Snorkeling in Hurghada: Red Sea submarine with reef access

You watch the reef from inside a glass-walled submarine, then swim it yourself.

A 2-hour snorkeling experience in Hurghada combines a semi-submarine cruise with an observation deck 3 meters below sea level and a guided snorkel stop in the Red Sea. You spend the first part seated in an air-conditioned cabin viewing the reef through windows, then enter the water to swim among the multi-colored marine life and coral formations yourself. The boat departs from Hurghada Marina with a live guide in English or German, and national park entry is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Semi-submarine cruise and snorkeling

• Board semi-submarine at Hurghada Marina
• Observe marine life from observation deck
• Enjoy snorkeling stop in Red Sea
• Return to Hurghada Marina

The experience

The semi-submarine sits 3 meters below the surface, so you watch the Red Sea reef through windows without getting wet or needing to swim first. The observation deck is air-conditioned, and the reef passes by close enough that you see the detail: the shape and color of individual fish, the texture of the coral, the way the light filters through the water. This part takes up most of the 2-hour outing, so you get a long, stationary view of what lives there before you enter it yourself.

After the submarine portion, you put on snorkeling gear and swim at a designated reef stop. The guide leads the group, and the water is shallow enough that you control your own pace. National park entry fees are included in the price, so there's no separate ticket to buy at the marina. If you're traveling from El-Gouna or Soma Bay, add 10 euros per person for the transfer from your hotel.

The boat leaves from Hurghada Marina with a guide who speaks English or German. Pickup from your hotel is included. Wheelchair users can board and ride in the observation deck. The vessel is fully accessible. Infants and small children can come along: specialized seats are available, and strollers are permitted on board.

What’s included

• National park entry fees.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup in Hurghada.
• live guide in English or German.

Before you book

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 08:30, 11:00 and 15:00, from US$ 23 per person, with a live guide in English and German and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 11:00 and 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and German

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Egypt Sunmarine Fleet

Is this one for you?Two hours is long enough to see the reef from two angles (first from the submarine, then from inside the water), but short enough to fit the rest of your day in Hurghada. If you want a full-day reef excursion with multiple snorkel stops, look for a longer boat tour instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 5 years).

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.

What do you actually see from inside the submarine?

The observation deck gives you a fish-eye view of the Red Sea reef at 3 meters depth. You see multi-colored coral formations and marine animals of every shape and size moving through the water around you, all from a stationary seat with the reef passing by the windows.

Do you have to be a strong swimmer to snorkel at the stop?

The snorkel portion happens at a shallow reef stop where the guide leads the group. You control your own pace in the water, and the guide stays with the group throughout. The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

National park entry fees and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. Snorkeling equipment rental is not included in the base price. If you need a transfer from El-Gouna or Soma Bay, that's an additional 10 euros per person.

Where does the boat depart from, and is hotel pickup included?

The semi-submarine departs from Hurghada Marina. Hotel pickup in Hurghada is included. If you're staying in El-Gouna or Soma Bay, add 10 euros per person for the transfer to the marina.