Makadi Bay: Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise & Snorkel stop

The best part of this Makadi Bay outing happens below the boat, not on top of it. You sit in an air-conditioned glass-walled deck 3 meters below sea level, looking through wide windows at coral and Red Sea fish without needing to swim.

I like the easy mix of sightseeing and activity: the underwater viewing lasts about 45 minutes, then you get a proper 20-minute snorkel stop. At $19 per person, the cruise offers a useful first look at the reef for a modest price, though you should allow extra patience if the boat is late or the snorkeling group feels crowded.

Key points

• Three meters below the surface: Sit in a cooled observation deck with large windows and watch the reef from a dry seat.
• A short, focused snorkel stop: You get about 20 minutes in the water, enough for a taste of Red Sea snorkeling but not a full reef session.
• Convenient Makadi Bay location: The Royal Seascope submarine is at Xanadu Hotel Marina, reachable by beach from Makadi hotels.
• Good value at $19: The price includes transport from Makadi hotels when selected, entry fees, national park fees, the cruise, and snorkeling.
• Four language options: Instruction is available in English, German, Polish, and Russian.
• Plan for a shared departure: Optional pickup uses a shared, air-conditioned bus, with pickup details sent by WhatsApp after booking.

What the Royal Seascope trip is really like

This is a semi-submarine cruise, not a fully submerged submarine ride. The upper part stays above the water while you sit in the lower observation area, where large windows give you a fish-eye view of the Red Sea.

That distinction matters. You are not sealed into a dark metal capsule. The observation deck is air-conditioned, and you remain seated while the boat moves over a coral reef near the Xanadu Hotel area. For anyone who wants to see marine life without committing to a long swim, this setup is the main reason to book.

I also like the balance of the outing. You are not stuck in the boat for the whole two hours. After the viewing session, the crew stops for about 20 minutes of snorkeling in clear water. The snorkeling is brief, but it gives you a chance to see the reef from the surface and feel the water rather than only look through glass.

The main caution is time. The advertised activity lasts two hours, but the pickup process can begin about 45 minutes before the departure time, and shared transport adds its own waiting period. One recent departure involved a one-hour wait at the pier before the boat left. Treat the schedule as a flexible holiday outing rather than a tightly timed transfer.

Getting to Xanadu Hotel Marina

The Royal Seascope submarine operates from Xanadu Hotel Marina in Makadi Bay. The marina can be reached by the beach from Makadi hotels, which is useful if you are staying nearby and choose to make your own way there.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only for Makadi hotels, and pickup is optional. If you select it, you travel in a shared air-conditioned vehicle. The stated pickup time is approximately 45 minutes before the trip, with further instructions sent by WhatsApp after booking.

The transport section is listed at about 25 minutes, though your actual time depends on your hotel and the shared route. Keep your phone available on the day before the trip. The WhatsApp message is where you receive the practical details, including the pickup time.

If you are staying outside Makadi hotels, do not assume that hotel transport is included. The stated drop-off points are Royal Seascope Makadi and Hurghada 2, so check the selected option carefully before paying.

The 15 to 25 minute cruise out to the reef

Once you leave the marina, the boat cruises toward a coral reef near Xanadu Hotel. The timing is described in slightly different ways, with the cruise taking around 15 to 25 minutes depending on how the schedule is counted.

This short ride is useful for getting settled. You can find your seat, listen to the instructions, and watch the Makadi Bay coastline pass by. The trip is not designed as a long scenic sailing experience, so keep your expectations focused on the reef viewing and snorkeling.

The boat itself is the transport and the attraction. You are heading to a reef selected for underwater viewing, then returning to the marina after the water stop. If you want a full-day boat trip with several snorkel sites, lunch, and a long swim, this is too short. If you want a compact morning or afternoon activity, the limited sailing time keeps things simple.

The glass-walled deck, 3 meters below sea level

The semi-submarine’s main feature is the observation deck below the waterline. You descend to a seated area about 3 meters below sea level, where huge panoramic windows face the reef.

You stay dry and protected from the sun while watching fish and coral pass outside. The air conditioning is especially helpful in the warm Red Sea climate, and the seating means you do not need strong swimming skills to take part in the main portion of the trip.

Plan on about 45 minutes in the underwater deck. That is long enough to settle into the view and watch different sections of reef, but it is not a private viewing session. You are sharing the space with the other people on the boat, and the best window position may depend on where you sit.

The fish-eye effect makes the reef look broad and close through the glass. You can expect views of colorful coral formations and assorted Red Sea fish, with the exact wildlife changing according to the reef and sea conditions. No guaranteed animal sighting is stated, so book this for the underwater setting and reef views rather than for one particular species.

This section suits families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who prefers not to spend much time in the water. It also gives you a way to see coral if you are uncomfortable swimming or simply want a quieter look before snorkeling.

There is one clear limitation. People with claustrophobia may find the enclosed lower deck uncomfortable. Even though it is air-conditioned and has large windows, it is still an enclosed space below the surface. If that thought bothers you, the snorkeling portion may be more enjoyable than the main attraction, but it lasts only 20 minutes.

A 20-minute snorkeling stop

After the underwater viewing, the boat stops for snorkeling. You get approximately 20 minutes in the Red Sea, with clear water, coral, and marine life near the reef.

Twenty minutes is enough for a quick look, especially if you already know how to use a mask and snorkel. It is not enough for a leisurely reef session with long exploration time. You will spend part of the stop getting ready, entering the water, and returning to the boat, so use your time efficiently.

Follow the crew’s instructions and stay within the permitted area. Touching marine life is not allowed, a rule that protects both the reef and you. Coral can be fragile, and even a casual hand or fin contact can cause damage or injury.

The snorkeling group may be large. One recent experience involved close supervision from a guide who repeatedly called people back when they swam farther away. That can feel irritating if you want to explore independently, but it also shows why you should stay near the assigned area and follow directions promptly.

Bring your own sense of limits. If you are not a confident swimmer, remain close to the boat or the designated group. The provided information does not specify flotation equipment, so ask about available equipment before entering the water if you need support.

How much value do you get for $19?

At $19 per person, this is a low-cost way to combine a boat trip, underwater viewing, and a short snorkeling stop. The price includes the cruise, entry fees, national park fees, and the snorkeling session. For Makadi hotel guests who select pickup, air-conditioned transport to and from the hotel is also included.

That is a strong package for the cost, particularly if you want a short activity rather than a full marine excursion. You avoid paying separately for the boat and reef access, and you get two different ways to see the water.

The value drops if you expect a long snorkeling session. A 20-minute stop is a sample, not a full reef outing. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand or bring what is permitted for the transport and boat. The supplied information does not list onboard refreshments.

The price also does not remove the need for flexibility. Shared transport and possible pier delays can make the outing take longer than the stated two hours from the moment you leave your hotel. I would not schedule an airport transfer, dinner reservation, or another fixed activity immediately afterward.

Languages, access, and comfort

Instruction is available in English, German, Polish, and Russian. That gives you a useful choice if you are more comfortable receiving safety instructions in one of those languages.

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. Still, the activity includes transport, a marina departure, a descent to the underwater deck, and a snorkeling stop. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the practical boarding and deck arrangements before booking, since the supplied details do not explain how each stage is handled.

The air-conditioned observation deck is the comfortable part of the experience. Above deck, you may want sun protection during the sailing sections. Bring swimwear and sunscreen, and consider a towel even though it is not specifically listed among the required items.

This is a short marine outing, so there is no meal break. Keep your belongings simple and secure. The key items are swimwear, sunscreen, and any personal medication you need during the two-hour activity.

Timing problems and how to avoid frustration

The schedule deserves honest attention. The formal duration is two hours, while the optional shared pickup begins roughly 45 minutes before the trip time. The route itself includes about 25 minutes of bus transport, a 15 to 25-minute boat ride, roughly 45 minutes in the underwater deck, 20 minutes of snorkeling, and a short return sail.

Those figures do not fit together perfectly, which is common with boat excursions. Loading, safety instructions, weather, and the movement of other boats can alter the timetable.

One recent departure had the boat arrive late at the pier, followed by a wait of about an hour. I would not treat that as guaranteed, but it is a useful warning. Bring water, keep your phone charged, and avoid planning anything urgent directly after the cruise.

There was also a payment confusion in one case, with a request to pay again at the site despite payment having already been made through the booking app. Keep your payment confirmation available on your phone. A calm check at the marina should help clear up any misunderstanding.

These are not reasons to reject the trip, especially at this price. They are reasons to approach it with the relaxed attitude that makes short Egyptian boat outings easier to enjoy.

Who should book this Makadi Bay cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a short, affordable introduction to Red Sea reefs. The underwater deck lets you see coral and fish without needing to swim for 45 minutes, while the later snorkeling stop gives you a taste of the water.

It is also a sensible choice for mixed groups. One person can enjoy the underwater viewing from a seat, while another can look forward to the snorkeling. Families may appreciate the short duration, though children should follow all crew instructions and respect the rule against touching marine life.

This is less suitable for you if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The water stop lasts only 20 minutes, and the group may be closely managed. A longer boat trip with several reef stops would give you more water time, but it would also cost more and take up more of your day.

People with claustrophobia should think twice about the lower deck. You can spend time above deck and snorkel, but the central feature is the enclosed observation area below sea level.

Should you book the Royal Seascope?

Book this cruise if you want good value, a compact schedule, and two ways to see the Red Sea. The 45-minute underwater viewing session, included fees, and 20-minute snorkel stop make $19 a fair price for a first look at Makadi Bay’s coral reefs.

Skip it if you need a precise timetable, dislike shared groups, or want a long and independent snorkeling session. The possible pier wait and short water stop are the main tradeoffs.

My practical advice is simple: confirm your pickup message on WhatsApp, save your payment confirmation, wear swimwear, bring sunscreen, and leave extra time after the excursion. With those expectations in place, Royal Seascope offers an easy way to see Red Sea marine life without committing to a full-day cruise.

FAQ

Where does the Royal Seascope cruise depart from?

The Royal Seascope submarine is located at Xanadu Hotel Marina in Makadi Bay. The marina is accessible via the beach from Makadi hotels.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Makadi hotels when the pickup option is selected. Pickup uses a shared air-conditioned bus and takes place approximately 45 minutes before the trip time.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is two hours. Pickup may begin approximately 45 minutes before the scheduled trip time.

How long do you spend below the water?

The air-conditioned observation deck is about 3 meters below sea level, and the underwater viewing portion lasts approximately 45 minutes.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling stop lasts approximately 20 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and sunscreen. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the cruise suitable for people with claustrophobia?

The activity is not suitable for people with claustrophobia because the main observation area is an enclosed deck below sea level.