Marsa Alam dive site
Dolphin House Marsa Alam Diving
Dolphin House, or Sha'ab Samadai, is a horseshoe-shaped reef south of Marsa Alam with a resident pod of spinner dolphins that rest in the sheltered lagoon by day. The lagoon is a protected zone with managed access, while the outer reef offers easy, pretty reef dives and coral gardens.
Fast reply on WhatsApp. Hotel pickup available. Beginner and certified options, small groups when possible.
How the site works
Samadai is split into zones to protect the dolphins. The inner lagoon is reserved for the pod and managed snorkeling; diving is on the outer reef, where pinnacles, coral gardens, and gentle walls make for relaxed dives. The dolphins are wild and free to come and go, so encounters happen on their terms.
What the diving is like
The outer reef dives are easy to moderate, with good coral, schooling fish, and a chance of dolphins passing in the blue. It suits a wide range of certified divers and is a popular reef day combined with snorkeling for non-divers in the group.
Dolphins and the rules
Spinner dolphins are often present in the lagoon, but they are wild and sightings are never guaranteed. Access is regulated, swimmers stay in the permitted zones, and we follow the site rules and any fees so the pod keeps using the reef.
Who it suits
- Certified divers wanting an easy reef day
- Snorkelers hoping to see spinner dolphins
- Mixed groups of divers and non-divers
- Families on a longer boat day
What is included
- Day-boat trip to the reef
- Guided reef dives on the outer reef
- Tanks, weights, and air
- Hotel pickup within the standard zone
Not included
- Equipment rental
- Nitrox
- Samadai access / marine park fees
Hotel pickup and transfers
Dolphin House is a day-boat trip south of Marsa Alam with an earlier start. Hotel pickup is included within the standard coastal zone - tell us your hotel and we will confirm the time.
Safety and sea conditions
Samadai is a protected site with access zones and rules that keep the dolphins resting undisturbed. We stay in permitted areas, keep distance from the pod, and plan the day around weather and the site's daily access.
Frequently asked questions
Will I see dolphins at Dolphin House?
A spinner dolphin pod often rests in the lagoon, but they are wild and free-ranging, so sightings are never guaranteed. Access rules protect the pod and improve the odds over time.
Can I dive with the dolphins in the lagoon?
The inner lagoon is a protected, snorkel-only resting zone for the pod. Diving is on the outer reef, where dolphins sometimes pass by.
Is Dolphin House good for snorkelers?
Yes. Managed lagoon snorkeling is the main way most guests encounter the dolphins, and the reef is shallow and clear.
Are there fees for Samadai?
Samadai is a managed marine site and access or park fees can apply. We will include any current fees in your trip details.