Snorkeling in Hurghada: Glass Bottom Boat with 30-Minute Swim

Swim the coral reefs, then watch them from underwater windows without leaving the boat.

A combined glass-bottom boat and snorkeling activity in Hurghada that starts with hotel pickup and ends back at your hotel, lasting three hours total. You spend 30 minutes in the water with snorkeling gear and a guide, swimming among the coral and fish. The rest of the time you sit at viewing windows on the boat to watch the reef without getting wet. All equipment, life jackets, water and a soft drink are included.

Options for this experience

3 options

From US$ 17 to US$ 25 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Hurghada City No fixed time Guide in English or Arabic The trip starts from Hurghada city, and pickup is included.

Sahl Hasheesh - El Gouna No fixed time Guide in English or Arabic The trip begins in the Sahl Hasheesh - El Gouna area, and pickup is included.

Soma Bay - Safaga - Makadi No fixed time Guide in English or Arabic The trip begins in the Soma Bay - Safaga - Makadi area, and pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Glass bottom boat and snorkeling trip

• Pickup from hotel by vehicle
• Travel to boat jetty
• Enjoy glass bottom boat ride
• Snorkel for 30 minutes
• Return to marina
• Transfer back to hotel
• Optional: Purchase DVD and photos

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within your chosen zone.
• snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
• mineral water and a soft drink.
• an experienced multilingual guide throughout the activity.
• all fees and taxes.

Times

• Every day No fixed time

Information

Snorkel Red Sea reefs near Hurghada with 30 minutes underwater exploring coral and marine life, plus glass-bottom boat views and hotel pickup.

Group Up to 15

Live guide English and Arabic Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. See the pickup points

Ages Adult (12 to 70 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.20 ★★★★★ Very good 5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

Your hotel pickup happens in an air-conditioned vehicle that takes you to the Hurghada Marina boat jetty. The glass-bottom boat is built with large windows positioned so you can see the coral reefs and marine life from your seat without entering the water: useful if you want to rest, aren't confident swimming, or just want a different angle on the same reef. The 30-minute snorkeling session is the active part: you get in the water with full gear (mask, fins, snorkel, life jacket) and an experienced guide who stays with the group, swimming around the coral formations and the colorful fish that live there. The guide speaks English or Arabic depending on the boat's departure.

The whole outing runs three hours from pickup to drop-off. You choose your departure zone when you book (Hurghada City, El Gouna with Sahl Hasheesh, or Makadi with Safaga and Soma Bay), and the pickup window and boat departure time are set once you confirm. Mineral water and a glass of cola come with the activity. Children must have an adult in the group. The activity suits all fitness levels, though comfort in the water matters for the snorkeling half.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What's the Red Sea reef like when you get in the water to snorkel?

The reef around Hurghada is dense with coral formations and populated by colorful fish species. The 30-minute window gives you time to swim a small circuit with the guide and see the main structures without rushing. The water is warm and clear, and the guide keeps the group together and points out what to look at.

Can you skip the snorkeling part and just use the glass-bottom boat?

The activity includes both the boat viewing and the 30-minute snorkel as a single package. You cannot opt out of either part. If you want to stay dry the whole time, the boat windows let you watch the reef without entering the water.

How does the pickup work if I'm staying outside Hurghada City?

You choose your zone at checkout: Hurghada City, El Gouna with Sahl Hasheesh, or Makadi with Safaga and Soma Bay. The driver picks you up from your hotel within that zone in an air-conditioned vehicle and returns you there after the activity ends.

What gear do you get, and do you need to bring anything?

Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and all necessary gear are provided. You need a valid swimsuit and a towel. The boat has changing areas. Bring sunscreen and a rash guard if you burn easily, as the Red Sea sun is intense.

Is there a guide in the water with you during the snorkeling?

Yes, an experienced guide stays with the snorkeling group in the water throughout the 30 minutes, offering guidance and pointing out marine life. The guide speaks English or Arabic.

Operated by Pharaohs Tours. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago