Shaab Samadai East

Shaab Samadai East is the eastern section of Sha’ab Samadai (Dolphin House), the famous spinner dolphin sanctuary 11 km southeast of Marsa Alam marina, situated closest to the inner lagoon where dolphins rest.

Overview

Sha’ab Samadai — “Dolphin House” — is a crescent-shaped offshore reef approximately 1.4 km long and 1 km wide. The eastern arm of the reef borders the dolphins’ resting lagoon (Zone A, no entry) and transitions into the snorkelling zone (Zone B). The eastern diving area in Zone C offers shallower and calmer conditions than the western wall, making it the more beginner-friendly side of the site.

The eastern reef features shallower coral gardens, protected from open-ocean currents by the reef’s crescent shape. Hard corals, soft corals, and diverse reef fish concentrate here. The proximity to the lagoon means spinner dolphins occasionally swim close to the reef edge, and snorkellers in Zone B can interact with the dolphins within the regulations.

Dive Profile

• Maximum depth: ~20 m (shallower than western side)
• Current: Low
• Entry: Boat only (approximately 1–1.5 hours from Marsa Alam)
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly on eastern shallows

Marine Life

Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) are the main draw — the inner lagoon holds a resident pod that returns daily to rest. On the reef itself: clownfish and anemones, batfish, parrotfish, and the typical Marsa Alam reef community. The calmer eastern side supports good coral coverage accessible to snorkellers and novice divers.

Regulations

Zone A (inner lagoon) is strictly off-limits. Snorkellers in Zone B must wear life jackets. No feeding, touching, or chasing dolphins. The site can become crowded due to its fame — early morning departures offer less-crowded conditions.

Sources: SeaHorse Diving Club — Shaab Samadai, PADI — Shaab Samadai Dolphin House, Marsaalam.com — Samadai and Sataya Reefs. Last updated 2026-05-17.