Hurghada Snorkeling: Queen Nefertari Cruise with Viewing

Snorkel the Red Sea, then dine inside a sunken palace

A 4.5-hour snorkeling cruise from Hurghada aboard a replica of Queen Nefertari's tomb, featuring a submarine-level observation deck with panoramic windows onto the coral reef, 45 minutes of guided snorkeling at Abu Hashish Island, a 3-course seafood or chicken lunch or dinner, and hotel pickup. Dress in authentic Egyptian royal costumes for photos before entering the water.

The experience

The boat leaves the Xanadu Makadi Bay Marina and motors 20 minutes to Abu Hashish Island. Once there, you descend to the underwater observation deck: a submarine-level chamber with panoramic windows looking straight into the reef. Schools of fish, coral formations and the depth of the Red Sea unfold without getting wet. This is what sets the Nefertari apart from a standard snorkeling boat. After viewing from below, you climb back up to dress in replica costumes of ancient Egyptian kings and queens, sit on a replica of Tutankhamun's throne and take photos.

Then comes the 45 minutes in the water. A fully qualified guide leads the snorkeling, keeping the group close to the marine life and the reef structure. The Red Sea here holds soft corals, hard corals and fish species that do not appear in every snorkeling zone in the region, so the guide's knowledge of where to position the group matters. After surfacing, you return to the boat for a 3-course meal: three kinds of salad, seafood soup, rice, and your choice of fish and calamari or chicken, plus pasta. The set menu does not change by departure, so dietary needs should be confirmed before booking.

The return to the marina includes a 25-minute walk through the shops and stalls around the dock before hotel drop-off. The whole day runs 4.5 hours from pickup to return. Guides speak English, German or Russian depending on the departure you book.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• 3-course lunch or dinner with a set menu of salads, soup, seafood or chicken, rice and pasta.
• entry to the underwater observation deck.
• 45 minutes of guided snorkeling at Abu Hashish Island.
• Egyptian royal costume photos on board.
• 25-minute marina and shop tour before return.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish, German and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Egypt Sunmarine Fleet

Is this one for you?At 4.5 hours total, this cruise fits a half-day slot and leaves the afternoon or evening free for other activities in Hurghada. The observation deck means non-swimmers or anyone who prefers not to enter the water can still see the reef up close, so mixed-ability groups can stay together on one boat.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long do I actually spend snorkeling in the water?

Snorkeling time is 45 minutes at Abu Hashish Island, with a fully qualified guide leading the group through the reef and keeping everyone close to the marine life.

What is the underwater observation deck and how does it work?

The Nefertari's submarine-level observation deck is a chamber with panoramic windows that sits below the waterline, letting you watch the coral reef and fish from inside the boat without entering the water: a viewing option before or instead of snorkeling.

What food is included and can I request something different?

A 3-course lunch or dinner comes with the cruise: three salads, seafood soup, rice, and your choice of fish and calamari or chicken plus pasta. The menu is set, so dietary restrictions should be confirmed when you book.

Does the price include snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment rental is not included in the cruise price and must be arranged separately or rented on the day.

What time does the cruise depart and where is pickup?

Hotel pickup is included from Hurghada accommodations. The boat departs from Xanadu Makadi Bay Marina. Your hotel and the specific departure time will be confirmed when you book.

Can I wear the Egyptian costumes in the water or only for photos?

The costumes are for photos on the boat before snorkeling. You change into swimwear for the 45 minutes in the water with the guide.