Trip on a glass bottom boat from Hurghada

If you’re visiting Hurghada and craving a peaceful, visually stunning adventure without the hassle of snorkeling or diving gear, the glass bottom boat tour offers a fantastic way to explore the Red Sea’s vibrant marine life. We’ve looked into this experience based on traveler reviews and the detailed itinerary, and it promises a combination of easy access to underwater beauty and comfortable, well-organized travel.

What we love about this tour is how it combines affordable pricing, convenient hotel pickup, and the chance to see colorful coral reefs and lively fish through the boat’s large viewing windows. The fact that most travelers find it well-organized with friendly staff makes it a reliable choice for a relaxing day out. However, a potential consideration is the limited time for underwater viewing—about 60 minutes—which might leave some eager explorers wishing for a longer experience. This tour works best for those seeking a laid-back, family-friendly outing or anyone curious about the Red Sea’s marine environment without the need for snorkeling or diving skills.

In short, this glass bottom boat excursion is ideal for travelers wanting a straightforward, enjoyable glimpse of the underwater world, especially if they prefer not to get wet. It’s perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a quick but memorable sea adventure.

Key Points

• Affordable Experience: At just around $17 per person, the tour offers good value for the opportunity to see marine life comfortably.
• Comfortable Transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off included make logistics simple, reducing stress.
• Unique Underwater Views: Large windows in the keel give an almost unobstructed view of colorful fish and corals.
• Relaxed Pace: The cruise moves slowly, giving ample time for observation and photos.
• Limited Snorkeling: The tour focuses on viewing through glass, not snorkeling—so if you want to swim, you’ll need to arrange that separately.
• Traveler Satisfaction: With a 4.5/5 rating from 15 reviews, most guests leave satisfied with the experience, praising the staff and organization.

The Experience: What to Expect on the Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Starting the Journey: Hotel Pickup and Transfer

The experience kicks off early around 10 am with a convenient pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. This is a big plus, especially after a long journey or a day of sightseeing—no need to worry about navigating or hailing taxis. For travelers staying in Hurghada, the pickup process is generally smooth, with reviews mentioning friendly drivers who help set a positive tone for the day.

The drive to the New Harbor lasts about 20 minutes, giving you a chance to chat with your guide or simply enjoy the scenery. If you’re staying outside Hurghada, be prepared for minor surcharges—about €3 for the national park fee, with additional transfer costs from places like El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay (ranging between €5-10 per person).

Boarding and the Boat Experience

Once at the harbor, you’ll climb aboard a well-maintained glass bottom boat. The vessel is designed for comfort and visibility—large windows in the keel provide clear views of the marine life below. The boat’s slow cruise, lasting about 60 minutes, allows plenty of time to observe the reef’s rich colors and diverse fish, including potential sightings of rays and other species.

Our source reviews highlight the stunning underwater vistas, with one guest noting that the “fishes were seen exactly as in the promotional photos,” and even spotting a ray. The boat cruise is leisurely enough that even those prone to motion sickness can enjoy the scenery without concern.

Marine Life and Scenery

The reefs visited are renowned for their vibrancy. Expect to see a variety of colorful fish, corals, and perhaps even some rays. Since the windows are large and unobstructed, you won’t miss much even if you’re just relaxing on deck. Several reviews mention the “beautiful fish” and how easy it was to spot interesting marine creatures from the boat.

One reviewer appreciated that the “water was a little cold for snorkeling,” which underscores that this tour is more about viewing than swimming. For anyone eager to snorkel, they’d need their own gear and separate arrangements, as this tour sticks to viewing through the glass.

Return and Relaxation

After the cruise, you’ll return to the harbor and be taken back to your hotel—another smooth, air-conditioned transfer. Some guests enjoy spending a few moments on deck during the return, soaking in the sea breeze and panoramic views of the Red Sea, making it a peaceful end to a fun morning.

Additional Details: What’s Included and What Not

Included in the tour is the vehicle transfer with air conditioning, which is great for comfort and ease. The tour price is quite reasonable, considering the boat cruise, guide, and transportation.

Things to keep in mind:

• There’s a €3 national park fee per person that’s payable on-site.
• Surcharges apply from certain locations, like El Gouna and Sahl Hasheesh, ranging from €5-10 per person.
• The tour lasts about 3 hours in total—enough time for a relaxing experience without feeling rushed.

Reviews Add Depth

Most travelers find the experience well-organized, praising the friendly staff and smooth logistics. One review from Nigel H describes it as “great fun with excellent staff,” and mentions being collected by a friendly taxi driver. Another pointed out they appreciated the “thorough organization” and the relaxed pace.

While the majority are satisfied, a few mention minor drawbacks. For example, one guest felt the explanation of pickup times could be clearer and was annoyed by a stop at a platform to “generate extra revenue,” which some might see as a sales tactic. However, overall, reviews consistently emphasize the beauty of the views and the friendliness of the crew.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This glass bottom boat tour is ideal for those who want a straightforward, scenic experience without the need to snorkel or dive. It suits families with children, couples seeking a relaxed outing, or solo travelers who want to see the underwater world at a gentle pace. If you’re curious about the Red Sea’s marine life but prefer to stay dry, this tour offers a perfect compromise.

It’s also a good choice for travelers with limited time, as it provides a short, well-paced introduction to the underwater environment. For anyone looking for a more adventurous or in-depth underwater experience, you might need to look elsewhere or add snorkeling options.

The Sum Up

The Hurghada glass bottom boat tour offers an accessible, value-packed glimpse into the underwater beauty of the Red Sea. With its affordable price, expert organization, and stunning views, it’s a reliable choice for travelers wanting a peaceful, family-friendly activity. The calm cruise combined with excellent staff makes it a memorable addition to any Hurghada itinerary, especially for those not keen on getting wet but eager to see vibrant marine life.

While it may not satisfy those craving longer underwater encounters or snorkeling adventures, it excels as a relaxing, scenic, and educational outing. It’s especially suited for first-timers, families, and anyone who appreciates comfort and simplicity paired with spectacular vistas.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The boat cruise itself is about 60 minutes, with the total experience including pickup and transfer around 3 hours.

Is transportation included in the price?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle are included, making logistics hassle-free.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The large viewing windows in the keel offer close-up views of colorful fish and marine life, making it an enjoyable visual experience.

Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Yes, a €3 national park fee per person applies, plus possible surcharges from certain pickup locations (€5-10).

Can I snorkel during this tour?
No, this tour is designed for viewing through the glass bottom. Snorkeling and swimming are not included, and water may be too cold for some to enjoy swimming.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely, the relaxed pace, ease of access, and fascinating underwater views make it great for families.

What is the group size?
The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

This glass bottom boat experience from Hurghada balances affordability, comfort, and stunning visual access to the Red Sea’s underwater world. It’s a smart choice for travelers seeking a gentle, scenic introduction to marine life without the need for strenuous activity or extensive planning.