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Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
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Dolphin Excursions Djibouti

See all things to do
See all things to do
Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
5
69 reviews
#1 of 13 Outdoor Activities in Djibouti
Scuba & Snorkelling • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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About
Dolphin Excursions has been leading adventures in Djibouti since 1999. We are the only PADI Dive center (#3736) in all of Djibouti. ​ With over 20 years of experience leading tours to lac assal/ lac abbe, as well as whale shark research and tours, scuba diving and our famous live aboard boat trips we are the foremost authority on everything Djibouti.
Djibouti, Djibouti
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Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
69 reviews
Excellent
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5
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Poleinahole
Switzerland2,056 contributions
WhaleShark Day Dive Trip
Nov 2020 • Solo
As my liveaboard dive trip was cancelled while enroute to Djibouti due to lack of guests due to the corona virus, I was happy to be get s spot on a weekend whaleshark day trip with Dolphin.

It was very well organized, safe and professionally run.

My heart sank when I heard there would be 30 passengers (a full boat) consisting of snorkellers, divers, and families out for the day with small kids. But the dhow they use is very spacious so it doesn’t feel cramped.

Diving equipment is good, but I would recommend that divers bring their booties and fins as the fins on board are better suited for snorkeling. Stiffer fins will also give you more power when trying to keep up with the whale sharks.

It takes two hours for the dhow to get to near Goubbet Island, where the whale sharks breed.

The divers will do a 45 minute dive (viz poor due to plankton during whale shark season) while snorkellers will search for whale sharks. The dive masters are very professional but the diving is just average.

Afterwards, the divers will go searching for whale sharks while snorkellers will have time to snorkel.

Whaleshark spotting is done on two skiffs. One owned by Dolphin has shade, the other owned by the Dhow and crew Dolphin leases for these excursions has a ladder but no shade. It is very hard to get back into the skiff with no ladder so pick your poison. Bring plenty of sun protection in either event.

Note that there are also day operators who run speedboat trips (1 hour but very bumpy) from Djibouti. They don’t brief their guests as well on proper etiquette and consequently these very shy creatures can get spooked and you might not be able to see them after such encounters.

Lunch is plentiful, delicious and they cater to vegetarians.

A truly excellent day out.
Written November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
Dear Karin, thank you very much for your comment. We are really happy that you have enjoyed the whale shark trip. We completely understand the point about our fins. We just received 20 pairs of new ones. These fins are from harder material so more efficient for diving. Hope to see you again. Stay safe Kind Regards Dolphin Excursions Team
Written November 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Samantha
2 contributions
Dive Paradise in little known Djibouti, Africa
Nov 2020 • Solo
As a Master Diver, I was extremely impressed with the professionalism and warm nature of this dive shop. Not only were they competent in all aspects of diving, but it felt like you were with close friends on holiday. Djibouti can be a challenging place, but Dolphin Excursions made it worth it. After diving with Dolphin for two years, whether you are an experienced diver or new to diving, this company is for you and I highly recommend them. They have many different courses and specialties available. This also includes try dives, which is for those that want to see if diving is for them before they spend time and money on their open water course. I hope to return to Djibouti to dive the Sept Frère islands. Thank you for a wonderful experience and the whale sharks.
Written November 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
Dear Samantha, thank you very much for a lovely comment. It was a pleasure for us to spend a time with you...underwater during courses or fun dives and also later in the afternoons during debriefings. We hope to see you again soon! Meanwhile take care and greetings to your dogs.;-) Warm regards Dolphin Team
Written November 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brandon
1 contribution
A great way to experience Djibouti
Jan 2021
Before finding out about Dolphin I didn't even realize there were some pretty amazing sites out here. I met this group who immediately took me in like family. They show nothing but fun and professionalism in what they do. I have always felt safe diving with them and was then inspired to complete my rescue diver cert through them. They will meet you with a smile and open arms. I would HIGHLY recommend Dolphin to anyone who has ever considered diving or snorkeling. I will continue to book anything water-related through them and refer the Dolphin family to anyone who wants an adventure.
Written February 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
Dear Brandon, thank you very much for your review! It is awesome to hear that you have felt safe and enjoyed spending a time with us. We will be happy to see you back in our family soon. :-) Keep diving and stay safe! Warm regards Dolphin Team
Written March 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jacob Philip
22 contributions
Diving at Djibouti
Oct 2021 • Solo
I took my open water diver license (PADI) from them and I had a wonderful time. The instructors were excellent and professional and their knowledge on the local dive spots are unparalleled. Looking forward to have many more dives with them.
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
Dear Jacob, thank you very much for your review. We are really happy that you have a nice experience with us and enjoyed the diving in Djibouti. Hope to see you again soon. Best regards Dolphin Team
Written October 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Taffy
17 contributions
Truly Awesome
Nov 2020
Professional and very friendly staff, well maintained equipment, whale sharks, diving several wrecks and divergent coral reefs make Dolphin Excursions Djibouti an outstanding dive shop. I was able to do 6 dives and all were wonderful. Their liveaboard boat is one of the best that I have been on. But their friendly, highly-skilled staff is what really made the difference. Thank you guys for an amazing time!
Written November 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
Dear Janice, thank you very much for such a great review. It was a pleasure to meet you and we are happy that you have enjoyed the time with us. Hope to see you again and hopefully this time on a 7 day cruise onboard the Deli.;-) Stay safe! Warm regards Dolphin Excursions Team
Written November 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bertie3000
66 contributions
Whale Shark Trip and Scuba Diving
Dec 2019 • Couples
We took 2 trips with Dolphin - 1 day of private diving to local islands on a skiff and a second on their scheduled whale sharks trip (plus one dive). Dolphin are a very professional organisation and it is clear why they are the biggest. We booked in advance and everything ran to plan. The days diving was enjoyable, with mixed visibility (no surprise as whale shark season) but plenty to see. The reefs are in good condition and the wreck we dived was very interesting and full of marine life. The whale shark trip is again well organised on a boat with around 30 people. The lunch is good. The dive they do there is ok but nothing special (we preferred the day diving and snorkelling at Sable Blanc). The whale sharks are not guaranteed although we were lucky enough to see one and swim with it for 15 or so minutes. Would definitely recommend using Dolphin.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
Dear Traveler, Happy new year and thank you for your review. We are happy you have enjoyed our trips and we hope to welcome you again in the future. With kind regards, The Dolphin team
Written January 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin S
Bangkok, Thailand569 contributions
Perfect excursion to do some snorkeling!
Dec 2019
Great boat, very nice, knowledgeable staff and delicious BBQ lunch served. So, regarding the organization of the day trip, everything was absolutely amazing! Then, to the main attraction; swimming with the whale sharks. 2019 has been a poor year for sighting of these animals the staff told me. But, I was in the first group looking for it and I was lucky enough to see one and swam after it for a little while (30 seconds). It was obvious that the staff tried their best to let us see more of the whale sharks. They kept on looking and looking. But it is not easy. Unfortunately, not everybody got to see one, which the second group seaching for it confirmed. Other than this, the snorkelling equipment that was available to use was in good condition. Also, avoid to take this trip on the weekends. It was too crowded in the water.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
Dear Kevin, Thank you for joining our trip and your review. We look forward to see you again soon! Regards, Dolphin Team
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zuberjuma
Kigali, Rwanda18 contributions
overall good day out on the boat for a reasonable price
Jan 2020
I booked a whale shark swim with them. good communication over email. everything was briefed properly and professionally. Very good boat that took us out to the snorkelling reef. but when the time came to go look for the whale shark we went to look for them on the small skiffs (good boats) but the time was really limited. time felt really short and we didn't see the whale sharks (which they say is not guaranteed anyways). But I guess for the price paid it was a good day out and if you do get to see the sharks its a bonus. lunch was nice on the boat. another good thing is that there are about 20-30 of you on the big boat so there is enough people to talk to on the long boat ride. but my main reason for the trip was to see the whale shark, which seems a bit difficult and even if you see them from the surface they can disappear very quickly so all in all not an easy task to get to swim with them and take pictures. just my opinion as I also used another company the day after but didn't manage to swim with the sharks second time :(
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
Dear Traveler, Thank you for your review. We are happy you enjoyed your day out with us. Compared to previous years this year has been especially challenging to find the whalesharks. There are not as many and frequent sightings as previous seasons. However it is nature and and they are free to go where they please ;). We hope to see you again for any of the trips we organize. With kind regards, The Dolphin team
Written January 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lori L
Djibouti, Djibouti30 contributions
Wonderful excursions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Dolphin offers many unique and exciting trips both in the ocean and on the land. I’ve used them to book multiple trips for my Embassy community and each trip has been a hit. I highly recommend Dolphin and their amazing team!
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
Dear Lori, Thank you for your kind review. It is always a pleasure to take you out and we look forward seeing you again soon ! Kind regards, Dolphin Team
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hhhd7
Cape Town, South Africa3 contributions
Great company to learn SCUBA diving with!
Jul 2020
I did my scuba certification with Dolphin. Everything was very professional and they provided all the equipment I needed to learn! I did the confined water/pool sessions in one morning in town and two boat trips on the weekends for the open water portion. The boat trip was a lot of fun, with a delicious lunch included.
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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