Safaga & Makadi Bay: Royal Seascope Submarine cruise with pickup

Exploring the Red Sea from a Semi-Submarine: What You Need to Know

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Egypt’s famous coral reefs and colorful marine life without the hassle of swimming or snorkeling, the Royal Seascope Submarine cruise offers a surprisingly accessible adventure. This tour is particularly appealing for travelers who prefer to stay dry but still want to witness the underwater spectacle that makes Hurghada a world-renowned diving destination.

What we love about this experience? First, the cost-effectiveness at just around $23 per person offers great value for such a unique perspective. Second, the comfortable, air-conditioned vessel ensures a stress-free journey, especially in the hot Egyptian sun. Third, the ability to combine the cruise with optional snorkeling provides a flexible experience catering to different comfort levels. The one thing to keep in mind? The duration is about 2 hours, so it’s perfect for a quick, yet memorable outing—though some reviews suggest the actual underwater viewing time might be slightly less than expected.

This tour is particularly suited for families with children, non-swimmers, and anyone curious to see marine life without the physical or safety challenges of traditional diving. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic experience that combines ease and fun, this could be just what your Hurghada trip needs.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $23, this cruise offers excellent value for an underwater experience.
• Accessible for All: Great for non-swimmers, families, and those who prefer to stay dry.
• Flexible Options: Includes Makadi Bay transfers and optional snorkeling stops.
• Comfort & Safety: The vessel is described as clean, well-organized, and crewed by friendly staff.
• Short & Sweet: Approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect add-on without taking up too much time.
• Mixed Reviews on Duration: Some guests feel the actual underwater viewing time is less than 30 minutes.

The Experience: A Deeper Dive into the Tour Details

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup, which is a major plus for easing your planning. The air-conditioned vehicle takes you to Makadi Bay or other specified resorts. For those staying outside the main pickup areas like Soma Bay or Magic Life Kalawy, extra charges ($10 or $15 per person respectively) may apply. This upfront transparency helps in planning your day without surprises.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop at Makadi Bay: This is where the real magic begins. The vessel, described as bright yellow and well-maintained, sets out into the open sea. The semi-submarine offers a large viewing gallery with glass windows, allowing you to observe the underwater world while remaining dry. Reviewers mention the “fantastic views” and the “breathtaking” marine life, including vibrant fish, turtles, and rays.

The narration from the guide adds educational color, detailing the coral formations and different species encountered. Guests like Stacy highlight how “the view from below was fantastic”, and Mohamed praises the “helpful and polite” staff, which makes the experience more engaging and comfortable.

Underwater Viewing: The core attraction is the semi-submarine‘s panoramic windows. Some reviews note that the viewing duration might be slightly less than the 45-minute estimate, with some experiencing closer to 30 minutes of underwater viewing. Still, the diversity of marine life seen—like colorful fish and occasional turtles—is often described as “out of this world”.

Optional Snorkeling: For those eager to get even closer, there’s an opportunity to snorkel after the cruise segment. The reviews indicate that the snorkeling stop is accessible for all, with some guests mentioning they “went snorkeling and saw some amazing sights”. The trip generally lasts around 2 hours in total, balancing sightseeing and leisure comfortably.

The Crew and Organization

Guests consistently praise the friendly, professional crew. Marcus W mentions a “very safe feeling vessel”, while Wendy Gough notes the “helpful and thoughtful” staff. The vessel’s cleanliness and smooth operation are highlighted as key factors that elevate the experience. The guides’ narration, provided throughout the trip, is engaging and informative, helping even those unfamiliar with marine life appreciate what they see.

Additional Amenities & Cost Considerations

Transfers from Soma Bay or Magic Life Kalawy are available at extra costs, so travelers staying further out should budget accordingly. The tour price includes all taxes and fees, making it straightforward to understand the total expense.

Onboard offerings include the opportunity to buy drinks and snacks (cash only), and photos are available for purchase—though there’s no pressure, and reviews suggest the process is unobtrusive.

Reviews & Authentic Experiences

Many travelers emphasize that this tour is well-organized and offers “great value for money”. Stacy mentions the “bright yellow” boat and the “fantastic” views, while Hend_E highlights that she “enjoyed it so much” she booked a trip based on the recommendation. Some reviewers, like Ashutosh G, note the “average” experience but still see it as “appropriate value”, especially considering the affordability.

A common thread is the accessibility for non-swimmers and families; Sylwia B appreciated bringing two young kids who enjoyed the trip. The “short but sweet” duration is ideal for those wanting a quick, fun activity without taking up an entire day.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At just $23.26 per person, this experience manages to combine affordable pricing with meaningful marine encounters. The air-conditioned vessel ensures comfort, and the professional crew fosters a safe environment for all. While some guests wish the underwater viewing was longer, the variety of fish, the colorful coral, and potential turtle sightings make each minute worthwhile.

The flexibility of optional snorkeling is a bonus—some travelers may choose to stay dry, while others can venture into the water to see marine life up close. The transfers are straightforward but require extra planning if you’re staying outside the main resort zones.

This tour strikes a good balance between ease, affordability, and authentic marine sights. It’s an excellent choice for families, non-swimmers, or anyone with limited time who still wants a taste of the Red Sea’s underwater splendor.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for families with children—especially those who prefer to avoid swimming or diving. It’s perfect for non-swimmers and travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic outing without the physical challenge of snorkeling or diving. The short duration makes it suitable for those with packed itineraries or wanting a quick but memorable experience.

If you’re a budget-conscious traveler seeking great value, or someone who wants to see vibrant marine life with minimal effort, this tour ticks all boxes. It’s also a solid choice if you’re traveling with older adults or those with mobility concerns, as the vessel is designed for comfort and safe viewing.

FAQ Section

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from Hurghada and other resorts. Additional charges apply for transfers from Soma Bay ($10) and Magic Life Kalawy ($15).

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 2 hours, including travel, the semi-submarine cruise, and optional snorkeling.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Absolutely. The semi-submarine allows you to stay dry while observing marine life through large viewing windows, making it accessible for non-swimmers and young children.

What will I see underwater?
Guests report seeing a variety of colorful fish, coral reefs, and sometimes turtles and rays. The guide provides narration about the sea life seen through the windows.

Is snorkeling included?
Snorkeling is optional and can be done after the cruise. It’s a popular add-on, with some guests mentioning they “saw amazing sights” in the water.

What is the price, and is there any extra cost?
The base price is $23.26 per person, all fees included. Extra costs may apply for transfers from certain resorts and for drinks or photos purchased onboard.

To sum it up, the Royal Seascope Semi-Submarine tour offers an engaging, budget-friendly way to explore the Red Sea’s underwater marvels without getting wet. Its well-organized setup, friendly staff, and stunning views make it especially suitable for families, non-swimmers, and travelers short on time. While the duration might leave some wishing for more viewing time, the experience as a whole delivers genuine value and memorable sights that capture the vibrant life beneath Egypt’s waves. If you’re after an authentic, hassle-free marine adventure, this tour fits the bill perfectly.