Sharm El Sheikh: Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Coral Reefs Views

Summary

Red Sea colors & coral life from a glass bottom boat in Sharm El Sheikh

You’ll board a glass bottom boat in Sharm el Sheikh for an easy day trip across Red Sea coral reefs—no swimming required. Watch fish dart beneath your feet while a local guide shares stories and names you’ll probably mispronounce (it’s fine). Relax on the sun deck or just let yourself be surprised by what’s below—it’s quieter than you’d expect.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the glass bottom boat at Sharm el Sheikh’s pier, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. The air was salty and warm, with that faint sunscreen smell you get near the sea. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned as he waved us down the steps—he seemed to know everyone on the dock by name. I’d never seen water this clear; even before we left the harbor, you could spot flashes of silver below. The boat had two levels, but we all crowded downstairs first, faces pressed to the glass like kids at an aquarium.

The Red Sea coral reefs look unreal through that window—like someone turned up the color filter just for us. Ahmed pointed out parrotfish and these little blue ones darting between coral branches (I forgot their names already). He told us stories about how old some of these reefs are, which made me feel weirdly small but also kind of lucky to be there. My niece tried to pronounce “butterflyfish” in Arabic and got it so wrong that Ahmed just laughed and shook his head. You don’t need to swim or snorkel for this day trip in Sharm el Sheikh; you just sit back and let the world drift by under your feet.

After about an hour of floating over those wild underwater gardens, we climbed up to the sun deck. The breeze felt cooler up there—maybe it was relief after staring so hard through glass for so long. Some people took photos of the coastline, but I mostly watched the seagulls chasing our wake. When we got back to shore near Sharm el Sheikh Old Market, I realized my shirt still smelled like sea air hours later. There’s something about seeing all that life below without ever getting wet—I still think about that view sometimes when I close my eyes at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glass bottom boat coral reef tour

• Board glass bottom boat
• View coral reefs underwater
• Listen to expert guide
• Relax on sun deck
• Return to shore and disembark

Top questions

How long does the glass bottom boat tour last?

The excursion usually lasts around 60 minutes from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip in Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh is included in the tour price.

Do I need to swim or snorkel on this tour?

No swimming or snorkeling is required—you view everything through the glass bottom of the boat.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Yes, it’s family-friendly and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from a pier in Sharm el Sheikh and returns to your original start point near Old Market.

Are guides available during the tour?

An expert local guide accompanies participants and explains marine life during the trip.

Can infants join this excursion?

Infants can join; they may sit on an adult’s lap or ride in a stroller/pram if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh with return transport by air-conditioned vehicle, all boat fees covered, and an expert local guide sharing details about Red Sea marine life as you glide above coral reefs—no extra costs along the way.