Sha’ab Samadai, known as the Dolphin House, is a horseshoe-shaped reef off Marsa Alam where a large group of spinner dolphins rests in the lagoon during the day. It is one of the highlights of a Marsa Alam yacht charter, and the best day of the week for snorkelers.
How does a visit to the Dolphin House work?
The reef is protected. Part of the lagoon is reserved for the dolphins, swimming and diving are allowed only in set areas, and the number of visitors is limited. The crew times the visit and handles the park fee.
You swim or snorkel in the permitted area and let the dolphins come to you if they choose. Chasing or touching them is not allowed, and a calm group in the water usually sees the most.
Can divers dive at Sha’ab Samadai?
Yes, in the areas set aside for diving. The outer reef has coral pinnacles and caves, and the dolphins are mostly seen at the surface, so divers and snorkelers can enjoy the same visit.
When is the best time to visit Sha’ab Samadai?
The dolphins rest in the lagoon year-round, so a visit works in any season. Mornings are usually calmest. See our month-by-month guide for water temperatures through the year.
People also ask
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed at Sha’ab Samadai?
No, but the dolphins rest in the lagoon on most days, which is why the reef is known as the Dolphin House.
Do you need to pay to visit the Dolphin House?
Yes. The reef is protected and visits carry a park fee per guest, which is usually not included in the charter price. See our Red Sea cost guide for current figures.
Is the Dolphin House good for children?
Yes. It is calm, shallow snorkeling, and seeing the dolphins from the surface is often the highlight of the week for younger guests.
Red Sea yacht charter itineraries.
7-Day Red Sea Yacht Charter Itinerary: Marsa Alam and the Southern Reefs
A seven-day southern Red Sea route from Port Ghalib: Elphinstone Reef, the Dolphin House, the Fury Shoals, Sataya and the Qulan islands.
See full itinerary
7-Day Red Sea Yacht Charter Itinerary: Hurghada to Sharm el Sheikh
A seven-day northern Red Sea route from Hurghada to Sharm el Sheikh: the Giftun islands, Abu Nuhas, the SS Thistlegorm, Ras Mohammed and Tiran.
See full itineraryPhotos via Wikimedia Commons: spinner dolphins by Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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