Private speedboat hire for dolphins snorkeling and sandbanks
Fabulous trip to see the dolphins, snorkeling and visiting the Maldives sandbank, the speedboat driver did his utmost to ensure we saw everything and we sure did, snacks were laid on as well, we even each had a little drive of the speedboat, under supervision, which was fun. Would highly recommend Egypt Boats for a private speedboat hire
juliedO7751HZ · nov. 2025 · prin Tripadvisor
“An unforgettable experience
Here’s a positive comment in English:
“What an incredible boat excursion! The snorkeling was amazing, the water crystal clear, and seeing dolphins up close was absolutely unforgettable. The views were stunning from start to finish. Truly a magical experience!”
Paradise19094314883 · nov. 2025 · prin Tripadvisor
Disappointing experience: No Private Snockelling Guide and Unclear Communication
For context I booked this private Dolphin Boat Trip for my husband and myself, but since he felt unwell that morning, I went alone. Unfortunately, the overall experience was disappointing and far below expectations.
Hotel Pickup: Smooth
The pickup from Soma Bay was punctual and smooth (I paid an extra 30 euros for the transfer). We arrived at the marina at around 9:00 AM.
Boat Driver: Polite though Unprofessional
The boat driver arrived on time and helped carry my bag. However, the first few questions he asked included my age, which might not be intentional though made me feel slightly uncomfortable. On the way to the boat, I went to the restroom and when I came back, he had already started smoking. He finished the cigarette while we were on the boat and were preparing to set off.
Early Part of the Trip
Once on the boat, he cleaned up, gave me snacks, and we set off.
We first saw some sea cows, and the boat driver was skilled at spotting marine animals quickly.
Snorkeling: NOT as Advertised
At the first snorkel point, he helped me with the life jacket and fins. However, I soon learned that he cannot snorkel. This means there was no private snorkel guide, even though this service was clearly advertised.
Instead, I was asked to snorkel with his brother, who was guiding another group on a different boat. Obviously, he had to prioritise his own guests.
The snorkel spot itself was unimpressive: mostly small fish and reef was not amazing either.
I mentioned that I preferred to continue searching for dolphins instead of snorkeling further.
Second Wildlife Stop: More Sea Cows
We saw sea cows again, surrounded by many boats. After observing them for a while, I asked to continue the trip.
Unclear Communication & Safety Concerns
The driver then headed off without telling me the destination. I had no idea whether we were searching for dolphins or going to the next stop. It was windy, the ride was extremely bumpy, and I began feeling cold and unsafe.
Abu Minquar Island
We eventually arrived at Abu Minquar Island, which was part of the itinerary. However, at that point I was feeling too cold and uncomfortable to continue. I asked to end the trip early and return to the Marina at around 11:00 AM, only two hours after departure.
Overall
This trip was expensive, and the key advertised service "Private Snorkeling guide" was not provided. While the boat driver tried his best within his abilities, his inexperience, limited English, and lack of communication made the experience far from satisfactory.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this tour based on what I received.
Qin_L · nov. 2025 · prin Viator
Amazing day with amazing guides
Good communication from booking. Picked up promptly from our hotel and taken to Hurghada marina to meet our speed boat. Our driver escorted us to our boat and introduced us to our snorkeling guide, Mohamed and Captain Sam.
The day was explained in detail before we started and we were able to get comfy on the large speed boat.
1st we went to the "dolphin house" (a large reef suitable for snorkeling and scub diving) where many dolphins can be observed. When no dolphins were apparent we changed the itinerary and moved to another reef to snorkel. Mohamed was amazing with my husband who is a weak swimmer and was nervous about snorkeling. And he managed to swim and observe a number of species on the reef before heading back to the boat. I was then taken a bit further to see some larger fish before also returning. We then returned to the dolphin house where we were told there was at least 1 dolphin swimming around. Mohamed took me in to snorkel and was pointing out the fish when the dolphin swam past. It swam close to me 3 times and Mohamed took video which he kindly sent through to me.
Unfortunately, shortly after this my husband began to feel unwell but rather than head straight back Captain Sam moved us into the shade of a larger ship and got some coffee and soft drinks to see if that helped. Both Mohamed and Sam made sure we were OK at all points in the trip and made sure that we were in charge of the itinerary. Although my husband felt a bit better we decided to cut the trip short and miss out on visiting the White Island. Sam took us straight back to the marina, and Mohamed organised our driver to pick us up early and also to call to a pharmacy to get some medicine to help.
All 3 were amazing and went above and beyond to make sure we were OK.
On top of that snorkeling in the red sea is amazing, the waters are so clear, the sea life so numerous, and the guides are awesome.
I would 100% recommend this trip, we want to come back with our children to experience it with them as soon as we can.
Rob_C · nov. 2025 · prin Viator
Special trip
The trip was incredibly beautiful. The whole crew was super nice and helpful. They made us fell very special and welcome through the whole trip. We recommend this trip for everyone.
Antal_R · nov. 2025 · prin Viator
Superb family moment
We left with our 2 boys as a family. We had a truly extraordinary half day. Our speedboat driver had a lot to do with it. We could see the dolphins, places to swim solo, beautiful places ... all in an extremely friendly and lively Mood. Our driver was at our disposal to satisfy us. Highly recommendable +++++
FarAway563383 · oct. 2025 · prin Tripadvisor · Tradusă
Very nice trip and excellent crew
Excellent all in all... The tour guide Tariq and the captin Mohammaf were very helpful and accommodating.
They tailored the tour based on your desire which I guess is the whole point of paying more for the private tour ( as oppsed to a group one where you'll have a fixed schedule).
The boat was clean and safe and I even got thr chance to drive it a bit.
We did some snorkling in a gorgeous area wit beautiful coral reefs and fish.
We managed to see one "dolphin" although when looking back at the pictures it looks more like a Dugong (sea cow).
They had snacks and drinks and all and all it's a pleasant experience ( as long as you're not fixated on the dolphins)
Omar_A · oct. 2025 · prin Viator
Excellent Price quality ratio.
I don’t often put 5* but here the service really worth them.
Fast boat, very good organization, no pressure for additional services.
1 stop snorkeling, dolphins, white sand beach then snorkeling again (to ask otherwise you stay longer at white sand).
Well worth the price compared to crowded boats.
mbQ7782DW · oct. 2025 · prin Tripadvisor · Tradusă
10 out of 10!
This trip was the highlight of our holiday!
The booking went completely uncomplicated the night before via WhatsApp and the driver, Mina, picked us up from the hotel in the morning. In advance we got a message which car will come and what the driver's name is.
Our driver, Mina told us so much about life in hurghada, spoke perfect English and was really very accommodating!
At the port Mina handed us over to our skipper who was so eager to make this trip perfect for us.
Chips and soft drinks were included and our skipper has guided us a the most beautiful places and has also shown us dolphins! (Which, by the way, he wasn't hunting!)
I recommend this trip to anyone else he was really beautiful and price/performance top!
Nene199 · oct. 2025 · prin Tripadvisor · Tradusă
Super Trip
Great action. Booked the appointment 3h in advance at short notice. Everything went as planned. Drinking food was on the boat. Dolphins seen, super snorkeled and beautiful sandbar seen and all without crowds on the same boat 🤭. Anytime again. Price performance is right for me. 180€ including hotel pickup. And I could pay by card without any surcharge 👍. Great action.
larssE3201IL · oct. 2025 · prin Tripadvisor · Tradusă