Submarine Adventure from Sharm el Sheikh

If you’re dreaming of exploring the vibrant marine life of Egypt’s famous Red Sea without the hassle of snorkeling or diving gear, the Submarine Adventure from Sharm el Sheikh offers a surprisingly accessible way to do just that. Touted as a relatively affordable and family-friendly experience, it’s designed to deliver a window into the underwater world from the comfort of an air-conditioned, glass-paneled cabin.

From the cool, air-conditioned comfort of your seat, you’ll travel just a few meters beneath the water’s surface, passing by stunning coral reefs and colorful fish. We love that this tour combines convenience with a touch of adventure—no wetsuit required, and your hotel pickup makes it hassle-free. However, if you’re expecting a lengthy underwater expedition or a marine safari, you might find the 40-minute actual viewing time somewhat limited. Still, this experience is most suited for those who want a safe, quick glimpse of the reef and underwater life, especially families or non-swimmers eager to see the sea without getting wet.

Key Points

• Comfortable Viewing: Glass-bottom cabin offers panoramic underwater views.
• Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for non-swimmers and children.
• Short & Sweet: 90-minute experience, ideal for a quick marine overview.
• Value for Money: At $45, it’s a reasonable option for accessible underwater sightseeing.
• Group Size: Small tours of up to 15 travelers provide personalized attention.

What to Expect from the Submarine Adventure Tour in Sharm el Sheikh

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with the actual submarine ride taking about 90 minutes once onboard. Pick-up from your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh is included, which helps streamline the experience—no need to worry about transportation logistics. The tour operates twice daily, at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, giving you flexibility depending on your schedule.

The highlight is aboard the yellow Seascope submarine, which is designed with a fully transparent glass cabin. This allows each passenger to have a personal observation window, providing an unobstructed view of the underwater spectacle. You’ll glide just three to five meters under the water surface, passing close to some of the region’s most beautiful reefs.

The Reef and Marine Life

The main draw is the chance to see colorful corals and a wide variety of fish without the need for snorkeling or diving skills. As one reviewer vividly described, the view from inside the submarine makes it easy to see the “spectacular fish and coral,” with many comparing it favorably to snorkeling at hotel reefs. The fully transparent cabin ensures you won’t miss out on the vivid marine scenes, which can be a real treat for kids and non-swimmers alike.

The Experience on Board

The small-group format (max 15 travelers) creates a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Guides are known to be friendly and helpful—adding to the enjoyment of the trip. You’ll be seated comfortably in your swivel chair, with the air conditioning keeping the cabin at a pleasant temperature even on hot days. Some reviews mention that it’s good for non-swimmers and children, making it a versatile outing for families or those with limited mobility.

The Return and Rest of Your Day

Once the submarine tour wraps up, you’re dropped back at your hotel, leaving you free to explore the rest of Sharm el Sheikh. Given the tour’s shorter duration, it’s easy to slot into a busy sightseeing day or combine with other activities.

The Value and Cost of the Submarine Tour

At $45 per person, the price sits fairly in the middle range for similar underwater experiences in the region. Some reviewers feel it’s slightly expensive for the actual underwater viewing time, which they estimate is about 40 minutes. However, when you factor in the convenience of hotel transfers, the panoramic views, and the safety of being seated comfortably, many find it worthwhile.

One reviewer compared the experience to snorkeling the hotel reef but noted that the fish varieties weren’t much different. This suggests that for underwater diversity, snorkeling might still be your best bet if you’re comfortable in the water. Still, the air-conditioned cabin and close-up views are what set this tour apart—especially for those who prefer avoiding saltwater or have mobility concerns.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Many customers emphasize the professionalism of the guides and the stunning views. One reviewer called it an “amazing experience”, praising the organized pickup and smooth logistics when booked through Tui. Others appreciated the child-friendly environment and the ample space on the boat, which ensures a comfortable ride.

However, not all reviews are glowing. A few travelers mentioned that the diesel fumes from the boat and limited underwater time could detract from the experience. There were also comments about sales pitches for souvenirs and drinks, which some found intrusive or unnecessary.

Despite these mixed reviews, most agree that the quality of the underwater visuals and the ease of the trip make it a solid option—especially if you’re looking for a safe, non-intimidating way to see the reef.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book in advance: The tour is popular and usually booked 5 days ahead, so plan accordingly.
• Arrive early if you want to purchase souvenirs or get a drink in the waiting area.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen for before and after the tour, especially if you’re waiting outside.
• Expect about 40 minutes of actual underwater viewing—not a full 90 minutes.
• Prepare for a short wait before boarding, as some reviews mention a 20-30 minute shaded wait.
• Tip modestly if you feel the guides and crew provided good service.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re interested in quick, safe, and comfortable underwater views without the hassle of snorkeling gear or diving certification, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly good for families with kids or those who prefer to stay dry while exploring the reef. The hotel transfers make it convenient, and the small group size ensures you won’t feel crowded.

However, if you’re seeking a longer, more immersive marine experience, or if you want to see a greater variety of fish, you might consider other options like snorkeling or diving excursions. This tour is more about visual spectacle and ease of access than an exhaustive marine adventure.

The Sum Up

The Submarine Adventure from Sharm el Sheikh is a practical, family-friendly way to glimpse the Red Sea’s vibrant underwater world. Its air-conditioned, glass-paneled cabin offers a comfortable and visually impressive experience that’s accessible for non-swimmers and those with mobility concerns. While some might feel it’s a bit pricey for the time spent underwater, many travelers appreciate the convenience, safety, and stunning views.

If your goal is a quick, hassle-free underwater tour that fits into a busy schedule, this experience is likely to meet your needs. It’s especially suitable for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a safe window into the reef without getting wet.

For travelers craving a longer, more interactive dive or snorkeling adventure, this might not be the ultimate option. But for a safe, enjoyable, and memorable glimpse of the Red Sea’s marine life, it’s a solid choice worth considering.

FAQ

How long does the entire tour last?
The whole experience, including hotel pickup and drop-off, lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The actual submarine ride is approximately 90 minutes.

What are the departure times?
The tour operates twice daily, at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, giving you flexibility depending on your schedule.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s described as family-friendly and suitable for non-swimmers. The small group size and comfortable cabin make it a good choice for kids.

Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh are included, making logistics easy and stress-free.

How much actual underwater viewing time can I expect?
Some reviews estimate around 40 minutes of underwater visuals, which is enough for a brief but beautiful glimpse of marine life.

Can I buy drinks or souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, there are souvenir shops and the option to buy drinks before boarding. However, some travelers find the sales pitches unnecessary or intrusive.

In short, this submarine tour offers a safe, comfortable, and visually captivating way to see the Red Sea’s reefs. It’s best suited for those who value convenience and family-friendly activities, making it a worthwhile addition to your Sharm el Sheikh itinerary.