Hurghada: Empire Submarine Boat Trip with Snorkel and Drinks

The best part of this Hurghada trip happens three meters below the Red Sea surface, where large windows give you a clear look at coral and fish without requiring you to swim. I like the air-conditioned viewing deck, and I like that you still get a proper 40-minute snorkeling stop afterward.

This is a smart pick for families, mixed-age groups, and anyone who wants to see the reef without spending the whole outing in the water. The main drawback is that food is not included, and the photo service onboard can be pricey if you want the pictures taken by the crew.

Key points to know before booking

• Three-meter underwater viewing deck: Watch the reef through large panoramic windows from an air-conditioned cabin.
• Forty minutes in the water: The snorkeling stop gives you a real chance to see marine life up close, not just a quick swim.
• About 60 minutes along the coast: The boat ride offers open-water views before the underwater portion begins.
• Family-friendly format: Children and adults can enjoy the same trip, even if not everyone wants to snorkel.
• Drinks are included: You get soft drinks and unlimited water onboard, but no meal.
• Hotel pickup in Hurghada: Transport is included from Hurghada hotels, while pickup from nearby resort areas costs extra.

Seeing the Red Sea without committing to a full boat day

A semi-submarine is a useful middle ground. You get the pleasure of being on the water and a close view of the reef, but you do not need strong swimming skills to take part in the main portion.

The underwater cabin is air-conditioned, with glass walls and broad viewing windows. From three meters below the surface, you can look out at coral formations, fish, and other sea life while staying seated and dry. That makes the trip especially useful for parents with young children, older visitors, or anyone who feels uneasy in open water.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is not a silent research vessel or a private wildlife expedition. It is a short, accessible sightseeing cruise designed to show you the reef in a simple, comfortable way. The attraction is the combination of easy viewing and a chance to snorkel, not a long, remote marine excursion.

The route follows the Hurghada coast toward one of the area’s attractive coral reef sites. The coastline ride lasts about 60 minutes, giving you time to settle in, watch the water, and enjoy the boat setting before the underwater viewing begins.

The 60-minute ride along Hurghada’s coast

The first part of the outing is the journey from the marina toward the reef. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel to the departure point, then continue by boat along the coast.

That transport arrangement matters in Hurghada, where hotel areas can be spread out. Pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels are included, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. You should confirm your exact pickup time the day before, since it depends on your hotel location. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, so it is wise to be ready a little early rather than waiting until the listed time.

On the water, the trip changes pace. The cruise gives you a chance to enjoy the Red Sea from above before the boat reaches the reef. Complimentary soft drinks and unlimited water are available onboard, a small but useful touch in Egypt’s heat.

Food is not included. If you expect to be hungry, eat before pickup or bring only what the operator permits. The supplied information does not list a meal stop, so treat this as a sightseeing and snorkeling trip rather than a food outing.

Inside the air-conditioned cabin at three meters

The main viewing session takes place in the semi-submarine’s lower observation area. You sit behind panoramic glass at a depth of about three meters, with the reef and fish on the other side of the windows.

This setup is the strongest reason to choose the experience. You can see underwater life without putting on a mask, managing fins, or worrying about how long you can stay in the water. A child who is too young to snorkel can still look through the windows. Someone who dislikes swimming can enjoy the same reef scene as the stronger swimmers in the group.

The scheduled viewing opportunity lasts about 45 minutes. Large windows provide a broad field of view, and the fish-eye effect can make the underwater scene feel close to the boat. Expect to see coral, colorful fish, and smaller sea creatures moving around the reef.

The view will depend on water conditions, light, and where the boat settles. The Red Sea is famous for clear water, but no glass-bottom or semi-submarine trip can guarantee a perfect view every minute. Sitting where you have a clear line to the windows will help, and patience matters. Marine life does not perform on command.

The cabin is air-conditioned, which gives you a welcome break from the sun. Bring sunglasses and a hat for the outdoor portions, but you may want a light layer for the cooler interior if you are sensitive to air conditioning.

Forty minutes of snorkeling near the reef

After the underwater viewing, you get a 40-minute snorkeling break. This is long enough to do more than take a quick look around the boat. You can use the included snorkeling gear and life jacket to see the reef directly from the surface.

The contrast with the submarine cabin makes the stop worthwhile. Through the windows, you are an observer. In the water, you can turn your head, follow fish, and examine the reef from different angles. You also control what you see, within the limits of the marked snorkeling area and the time available.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to join the stop, since life jackets are provided. Still, you should be comfortable entering the water and following the crew’s instructions. The main tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels, but the snorkeling section naturally requires more confidence than the dry viewing cabin.

Bring swimwear and a towel. The operator supplies the gear, but towels are not included. Comfortable shoes are useful when moving around the boat, especially if you plan to spend time on deck between the viewing and snorkeling portions.

The 40-minute length is one of the better features of the schedule. It gives you time to get used to the mask, adjust your position, and look around without feeling rushed. If you have children with you, remember that they may spend only part of the allotted time in the water. The cabin viewing means they can still enjoy the trip if they tire quickly.

What the crew adds to the outing

The supplied tour languages are English, Arabic, and German. The crew gives explanations during the trip, helping you understand what you are seeing and how the snorkeling stop works.

The staff’s practical role matters more here than a long lecture about marine biology. You need clear guidance on where to look, how to use the equipment, and when to return to the boat. The experience is best when you listen closely during the safety instructions, especially if young children are in your group.

The trip has earned strong marks for organization, friendly service, and a clean boat. That matches the design of the outing: hotel transport, equipment, drinks, life jackets, underwater viewing, and a snorkeling stop are all arranged in one package.

There is no guide name provided for this experience, so do not book it expecting a named personal guide. You are joining a crew-run boat trip through FTS Travels, with support available in three listed languages.

The photo service and the small extra cost

Crew members may take photos and videos during the outing. That can be handy, since you may not want to handle your phone around water or while wearing snorkeling gear.

The catch is price. The onboard photo fee has been described as high, so decide in advance how much those images are worth to you. You are not required to buy them, and personal expenses are not included in the $19 tour price.

If you want your own pictures, protect your equipment carefully and follow the crew’s rules. The provided details do not promise underwater camera access or special photography facilities, so bring a waterproof case only if you already have one and know how to use it.

For many families, the official photos may be tempting because they capture children in the water and the group together. Just ask about the price before agreeing to a package. That avoids an awkward surprise at the end of an otherwise simple outing.

Is $19 a good value in Hurghada?

At $19 per person, this is a low-cost way to combine a boat ride, underwater viewing, snorkeling, equipment, drinks, and hotel transport from Hurghada. Paying separately for each part would usually make the day harder to organize, even before you consider the convenience of pickup.

The value is strongest for groups with different interests. One person can watch the reef from the cabin, another can snorkel, and children can switch between the two. You are not paying for an all-day cruise, lunch, or a long list of water sports, so the low price fits the focused nature of the trip.

The price does not include food, towels, personal expenses, or the optional photo and video service. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga is also not included, so check the supplement at checkout if you are staying outside Hurghada.

I would compare the total cost, not just the headline price. If your hotel is in Hurghada and you already have a meal plan, this is especially good value. If you are staying in one of the nearby resort zones, the added pickup charge may reduce the savings.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Egypt plans are still shifting. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund, giving you some flexibility without committing far in advance.

Who will enjoy this semi-submarine trip most?

I would recommend it to families with children, couples who want an easy introduction to the Red Sea, and people who prefer sightseeing to a demanding water activity.

It also works well for groups with mixed abilities. A confident snorkeler can spend time in the water while a non-swimmer watches from the cabin. That shared format is more useful than a trip built entirely around snorkeling, since nobody has to sit out the main attraction.

Young children have a particular advantage here. The boat gives them a colorful view of the reef without requiring them to manage a mask or stay in the water. The experience has already worked well for families with children aged five and six, who enjoyed the boat and underwater show.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, small-group experience or several hours of uninterrupted snorkeling. The schedule is structured, and the semi-submarine format keeps the focus on easy access. Also, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed.

How to prepare for a comfortable morning or afternoon

Wear swimwear under your clothes, since the snorkeling stop follows the underwater viewing. Pack a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, and comfortable shoes.

Bring drinking water only if you prefer a particular brand or want extra water for the ride, since unlimited water is provided onboard. Soft drinks are also included, but food is not, so eat beforehand if you are likely to get hungry.

Keep your belongings simple. You will move between vehicle, boat, observation cabin, and snorkeling area, so a small bag is easier than bulky luggage. You may also want a cover-up for the ride back after swimming.

Confirm pickup the day before. Hotel collection times vary by location, and a short delay of up to 10 minutes can occur. This is ordinary tour transport, not a private car on a fixed minute-by-minute schedule.

A realistic timetable for the day

The experience begins with pickup from your Hurghada hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. At the marina, you board the semi-submarine and spend about 60 minutes cruising along the coast toward the reef.

At the reef area, you spend roughly 45 minutes in the underwater observation cabin. The air-conditioned space and glass walls let you watch coral and fish while staying dry.

You then have a 40-minute snorkeling stop. The boat provides masks, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets, so you do not need to rent them separately.

After the water stop, the boat returns to the marina. Your arranged vehicle then takes you back to your hotel. The exact pickup and return time is not specified, so leave some room in your day rather than booking a tight evening plan.

The time figures describe the main parts of the outing and may not add up neatly as a single total, since boat movement and activity changes can overlap. Think of this as a compact half-day-style excursion, not a full-day sea cruise.

Should you book the Empire Submarine Boat Trip?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, uncomplicated look at the Red Sea reef with the option to snorkel afterward. The three-meter viewing cabin gives non-swimmers and families a genuine way to see underwater life, while the 40-minute stop keeps the day active for people who want more than a view through glass.

Skip it if you are seeking a private boat, a full meal, a long snorkeling session, or a highly personalized marine tour. Also check the pickup supplement if you stay outside Hurghada, and decide ahead of time if optional photos are worth the extra charge.

For $19 from Hurghada, the mix is hard to argue with: transport, drinks, equipment, reef viewing, and snorkeling in one short outing. It is a practical first taste of the Red Sea, with enough time in the water to make the experience feel like more than a boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the Empire Submarine Boat Trip take place?

The experience takes place in Hurghada in Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, with the boat traveling along the Hurghada coast to a coral reef area.

How deep is the underwater observation cabin?

The air-conditioned observation deck is located about three meters below the surface.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling break lasts 40 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and unlimited water are provided onboard. Food is not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga is not included and must be selected at checkout.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is described as family-friendly and suitable for all ages, but pets are not allowed.