Sharm El-Sheikh: Royal Seascope Submarine cruise in with pickup

Traveling to Sharm el Sheikh often promises sun-soaked beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and plenty of water-based adventures. One popular way to experience the stunning underwater scenery without getting your hair wet is the Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise, offered with hotel pickup by Egypt Sunmarine Fleet. We’ve gathered insights from multiple travelers to give you a balanced, detailed look at what this tour really offers.

What makes this experience worth considering? Firstly, it provides a comfortable, air-conditioned viewing environment that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It’s perfect if snorkeling isn’t your thing or if you’re traveling with groups including children or seniors. Secondly, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off is a major plus, saving you the hassle of organizing transport. Lastly, the stunning views through large panoramic windows ensure you’ll get a close-up look at the vivid marine life that fills the Red Sea reefs.

However, one consideration to keep in mind is the short duration of about 1 hour 30 minutes, which many feel might limit the time to truly explore the reef. Some reviews mention that visibility can vary, and the experience might be more suited for those who prefer a relaxed, scenic overview rather than a diving or snorkeling adventure. Still, if you’re after an easy, family-friendly introduction to the underwater world, this tour fits the bill.

This cruise is ideal for families, older travelers, or anyone who prefers a stable, dry environment while still soaking in the beauty of the Red Sea’s marine life. It’s a good choice for those wanting a hassle-free activity that doesn’t require swimming skills but still offers impressive views.

Key Points

• Comfortable semi-submersible experience with panoramic windows at 3 meters below sea level
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off enhances convenience and saves time
• Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including families and seniors
• Limited time for reef viewing may require patience for good visibility
• Very good value for money at roughly $42 per person, considering the convenience and views
• Some reviewers mention varying water clarity impacting how much marine life is visible

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Experience and Itinerary

The Royal Seascope cruise begins with a pickup from your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh, usually in a comfortable, air-conditioned mini bus. The transportation itself is praised for punctuality and modern comfort, with travelers noting that the process is smooth and well-organized. This is a key advantage — you don’t need to worry about arranging your own transport, which can be a headache in a busy tourist area.

Once at the marina, you’ll board a semi-submersible vessel that resembles a large glass-bottomed boat. The viewing deck is air-conditioned and equipped with large panoramic windows that let you peer into the underwater world without getting wet. The duration of the cruise is about 1 hour 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the reef without feeling rushed.

What You’ll See Underwater

The main highlight is the vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish that adorn the seabed of the Red Sea. Reviewers like Lisa described the abundance of fish and corals, emphasizing how impressive the viewing deck is. SEZGI_T noted that the sea looked like an aquarium, full of amazing corals and fishes. The large windows, described as big and well-maintained, allow for excellent viewing, especially if the water is clear.

Some travelers mention that water clarity can vary, influencing how much marine life they see. Lesley_O remarked that they only observed fish for about 35 minutes and found the water wasn’t very clear. This suggests that while the reef is beautiful, weather conditions and water quality can impact the experience.

The Benefit for Different Travelers

Families with children are particularly pleased — the trip is short enough to hold young attention spans and offers a safe, stable environment for kids to see marine life. One reviewer highlighted that their 3 and 5-year-olds loved the experience, and the toilets onboard were noted as particularly clean, which is a small but important detail for families.

Older travelers and those with mobility issues also find this tour appealing due to the easy access and comfortable seating. The air-conditioned environment and smooth ride—described by some as not too long**—make it an enjoyable activity without physical exertion.

The Value Proposition

At around $42 per person, this tour is generally considered good value. Reviewers like John_W appreciated the timely pickup and the moderate duration, feeling it was just right for a scenic overview. Wendy_M described the viewing deck as amazing, and Lisa called the abundance of marine life highly recommended.

However, some pointed out that the experience might be brief and that visibility could vary, which might be disappointing if water conditions aren’t ideal. That said, the convenience factor—especially the hotel pickup—adds to the overall value, making it a stress-free outing.

The Crew and Comfort

Reviewers consistently mention the friendly and polite staff, noting that the guides provide good information about the marine life. One reviewer, SEZGI_T, emphasized how the boat was better than expected with large, air-conditioned windows, while others appreciated the smooth organization.

Nevertheless, a few reviews pointed out minor issues with the return trip — including a disagreement over drop-off points and a driver driving aggressively. These are small blemishes on an otherwise smooth experience, but worth noting if you’re sensitive to comfort and professionalism.

Weather and Water Conditions

Since the tour is dependent on weather and water clarity, travelers should be aware that poor weather may lead to cancellations or reduced visibility. The tour provider offers free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance if the weather isn’t suitable, which provides peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, family-friendly activity. If your goal is to see coral reefs and marine life without the effort or skill of snorkeling or diving, you’ll find this semi-submarine experience perfect. It’s also ideal for those who want hassle-free logistics—thanks to the included hotel pickup—and aren’t interested in prolonged underwater time.

However, if you’re after extended reef exploration or snorkeling, this tour might feel a bit limited. Water clarity issues mean that some guests may see less marine life than hoped, but the comfort and convenience often outweigh this concern.

The Sum Up

The Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise offers a comfortable, family-friendly way to enjoy the Red Sea’s famous coral reefs. Its large panoramic windows provide a spectacular view of marine life, and the included hotel pickup makes logistics a breeze. It’s a good value for the price, especially for those who want a relaxed, dry experience suitable for all ages.

While it might not satisfy those seeking longer underwater excursions or crystal-clear water visibility, it excels at providing an easy, scenic overview of Sharm el Sheikh’s underwater beauty. If you value convenience, comfort, and stunning views over prolonged reef exploration, this tour is an excellent choice.

For travelers who enjoy guided, hassle-free activities with a focus on family fun and memorable sights, the Royal Seascope cruise hits the right notes. Just remember to stay flexible about water conditions and keep expectations aligned with the short duration.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, offering ample time for viewing the reef from the comfort of the semi-submersible.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, which helps make the experience smooth and stress-free.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour typically accommodates up to 40 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and manageable experience.

Can children participate?
Absolutely. Reviewers mention that it’s perfect for families, with children enjoying the views and the safe environment.

What about water clarity?
Water clarity can vary based on weather conditions, and some guests have experienced shorter visibility times or less vibrant reef views as a result.

Is this tour suitable for seniors or people with mobility issues?
Yes, the comfortable seating and easy access make it a good choice for seniors and those with mobility concerns.

What should I bring?
While most of the experience is dry, bringing sunglasses and sun protection is recommended. You won’t need to bring your own snorkeling gear, as the experience doesn’t involve actual snorkeling.

This semi-submarine adventure offers a practical, enjoyable way to see the Red Sea’s incredible underwater scenery without the fuss of snorkeling or diving. It’s an ideal option for families, seniors, or anyone seeking a relaxed, scenic tour in Sharm el Sheikh.