Sindbad Submarines – Hurghada (Egypt) – 2 Hours

A real recreational submarine in Hurghada is a rare way to see the Red Sea underwater, without getting wet or needing to swim. I love the air-conditioned comfort and the 18 panoramic windows, which keep every seat feeling like a front-row view.

I also like that this is built for a wide range of ages, with a modern 44-passenger setup and a straightforward schedule. You get that wow factor of reef life like corals and colorful fish at about 45 minutes inside the submarine.

One drawback to plan for is that there is optional photo and video selling on top of the basic ticket, and some people feel the push to buy can be intense. Another consideration, based on mixed experiences with transfers, is to confirm your pickup details the day before.

Key things you should know before you go

• Only a handful of recreational submarines exist, and Hurghada has two of them, including Sindbad Submarines
• 25 meters down with 18 windows means you can watch fish without gear and without water anxiety
• A coral-reef route of about 500 meters gives you steady viewing time rather than a quick peek
• Comfort and safety focus comes with allocated seating and a rule to stay seated during the trip
• Photos cost extra, and the quality and pricing can be worth it for some, not others

Why A Hurghada Submarine Ride Feels Different Than Snorkel

If you want the Red Sea underwater look but you do not want the hassle, this is one of the easier choices in Hurghada. A submarine gets you down to about 25 meters, and you get to watch marine life from glass. No wetsuit, no fins, no saltwater in your face.

I like that the experience is designed around comfort. You are seated in a modern craft with air-conditioning, and every passenger has a proper viewing port. For families, it is also a good option when kids are excited by the idea of the ocean but not ready for snorkeling.

It is also genuinely unique. Not many places can say you can go in an actual recreational submarine, and the Hurghada setup is among the few in the region. That matters when you are spending money on an excursion, because it is not just another boat ride.

The View At 25 Meters: Corals, Fish, And Rays From Every Seat

The star of the show is the underwater viewing time. You go down to roughly 82 feet, or 25 meters, and you spend your time looking out at corals and reef fish. The operator markets the trip as exploring around 500 meters of coral reef habitat, so you get a sustained viewing experience.

From the window, you should expect swaying corals and plenty of movement from schooling fish. Rays are specifically mentioned as part of what you might see, and that is the kind of creature that instantly turns a calm tour into a memorable one for kids and adults.

There is also a practical viewing detail you should know. One common pattern is that the coral and the best viewing side can be on one portion of the route, then flips as the submarine returns. That is why staying in your assigned seat matters, you will not be able to keep changing your position for the best angle.

How The Day Flows: Transfer, Terminal, And A Total Time Around 3.5 Hours

The total outing runs about 3 hours 30 minutes, give or take. That includes pickup and return travel. For planning, think of it as a half-day activity that fits nicely into most Hurghada itineraries, especially if you want an activity that does not require a full day on the water.

Pickup is offered, and return transfers are included. The meeting point listed is Little Buddha Hurghada in Hurghada’s Touristic Villages area, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. In real life, some people report smooth door-to-door transfers, plus quick communication after booking, including WhatsApp.

Still, do not treat pickup as magic. There are a few reports of missed pickup, late timing, or delays without clear explanation. That does not mean it happens every time, but it is enough that you should confirm your pickup time and contact details the day before you go.

Inside Sindbad Submarines: Seats, Rules, And What Feels Comfortable

The Sindbad Submarines boat is described as a modern submarine carrying 44 passengers, with each passenger assigned a seat number. Your comfort is not an afterthought, you are in an air-conditioned space with panoramic windows. Reviews also describe the cabin as comfortable, and the experience as organized and safe.

Here is the rule that matters most: you stay seated for the whole trip. You are allocated your seat, and you should plan to do just that. It keeps things orderly and helps everyone get a similar viewing experience.

The ride length matters too. One review puts the submarine portion at about 45 minutes, which feels like a sweet spot. Long enough to see fish and coral, not so long that it turns into boredom, especially for kids.

Finally, keep expectations realistic. This is a view-from-glass experience, not a hands-on ocean encounter. If you are looking for lots of dramatic scenery like you might get from a snorkeling reef that you explore at walking speed, you may find the underwater visuals more subtle.

How The Coral Reef Viewing Works From The Two Sides

What makes the submarine ride fun is that you are not just looking in one direction the whole time. The setup is designed so that the submarine’s route gives you viewing chances along the reef. Coral can be on one side during part of the trip, then you get a different angle during the return.

That matters if you are with kids who want to keep scanning for fish. Instead of the exact same view for the full ride, the experience gives you changing sightlines.

Also, an underwater activity is part of the entertainment package. Reviews mention an underwater guide in scuba gear who provides fish-feeding moments, and they also describe this person as funny and engaging. Whether you love that style of guiding or just see it as distraction, it does help keep attention up for younger kids.

A bonus detail from one review is that people liked seeing a sunken ship. That is not guaranteed based on the information provided, but it suggests the underwater route can include features that make the viewing more interesting than only coral.

Photo And Video: Worth It, Risky Pricing, And How To Decide

The basic ticket does not include photo or video. If you want images, you can buy them on site, and prices can vary. One review says there is an option for photos taken from outside the submarine when you are underwater, with payment around $50 and a wait of about 24 hours to receive them.

Other passengers describe photo offers connected to the boat transfer to the submarine. One person did mention being unhappy after buying a photo link and receiving nothing, so be alert and do not assume digital delivery will always be smooth.

My practical advice: decide your budget before you board. If photos are a priority, ask how delivery works and what exactly you receive. If you do not care much, politely decline when the selling starts. You will still have the core experience, the window time, which is what you came for.

Also, if you are sensitive to sales pressure, keep in mind that some reviews mention it being pushy. That does not mean every interaction is negative, but it is common enough that you should go in prepared.

Price And Value: Is $75 Fair For This Red Sea Experience?

At about $75, this is not the cheapest excursion in Hurghada. You are paying for a very specific thing: an actual submarine ride to around 25 meters down with panoramic windows and a guided route over coral reef.

So is it good value? For many people, yes, because it is hard to match the novelty and safety of a submarine for non-swimmers. If you or your group cannot snorkel or do not want to, this can be the only way to get that underwater view experience without getting wet.

What you get at this price matters. The included basics are an air-conditioned vehicle, soda or pop, and all fees and taxes. Return transfers are also part of the package, so you are not stuck piecing together transport.

What is not included is also key. Photo and video can add a noticeable cost. If you are the type who wants souvenirs, the total can climb quickly. If you are okay with a few phone pictures and enjoying the ride instead, the ticket price stays close to what you planned.

Best For Families, Non-Swimmers, And First-Time Underwater Viewers

This is one of those experiences that fits families really well. Reviews specifically call out young kids, including a 4-year-old’s first underwater excitement. When a small child is too young to snorkel confidently, a submarine gives them the chance to see marine life in a controlled, calm way.

It is also ideal if you are curious about the Red Sea but nervous about scuba diving. You do not need breathing equipment, and you do not need to handle any water tasks. Even if you are afraid of swimming, you can still enjoy the underwater look.

A few other groups also benefit:

• People who want something fun that is not physically demanding
• Anyone who wants a safe, seated experience
• Couples and older kids who like a unique activity with a clear time plan

The main thing is expectations. You are not exploring underwater on your own. You are viewing from a window, and that is exactly the point.

When You Might Want To Skip It

Consider skipping if you are expecting a huge variety of animals. Some reviews say there were not many different fish or not many wow moments underwater. That does not mean the underwater scene is empty, it just may not match the animal intensity you get from the best snorkel sites on a clear reef day.

Also, if you strongly dislike upsells, the optional photo and video part might annoy you. Some people love the photos and call the experience worth it. Others feel the selling gets too pushy.

Finally, if your priority is zero-uncertainty logistics, keep in mind there are scattered complaints about pickup issues. Most reports describe smooth organization, but the possibility exists. Confirm your pickup and have a Plan B for getting to the meeting point if needed.

Should You Book Sindbad Submarines In Hurghada?

If you want the Red Sea underwater view but you want to stay dry, I think this is a smart booking. The combination of 25-meter depth, 18 panoramic windows, and a seated, air-conditioned ride makes it especially good value for families and non-swimmers.

I would book it when:

• You have kids who want to see fish but you do not want snorkeling
• You want a unique Hurghada activity that feels different from standard boat trips
• You are okay with optional photo purchases or you plan to skip them

I would hesitate if:

• You hate any kind of photo upsell
• You expect a super diverse wildlife parade
• You cannot tolerate any chance of transfer timing problems, even though many days are smooth

Overall, this is one of the more memorable ways to experience the Red Sea without turning it into a full-day commitment.

FAQ

How deep does the submarine go, and how long is the ride underwater?

The submarine goes about 82 feet (25 meters) beneath the waves. The submarine portion is about 45 minutes for many departures, within a total outing of roughly 3.5 hours.

Do I need to swim or snorkel for this tour?

No. This experience is specifically set up so you can view the underwater world without getting wet or swimming.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and return hotel transfers are included as part of the experience.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes an air-conditioned vehicle, soda or pop, and all fees and taxes. Photo and video sessions are not included.

What are the opening hours for Sindbad Submarines?

The listed operating hours are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.