel mask and tube (if you prefer using your own)
Swimwear and a rash guard for sun protection
Towel and sunglasses
Motion sickness medication (take before boarding the boat)
Waterproof camera or GoPro
Cash in Euros or EGP for the National Park entrance fee and crew tipping
Light windbreaker or jacket for the boat ride back in winter months
Sun hat with a chin strap for the windy boat ride

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Life jackets are mandatory for all snorkelers.

This rule applies regardless of your swimming ability.

How the day runs

Typical tour schedule

A typical 7 to 8-hour yacht trip from Marsa Alam.

8:30
Marina Departure
Board the yacht and receive safety briefings.
9:30
Arrival at Reef
Anchor in Zone C and prepare equipment.
10:00
First Snorkel
Supervised swimming in Zone B.
12:30
Buffet Lunch
Eat in the boat's dining cabin.
14:00
Second Snorkel
Another session near the lagoon shallows.
16:00
Return to Port
Arrive back at Marsa Alam Marina.

Marine Park Rules

Shaab Samadai enforces strict regulations. Zone A is the inner lagoon where dolphins rest. No boats or swimmers may enter this area. You will snorkel in Zone B along the boundary.

Do not touch or chase the wild dolphins. Apply reef-safe sunscreen at least 30 minutes before entering the water. Read our Packing Guide guide for a complete checklist.

Easiest way to do it

A snorkeler observing a large group of dolphins swimming closely in blue water.

Swim with Dolphins at Samadai Reef Snorkeling from Marsa Alam

8 h 4.8 (11)

Water & Fresh seasonal fruits.
Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle
Soft drinks, tea, and coffee
Buffet lunch onboard

From$59per person

Viator$59 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

How long is the boat ride to Dolphin House from Marsa Alam?

Yacht tours take 40 to 50 minutes each way. A speedboat cuts the trip to roughly 30 minutes.

Are life jackets mandatory at Dolphin House Marsa Alam?

Yes. Every snorkeler must wear a life jacket in the water at all times. Park rangers enforce this strictly.

Do I need to be a good swimmer to snorkel at Shaab Samadai?

Basic swimming ability is helpful. However, life jackets are mandatory, which provides buoyancy for less confident swimmers.