Makadi Bay: Nefertari Snorkeling Cruise & Underwater Viewing

Summary

Snorkeling Makadi Bay on Nefertari’s replica boat with lunch

You’ll board a replica pharaoh’s boat in Makadi Bay for guided snorkeling at Abu Hashish Island, watch Red Sea marine life from an underwater deck, dress up for fun photos on Tutankhamun’s throne, then enjoy a 3-course seafood or chicken lunch before exploring the marina shops with hotel pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I booked the Nefertari snorkeling cruise from Makadi mostly because the idea of floating around on a boat that looks like something straight out of ancient Egypt just sounded too odd to pass up. The first thing that hit me was the gold-and-blue glow of the boat itself — all these little details carved everywhere, and even the crew seemed to get a kick out of it. Our guide, Mahmoud, grinned as he helped us board and pointed out where Queen Nefertari would have sat (I tried not to spill my sunscreen on her throne).

The Red Sea air felt warm but not heavy, and you could smell salt and something almost sweet from the marina’s breeze. We cruised maybe 20 minutes toward Abu Hashish Island — I lost track chatting with a couple from Germany about whether the fish would be shy today. When we reached the spot, Mahmoud led us down to this submarine-like viewing platform below deck. It was quiet there except for muffled water sounds and everyone pressing their faces against glass, watching these wild flashes of color dart past — parrotfish, tiny blue things I couldn’t name. I got so caught up I almost missed my turn to dress up in pharaoh gear for photos (the headdress kept slipping over my eyes; Mahmoud said I looked more like a confused scribe than royalty).

Snorkeling itself was…well, at first I panicked a bit because my mask fogged up and I swallowed some saltwater. But once I got used to it, floating above those corals in Makadi Bay felt unreal — like you’re drifting over another planet. The guide stayed close by and pointed out a lionfish hiding under some rocks. That part stuck with me longer than I expected.

Lunch back onboard was simple but good — seafood soup that tasted peppery and fresh, rice, calamari (I’m still not sure if I ate it right), plus salads and chicken for anyone who wanted it. People swapped stories about what they saw underwater while we dried off in the sun. On the way back to the marina there was this easy feeling between everyone; even strangers shared phone photos and someone tried to teach me how to say “thank you” in Arabic (I definitely butchered it). The shops around the marina were busy but relaxed — lots of waving hands and laughter drifting out as we wandered before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling cruise and dining experience

• Depart from Xanadu Makadi Bay Marina
• Cruise 20 minutes to Abu Hashish Island
• View coral reef from underwater deck
• Dress as ancient Egyptian king or queen
• Take photos on Tutankhamun's throne
• Snorkel 45 minutes with guide
• Enjoy 3-course seafood or chicken meal
• Tour marina and shops for 25 minutes
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Makadi Bay snorkeling cruise?

Yes, air-conditioned hotel pickup is included in your booking.

How long do you spend snorkeling during this tour?

You’ll have about 45 minutes of guided snorkeling time at Abu Hashish Island.

Can you see marine life without getting wet?

Yes, there’s an underwater observation deck with panoramic windows for viewing coral reefs and fish.

What food is served during lunch or dinner?

The set menu includes seafood soup, salads, rice, fish and calamari or chicken, plus pasta.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with mobility needs?

Yes—wheelchair accessible throughout; infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

Do guides speak English on this cruise?

The local guides speak English and help throughout the trip.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Xanadu Makadi Bay Marina Hotel near Hurghada.

Are costumes provided for dressing up as an Egyptian king or queen?

Yes—authentic replica costumes are provided onboard for photo opportunities.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off from Makadi or Hurghada areas, all entry fees and taxes covered upfront, guided snorkeling at Abu Hashish Island with equipment provided, access to an underwater observation deck on board Nefertari’s replica boat, authentic Egyptian costume photo session on Tutankhamun’s throne if you want it, plus a full 3-course lunch or dinner served at sea before returning via marina shops late afternoon or evening.