Sindbad Submarines – Hurghada (Egypt) – 2 Hours

If you’re visiting Hurghada and craving a unique way to see the vibrant marine life of the Red Sea, the Sindbad Submarines offers a compelling experience. This tour promises the thrill of exploring 82 feet below the surface—all from the comfort of a modern, air-conditioned submarine. With glowing reviews and a good reputation, it’s no surprise that nearly 97% of travelers recommend this activity, especially if they prefer to avoid swimming or diving.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s a safe and accessible way to witness underwater beauty without the physical effort or skills usually required for snorkeling or scuba. Second, the panoramic windows allow for incredible views of corals and marine creatures. Lastly, the organized logistics—including hotel pick-up and return—make this a hassle-free addition to your holiday.

However, a potential drawback is the cost, which some might find a bit high compared to other local excursions. If you’re budget-conscious but still eager to see underwater life, this may be a consideration. Still, for those seeking a memorable, family-friendly adventure with excellent value in terms of comfort and safety, this tour is a solid choice.

This experience suits anyone interested in marine life, families with children, or travelers who want a unique perspective of the Red Sea without the need for swimming skills. It also appeals to those curious about submarines or looking for a gentle introduction to underwater environments.

Key Points

• Accessible Marine Viewing: Perfect for non-swimmers and families.
• Comfort and Convenience: Air-conditioned interior with panoramic windows.
• Unique Perspective: Experience the Red Sea from 25 meters below the surface.
• Included Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off included for hassle-free travel.
• Limited Underwater Sightings: Some reviews mention not many diverse fish, but overall, the views are stunning.
• Price vs. Value: Slightly higher cost, but the experience’s safety and comfort justify it for many travelers.

The Experience in Detail

The Itinerary — What to Expect

The tour begins at the Little Buddha Hurghada, from where you’re picked up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The transfer service is generally smooth, with many reviewers mentioning punctual pickups and polite drivers. Once at the terminal, you’ll board the modern Sindbad submarine, which seats up to 44 passengers, including two pilots.

The actual submarine trip lasts around 45 minutes, during which you’ll explore about 500 meters of coral reef. The submarine boasts large, round viewing windows—each passenger gets a good view from their seat—allowing you to gaze seamlessly at the underwater scene.

What You’ll See Underwater

As you descend to 25 meters, you’ll be greeted by swaying corals and a variety of fish. Many reviews highlight the fun of watching exotic reef fish, rays, and coral formations through the panoramic windows. Some reviewers note that the divers feed fish and entertain, adding an extra layer to the underwater spectacle.

While some guests mention that the fish diversity isn’t overwhelming, most agree that the experience of being in a submarine—without the need to snorkel or scuba—is worth the price. “We saw lots of different fish, and the scuba divers were very funny,” said one reviewer, emphasizing the entertainment value alongside the views.

The Highlights and Unique Features

• Real Submarine: One of only 14 recreational submarines worldwide, and notably, one of only two in North Africa and the Middle East.
• Panoramic Windows: Every passenger has a large, round viewing window for optimal underwater visibility.
• Safety & Comfort: The air-conditioned interior makes the experience suitable for all weather conditions.
• Underwater Exploration: You’ll swim past coral reefs and marine life, gaining a perspective usually reserved for deep-sea explorers.

Extra Add-Ons and Tips

If you’re interested in capturing memories, you might find the photo and video packages tempting, though they come at an extra cost. Some guests found the staff eager to sell photos, with prices that can seem steep—up to $50 for a set of photos, which a few reviewers managed to negotiate down.

The Logistics — How It Works

The whole process from booking is designed to be straightforward. Confirmations are received immediately, and the pickup service generally runs smoothly—though a few reviewers noted issues with pickup times or hotel transfers, so it’s worth reconfirming your pickup details if you’re concerned.

The tour operates every day from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, giving flexibility for morning or early afternoon trips. The entire experience, including transfers, lasts around 3.5 hours, making it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive a few minutes early to avoid missing the start, especially if transportation is arranged.
• Budget for extras like photos if you want souvenirs—some reviewers found the prices high.
• Dress comfortably, but note the interior is air-conditioned so you won’t need extra layers.
• Consider bringing a waterproof camera or phone case if you want to take photos from inside the submarine—though some suggest buying the official photos instead.
• If you’re traveling with children, this tour has been described as “great for families,” even with young kids as young as four.

The Real Reviews — What Travelers Say

Many reviewers praise the organized service, describing the staff as polite, friendly, and humorous. The overall safety is often emphasized, with many feeling reassured by the professional crew.

On the other hand, some visitors mention that the marine life isn’t extremely diverse, and the selling of photos can be pushy. One reviewer shared a negative experience with booking logistics, citing a missed pickup, which highlights the importance of reconfirming arrangements.

Despite a few hiccups, the majority of guests find the experience worth the cost, especially when considering the unique opportunity to see underwater scenery without diving. The views of coral and fish are highlighted as some of the best parts, with many saying it’s a memorable highlight of their trip.

The Cost and What You’re Paying For

At $75 per person, this tour may seem a little pricey compared to some land-based excursions, but it’s important to consider what you’re getting: a safe, comfortable, and accessible way to explore the Red Sea’s underwater environment. The inclusion of hotel transfers adds convenience, and the experience of being in a real submarine is quite rare.

Some reviews mention that the overall value is justified by the unique views and the ease of the experience. For families or non-swimmers, this is a fantastic way to introduce marine life without the complications of snorkeling or scuba diving.

Final Thoughts

This Hurghada submarine trip offers more than just a scenic ride; it’s a safe and immersive glimpse into the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea. Whether you’re traveling with family, curious about submarines, or simply looking for a memorable experience, you’ll likely find this tour worth the cost.

The organized logistics, comfortable interior, and the chance to see coral and fish through large panoramic windows make it a hassle-free adventure. Just keep in mind that the marine diversity might not be the most extensive, and be prepared for some sales pitches for souvenirs.

Overall, it’s a fantastic activity for those seeking a safe, educational, and visually stunning experience that’s suitable for all ages.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour provides return hotel transfers, making the experience seamless from start to finish.

How long does the submarine trip last? The actual underwater experience is about 45 minutes, with the full tour including transfers lasting around 3.5 hours.

Can children participate? Yes, many reviews mention children as young as four enjoying the trip, making it family-friendly.

Do I need to be able to swim? No, since you are inside the submarine, you don’t need swimming skills to enjoy the views.

Are photos available during the tour? Yes, but they are sold separately at a premium, and some guests found the staff eager to sell them.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothing is fine, but remember the interior is air-conditioned, so no special gear is necessary.

What if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

To sum it up, Sindbad Submarines in Hurghada offers a unique, safe, and visually captivating way to experience the Red Sea’s underwater beauty. It’s an ideal choice for families, non-swimmers, or anyone wanting a memorable adventure with minimal effort. While the price might be on the higher side, the comfort, safety, and stunning views make it a worthwhile addition to your Egyptian holiday.