www.hepca.org · Official
Conservation booklet documenting the protected-area zoning, visitor limits, and ranger controls.
Protected Red Sea reef with dolphins near Marsa Alam.
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Permit control and ranger zoning mean this is normally handled through a local boat operator.
Dolphin House is a protected Red Sea reef and marine park near Marsa Alam, shaped by a sheltered dolphin lagoon, coral-covered outer reef, and boat-diving zones that make it a classic day-trip site for both snorkelers and divers.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
5m - 25m
Depth Note
The main reef sits in a 5-25m band, with the outer reef and pinnacles dropping deeper for experienced divers.
Best Season
Year-round, with calmer sea days making the boat run and zone management easiest.
Typical Conditions
Protected offshore reef with good visibility, low to medium current, and easy conditions when the sea is calm. The inner lagoon is for dolphins and snorkelers, not scuba.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Respect the sanctuary zoning, keep to the guide, and treat the dolphin lagoon as a protected no-entry space for divers.
Access Restrictions
Access is permit-based and zone-controlled; the inner lagoon is a no-entry area, swimmers stay in Zone B, and diving takes place in Zone C.
Legal Notes
Follow permit requirements and ranger instructions; do not enter the dolphin sanctuary or ignore the zone boundaries.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Guided boat dives work well for beginner through intermediate divers on the outer reef, cave system, and pinnacles outside the dolphin sanctuary.
Freediving
Not a freedive target; the sanctuary rules and boat logistics make it better for snorkeling and scuba.
Snorkeling
Excellent snorkeling is the main attraction in the dolphin lagoon, but the best experience comes from respecting the zone rules and the mandatory life jacket for snorkelers.
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Dolphin House/ Shaab Samadai.
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
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Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Conservation booklet documenting the protected-area zoning, visitor limits, and ranger controls.
Operator page with permit, boat, depth, visibility, and dolphin-zone details.
Operator page with access by boat, easy conditions, and low-to-medium current.
Know this site? Improve Spot Details.
Shaab Samadai / Dolphin House is a protected Red Sea reef with resting dolphins.
Marsa Tondoba is a sheltered bay dive with coral blocks and seagrass.
Dolphin House reef with a sandy bay, spinner dolphins, and access rules
Shaab Nakari: moderate drift reef for boat divers.
Sheltered house reef with easy beach access and rich coral life.