2 Hours Catamaran and Semi Submarine with Snorkeling in Hurghada

See the reef without scuba gear. This two-hour Hurghada boat trip combines a 45-minute semi-submarine viewing session, 30 minutes of guided snorkeling, and 45 minutes of sailing. I like the easy mix of dry and wet activities, plus the chance to bring young children or older family members along without asking everyone to scuba dive. The main consideration is that the $9.89 price does not cover every cost, with a national park fee and possible hotel transfer surcharges payable in cash.

The air-conditioned viewing deck sits about 4 meters underwater, giving you a close look at coral and fish through panoramic windows. I also like the simple door-to-door setup, with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. The boat can carry up to 30 people, so this is not a private cruise, and the snorkeling stop may feel organized rather than secluded.

Key points at a glance

• Three different ways to enjoy the Red Sea: Spend 45 minutes below the surface, 30 minutes snorkeling, and 45 minutes sailing.
• An underwater cabin at 4 meters: Panoramic windows let you see fish and coral while staying dry in an air-conditioned space.
• A practical family choice: Children can watch the reef from inside, while confident swimmers can use the snorkeling stop.
• Hotel pickup is included in many areas: Transfers use an air-conditioned vehicle, though some resort zones cost extra.
• Small enough to stay manageable: The maximum group size is 30 people.
• Low headline price, with extra cash costs: The national park fee is €7 per person, and some hotel areas add €5 or €10 for transfers.

Why this short Hurghada cruise works well

Hurghada is known for easy access to Red Sea reefs, but not everyone wants a full scuba excursion. This trip solves that problem with a simple format: sit below the water, put on a mask for a short snorkeling session, then enjoy the sea from the boat.

I see the appeal for families especially. A child who gets tired in the water can return to the boat. Someone who cannot swim confidently can still see the fish from the submarine cabin. Older relatives can take part without managing heavy equipment or a long day at sea.

The tour also suits anyone with limited time in Hurghada. At roughly two hours, it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon. You will not spend the whole day on the water, but you also will not be rushed through a single ten-minute photo stop.

The tradeoff is depth and variety. This is an introductory Red Sea outing, not an advanced reef expedition. The underwater view depends on visibility, the reef location, and how close the fish come to the windows. Still, the combination offers more variety than a standard short glass-bottom boat ride.

From your hotel to Hurghada Marina

Pickup is offered by air-conditioned vehicle, which removes one of the usual annoyances of short excursions: arranging your own way to the harbor. The exact pickup time depends on your hotel and the local schedule, so keep your phone available and be ready before the stated collection time.

The departure point is Hurghada Marina. The marina setting makes the trip easy to join, and the area is near public transportation for anyone who is not using the included pickup. The boat carries no more than 30 people, a useful limit for boarding, moving between decks, and receiving instructions.

Transfer details matter here because the advertised price is unusually low. Pickup and drop-off are included for many hotels, but a cash surcharge applies to some resort areas:

• Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh: an extra €5 per person
• Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay: an extra €10 per person

The national park fee is also separate. Bring €7 per person in cash, payable in euros, US dollars, or British pounds. I would confirm the pickup area and have the fee ready before leaving the hotel.

The 45-minute semi-submarine view

The central feature is the air-conditioned underwater floor, positioned about 4 meters below the surface. Large viewing windows give you a clear angle toward coral formations and passing fish while you remain seated and dry.

This is the part I would choose for anyone who wants to see the Red Sea but dislikes snorkeling. You do not need to put your face in the water, handle fins, or worry about swimming. The underwater cabin also gives families a shared activity, since parents and children can look through the windows together.

The boat has two spacious floors above the water as well. That gives you room to move between the sheltered underwater cabin and the open-air areas. If you have spent enough time below deck, you can return upstairs for fresh air and views of the coast.

A diver show is included, adding movement to the underwater presentation. The diver may bring fish closer to the viewing area, which is particularly useful for children who want to see marine life at close range. This is a staged part of the outing, so do not expect a quiet, solitary reef visit. Think of it as a short, accessible introduction to the sea.

The viewing experience can be affected by water conditions. On a clear day, the windows should offer a rewarding look at fish and reef. If visibility is reduced, the snorkeling portion may provide a better view, assuming you are comfortable entering the water.

Thirty minutes with mask and snorkel

After the submarine section, you get about 30 minutes for guided snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, and a guide is present to explain what you are seeing and help keep the activity organized.

Half an hour is enough to get a taste of the reef, especially if this is your first time. It is also short enough for children or casual swimmers who might not want a long session. You can watch from the boat if you prefer the dry option, though the tour is designed to give you a chance to enter the water.

Safety is treated as part of the outing, with life jackets provided and a guide overseeing the snorkeling stop. The exact water conditions and the distance from the boat are not specified, so I would follow the guide’s instructions closely rather than assuming the stop is suitable for independent swimming.

This is also where the tour feels most active. The submarine cabin shows you the reef from a fixed viewpoint. Snorkeling lets you turn your head, look down, and notice how the scene changes as you move. If your family has mixed interests, one person can snorkel while another stays aboard.

The equipment is supplied, but you should still bring the usual personal items for a boat outing: a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry place for valuables. Those items are practical suggestions, not listed inclusions, so do not assume the operator supplies them.

Forty-five minutes of sailing and open-water views

The final 45 minutes are spent sailing. This gives the excursion a calmer finish after the underwater cabin and snorkeling stop. You can use the time to sit on one of the upper decks, take in the sea views, and enjoy the boat ride without needing to keep looking through a window.

The sailing period also makes the timetable feel balanced. One hour and 15 minutes involve direct reef viewing or water activity, while the remaining 45 minutes let you enjoy the boat itself. That is useful for families, since young children often need a change of pace during a water excursion.

A soda or soft drink is included. Additional drinks and chips may cost extra, so bring some cash if you want more than the included refreshment. The supplied information does not promise a full meal, so plan to eat before or after the trip.

What the $9.89 price really buys

At $9.89 per person, this is priced as a budget-friendly introduction to Hurghada’s Red Sea. The value is strong if you use all three parts: the semi-submarine, the guided snorkeling stop, and the sailing time. Hotel pickup, equipment, a life jacket, a soda, and the diver show add useful extras.

The price needs a little adjustment in your head. Add the €7 national park fee, then check whether your hotel falls into one of the surcharge areas. For a person staying in Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh, the extra €5 transfer cost is significant compared with the base price. From Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay, the €10 surcharge can more than double the advertised fare.

Even with those additions, the excursion can offer good value for a short outing. You are paying for access to a boat, an underwater cabin, a guided water stop, transfers in many cases, and equipment. It is less attractive if you only want a long snorkeling session, since the snorkeling portion lasts 30 minutes rather than the full two hours.

The group limit of 30 keeps the trip from becoming a huge boat party, but it is still a shared experience. If your priority is privacy, quiet, or a custom route, this is not the right format. If your priority is a low-cost, simple look at the reef, it makes more sense.

Who should book this trip?

I would point families toward this outing first. Children can watch the fish from the underwater cabin, and the diver show adds a memorable moment without requiring everyone to swim. The short length also helps avoid the fatigue that can come with a full-day boat trip.

It is also suitable for older people and anyone who cannot or does not want to scuba dive. The air-conditioned cabin offers a dry way to see the coral, while the upper decks provide an easy break between activities.

First-time snorkelers should find the format approachable. You receive equipment, a life jacket, and a guided session. The half-hour limit keeps the task manageable, although you should be comfortable following the guide’s directions and entering the water if you choose to snorkel.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to experienced snorkelers who want extensive time on the reef. Thirty minutes in the water may feel brief, and the submarine section is designed for general sightseeing rather than serious marine study.

Practical details that can affect your day

Confirmation is provided when you book, and mobile tickets are accepted. Since the activity depends on good weather, a cancellation caused by poor conditions results in either another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted, and the cutoff follows local Hurghada time.

The boat’s maximum capacity is 30 people. That is worth noting if you dislike crowded excursions, though the actual number on your departure may be lower. Pickup is included where offered, but the three listed resort zones carry extra charges payable in cash.

The tour is recommended by 97 percent of its published participants and has a 4.8 rating from 39 reviews. The strongest praise centers on the colorful fish, the attractive reef, careful handling of safety, and the way children respond to the underwater viewing. Those are exactly the parts I would use to judge the trip.

Should you book the Hurghada semi-submarine tour?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, family-friendly Red Sea sampler with hotel pickup, an air-conditioned underwater cabin, and a short guided snorkeling stop. The 45-minute submarine viewing is the key advantage, especially if someone in your group cannot swim or prefers to stay dry.

Think twice if you want a private boat, a long snorkeling session, or a full-day reef experience. Also calculate the national park and hotel transfer fees before deciding if the final price still suits your budget.

For a first look at Hurghada’s underwater world, I think the format is hard to beat at this price. It gives you three ways to enjoy the sea in two hours, with enough structure to keep a family group comfortable and enough water time to make the outing feel like more than a sightseeing ride.

FAQ

How long does the Hurghada semi-submarine tour last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours. The schedule includes 45 minutes in the semi-submarine, 30 minutes of guided snorkeling, and 45 minutes of sailing.

Where does the boat depart from?

The trip departs from Hurghada Marina. Hotel pickup is offered by air-conditioned vehicle, and the area is near public transportation.

How deep is the underwater viewing floor?

The air-conditioned underwater floor is located about 4 meters, or 13 feet, below the surface.

Do I need to scuba dive to join?

No. The semi-submarine lets you view coral and fish without getting wet or scuba diving. Snorkeling is also offered as a separate part of the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a snorkeling guide, and a life jacket are included.

Is hotel pickup included for every location?

Pickup is included where offered, but hotels in Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh require an extra €5 cash payment per person. Hotels in Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay require an extra €10 cash payment per person.

Are there any fees not included in the price?

Yes. A national park fee of €7 per person is payable in cash. Payment is accepted in euros, US dollars, or British pounds.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.