Dolphin Excursions SARL

Dolphin Excursions has been a fixture of the Djibouti diving scene since 1999, operating as the first PADI-affiliated centre in the region. Located in Balbala, they provide a gateway to some of the most distinct underwater environments in the Red Sea area, combining marine exploration with terrestrial excursions to sites like Lac Assal and Lac Abbé.

The centre is structured around both day trips and more immersive experiences. Divers can opt for standard day excursions to local reefs or commit to multi-day adventures, including overnight stays on the beach or liveaboard cruises where accommodation is provided on board.

As a PADI dive shop, the centre focuses on a wide range of training and guided experiences. Their curriculum spans from initial introductions to the water through to professional-level certifications.

Beyond standard diving, the team organises specialised seasonal programmes, such as whale shark encounters, and manages various ocean safaris. Their approach integrates marine conservation and responsible tourism into their operational model, ensuring that excursions to sensitive sites are handled with care.

Dolphin Excursions offers a full spectrum of PADI training. Beginners can start with the Intro to Scuba or the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to progress can enrol in Advanced Open Water, Rescue, or Divemaster programmes.

Specialised training is also available for divers wanting to refine specific skills, including Night Diving, Wreck Diving, and Drift Diving.

The centre provides a complete range of equipment hire for divers, covering all the essentials needed for reef, wreck, or drift diving. This includes regulators, BCDs, and exposure suits.

For those looking to extend their time underwater, the centre's service includes meals and refreshments during excursions. For longer cruises, comfortable accommodation is arranged on board the vessels to facilitate multi-day diving itineraries.

The regional marine life is defined by large, charismatic species. During the season from November to January, whale sharks are the primary attraction. You will also regularly encounter Goliath groupers, giant moray eels, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, lobsters, and reef sharks.

On the deeper walls and drop-offs, such as at Ras Eiro or Sable Blanc, divers may spot larger predators, including the occasional thresher shark. The reef ecosystems are also home to various species of rays and reef sharks.

Macro life and smaller residents are abundant across the reef flats and around the islands. Shark Island, in particular, is a noted location for observing juvenile manta rays in the shallower reef sections.