| Offer | Type | Duration | "From" price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Seascope with snorkel stop | Semi-submarine | About 2 h | About $18 to $24 (to be checked) | The most common choice, with snorkeling | See |
| Panoramic cruise with snorkeling | Semi-submarine | 2 h 30 to 4 h depending on the plan | About $18 (to be checked) | Pickup in Hurghada or El Gouna | See |
| Panorama from Makadi Bay and Safaga | Semi-submarine | About 2 h | See the listing | Hotels in Makadi Bay and the south | See |
| Orca Hyperion with snorkel stop | Glass-bottom boat | See the listing | About $14 (to be checked) | Small budget, no underwater cabin |
"From" prices were observed on GetYourGuide in October 2026 and vary with date, currency and pickup point; confirm them on screen. A national park fee may be added in cash on some trips: read the "not included" line.
Semi-submarine, glass-bottom or submarine: the difference
- Semi-submarine: a boat with a special hull whose lower part, below the waterline, is a room with windows; passengers watch reef and fish seated, at shallow depth. It floats on the surface.
- Glass-bottom boat: you look through a pane in the hull, with no immersed cabin. Less immersive, often cheaper, fine for very young children.
- Submarine (Sindbad): a real vessel that dived to about 22 metres, with some fifty minutes underwater advertised by certain sellers. It has been out of service since the sinking of 27 March 2025 (six tourists died); see the Sindbad submarine page. No restart was confirmed in October 2026.
How to choose
- See fish without getting wet: semi-submarine. Keep it for a morning or late afternoon, when the sea is calm.
- Swim as well: take a plan with a snorkel stop and check that gear and life jackets are provided.
- Very young children: the glass-bottom boat, shorter, avoids going down into the cabin; check the offer's minimum age.
- Claustrophobic travellers: some reviews describe a narrow cabin; prefer the deck or the glass-bottom boat.
What you see, and what to expect
You watch reef fish and shallow corals. Less spectacular than a dive, but open to everyone. Reviews mention a later return than planned and insistent photo sellers on board; decide before boarding whether you want to buy anything.
Safety and traps to avoid
- After the Sindbad sinking: do not pay for "the submarine" without the operator's company name, the official restart date and the insurance, in writing. See scams and safety.
- Street and marina sellers: compare with online reviews and do not pay everything in advance.
- Life jackets and crew: count the life jackets, check that the cabin's emergency exit is shown.
- Rough sea: a trip may be cancelled or moved; ask about refund or rebooking before booking.
What next?
To really swim above the reef, see the snorkeling boat trip; for the islands, Giftun and Orange Bay; for children, Hurghada with family. Departures are from the Hurghada marina or from your hotel.
FAQ
Can you still do the Sindbad submarine? No, trips have been suspended since 27 March 2025; no restart was confirmed in October 2026.
Do you need to swim for a semi-submarine? Not for the cabin; yes, or a life jacket, for the snorkel stop.
How long do you spend underwater? For the Royal Seascope, about 45 minutes in the cabin, followed by a snorkel stop of about 20 minutes according to the listing (to be checked).
Is it suitable for children? Generally yes, with a life jacket; the minimum age depends on the offer.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 19 October 2026.
