Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House): A Red Sea Sanctuary

Shaab Samadai, affectionately called Dolphin House, is a renowned marine sanctuary in the Red Sea near Marsa Alam, Egypt. This crescent-shaped reef creates a natural, shallow lagoon, providing a haven for a large group of spinner dolphins. The area has been a National Park since 2004, ensuring the protection of its delicate ecosystem.Shaab Samadai is famous for the opportunity to observe and even swim alongside these playful dolphins in their natural habitat. The dolphins often approach snorkelers and divers, displaying their acrobatics and curiosity. To protect the dolphins, the park is divided into zones with specific regulations. Zone A is a no-entry area for dolphins to rest, Zone B is for guided snorkeling only, and Zone C is for diving and boat mooring.Beyond the dolphins, Shaab Samadai boasts a vibrant underwater world. The horseshoe-shaped reef is teeming with diverse marine life, including colorful reef fish, parrotfish, angelfish, and the occasional reef shark. Divers can explore deeper areas with stunning coral gardens, swim-throughs, and drop-offs, while snorkelers can enjoy the shallow lagoon's coral formations. Divers can explore depths of over 20 meters and visibility ranges from 20 to 30 meters.