Hurghada: Royal Seascope Submarine cruise with Snorkel stop

Imagine gliding beneath the waves of the Red Sea without getting your hair wet or your heart pounding from swimming in open water. That’s exactly what the Royal Seascope Submarine cruise promises — a chance to see vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and even sea turtles, all from the comfort of a semi-submarine. This tour, offered by Egypt Sunmarine Fleet, has quickly gained popularity for its balance of easy access and eye-catching underwater sights.

What we love about this experience is its comfort and convenience — no need for snorkel skills, just a seat by the windows. The value for money is clear, with many reviewers praising how much they saw for such an accessible price. Plus, the optional snorkel stop adds a whole new layer of fun for those eager to get closer to marine life, without the hassle of swimming through open water.

On the flip side, some travelers note that the coral reef may not be as vibrant as expected, possibly due to pollution or bleaching. Also, the timing can be a bit tight, especially if you’re hoping for a longer underwater encounter or want to explore more. Still, this tour is best suited for those who want an easy, safe, and visually impressive way to discover the Red Sea’s underwater world—perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone short on time but eager to see marine life.

Key Points

• Comfortable Viewing: No swimming required; enjoy the underwater scenery through large observation windows.
• Good Value: At just over $23 per person, you get a quick yet comprehensive view of the reef, with optional snorkeling.
• Flexible Departures: Multiple times available, with hotel transfers included in Hurghada.
• Authentic Experiences: Many reviews mention helpful and friendly crew, with some even praising the staff for making the trip memorable.
• Limitations: Some mention that the coral and reef may not be as bright or colorful as hoped, and the overall duration might feel short.
• Family Friendly: Perfect for kids and those who prefer not to swim, but still want a close-up look at sea life.

The Experience in Detail

Booking and Arrival

Scheduling this tour is straightforward — most travelers prebook around two weeks in advance, and the process is quick thanks to mobile tickets. The tour includes hotel pickups in Hurghada, making it easy to start your day stress-free. If you’re staying outside Hurghada, transfers from nearby locations like El-Gouna or Soma Bay are available at an extra cost (~€10), which is handy if you’re exploring more broadly.

The Journey to the Marine Environment

Once onboard the air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll enjoy a short, comfortable ride to Hurghada Marina where the adventure begins. The boat itself is described as well-maintained, with facilities like toilets, and a friendly crew ready to make your trip smooth. Many reviews mention the staff as being “happy & helpful,” which is great since customer service can make or break a tour like this.

The Semi-Submarine Experience

The core of the tour is the semi-submarine itself — a vessel with large windows submerged about 3 meters below sea level. You’ll sit in an air-conditioned observation deck, offering a panoramic view of the reef and marine life. Reviewers like Giles_M called it a “well run trip from start to finish,” noting that the views were excellent, with lots of vibrant fish and occasional turtles spotted during the cruise.

While the reef might not be as colorful as some hope—possibly due to environmental factors—many still describe the underwater scenes as “amazing,” with some reviewers mentioning the chance to see “coral and sea life including turtles.” The fish-eye view from the windows makes it feel like watching a giant aquarium, only with the real deal outside.

Snorkel Stop — Optional but Popular

For those who want more than just a glimpse, the snorkeling option is available during the trip. Reviewers who took the plunge described it as “brilliant for kids,” with helpful crew assisting in the water, especially with safety equipment like rings for children. The snorkel session typically lasts around 15–20 minutes, giving you a closer look at reef life, including colorful fish and possibly rays or other creatures.

People like Hiba_S, who went with her daughter, praised the staff for being “polite” and “helpful,” making snorkeling accessible even for beginners. However, some reviewers wish they could have spent longer exploring underwater, as the overall trip can feel a bit rushed for those eager to see more.

Duration and Group Size

The cruise lasts around 2 hours, which is a good length for avoiding fatigue or boredom. The maximum group size is about 40 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience compared to larger tours. Several reviews mention the atmosphere as “friendly,” with staff not pushing sales of souvenirs or extras—something that can sometimes overshadow similar tours.

Additional Considerations

While the tour is praised for its value and ease, keep in mind that coral health may affect the vibrancy of underwater scenes. Several reviews mention the coral reef as “not very colorful,” which might be disappointing if you’re expecting a vivid underwater paradise.

Timing-wise, some travelers found the trip slightly too short, especially when considering the travel time and the desire to explore more. If you’re in Hurghada for a limited time, this quick trip offers a taste rather than a full immersion into the reef.

Overall Value for Money

Priced at about $23.26 per person, this tour packs a lot into a short window — excellent value if you’re after a hassle-free way to see marine life without the need for swimming skills or heavy equipment. The inclusion of hotel transfers in Hurghada adds convenience, making it a fuss-free option for travelers wanting to maximize sightseeing and minimize logistics.

Final Thoughts: Who’s This Tour Perfect For?

This trip is especially ideal for families with children, first-time snorkelers, or anyone looking for a relaxed, safe, and visually rewarding experience. If you’re after a quick introduction to the Red Sea’s underwater world, the semi-submarine provides a comfortable and easy way to see stunning marine life.

It’s also great for travelers on a tight schedule, as the 2-hour duration fits nicely into a busy day. The included transfers and straightforward booking process make it accessible for most visitors.

However, if your priority is vibrant coral or longer underwater encounters, you may find this tour somewhat limited in scope. It’s more of a “taster” rather than a deep dive into the reef’s full splendor.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, and reviews mention that children enjoyed the snorkel session, especially with crew assistance and safety rings.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Not at all. The main experience involves viewing through the underwater windows, and snorkeling is optional with crew help.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours in total, including transfers, the cruise, and optional snorkeling.

Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, if you’re staying in Hurghada, transfers are included. Transfers from El-Gouna and Soma Bay are available at an extra charge.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and possibly a towel. Snorkel gear is not included, so you might want to bring your own if you prefer.

Is the reef vibrant and colorful?
Many reviewers say the reef isn’t as bright as they hoped, possibly due to environmental factors, but you will still see plenty of fish and marine life.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

The Sum Up

The Royal Seascope Submarine cruise in Hurghada offers a practical and enjoyable way to glimpse the underwater world of the Red Sea without the need for swimming or diving skills. Its value for money and comfortable viewing experience make it a popular choice for families, first-time visitors, or those with limited time. While the coral might not be the most dazzling, the chance to spot turtles and a variety of fish from the safety of a semi-submarine makes it worth considering.

If you’re seeking a hassle-free, safe, and scenic introduction to Egypt’s marine wonders, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers looking for an accessible, family-friendly outing that balances sightseeing with comfort. Just remember, it’s more of a teaser than a full reef exploration — but sometimes, that’s all many of us need to fall in love with the underwater world.