Marsa Alam: Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise with Pickup — An Honest Review
Trying to see the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea without getting wet? This semi-submarine tour in Marsa Alam offers a unique chance to explore coral reefs and marine life comfortably from above the water. With an average rating of 4 out of 5 from 19 reviews, it’s a solid choice for travelers seeking a family-friendly, hassle-free adventure.
What makes this experience appealing? First, the underwater views through large panoramic windows provide a snorkeling-like experience without the need for gear or swimming skills. Second, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off saves time and effort, especially for those staying in Marsa Alam. Third, the knowledgeable crew and guided commentary often enhance the trip, making sure you’re not just gawking at fish but learning about what you’re seeing.
That said, some reviews mention that the reef’s vibrancy can vary depending on the day, and on rough seas, the experience might be less comfortable. It’s also worth noting that this trip is best suited for non-swimmers, families, and anyone who prefers a relaxed way to discover marine life without the physical effort of snorkeling or diving.
If you’re after a convenient, informative, and family-friendly underwater adventure, this cruise might just fit the bill—provided you’re aware of its variability and potential weather impacts.
Key Points
- Accessible marine viewing: Perfect for non-swimmers and young children, thanks to the glass-walled semi-submarine.
- Convenience: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, simplifying logistics.
- Incredible views: See coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, and rays from a dry, comfortable deck.
- Variable reef vibrancy: Reef conditions can sometimes be less colorful or lively, depending on the day.
- Knowledgeable crew: Guides are appreciated for their friendliness and information.
- Value for money: At around $58, it’s generally seen as a good deal for the experience offered.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
Booking and Price Point
At $58.16 per person, this tour offers reasonable value, especially when considering the ease of access and the unique underwater views it provides. The average booking window of six days in advance suggests that it’s a popular choice, but not so overbooked that spontaneity feels impossible. The mobile ticket option adds flexibility, and the tour allows full cancellation up to 24 hours before, making it a low-risk choice.
Pickup and Transportation
The hotel pickup is a highly praised aspect, with multiple reviews confirming smooth arrangements and punctual service. Once on the vehicle, you’re driven to the Port Ghalib marina, a short 10-minute drive from most hotels. This convenience means you avoid the hassle of self-driving or navigating unfamiliar roads.
The Itinerary: What to Expect
The journey begins at Port Ghalib, where you’ll board the yellow semi-submarine, a boat styled for underwater sightseeing. The vessel is air-conditioned upstairs, making it comfortable even in the warmer months, and the large panoramic windows below allow for a full 360-degree view of the reef environment. This design means you can see coral towers, canyons, and schools of tropical fish without getting your face wet.
The duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, which strikes a nice balance—long enough to explore without feeling rushed or bored. Guides onboard are reported to be friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing names of fish, turtle sightings, and coral details, enriching the experience for curious travelers.
Marine Life Encounters
What will you see? The reviews indicate that turtles and rays are common sights, with some guests remarking on multiple turtle sightings. For example, a reviewer happily noted seeing five turtles at Marsa Mubarak, and others enjoyed observing colorful fish and coral gardens.
However, some reviews share a more tempered view. One traveler mentioned that the reefs appeared pretty dead and less colorful than expected, which can happen depending on the condition of the reefs on a particular day. The variability in marine life is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re hoping for a vibrant, rainbow-hued underwater spectacle.
The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The semi-submarine format makes marine viewing accessible for everyone, including non-swimmers and young children.
- The guided commentary and friendly crew enhance the educational value.
- Comfort and convenience through hotel pickup, drop-off, and air-conditioned transport.
- The experience often includes refreshments, adding to the enjoyment.
Cons:
- The reef’s vibrancy can vary, and some guests felt the coral looked less colorful or lively than online images suggest.
- On rough sea days, the boat ride can be bumpy, and some reviews note the boat’s seating as less comfortable, with metal, rotating seats that might not suit everyone.
- Occasional scheduling hiccups, like missed pickups, have been reported, though these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This trip is ideal for families with children, non-swimmers, or anyone who prefers to enjoy marine life without risking discomfort in the water. It’s also attractive for travelers who value convenience and guided insights over physical activity. If you’re curious about underwater ecosystems but prefer to stay dry, this tour offers a great balance of accessibility and adventure.
Final Thoughts
This semi-submarine tour in Marsa Alam delivers a practical and enjoyable way to see the Red Sea’s marine world without the need for snorkeling or diving experience. Its standout feature is the large panoramic windows that give an underwater view in comfort, making it especially suitable for families and less confident swimmers.
While the reef condition can vary, many travelers find the experience worthwhile, particularly because of the friendly guides and the ease of logistics. The included hotel pickup simplifies planning, and the price point offers decent value for the quality of the views and information shared.
This tour fits best with those looking for an easy, relaxed, educational underwater adventure. It’s a good option if you want to see turtles and colorful fish from a dry, comfortable vantage point without the expense or effort of snorkeling or scuba diving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup, making it convenient and hassle-free for travelers.
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, offering enough time to see marine life without feeling rushed.
Do I need to be a swimmer to enjoy this tour?
No. Since the experience is from inside a semi-submarine with large panoramic windows, you can enjoy marine sights without swimming.
What marine animals might I see?
Guests often see turtles and rays, along with tropical fish and coral formations. However, reef vibrancy varies, so sightings are not guaranteed.
Is refreshments included?
Yes, some reviews mention that refreshments on board are provided, adding to the comfort of the trip.
What should I consider about the reef conditions?
Reef conditions can differ daily; some reviews mention less colorful or lively reefs, depending on the day.
What is the group size?
The tour typically accommodates up to 35 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded but still lively.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.
In The Sum Up
This Marsa Alam semi-submarine cruise is a practical, family-friendly way to explore the underwater world of the Red Sea. It appeals most to those who want a relaxing, guided, and dry marine adventure without the need for snorkeling skills or diving gear. The included hotel pickup and the chance to see turtles and colorful fish make it a hassle-free option for many travelers.
While reef vibrancy can fluctuate, the knowledgeable guides and overall value make it a dependable choice for travelers looking to enrich their Red Sea experience. It’s best suited for families, non-swimmers, and anyone wanting a straightforward, engaging way to enjoy underwater sights.
If you’re after a comfortable, educational trip with easy logistics, this tour could well be the highlight of your Marsa Alam stay. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for some variability in the reef’s splendour.