Safaga/Makadi Bay: Panorama Submarine with Snorkeling Tour

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back yet exciting adventure on Egypt’s Red Sea, the Panorama Submarine with Snorkeling Tour might just be your perfect match. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, plenty of travelers have, and their experiences reveal a good mix of fun, relaxation, and stunning scenery.

What really catches the eye: the chance to see marine life without diving gear, the panoramic views from inside the semi-submarine, and the opportunity to snorkel in vibrant coral reefs. One thing to keep in mind is that the trip involves walking from the drop-off point to the boat, so less mobile travelers might need to plan accordingly.

Ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a hassle-free underwater adventure, this tour offers a fantastic way to enjoy the Red Sea’s best features without too much fuss.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $18, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the included snorkeling gear and access to marine life.
• Unique Viewing Experience: The semi-submarine provides panoramic underwater views from a comfortable, dry cabin, perfect for those afraid of diving or snorkeling initially.
• Snorkeling Stop: Besides the glass-bottom experience, you’ll get the chance to snorkel in beautiful coral reefs and see colorful marine creatures.
• Helpful and Friendly Staff: Multiple reviews highlight the cheerful, professional crew, especially guides like Mahmood and Muhammed, who make the experience memorable.
• Flexible Scheduling: Options for morning or afternoon departure help fit this adventure into most itineraries.
• Additional Costs: Be aware that food, extra drinks, and photos are not included but are available for purchase onboard.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Safaga, Sahl Hashish, or Soma Bay, with a quick ride to the pier. The transfer is smooth, with some travelers noting timely arrivals and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles. From the dock, you board a modern semi-submarine, which is the real star of the experience.

The Semi-Submarine Journey

Once aboard, you’ll enjoy a gentle cruise across Makadi Bay, known for its calm waters and beautiful views. The boat’s large viewing windows provide a panoramic display of the underwater world, giving you a close-up look at coral formations and marine life without getting wet. Many reviews mention the stunning scenery, with some travelers quoting the “amazing view of the reef from the boat” and the “beautiful fish” spotted from inside.

The descent to about 5 meters underwater is slow and scenic, allowing ample time for photography and admiring the diverse marine creatures, like sea lions and a variety of fish. As one reviewer put it, “the staff was very friendly and helpful,” and the guides make sure everyone feels safe and engaged.

Snorkeling in Makadi Bay

After the semi-submarine experience, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in one of the Bay’s most beautiful spots. Equipped with snorkeling gear, many travelers find this part of the trip especially rewarding. A common highlight is the vivid coral reefs and abundant fish. Several reviewers, including one who said, “the guided snorkeling was a real highlight,” appreciated the patience and attentiveness of the guides.

The snorkeling stop usually lasts about 30 minutes, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed. Some have mentioned that the staff actively feed the fish, creating an engaging underwater spectacle that kids and adults alike will love.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and transfer: The tour kicks off with hotel pickups, often described as punctual and comfortable, with air conditioning making the early morning or late afternoon travel pleasant. Some reviews note that the walk from the taxi drop-off to the boat pier takes about 10 minutes, which might be a consideration for less mobile guests or those with small children.

Boarding the semi-submarine: Once at the dock, you’ll board the modern vessel, which boasts large viewing windows and a safe, stable platform. The crew, praised for being friendly and helpful, will assist throughout. Guests like Ilyas mention the “no pressure to tip or buy photos,” which makes the experience more relaxed.

Cruise and underwater viewing: The boat glides across Makadi Bay, offering spectacular unwater views. Expect to see sea lions, colorful fish, and coral formations. The descent to 5 meters is leisurely, with guides pointing out interesting marine life. Many reviews note the “beautiful experience” and the “amazing fish” seen from the glass windows.

Snorkel stop: After the underwater part, you’ll jump into the water with snorkeling gear. This is often described as a highlight—a chance to swim among coral reefs teeming with marine life. Several guests, like Barna-Imre, mention that their kids loved the experience, especially feeding the fish.

Return and drop-off: The trip concludes with a comfortable return to your hotel, usually with some time for photos or purchasing souvenirs such as photos taken during snorkeling, though some reviews express mixed feelings about photo quality and pricing.

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Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At just $18 per person, this experience packs a lot of appeal. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the semi-submarine cruise, snorkeling equipment, and a 30-minute snorkeling stop. That’s a significant chunk of entertainment for a very reasonable cost, especially considering the professional staff and smooth organization.

What makes this tour particularly worthwhile is the combination of dry panoramic views and hands-on snorkeling. This caters well to travelers who want to see underwater life without the stress of diving or complicated planning. The fact that reviews frequently mention friendly guides and a relaxed atmosphere means you’ll be in good hands.

However, it’s worth remembering that food isn’t included (besides a soft drink and unlimited mineral water), so if hunger strikes, you might want to bring snacks or plan for onshore meals afterward. Also, transportation from certain hotels like Madinat Makadi, Sun Rise Makadi, and Xanadu isn’t included, so verify your pickup options when booking.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for families with children, as the semi-submarine is a safe, dry environment with stunning visuals that entertain kids. First-time snorkelers and those who prefer not to get completely submerged will also find this a fantastic introduction to marine life.

It’s perfect for travellers on a budget seeking a memorable activity without breaking the bank. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and guides means you can relax and enjoy the moment without worrying about logistics.

While not suitable for people with mobility impairments, the general ease and comfort make it a good choice for most visitors wanting a relaxing, scenic, and engaging experience in the Red Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The entire experience typically lasts around 2-3 hours, including pickup, the semi-submarine cruise, snorkeling stop, and return to your hotel.

Are meals included?
No, food isn’t part of the package, but you get a soft drink and unlimited mineral water. You might want to bring snacks if you’re hungry afterward.

Can I buy photos during the trip?
Yes, photos taken during snorkeling are available for purchase on board, although some guests mention the quality varies and prices can be high.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the price, making it easy for you to enjoy the reef without needing to rent or bring your own.

Are there age restrictions?
While the experience is generally family-friendly, it’s not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or very young children who might find the boat walk or snorkeling challenging.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes for walking to the pier. Sunscreen is recommended, but remember that food and drinks (except water and soft drinks) are not allowed onboard.

How is the staff?
Reviews highlight the staff as friendly, helpful, and professional, with guides like Mahmood and Muhammed receiving special mentions for making the experience memorable.

Is the tour flexible?
Yes, you can choose between a morning or afternoon departure, allowing you to fit it into your schedule easily. Cancellations are also possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Safaga/Makadi Bay Panorama Submarine with Snorkeling Tour offers a mix of convenience, affordability, and genuine beauty that appeals to a broad range of travelers. You’ll appreciate the clear, panoramic views of the underwater world from the comfort of the semi-submarine, combined with the thrill of snorkeling in coral reefs teeming with fish.

The friendly, attentive staff play a significant role in making this experience smooth and enjoyable, while the overall value for the price is hard to beat. It’s a fantastic way to see the Red Sea’s vibrant marine life without the need for advanced diving skills or equipment.

This tour is especially well-suited for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone looking for a relaxed, scenic adventure that’s easy to book and well-organized. If you’re after a memorable, fun-filled activity that offers a good balance of comfort, stunning visuals, and marine exploration, this could be just what you need.

In short, it’s a straightforward, engaging, and affordable option that captures the beauty of Egypt’s underwater world while keeping things simple and enjoyable.

Remember: Always check your pickup options if staying at hotels like Madinat Makadi or Xanadu, and consider bringing your own snacks for longer days. With a bit of planning, this tour offers a fabulous glimpse of the Red Sea’s vibrant marine life with minimal fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: