In short
- Peak water conditions last from April to November.
- Water temperatures range from 23 to 29 degrees Celsius.
- Morning tours depart between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
In this article
Spinner dolphins use the shallow lagoon at Shaab Samadai to rest during the day. This natural behavior makes encounters highly probable year-round. Knowing the seasonal water temperatures and daily departure schedules helps you plan a comfortable trip to the marine park.
When is the best time of year to visit Dolphin House?
April to November offers the best overall conditions for diving and snorkeling.
During these months, the Red Sea is warmer and calmer. This provides excellent visibility for spotting marine life and spinner dolphins in the lagoon.
| Season | Months | Water Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec - Mar | Around 23°C |
| Summer Peak | Apr - Nov | Up to 29°C |
Why do morning tours offer the best encounters?
Spinner dolphins return to the reef in the morning to rest after hunting at night.
Most full-day yacht tours depart between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Arriving early gives you the best chance to observe the pods resting in Zone A.
Can you visit Shaab Samadai in the winter?
Yes, the protected marine park is fully accessible year-round.
Winter water temperatures hover around 23 degrees Celsius. You will need swimwear and a rash guard for snorkeling. You should also pack a light windbreaker or jacket for the boat ride back, as the winds can be strong.
How long does a Dolphin House tour take?
Guided yacht tours generally last 7 to 8 hours.
The standard yacht ride takes 40 to 50 minutes each way from Marsa Alam Marina or Tondoba Bay. If you are short on time, private speedboats cover the distance in 30 minutes. Speedboat trips take about 3 hours round trip instead of a full day.
Do you see dolphins all day at Shaab Samadai?
Dolphins stay in the inner lagoon for most of the daylight hours.
They use the protected Zone A sanctuary strictly for resting. Guides monitor the dolphin pods throughout the day. Sightings are frequent, but close encounters depend on the wild dolphins swimming into the snorkeling boundary (Zone B).
When is the best time for scuba diving at Dolphin House?
Summer and autumn provide the warmest water for deep dives.
Divers explore Zone C, which features outer walls dropping to roughly 40 meters. Exploring the coral swim-throughs and south pinnacles is more comfortable between April and November when water temperatures reach 29 degrees Celsius.
Questions travellers ask
When do boat tours leave for Dolphin House?
Tours typically leave the marina between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Most trips return in the late afternoon after 7 to 8 hours on the water.
Is it guaranteed to see dolphins at Shaab Samadai?
No wildlife encounter is fully guaranteed. However, Shaab Samadai is a natural resting habitat for large pods of spinner dolphins, making daytime sightings highly likely year-round.
How warm is the water in Marsa Alam?
Water temperatures at the reef range comfortably from 23 degrees Celsius in winter to 29 degrees Celsius in summer.
