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| This is a unique opportunity to snorkel with wild, free, friendly dolphins in the warm clear waters of the Red Sea in the south of Egypt. Ideal for families, small groups and individuals. | |
A U-shaped coral reef lies in calm turquoise waters off the Egyptian Red Sea coast, in which a group of up to 300 Spinner Dolphins rest, play and raise their young away from the strong currents and dangers of the open seas. These dolphins are happy to swim with people, having done so for many years now so many of them have been born into the habit. They are curious creatures and like to approach swimmers, peer into our face masks and swim alongside us. They will allow you to cruise along with them, swimming slowly so you can keep up. They may leap and play and chase each other, giving you a wonderful show you will remember for a lifetime. They love children and are very gentle in their approach. The whole area is famous for the spectacularly beautiful coral reefs and very popular with scuba divers. You will have plenty of opportunity to snorkel or scuba from the beach. While snorkelling you may see dolphins, turtles and rays or the very rare dugong which lives in the area. You need to be able to swim confidently, but no scuba experience is needed. You will be using a face mask, snorkel and fins, and while in the Dolphin Reef, a life-jacket. Equipment may be hired on site. Accommodation is in tents, bungalows or en-suite chalets to suit your budget. Full board, transfers and dolphin-swim boat trips are included in the price. Camel rides and desert excursions are also available, bookable on site. The dolphins are wild and free, so we cannot guarantee they will be present, but we have enjoyed an 80% success rate since 2003. Please read our guests' reports, many of which have been sent in by families with children. |
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The PROGRAMME After a 5 hour flight direct from the UK or main airports in Europe, you will be met at the airport by a driver holding a 'Wild and Free' sign. He will be directly outside the airport building or just down the stairs to the car parks. We will meet your flight whatever time of day you arrive and you can choose the dates and number of days for your holiday. You will travel by air-conditioned car or mini-bus to the ecovillage in Marsa Alam where you will be greeted and shown to your accommodation. There will be a meal waiting for you in the restaurant or a snack, depending on the time of day. There are 2 ecovillages we use. The first one is 20km north of Marsa Alam and is the main center for all the divers and snorkellers of this resort. The second is 20km south of Marsa Alam and is the one we normally host our guests at. It is small, quiet and remote. The boat to the dolphins leaves from here so you can just walk in from the beach where your chalet, bungalow or tent is. This ecovillage is located in the bay nearest to the Dolphin House reef, so your boat trip takes the least time possible. A 7 day programme includes up to 3 days Dolphin Swims, unlimited house reef snorkeling, full board and transfers. On the other days you will have the options of snorkelling on the coral reefs along the shore of the ecovillage and other bays in the area, extra trips to the dolphins or even try scuba diving, or just relax and enjoy the peace of the desert and sea. Excursions include horse riding, desert trips, city tour,and a day trip to Luxor. On the 3 Dolphin Swim days a small Zodiac (RIB dinghy) will transfer you to the dive boat from the beach with other divers and snorkellers. If you are based at the first ecovillage you will leave in the morning and drive for 40 minutes to the 2nd ecovillage. When you arrive at the reef (about 30 minutes later) you will be briefed on the logistics of swimming with the dolphins. No boats are allowed into the dolphins' area to protect them and the swimmers so the Zodiac will take you to the line of marker buoys where you will begin your swim in. If the dolphins are outside the reef the Zodiac will take you to them. The dolphin reef is regulated by the Marine Park rangers and there is one section of reef that is partitioned off to allow the dolphins some space to themselves. A second part is for swimmers only (no boats) and a third is for the Zodiacs to drop swimmers off from the main dive boats. The dolphins swim in and out of all sections, sometimes coming right up to the boats but of course you must understand that they are free to go where they wish, while we must respect their 'dolphins-only' zone. It can happen that there are many dolphins and you spend all your time with them or it can be that there are none at all. Please understand they are wild dolphins not under our control. Marine Park Rules
The dolphins tend to be in groups and are usually easily spotted from the boat. Swim slowly towards them. Do not try to catch hold of them and they may come quite close. There may be between 20 and 300 dolphins around you and they will come and go. You will hear them clicking and whistling and they may be very playful. Definitely bring an underwater camera with you. The disposable ones are perfectly adequate. Relax and enjoy lunch on board. If you wish to make extra swims on your own, you may provided you inform the swim guide. Only snorkellers are allowed in with the dolphins, no scuba diving, though the divers come to enjoy the excellent dive sites outside the reef. We make the boat trip to the dolphins on 3 days each week provided the weather allows, and there are a minumm of 6 people on the day. The best months are between March - November, although the dolphins are resident all year, it is easier to see them and swim with them in the warmer months when the sea is calm. The winter months can sometimes be windy, but if your boat trip is cancelled for any reason we will endeavour to make it up during your stay, though please understand we do not control the weather! If you wish and if there is availability you may book extra dolphin-swim days on-site at 35 Euros per person plus Environmental Tax of 15 Euros. The beach of the Ecolodge Village has a sandy approach leading to superb coral reefs to the north and south, known as the House Reefs. The best coral can be seen near the surface and there is a huge variety of coloured fish. In addition to fish and beautiful coloured hard and soft corals, you may spot an octopus, turtles, small sharks, rays or even a dugong. Often Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins can be found on the House Reefs. You should bring thick soled swimming booties, essential for shore based snorkelling as the coral is sharp and some fish have dangerous stings. Please read our How To Swim With Dolphins Guide Dolphin Swim programmes take place in Marsa Alam.
Read What Our Guests Said about their Wild and Free Dolphin Swimming Holidays Read BBC report on positive healing effects of swimming with dolphins Download Wild and Free Poster |
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Dugong Dugongs are extremely rare manatee-like creatures that feed on sea-grass. There are some living in the area. They are large, gentle and friendly. A local bay is home to two and you have a snorkelling excursion there included in your holiday package. Extra trips can be booked on-site. Download pdf file info sheet on Dugongs in the Red Sea |
TRAVEL INSURANCE: You must have comprehensive travel insurance.
| Insure and Go is one of the UK's largest travel insurance providers. They have an excellent on-line booking facility, you can obtain a quote, take out a policy and receive all their documentation via email within minutes. UK residents only. |
