From Safaga: Royal Seascope Submarine with Snorkeling

Imagine gliding comfortably above colorful coral reefs, watching schools of fish dance beneath you, and then slipping into the water for a personal snorkeling adventure. That’s the promise of the Royal Seascope Semi-Submarine tour from Safaga — a unique way to experience the Red Sea’s marine life without getting soaked or needing scuba gear.

What makes this experience appealing? We love the comfortable semi-submarine ride with its panoramic glass windows, the chance to get up close with coral reefs and tropical fish, and the affordable price point of around $22 per person. Plus, the option to combine it with a 30-minute snorkeling session makes it versatile for different comfort levels.

One thing to keep in mind is that some guests found the sales process for photos a bit intrusive, and there may be additional costs for transport from certain locations like Soma Bay. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, educational, and visually stunning experience in the Red Sea — perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone short on time but eager to see marine life.

Key Points

• Comfortable semi-submarine experience with panoramic views of the coral reefs.
• Affordable price offering a mix of underwater observation and snorkeling.
• Expert narration enhances understanding of marine life.
• Flexible timing options (11:00 am or 3:00 pm) for convenience.
• Additional costs may apply for transport from Soma Bay.
• Reviews praise friendly staff, though some mention sales pitches for photos.
• The tour visits a natural coral reef environment renowned for vibrant marine activity.
• Ideal for those interested in a gentle, informative, and visually impressive sea adventure.

This experience offers a gentle yet captivating way to explore the Red Sea’s underwater world. Starting at the marina, you’ll cruise for about 15 minutes to reach one of the top coral reef sites, renowned for its vivid marine life and colorful coral structures. The journey is smooth and typically accompanied by friendly guides who provide narration in English, German, or Russian — perfect for understanding what you’re seeing.

Once at the site, you’ll board the air-conditioned underwater cabin with glass walls that allow you to observe without getting wet. From here, expect around 45 minutes of cruising over the reef, during which you’ll see an abundance of marine creatures, from schools of fish to maybe even a turtle or two, depending on luck. The clear waters and naturalistic colors make the scene almost psychedelic, especially with the reef teeming with activity.

The highlight for many is the descent to a depth of about 4 meters, where you can get surprisingly close to the coral formations and sea life. Reviewers like Stefan mentioned, “We saw turtles, which was just fantastic,” highlighting how surprisingly personal and vivid the view can be from the semi-submarine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Snorkeling Stop

After the viewing cruise, the tour pauses for about 30 minutes of snorkeling. You’ll have the chance to swim freely in the coral-rich waters, guided or on your own. The experience is designed to be accessible, even for beginners, and you’ll probably find the coral and fish are just as captivating up close. Many reviews mention that the reef is lively and colorful, with some guests describing it as a “natural wonderland.”

Additional Practical Details

• The tour runs twice daily, with departure times at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.
• The entire experience lasts about 90 minutes, including cruising, snorkeling, and transfer times.
• The cost is around $22, which is quite reasonable, especially considering the combination of glass-bottom viewing and snorkeling.
• Included in the price are hotel pickup and drop-off, although for some locations like Soma Bay, there’s an extra charge of €10 per person.
• The National Park entry fees are also covered, ensuring you don’t encounter unexpected costs once there.

Insights from Reviews

Guests consistently praise the friendly staff and guides, emphasizing their helpfulness and enthusiasm. Ayleen noted, “Super tolle Team. Sie waren sehr freundlich und haben gute Laune verbreitet,” and many mention that the guides carefully watch over everyone during the water activities.

However, several reviews also point out some downsides. For example, the sales pitch for photos can feel a bit pushy, with some guests wanting to enjoy the experience without feeling pressured to buy pictures later. One reviewer mentioned, “The photographer and the photographing were really annoying,” which is something to keep in mind if you’re not interested in souvenirs.

Plus, some guests expressed disappointment when delays caused shortened snorkeling or viewing time, like one traveler who said, “the tour ended after 1.5 hours, and the snorkeling was shortened.” These hiccups are common in boat tours but can detract from the overall value if time feels rushed.

The Marine Environment and Natural Beauty

What sets this tour apart is its focus on visiting a natural coral reef environment. Unlike many artificial or heavily commercialized attractions, this reef is a vibrant habitat filled with color, movement, and marine biodiversity. Many reviewers highlighted how vivid the coral was, with “naturalistic colors” that make the underwater scenery feel almost surreal.

Seeing sea turtles was a highlight for some, as noted by Stefan, and the variety of fish and coral makes every moment visually stimulating. The reef’s lively activity underscores its importance as a natural habitat, offering a glimpse into the delicate ecosystem that thrives beneath the surface.

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Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At only $22, this tour offers a notable balance of value and experience. For that price, you get a comfortable semi-submarine ride with informative narration, time for snorkeling, and the chance to see some of the Red Sea’s most stunning marine life. It’s a budget-friendly way to experience the underwater world without the need for scuba certification or heavy gear.

However, beware of potential extra costs, such as transfers from Soma Bay (€10) or photo sales. Some guests felt that the photos were intrusive, and while they can be a nice souvenir, they are an additional expense — often not included in the base price.

The tour is particularly suitable for beginners, families, or travelers on a tight schedule who want a safe, guided experience. For those seeking a more immersive or private snorkeling adventure, this might feel a bit structured or commercialized.

This tour works best for those new to underwater exploration, looking for a safe, relaxed way to see coral reefs without needing a diving certification. Families with children will appreciate the gentle ride and accessible snorkeling, while curious travelers will enjoy the guided narration explaining marine life.

It’s also a good fit for budget-conscious travelers who want a meaningful yet affordable experience that combines sightseeing and snorkeling. If you’re someone who enjoys natural environments and marine biodiversity but prefers not to get wet or dive deep, this tour hits the right notes.

The Royal Seascope Semi-Submarine tour from Safaga offers a delightful window into the Red Sea’s underwater world. With its panoramic glass viewing pods, you get a comfortable, unobstructed view of vibrant coral reefs and fish, making it perfect for those who want an easy, scenic introduction to marine life.

The addition of snorkeling provides a more personal encounter and a chance to explore the reef more intimately, appealing to a variety of travelers. The tour’s affordability makes it accessible, though some may find the sales pitches and possible additional costs a bit pushy — a small trade-off for the overall value.

For families, first-timers, or anyone short on time but eager for a memorable marine experience, this activity strikes a good balance. It combines education, natural beauty, and comfort — all in a relaxed setting. Just be prepared for the possibility of delays or sales pitches, and you’ll likely come away with spectacular views and fresh stories to tell.

How long does the entire tour last?
The whole experience generally takes about 90 minutes, including cruising, snorkeling, and transfer times.

What are the departure times?
You can choose between two options daily: 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but additional charges may apply from certain locations like Soma Bay (€10 per person).

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen to stay comfortable and protected from the sun.

Does the tour include food?
No food is served during the tour, but there is a café where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

Is the boat suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s gentle pace and natural environment make it family-friendly.

Are there additional costs?
Additional costs might include transport from Soma Bay and photos, which are sold separately.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Will I see marine life like turtles or dolphins?
While sightings depend on luck, some guests have reported seeing turtles during their cruise.

In a nutshell, the Royal Seascope Submarine with snorkeling offers a well-rounded, budget-friendly way to appreciate the Red Sea’s vibrant marine environment. Whether you’re after the scenic glass-bottom views, the thrill of snorkeling, or just a relaxing day by the water, it’s a tour that balances fun, education, and value — making it a solid choice for many travelers heading to Safaga.

You can check availability for your dates here: