Unforgettable Submarine Trip with Snorkeling from Hurghada

A Pristine Underwater Adventure in Hurghada: Our Take on the Submarine & Snorkeling Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring the colorful reefs and lively fish of the Red Sea without the worries of deep diving or crowded boats, this semi-submarine snorkeling trip from Hurghada might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and details paint a clear picture of what to expect.

What we love about this experience? First, the front-door hotel pickup and return make it hassle-free, especially after a long flight or busy day. Second, the small group size—capped at 15—promises a more intimate, less crowded vibe, ideal for those who prefer a more personalized touch. Third, the combination of a semi-submarine ride with snorkeling offers a unique perspective on the underwater world—perfect for non-divers or families.

However, there’s one minor consideration. Some reviews mention that the snorkeling can be a bit deep for some, limiting the visibility of smaller or more elusive fish. Plus, the cost—$14.99 per person—delivers good value, but there’s a $5 national park fee not included.

This tour suits travelers who want an affordable, fun, and easy way to see the Red Sea’s marine life without too much planning or physical effort. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, it’s a good choice for a relaxed half-day activity.

Key Points

• Affordable price point offers great value for a short, engaging trip.
• Small-group experience ensures more attention from guides and fewer crowds.
• Semi-submarine viewing platform provides underwater views without getting wet.
• Snorkeling gear and hotel transfers are included, simplifying logistics.
• A $5 national park fee applies, which is an additional minor cost.
• Average booking 9 days in advance suggests good availability for most travelers.

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect

Convenient Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

The tour starts with a comfortable air-conditioned transfer directly from your hotel within Hurghada. This is a real plus—no need to scramble for transport or worry about timings. Travelers have noted that pickup times can vary slightly, but generally, the process is smooth. For example, some reviews mention start times changing unexpectedly, but the tour operators seem generally accommodating, even rescheduling when needed.

Semi-Submarine Ride: Underwater Views with a View

Once aboard the semi-submarine boat, you’ll get a front-row seat to the underwater spectacle of the Red Sea. The viewing platform below the waterline is the tour’s highlight—think of it as a live aquarium floating just beneath you. Reviewers say this part is “nice” and “a little too deep to see everything,” but the vivid colors of fish, reefs, and corals are still visible and well worth the experience.

Snorkeling Time: A Brief Dive into the Reef

After the semi-submarine experience, you’ll have around 40 minutes to snorkel directly off the boat. The opportunity to see the flora and fauna of the Red Sea firsthand is what most travelers cherish. One review mentions that the snorkelers saw a lot of fish and coral, making it worthwhile despite it being a “little deep.”

However, some reviews indicate that the snorkeling experience might be “nothing too special” or somewhat disappointing if you’re expecting massive schools of fish or vibrant marine life. One guest noted that the fish weren’t abundant and suggested the water can be less lively depending on the day or season.

What’s Included & Additional Costs

The package covers snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and a hot drink—a nice touch to stay refreshed. The $5 national park fee is not included and applies per person, so budget accordingly. Travelers also noted that renting a wetsuit or a snorkel mask could be more expensive than expected; at one point, a guide mentioned rental prices of 10 USD, whereas the hotel staff had said it could be as low as 5 USD.

Group Size & Atmosphere

While the tour description mentions a maximum of 15 participants, reviews reveal that sometimes the boat can be more crowded—up to 40 people in some cases. That can make the snorkeling less intimate, but during the semi-submarine ride, it’s usually more manageable. The shared nature of the experience means it’s better suited for those who don’t mind a bit of crowding and are more interested in seeing the sights than having a private adventure.

Durations & Logistics

The trip lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a compact yet fulfilling activity. The timing can sometimes be adjusted, especially if weather conditions or operational issues arise, as some guests experienced when their start times shifted. The pickup and drop-off generally happen right at your hotel, saving you the extra hassle of navigation.

Accessibility & Participation

Most travelers can participate, and the experience is suitable for a wide age range. The only potential limitation might be the depth of snorkeling, which some guests found a bit challenging, but that’s common in reef snorkeling.

Overall Value

At $14.99, the price is quite reasonable—especially considering the hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, drinks, and the novelty of the semi-submarine ride. That said, the additional park fee and optional equipment rentals make it slightly more expensive than the base price.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

• “Everything went very smoothly. Pick up and return to the hotel was top. Very good hospitality and assistance once arrived on the scene” — Andy_M
• “The boat trip was nice, and I saw lots of fish and coral. Snorkeling was good but a bit too deep to see everything” — Andy_M
• “We were on a full boat with 40+ people, which was disappointing since the description says 15” — Grace_P
• “The snorkel experience was okay, but nothing too special. The water was a bit cold at the end of January, so an extra wetsuit would have been helpful” — Mikael_B
• “The trip was a little rushed, and the snorkeling time was shorter than advertised” — Loloduig

These insights tell us that the guide’s hospitality is generally praised, and the views are worth it, but crowds and water conditions can vary.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This submarine and snorkeling combo from Hurghada offers a cost-effective, low-effort way to explore the Red Sea’s dazzling marine life. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a hassle-free, short adventure, especially if you’re staying nearby and prefer a small-group, personalized experience.

If you’re after stunning underwater views without the hassle of diving, or traveling with kids or older family members, this tour delivers a safe and enjoyable introduction. The included hotel transfers and snorkeling gear make it convenient, and the semi-submarine platform offers a unique perspective on the reef—perfect for those who prefer sitting back and observing.

However, if you’re a seasoned snorkeler or diver seeking a more immersive or longer experience, you might find this tour somewhat limited. It’s also worth noting that the crowd levels can be unpredictable, and water conditions might affect what you see on the day.

In all, this trip is a great value for the price, combines comfort with adventure, and provides a snapshot of the vibrant life beneath the Red Sea. Just pack your sense of curiosity and patience, and you’ll leave with plenty of photos, memories, and maybe even some new fish friends.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off within Hurghada, making it very convenient.

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience is approximately 3 hours, including transfers, the semi-submarine ride, and snorkeling.

What is included in the price?
Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and hot drinks are provided. The price excludes the $5 national park fee.

Can I participate if I’m not a strong swimmer?
Most travelers can participate, but snorkelers should be comfortable in the water. The semi-submarine part requires no swimming.

How crowded is the boat?
While the description states a cap of 15, some reviews mention being on boats with over 40 people, which might impact the experience.

What’s the best time of year to go?
Seasonal weather can influence water visibility and comfort. Some reviews indicate colder water at the end of January, so consider summer months for warmer water.

Is the snorkeling experience worth it?
Depends on your expectations. Reviewers mention seeing a variety of fish and coral, but it might be less spectacular than longer or more exclusive snorkel trips.

This snorkeling adventure from Hurghada balances affordability with a memorable glimpse into the Red Sea’s vibrant life. Whether you’re after a relaxing day with friends or a family-friendly underwater tour, it offers a practical way to enjoy the ocean’s wonders without much fuss.