Sharm El-Sheikh: Dolphin Adventure Show or Swimming Option

Dolphins make a memorable holiday story. This Sharm El Sheikh outing combines a lively dolphin show with an optional 15-minute swim, giving you two ways to enjoy the animals. I like the hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport, and I also like the friendly human touch reported from driver and guide Sayed, who helped keep the day organized and enjoyable. The main drawback is the cost of photos and video, which can feel steep after you have already paid for the experience.

You can choose the show alone or add the swim option. The program suits families, couples, and solo visitors, and the price of $23 per person gives it strong appeal if you want a simple activity with transport included. Still, confirm your pickup time carefully, as the exact schedule depends on your hotel and there has been some confusion between the booking time and the actual activity time.

Key points to know before you book

• The swim lasts 15 minutes: It is a short, close-up session rather than a long water activity, so treat it as a special encounter.
• The dolphin show is included only with the selected option: Check exactly what you booked before paying.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included: Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup outside your hotel.
• Sayed may be your guide: His helpful, funny approach received particular praise, along with the driver’s care and punctuality.
• Photos and video cost extra: Bring your own camera, but ask about the rules before using it.
• Bring your passport copy: This is required, along with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Two ways to enjoy the dolphins in Sharm El Sheikh

This experience is built around a simple choice. You can watch the dolphin show, add the 15-minute swim, or select the option that best fits your budget and interest.

The show is the more relaxed choice. You sit back and watch the dolphins jump, spin, and perform trained routines with their handlers. It lasts about one hour, making it an easy activity to fit into a day that also includes hotel time, sightseeing, or other plans.

The swim is more personal. You enter the water for a 15-minute session alongside the dolphins, with professional trainers supervising the activity. That short duration matters. You should expect a concentrated encounter, not an entire afternoon in the pool.

I like this format because it gives you flexibility. A family with young children may prefer the show, while an adult couple or keen animal lover may decide that the swim is worth the added cost. Check the exact option at booking, since the show and swim are not automatically included in every choice.

The pickup sets the tone for the day

The outing includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup takes place outside your hotel, not necessarily at the front desk or inside the property, so you should be ready at the designated exterior meeting point.

Your exact pickup time depends on where your hotel is located in Sharm El Sheikh. The supplier sends that time by email one day before the activity, and you should confirm it rather than relying only on the original booking time.

Allow for a delay of up to 10 minutes. That is not unusual for a hotel transfer, especially when several locations are involved, but it is useful to know before you start worrying. I would avoid scheduling another activity immediately after this one.

Communication before the trip has been praised, and the transfer is generally described as smooth. One person had confusion between the booking time and the activity time and arranged separate transport. That is a useful warning: read the final email carefully, save the supplier’s details, and ask for clarification the day before if the timing looks unclear.

The driver and guide can make a real difference here. Sayed was praised for being informative, funny, attentive, and careful to check that everyone was doing well. That kind of help is especially valuable if you are traveling with children or are not fully confident about the meeting point.

What happens during the dolphin show

The show is the central event for anyone who chooses that option. You watch the dolphins respond to their trainers through jumps, spins, and other practiced movements. The appeal is easy to understand: dolphins are fast, expressive animals, and their movement through the water makes for an entertaining hour.

The trainers are an important part of the presentation. Their work gives you a chance to see how the dolphins respond to commands and interact with people. The performance is designed for all ages, so it works well for a family group with different interests and attention spans.

I would describe the show as fun rather than as a full lesson in marine biology. You will gain a closer look at the animals and their abilities, but the supplied details do not promise a long educational talk or a detailed conservation program. If your main goal is entertainment and a memorable family outing, the format fits. If you want an extensive wildlife lecture, keep your expectations modest.

The show lasts around one hour. That is long enough to feel worthwhile without taking over your entire day. It also gives people who do not want to swim a complete activity of their own.

The performance received strong praise for its organization and for the skill of the trainers. The dolphins are described as playful and well cared for, and the interaction is presented as positive. Still, animal experiences deserve thoughtful choices. Pay attention to how the trainers handle the dolphins, follow all instructions, and avoid treating the animals as props for photographs.

The 15-minute swim: exciting, brief, and closely supervised

The optional swim is the part most likely to become your favorite memory. You get close to the dolphins in the water and watch them glide beside you under trainer supervision. The experience is intended to create a personal connection, but it is also short, lasting 15 minutes.

That time limit is worth considering before you book. Fifteen minutes can pass quickly, especially when you are receiving instructions, getting into position, and taking turns. The value comes from the rarity of the encounter, not from the length of the session.

Professional trainers supervise the swim and are responsible for safety and the dolphins’ welfare. Follow their instructions closely. Stay calm, move as directed, and listen before reaching toward an animal. A dolphin is powerful even when it is being playful.

One person described falling and being hurt during the activity, but also praised the trainers for responding quickly and providing antibiotic spray. That account offers a useful reminder: even a controlled swim has physical risks. Use care around wet surfaces, hold on only where instructed, and tell the trainer immediately if you feel unsteady or uncomfortable.

You do not need to be a seasoned swimmer to find the activity appealing, but the information does not specify a swimming ability requirement. If you are unsure about your comfort in the water, ask the supplier before booking. Parents should also check the rules for children directly, since the experience is described as family-friendly but no age limits are provided.

Photos can preserve the moment, but check the price

A dolphin swim is exactly the sort of experience you will want to remember. Bring a camera, and ask in advance what you may use during the swim or show. The recommended packing list includes a camera, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

The important cost warning concerns professional photos and video. These are not included in the $23 price, and one person found the extra charges far too high. I would ask about the photo packages before the activity begins, so you can decide calmly rather than feeling pressured after the swim.

Your own camera may be useful, but the provider may control when and where personal photography is allowed. Do not assume you can film freely around the pool. Follow the staff’s instructions, especially during the swim.

Sunglasses and a hat will help if you are waiting outdoors or watching the show in strong South Sinai sun. Water is not included, so bring your own bottle or plan to buy one. That is a small extra expense, but it is an easy one to forget in a hot climate.

Is $23 good value for the experience?

At $23 per person, the price is attractive for an activity that includes hotel pickup, drop-off, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. The show option offers about one hour of entertainment, while the swim option adds a short, memorable encounter with the dolphins.

The value depends on what you select. If the show is included in your chosen package, the price is particularly reasonable for a simple half-day-style outing with transport. If the swim costs more through the selected option, decide how much the personal contact matters to you. The swim is only 15 minutes, but that may be enough if the close-up experience is your main reason for going.

You should also budget for water and possible photo or video purchases. Those extras can change how inexpensive the day feels. The advertised price is a good starting point, but the final cost depends on your selected option and what you buy on site.

I see this as good value for families and couples who want a planned activity without arranging their own transport. It is less compelling for someone who dislikes staged animal performances or wants a long, open-water experience. The show is organized entertainment, not a wild dolphin encounter.

Who will enjoy this most?

Families are a natural fit. The show is easy to follow, the swim adds excitement, and the activity does not require you to plan complicated transport. The one-hour performance also gives non-swimmers something enjoyable to do.

Couples may appreciate the photo opportunity and the novelty of sharing a dolphin swim. Solo visitors can also take part, especially if they want a structured activity with a guide and transport already arranged.

Animal lovers should think about the kind of encounter they want. This experience lets you see dolphins perform and interact with trainers, and the staff are described as attentive to both safety and care. At the same time, it is a managed show and swim, not an observation of dolphins in their natural environment.

You may want to skip it if you strongly prefer wildlife experiences with no trained performances. You may also want to ask more questions before booking if you have mobility concerns, are nervous around water, or need precise information about age and swimming requirements. Those details are not provided here.

Language, timing, and small practical details

The available languages are English and Italian. If you need another language, ask before reserving.

The supplier offers reserve now and pay later, which can help if your plans are still changing. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Keep those terms in mind if your hotel arrangements are not settled.

A copy of your passport is required. Carry the requested copy and keep the original stored safely according to your own travel arrangements. The activity details also repeat the need to confirm pickup time one day before departure, and that advice is worth taking seriously.

The provider is FTS Travels. The overall rating is 4.3 from 51 ratings, with the strongest praise focused on the dolphins, the show, the smooth transfer, and the helpful staff. The clearest criticism concerns photo and video pricing, along with one case of timing confusion.

Should you book this dolphin experience?

Book it if you want an easy, family-friendly activity with hotel transport and the chance to see dolphins up close. I would choose the swim option if that personal encounter is a major holiday goal, and the show-only option if you want a lower-cost, one-hour activity without getting into the water.

Before you pay, confirm which option includes the show, which includes the 15-minute swim, and what the photo charges will be. Then check your pickup email the day before, bring water and a passport copy, and arrive outside your hotel a little early.

For $23 per person, the show and transfer offer solid value. The swim can create a special memory, but it is brief, and the extra photography costs deserve a clear warning. If you understand those limits and are comfortable with a managed animal performance, this is a cheerful, well-organized addition to a Sharm El Sheikh holiday.

FAQ

Where is the dolphin experience located?

It takes place in Sharm El Sheikh in South Sinai, Egypt.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $23 per person.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Where will I meet the vehicle?

Pickup takes place outside your hotel. The exact time depends on the hotel location.

When will I receive my pickup time?

The supplier sends the exact pickup time by email one day before the activity. You should confirm it, and allow for a possible delay of up to 10 minutes.

How long is the dolphin swim?

The included swim lasts 15 minutes when you select the swimming option.

Is the dolphin show included?

The dolphin show is included only if you select the option that includes it.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen. Water is not included, so you should bring or purchase your own. A copy of your passport is also required.