Semi-submarine trip shows you Hurghada’s coral reefs from a dry, air-conditioned cabin about three metres below the surface. For around 45 minutes you watch corals and reef fish through large panoramic windows, then you can join an optional snorkeling stop or stay on board. The trip takes about three hours including hotel transfers, with morning and afternoon departures every day.
Important information
- It does not dive: A semi-submarine stays on the surface. Only the viewing cabin sits below the waterline, so there is no pressure change and you do not need to swim.
- Getting to the cabin: You reach the viewing cabin by a short staircase. Let us know in advance if anyone in your group has limited mobility.
- Snorkeling is optional: The snorkel stop is in open water. Non-swimmers who want to try should wear a life jacket and tell the crew.
- Visibility: What you see depends on the light, sea conditions and water clarity on the day.
- Seasickness: The sail is short and close to shore, but the cabin can feel stuffy for anyone prone to seasickness.
- Marine rules: Do not stand on or touch coral, feed fish or remove anything from the reef.
- Children: Children aged 0–3 travel free and children aged 4–11 pay half the adult price.
What to bring?
- Swimwear under your clothes and a towel, if you plan to snorkel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- A camera or phone for photos through the windows
- Cash for drinks, photos, tips and any marina fee
Who is this tour for?
This trip suits families with young children, non-swimmers, older travelers and anyone who wants a short, easy look at the Red Sea’s reefs. It also works for travelers with only a few free hours, since it takes about three hours in total.
It is less suited to confident snorkelers or divers who want a long time in the water. The Giftun Island snorkeling trip or the scuba diving experience is a better fit for them.
Trip info
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Free pickup in Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay; From El Gouna, Soma Bay and Safaga on request with a US$10 extra
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Semi-submarine with an air-conditioned viewing cabin about 3 metres below the surface
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Catalog standard: ages 0–3 free, ages 4–11 half price.
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Daily, morning and afternoon; pickups around 8:00, 10:00
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1
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99
Full tour overview
The reefs off Hurghada begin close to the shore, and a semi-submarine is one of the easiest ways to see them. The vessel stays on the surface like a boat, but its lower deck is a glass-walled cabin below the waterline, so you sit in a comfortable seat and watch the reef through the windows. It does not dive, so there is no pressure change and no need to swim.
After hotel pickup, you are driven to the marina and board the semi-submarine. A short sail of about 15 minutes takes you to a reef near the coast. You then go down to the viewing cabin, where for around 45 minutes you can watch hard and soft corals and reef fish such as parrotfish, butterflyfish and anemonefish as the vessel moves slowly along the reef.
Next comes an optional snorkeling stop of about 30 minutes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and anyone who prefers to stay dry can remain on board and keep watching from the cabin. The vessel then returns to the marina and you are driven back to your hotel.
The trip suits families with young children, non-swimmers, older travelers and anyone with limited time. If you are a confident swimmer who wants more time in the water, the Giftun Island snorkeling trip is a better fit; for a full underwater experience, consider the scuba diving experience.
Tour highlights
- Watch the reef from an air-conditioned cabin about three metres below the surface
- See corals and reef fish through large panoramic windows for around 45 minutes
- Stay completely dry, with no swimming or diving needed
- Join an optional snorkeling stop of about 30 minutes, with equipment provided
- Fit the trip into about three hours, morning or afternoon
- Travel with return hotel transfers from Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay
