Hurghada: Scenic Submarine Tour with Snorkeling and Transfer

If you’re looking for a taste of Egypt’s Red Sea magic without getting your feet wet (or maybe just a little), this Hurghada submarine tour might be just what you need. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a solid choice for travelers craving both adventure and relaxation.

What makes this experience appealing? First, you get to soar beneath the waves in a transparent submarine, offering stunning panoramic views of marine life. Second, the tour includes a snorkeling stop at a vibrant coral reef, giving you an up-close encounter with colorful sea creatures. Third, it’s affordable, with prices around $26 per person, making it accessible for most travelers.

One thing to consider is some guests have mentioned additional costs for photos and videos and a slight pressure for tips at the end of the trip. This might be a minor inconvenience but worth being aware of. This experience is ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples seeking a relaxed yet visually spectacular activity that’s suited for all ages.

Key Points

• Unique underwater perspective from a transparent submarine with panoramic views.
• Snorkeling in a beautiful coral reef, perfect for marine life enthusiasts.
• Affordable price, offering great value compared to other aquatic tours.
• Hotel transfers included, simplifying logistics.
• Flexible options for morning or afternoon tours.
• Potential extra costs for photos and tips—so bring cash if you want souvenirs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Hurghada Submarine Adventure

This scenic submarine tour provides a different way to experience the Red Sea’s underwater playground. Instead of swimming or diving, you’ll descend safely into a submarine with large transparent windows. The views are designed to give you a broad, sweeping look at the marine environment, often at around 5 meters below the surface. It’s an effortless way to enjoy an underwater spectacle, especially if you’re not keen on snorkeling or diving.

The tour also includes snorkeling at a coral reef—a chance to get more hands-on with the underwater world. Plus, the scenic boat ride through Hurghada’s New Marina adds a relaxing, sunny start to your day. At just $26, it’s a budget-friendly way to tick off a unique experience on your Egypt trip.

What the Tour Entails: Step-by-Step

Pickup and Transfer

The journey begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada, with options to include El Gouna and other nearby resorts for an additional fee. The tour provider will contact you beforehand to confirm your exact pickup time—usually the day before—and you’ll be taken to Hurghada Marina. Expect a timely pickup, but keep in mind that delays of up to 10 minutes can happen.

The Scenic Boat Ride

Once on board, you’ll cruise through the sunny, peaceful waters of the Red Sea, enjoying views of the coastline. This part of the trip offers a chance to relax and soak in the scenery, setting the tone for the underwater adventure ahead.

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The Submarine Experience

The highlight is descending about 3 to 5 meters below the surface inside the Sinbad Submarine, which is equipped with large glass windows. This allows for an immersive view of sea life, from small fish darting around coral formations to larger creatures passing by. The guided tour will explain what you’re seeing, enhancing the experience, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos.

Snorkeling in the Coral Reef

After the submarine ride, you’ll be given snorkeling gear to explore a nearby coral reef. Here, the vibrant coral formations and the colorful fish are often described as breathtaking. Reviewers have noted the coral reef is one of the most beautiful spots for snorkeling in the Red Sea, filled with a variety of species.

Return and Drop-off

Following your underwater adventure and snorkeling, you’ll be transported back to your hotel, ending a roughly half-day trip filled with unforgettable views and experiences.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

Many guests appreciate the ease of the transfer—no need to worry about organizing transport or navigating unfamiliar streets. The scenic boat ride is often praised for its tranquility and lovely coastline views, making the whole trip feel like a mini escape.

The underwater views are consistently highlighted as the main attraction; the submarine’s transparent windows provide a panoramic gaze into the marine world, with some reviewers mentioning the variety of sea creatures they spotted. The snorkeling stop adds a personal touch, allowing for more direct interaction with the colorful coral reefs.

Another positive note is the affordability—the price of $26 per person is considered excellent value compared to more expensive diving options. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment and refreshments on board makes it feel like a well-rounded, hassle-free experience.

Caveats and Considerations

While the tour offers a lot, a few travelers have mentioned disappointment with added costs—specifically for photos and videos. One reviewer, George, noted, “They asked for tips and tried to sell us pictures for 90, which was eventually brought down to 35.” It’s advisable to bring cash if you want souvenirs or to document your trip without feeling pressured.

Plus, since the experience is primarily visual, those expecting an intimate or immersive dive may prefer other options. The group size isn’t specified but likely large, which might impact the feeling of exclusivity. Also, keep in mind that the timing depends on your hotel location, and pickup times can vary, so scheduling in advance is recommended.

The Experience in Context: Value and Authenticity

For just $26, this tour offers a remarkable view of the underwater world, especially for travelers who want a gentle introduction to marine life without the commitment or expense of scuba diving. The scenic boat ride and professional guide add value, making it more than just about the submarine.

The snorkeling component taps into the Red Sea’s reputation as a coral paradise—and reviewers consistently mention the reefs as spectacular. It’s an ideal option for families or less experienced snorkelers looking for a guided, safe experience.

However, some guests might find the additional photo fees a little pushy, which detracts slightly from an otherwise smooth experience. If you’re comfortable with this, the trip remains a fantastic value for such a unique perspective.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring cash if you wish to buy photos, videos, or tips.
• Pack sunglasses, sun hat, towel, and comfortable shoes—the sun in Hurghada is intense.
• Confirm your pickup time one day before, especially if staying outside Hurghada city center.
• The tour duration is approximately half a day, so plan accordingly.
• Opt for the morning or afternoon tour depending on your schedule and weather preferences.
• No mention of size limits or age restrictions, but the experience is generally suitable for all ages.
• Remember that additional expenses are not included; plan your budget accordingly.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Hurghada submarine experience offers an engaging way to see the Red Sea’s underwater world without diving. Its affordable price point makes it appealing to travelers on a budget or those seeking a family-friendly activity. The scenic boat ride, panoramic views, and snorkeling combine to create a well-rounded, relaxing half-day adventure.

If you’re intrigued by marine life but prefer a low-effort, safe encounter, this tour is a good fit. It suits first-time visitors, families with children, or anyone wanting a visual feast of underwater scenery in a comfortable, guided setting.

However, if photos and souvenirs are a priority, be prepared for extra costs. For those wanting a more intimate or immersive underwater experience, other options might be better suited, but for a fun, affordable, and scenic introduction to the Red Sea, this tour hits the spot.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip transfer from your hotel, a scenic submarine ride with underwater viewing, snorkeling at a coral reef, all necessary snorkeling equipment, and light refreshments on board.

Can I choose between morning and afternoon tours?
Yes, you can select either a morning or an afternoon slot, depending on your preference. Confirm your choice with the provider when booking.

Is the transfer from hotels in El Gouna or other resorts included?
Transfers from Hurghada hotels are included, but pickups from places like El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi, and Soma Bay are available for an additional fee.

How long does the whole experience last?
The entire trip is approximately half a day, including pickup, boat ride, submarine viewing, snorkeling, and return to your hotel.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, comfortable shoes, and cash if you want to buy photos or tips.

Is the submarine experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the experience is generally safe and suitable for most ages. Check with the provider if you have young children.

Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
Additional costs might include photos, videos, or tips. Be aware that some reviews mention extra charges for souvenirs.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This scenic submarine tour in Hurghada delivers a beautiful glimpse into the underwater world with minimal effort and at an attractive price point. Suitable for those seeking a peaceful, visually stunning, and value-packed aquatic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: