Hurghada: Empire Submarine Boat Trip with Snorkel and Drinks

What makes this trip interesting is the mix of easy, mostly dry viewing and real underwater time. You get to watch coral and fish through big panoramic windows from an observation deck about 3 meters below the surface, then you get a proper snorkeling break. It is a smart way to see the Red Sea without needing serious swim skills.

I also like the pacing. There is a long enough snorkel window (about 40 minutes) to enjoy the reef, not just a quick splash and back. The other big plus is organization and service that feels calm, with friendly staff and a clean boat, which matters when you are traveling with kids.

One possible drawback to plan for: the onboard photos and videos can cost extra, and the fee for photos may feel steep if you are not expecting it. If you travel light and you are not into paid souvenirs, you can still come away happy.

Key points before you go

• 3-meter-deep air-conditioned viewing deck for comfort plus excellent visibility
• 45 minutes at panoramic underwater windows to spot coral and fish without getting wet
• About 40 minutes snorkeling at a reef area, enough time to actually enjoy it
• Soft drinks and unlimited water onboard so you are not scrambling for drinks
• Family-friendly, budget-friendly format that works for adults and kids
• Not wheelchair accessible so plan a different option if mobility access is needed

Hurghada Red Sea views from a semi-submarine, then real snorkeling

If you picture the Red Sea as big, colorful coral and fish you can watch from shore, this tour is designed for the next step. You start with the best kind of sightseeing, clear views from a glass-walled deck. Then you get the experience that really connects you to the water, 40 minutes of snorkeling near a coral reef.

The magic is that you are not forced into an all-or-nothing plan. Some people want to stay dry for the underwater viewing portion. Others want to suit up and swim. You can do both, and the timing is laid out so nobody feels rushed.

Also, Hurghada is all about practicality. Sun, heat, and bright glare can wear people down. This trip helps by combining shaded viewing time (air-conditioned, glass-walled) with limited sun exposure during snorkeling. Bring the right gear and you will be able to enjoy the day instead of just surviving it.

The boat experience: air-conditioned windows at about 3 meters down

The semi-submarine part is the headliner, and for a good reason. You will cruise along the Hurghada coastline, then descend into a glass-walled observation deck located about 3 meters below the surface. That depth is close enough to see clearly, but it is not a pressure-cooker situation where you have to worry about complex conditions.

What you get from the underwater windows is an easy, steady view of the reef ecosystem. You are not fighting waves, and you are not trying to keep your head above water while you spot fish. You can sit, look, and point things out to the people you came with.

It also helps that the trip includes a dedicated snorkel-and-view rhythm. The underwater viewing window is long enough that you can actually track what is where, rather than glance and move on. When you see coral patterns and fish behavior slowly over time, it clicks. That is when the Red Sea looks like more than just sea-life postcards.

On the water time breakdown: cruise, underwater viewing, then snorkeling

Here is how the day flows and why each part matters.

60 minutes cruising along the Hurghada coastline

You begin with about 60 minutes on the water traveling along the coastline. This is not filler time. It gets you away from the marina and sets the day’s vibe. You will have time to settle in, use the onboard comfort, and get your bearings before the underwater section starts.

If you are traveling with kids, this cruise portion often becomes the calm warm-up. You are on a boat, moving, with something to watch on the surface, without water gear yet.

45 minutes underwater viewing through panoramic windows

Next comes the underwater observation deck, where you will have about 45 minutes to enjoy the views through expansive panoramic windows. This is the part that tends to win people over fast. Coral and fish look different when you are not bobbing around. The sea world feels close, but you are staying comfortable.

This is also when you get a chance to spot details most people miss on a surface snorkel. Coral shapes and fish positions become easier to understand. You can take your time scanning, and you can watch how fish move between areas rather than chasing a fleeting sighting.

About 40 minutes of snorkeling at a reef spot

Finally, you get the snorkeling break, about 40 minutes near one of the area’s top snorkel spots close to the reef. This is where the trip earns its “you actually swam here” badge.

Forty minutes is a practical number. It is long enough to feel like snorkeling is not just a short chore, but it is also not so long that you need to be an expert swimmer to stay relaxed. If you snorkel a few times a year, this window should feel comfortable. If you are brand new, wear your life jacket properly and stay calm. You are there to see coral and fish, not to set personal endurance records.

What is included, and why it changes the value

At $19 per person, this is one of those trips that only makes sense if the extras are handled well. The good news is that a lot of the useful stuff is included.

You get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada
• Air-conditioned transportation
• The semi-submarine cruise with underwater viewing
• Snorkeling gear
• A snorkeling stop
• Life jackets
• Soft drinks and unlimited water onboard

That drinks inclusion matters more than you might think in the Red Sea sun. Dehydration sneaks up, and bottled water adds up. Here you can focus on the water and the sights.

Not included:

• Food
• Towels
• CD/DVD (sold onboard if you want photos and videos)

So plan to eat before you go, or be ready to grab food separately. Also, if you forget a towel, you will be making do. You should also not rely on the gear list to cover everything. Sun protection is on you.

Getting picked up on time: the practical logistics that can make or break it

This tour includes pickup from hotels in Hurghada, but pickup time depends on where your hotel is. The important habit is simple: confirm the exact pickup time the day before. There can also be a pickup delay of up to 10 minutes.

That delay is not a reason to panic. It is just a reminder that your day is being coordinated with other hotels. If you are planning a tight schedule afterward, leave a little breathing room.

Once you are on the vehicle, the ride is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a lifesaver when you start your day in strong heat.

What to bring for a smooth day on the Red Sea

You will be much happier if you show up prepared. The tour is family-friendly, but sun and salt water are not impressed by good intentions.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel

If you want an extra-smart move, think about how you will manage wet gear afterward. You will likely want a small bag for damp items.

Also, pets are not allowed, so plan accordingly if you are traveling with animals.

Who this trip suits best (and who might want another option)

This is a strong fit for:

• Families with kids who want an easy plan
• First-time snorkelers who want guidance and provided gear
• People who want underwater views without spending the whole day in the water
• Travelers who value comfort, with an air-conditioned viewing deck

It is not suitable for:

• Wheelchair users, since the tour is not listed as wheelchair accessible

If you are the type who loves technical scuba sites and deep diving, this is not that. But if you want classic Red Sea reef watching plus snorkeling in a low-stress format, it is a good match.

The photos and souvenirs reality check

One review detail that is worth taking seriously: they can charge a high fee for onboard photos. If you are the kind of person who loves collecting memories in prints or videos, consider budgeting for it. If you are not, you can still enjoy the day and skip the paid add-ons.

A good strategy is to decide in advance what you want to spend on. The tour itself is good value. The optional photo sales are where costs can creep up.

Value for money: why $19 works for many travelers

Here is the balanced take on price. At $19 per person, this trip gives you:

• transport and pickup
• a full boat outing
• underwater panoramic sightseeing
• snorkeling gear and life jackets
• drinks included

If you compare that to the cost of doing snorkeling independently (boat rental, gear, guided help, and water access), this format feels budget-friendly for a reason. It bundles the parts most people do not want to organize themselves.

The tradeoff is that it is a guided, fixed-time experience. You do not control the reef stop. You snorkel for a set window and then you are done. For most people, that is a benefit, not a limitation. It keeps the day simple and family-friendly.

Tips to help you spot more coral and fish

The best views come when you look methodically. Here are practical habits that fit this trip.

• During the underwater window time, scan slowly from left to right. Coral structure and fish paths show up more clearly when you do not rush.
• During snorkeling, stay near the reef edge where fish activity is higher. If you swim far off, the experience can feel empty fast.
• Keep your breathing steady. Nervous snorkeling makes visibility worse.
• Use the provided life jacket correctly. It helps you float, which makes it easier to relax and watch.

You will see more when you treat snorkeling like observation, not like a workout.

Should you book the Empire Submarine boat trip in Hurghada?

If you want a low-stress, family-friendly way to see the Red Sea, I would book it. The combination of a 3-meter-deep air-conditioned viewing deck, long panoramic underwater viewing time, and a real 40-minute snorkeling window is exactly the kind of balanced day that works for mixed groups.

Book it if:

• You are traveling with kids or non-swimmers
• You want both underwater viewing and snorkeling
• You like the idea of provided snorkeling gear and life jackets
• You appreciate included drinks and simple logistics

Skip it or consider alternatives if:

• You are a wheelchair traveler
• You only care about advanced snorkeling or very deep underwater conditions
• You hate the idea of possible extra costs for photos and videos

Overall, this is a smart value pick. You get real marine views without turning your day into a complicated project.

FAQ

Is the semi-submarine tour wheelchair accessible?

No. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

You get about 40 minutes of snorkeling at a top snorkel spot near the reef.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, air-conditioned transport, the semi-submarine cruise with underwater panoramic views, soft drinks and unlimited water onboard, snorkeling gear, a snorkeling stop, and life jackets.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.