Egypt Discovery
ExcursionHurghada

Hurghada Semi-Submarine and Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Trip

3 hours, shared boat (up to 40 guests), two hours on a semi-submarine, optional snorkel stop, transfers included.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

A 3-hour shared semi-submarine trip from Hurghada: about two hours on the water with a glass-walled cabin below the waterline and an optional 30-minute snorkelling stop.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Hurghada · Red Sea reefs
Includes
Collection from and return to your hotel in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or Soma Bay · A two-hour semi-submarine trip, shared with other guests · Snorkel and mask for the swimming stop · A soft drink and water on board
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

The 09:00 sailing has calmer water and cooler air, and the 11:30 and 14:00 sailings suit later risers. The reef is visible all year round.

  • Egyptian tour operator working since 1988
  • Local team in our Hurghada office

02Overview

A first look

This is a three-hour reef outing from Hurghada aboard a semi-submarine, a vessel whose glass-sided cabin sits under the surface. A minibus collects you for the sailing you choose, at 09:00, 11:30 or 14:00, and takes you to the marina. The boat sails to the reef and follows the reef wall for about two hours, with an optional snorkelling stop of roughly 30 minutes. A soft drink and water are included. It is shared with up to 40 guests and suits young children, grandparents and non-swimmers.

Background

The facts

The semi-submarine leaves from the marina at Hurghada and sails to a nearby reef. The trip lasts three hours with transfers, and the boat itself runs for about two hours, with a short optional swim stop.

Named in this entry

coral reef·Red Sea

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • Families with young children, grandparents and non-swimmers who want to see the reef without getting wet.

Maybe not, if

  • Not suitable for anyone seeking a long snorkelling or diving day.

What lingers

  • 01A glass-walled cabin below the waterline, so you watch the reef from a dry seat
  • 02The boat follows the reef wall slowly, with fish and coral passing the windows
  • 03An optional snorkelling stop of about 30 minutes, with mask and snorkel provided
  • 04Three daily sailings to choose from, at 09:00, 11:30 or 14:00
  • 05A soft drink and water on board, and transfers from your hotel
  • 06A good fit for young children, grandparents and non-swimmers, with up to 40 guests

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • Dry viewing of the coral for non-swimmers
  • Three daily sailings to fit around your day
  • Mask and snorkel provided for the optional swim

Things to Consider

  • Only about 30 minutes in the water if you choose to swim
  • Photos are not included

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

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The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Collection from and return to your hotel in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or Soma Bay
  • A two-hour semi-submarine trip, shared with other guests
  • Snorkel and mask for the swimming stop
  • A soft drink and water on board

Not included

  • Tips for the crew
  • Towels
  • Photos
  • Your own spending money

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Board early for a window seat in the underwater cabin

  2. 02

    Pack a towel even if you plan to stay dry, as spray reaches the deck

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Children under 2 travel free, ages 2 to 11 pay half the adult price, and ages 12 and over pay the adult price. The semi-submarine suits young children well, but parents should supervise them closely on deck and in the cabin.

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How is the price worked out for the semi-submarine trip?
    The price is per person on a shared boat and covers the transfer, the trip, mask and snorkel, and drinks on board. Photos and towels are extras. Prices are provisional until our team confirms your request. We are an Egyptian operator (ETAA Licence 718), not an ATOL or ABTA member, and we do not sell international flights.
  2. 02Which departure times can I choose?
    You can choose a sailing at 09:00, 11:30 or 14:00, and the minibus collects you in time from hotels in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay. Our team confirms your exact pick-up time when your request is accepted.
  3. 03Is it suitable for small children?
    Yes, it is one of the easiest boat trips for young children. Children under 2 travel free, ages 2 to 11 pay half the adult price, and anyone aged 12 or over pays the adult price. The cabin is below the waterline, so keep a close eye on little ones.
  4. 04Do I need to swim, and what should I bring?
    No. You see the reef from the glass-walled cabin without getting wet. If you want the optional snorkelling stop, bring swimwear and a towel. Sun cream, a hat and a camera are useful for everyone. Mask and snorkel are provided for the swim stop.
  5. 05What is the cancellation rule?
    Give us more than 72 hours' notice and you can keep 100% as credit towards a future holiday or have 100% refunded, less bank charges. Between 72 and 24 hours beforehand, keep 100% as credit or have 50% back. Within 24 hours, or if you don't turn up, nothing can be refunded or credited. Should we have to cancel, you won't lose a penny.
  6. 06Is the boat shared, and how big is it?
    It is shared with other guests, up to 40 in all. Seating in the underwater cabin is limited to the boat's layout, so arrive on time. If you would prefer a private boat, ask about our private charter from Hurghada.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Continue reading

From the archives

Product ID: EXC-HRG-315483

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