REVIEW · HURGHADA
Dolphin House By Private Speedboat With Giftun Island _ Hurghada
Book on Viator →Operated by Meeka Tours · Bookable on Viator
Speedboat thrills start right from Hurghada. I like that this trip combines a fast private speedboat ride with a real chance of dolphin sightings and time on the islands.
On the water, you get a guided snorkeling stop with equipment, and the team work matters here. I also like that names like Fadi show up in the real experience, which usually means you’re not left to figure everything out solo.
One heads-up: the headline price can feel low, but there are extra costs that may come up (snorkel mouthpiece request, taxes/fees, and transfers outside central Hurghada).
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Hurghada pickup and the fast start on a private boat
- Orange Island meets Giftun Island: how the beach time actually works
- Dolphins watching with an 80% target: how to set expectations
- The snorkeling stop: equipment included, mouthpiece optional
- Beach time on Giftun: what you can do in two hours
- Crew professionalism is the real upgrade (not just the boat)
- Price breakdown: how the $20 works with taxes, transfers, and add-ons
- Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)
- Practical tips for a smoother day on the sea
- Should you book Dolphin House by Private Speedboat to Giftun Island?
- FAQ
- How long is the speedboat trip?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- What is included for snorkeling?
- Is entry to Giftun Island included?
- What about dolphins—what are the odds?
- Are snacks and drinks included?
- If I need a snorkel mouthpiece, is it free?
- What if the weather is bad?
Key things to know before you go

- Private speedboat + set island time means less waiting and more time outside
- Giftun Island entry included so you can focus on snorkeling and the beach
- Dolphins watching with an 80% target gives you a strong shot at a memorable moment
- Snorkeling gear included, with an optional replacement mouthpiece for an extra fee
- Snacks on board (water, soft drinks, fruit) help you avoid scrambling mid-trip
Hurghada pickup and the fast start on a private boat

This tour is built around a quick, convenient start. If you’re staying inside Hurghada, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and that saves you time (and hassle) versus sorting your own transport to the marina.
The boat part is the whole point: a high-speed ride across turquoise water that makes your hair do its own thing. Because it’s described as a private activity for your group, you’re not stuck in a cattle-call flow with constant regrouping. You still follow the crew’s timing, but the pace feels under control.
One practical detail: it’s listed with a mobile ticket and is near public transportation. So if your hotel pickup is inconvenient for you, you likely have an easier Plan B than in places with zero transit.
Orange Island meets Giftun Island: how the beach time actually works

The trip is marketed around Orange Island, with a full stretch of time on the island side. What you can count on from the included details is a 2-hour stay at Giftun Island as part of the overall speedboat package.
That matters because island time is usually the difference between a good day and a rushed day. Two hours gives you enough room to:
- Get settled on the beach
- Swim and look around at your own rhythm
- Snorkel-related moments before/after the water stop
- Take photos without feeling like you’re constantly on the move
What you should expect on the beach: you’ll see plenty of day-tour energy, plus that typical Egypt Red Sea setup where some island services cost extra. In one experience, the beach itself looked amazing, but island expenses were noted as on the pricey side. So bring some cash for small purchases, but don’t plan on eating the way you would at home.
You may also see references to White Island as part of beach time for some routes. That’s not guaranteed from the core inclusions, but the fact it shows up in real-world guidance suggests it can happen depending on the day’s conditions and routing.
Dolphins watching with an 80% target: how to set expectations

This is a dolphin-focused outing, and the booking information gives you a helpful benchmark: dolphins watching is listed at 80%. That doesn’t mean you’ll always see dolphins, but it does signal the operator expects decent odds.
On a speedboat day, your best mindset is flexible. Dolphins sightings can depend on time of day, water conditions, and what’s happening out on the sea. The good sign here is that the trip is structured for the hunt: you’re not doing a quick pass-by. You’re on the water long enough for a sighting to matter.
If you’re photographing, keep your expectations realistic. You might get clear views for a moment, then they’ll be gone. Still, even a quick appearance can turn the day from standard island time into something you remember for years.
And yes, in multiple experiences, dolphins were actually seen, which is exactly what you want to hear before you spend a half-day on the water.
The snorkeling stop: equipment included, mouthpiece optional
Snorkeling is part of the included package, and that’s a big value point. You get a snorkeling stop with equipment, and you don’t have to spend time renting gear or hunting down the right size mask at the last second.
There’s also an important practical note: a new snorkel mouthpiece costs extra (listed as 5€ upon request). If you’re picky about hygiene, it’s worth knowing you have that option. If you’re not, the included gear likely works fine for most people.
How to make the snorkeling stop feel worth it:
- Plan to rinse your face and hands after the water segment
- Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to put on your gear—set up early
- If you’re new to snorkeling, go slow and focus on breathing and staying calm rather than racing the reef
One reason this trip earns strong marks is that the guide support seems to be genuinely helpful. That matters because snorkeling success is less about luck and more about what you do in that first minute once you’re in the water.
Beach time on Giftun: what you can do in two hours

Two hours on Giftun Island is the sweet spot for a lot of people. It’s long enough to do something meaningful and short enough that you still feel the day stays exciting.
Here’s a realistic way to use that time without stress:
- Start with a quick walk along the beach edge to pick the easiest entry point
- Take a moment to find shade and store your essentials
- If you want photos, do it early before everyone spreads out
- Then spend time in the water at your own pace
One thing to watch: the beach and island services can be expensive once you’re there. If you’re trying to keep costs in check, bring water snacks with you if you can (even though the tour includes drinks and fruit, you might want more). At minimum, don’t plan on solving every need on the island.
Crew professionalism is the real upgrade (not just the boat)

Plenty of trips advertise boats and islands. Fewer deliver on how smoothly the day runs. The feedback you can draw from the experience is that the team is organized, friendly, and professional—especially around the water segments.
That matters because the difference between a smooth trip and a chaotic one usually comes down to tiny things:
- Timing the boat ride so you don’t sit around too long
- Managing snorkeling transitions without dragging your day
- Keeping the group together while still moving at a natural pace
Also, the name Fadi shows up in the experience with thanks connected to the island time and White Island. Even if routes shift, a guide who’s clearly guiding the day is a big confidence boost.
The boat itself is described as top notch quality in at least one account, which is a strong indicator that you’re not going to spend your time battling a shaky ride or feeling underwhelmed before you even reach the islands.
Price breakdown: how the $20 works with taxes, transfers, and add-ons

The published price is $20 per person, and for a half-day involving a private speedboat, island entry, snorkeling gear, snacks, and hotel pickup inside Hurghada, that can be good value.
But don’t ignore the fine print—because the final cost may include items not shown in that headline number. Here’s what you should plan for based on what’s listed as not included:
- Taxes and fees: listed at 10€ per person
- Optional transfer add-ons if you’re outside central Hurghada (for example, Makadi & Sahl Hasheesh at 5€ pp, and El Gouna & Safaga at 10€ pp)
- Optional snorkel mouthpiece replacement: 5€ upon request
- If your hotel is outside the included pickup zone, transportation fees apply
There are also things that are included and easy to overlook until you try to piece them together alone:
- Admission to Giftun Island
- 2 hours of stay at Giftun Island during the speedboat time
- A snorkeling stop with equipment
- Snacks, water, soft drinks, and fruit on board
So the value math looks like this: you’re not paying separately for island access, gear rental, or basic drinks. For many people, that’s where the real savings are.
One more note: the trip is private for your group. Sometimes that reduces the cost advantage when compared to group tours, but the included pickup and equipment can still make it feel fair, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family.
Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great choice if you want:
- A fast, active sea day rather than a long bus excursion
- A strong shot at dolphin spotting (the 80% target helps)
- Snorkeling with less effort since equipment is included
- A private setup for your group with hotel pickup inside Hurghada
It’s also a solid pick for people who care about organization. When the crew runs the timing cleanly, you feel it immediately—less waiting, fewer stress points.
Who might think twice:
- If you hate speedboat rides or get motion sick easily, the high-speed part could be a downside. The good news is the tour requires good weather, which usually helps keep conditions manageable.
- If you’re trying to stick to a tight budget, account for taxes/fees and know that island extras can add up fast.
Practical tips for a smoother day on the sea
I’d plan for small details that make the trip more comfortable:
- Bring a light cover-up or towel for after the water time
- Bring sunscreen and reapply when you’re on land
- If you wear contact lenses, consider that salt water can be annoying
- Have cash for island purchases, since the beach can be expensive
If you’re sensitive about snorkel hygiene, ask about the optional mouthpiece replacement before you jump in. It’s listed as available on request for 5€.
Also, keep your schedule flexible the same day. This kind of trip depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so it’s better to stay adaptable rather than locking yourself into another strict plan right after.
Should you book Dolphin House by Private Speedboat to Giftun Island?
Book it if you want an organized, good-value half-day with private speedboat time, island access, snorkeling equipment, and a serious dolphin chance. The standout points are the boat quality, the helpful crew, and the fact that dolphins and snorkeling both show up as real parts of the experience—not just marketing.
Don’t book it if you only want beach time and you’re trying to avoid any extra costs beyond the headline price. Between taxes/fees, possible pickup add-ons outside central Hurghada, and island spending, your final total might surprise you.
If you’re traveling in Hurghada (or near enough for pickup) and you want a day that feels active from start to finish, this is a strong bet.
FAQ
How long is the speedboat trip?
It runs about 4 hours in total (approximately), with 3 hours of private speedboat time and a 2-hour stay at Giftun Island included.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included inside Hurghada.
What is included for snorkeling?
You get a snorkeling stop with equipment included.
Is entry to Giftun Island included?
Yes. Entry/admission to Giftun Island is included in the package.
What about dolphins—what are the odds?
Dolphins watching is listed at 80%, meaning the plan is designed for a good chance of seeing dolphins, depending on conditions.
Are snacks and drinks included?
Yes. Snacks, water, soft drinks, and fruit are included.
If I need a snorkel mouthpiece, is it free?
No. A new snorkel mouthpiece costs 5€ if requested.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.










