Hurghada: Empire Submarine Boat Trip with Snorkel and Drinks

The Red Sea comes alive below the boat. This Hurghada outing gives you two easy ways to see it: through the air-conditioned underwater windows at a depth of 3 meters and during a 40-minute snorkeling stop. I like the comfortable setup, especially for families, and I like that drinks, equipment, transport, and life jackets are included. The main drawback is that the underwater viewing time and snorkeling stop may feel brief if you want a full day on the reef, and onboard photos can cost more than expected.

The $19 price makes this a sensible introduction to Hurghada’s marine life. You do not need strong swimming skills to enjoy the glass-walled viewing deck, but you should bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and patience for the hotel pickup window.

Key points at a glance

• Three meters below the Red Sea: Watch fish and coral through large panoramic windows from an air-conditioned cabin.
• Forty minutes in the water: The snorkeling stop lets you see the reef at close range rather than only through glass.
• A practical family outing: Children as young as 5 and 6 enjoyed the trip, according to the available experience details.
• Soft drinks and water included: You can stay refreshed without paying extra for basic drinks onboard.
• Hotel transport from Hurghada: Pickup and drop-off are included, though outlying resort areas require an added selection at checkout.
• Photos cost extra: Staff take photos and videos, but the price may feel high, so decide in advance if you want to buy them.

Why this Hurghada boat trip works for mixed-age families

A Red Sea reef trip often sounds like a snorkeling excursion, which can put off anyone who does not swim well or dislikes getting in the sea. The Empire Submarine Boat Trip solves that problem with an underwater observation deck. You can sit behind glass, stay dry, and still see coral and fish at close range.

That makes the outing useful for a family group with different comfort levels. One person can snorkel while another watches from the cabin. Young children can see the reef without handling a mask, and adults who prefer not to swim still get a proper look at the sea life.

I also like the low price. At $19 per person, you are paying for a short, focused marine-life outing rather than a full-day boat charter. The included hotel transport, air-conditioned vehicle, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, water, and soft drinks add real value.

The tradeoff is time. This is not a long reef expedition with several stops, a meal, and hours at sea. It is a compact introduction to the Red Sea, best for first-time visitors, families, and anyone with only part of a day available.

Getting from your hotel to the Hurghada marina

Pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels are included, which removes one of the annoying parts of arranging a boat trip. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, a welcome feature in Egypt’s heat, especially if your hotel is not close to the marina.

Your exact pickup time depends on your hotel. Confirm it one day before departure, and allow for a delay of up to 10 minutes. That is a small but useful planning point: do not schedule another activity too tightly after the return.

Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga is not included in the standard arrangement. You need to select that service when booking, so check your hotel area before assuming the $19 price covers the ride.

The available languages are English, Arabic, and German. That should help with basic instructions, especially before snorkeling and during the underwater viewing portion.

The 60-minute cruise along Hurghada’s coast

Once aboard, the boat cruises for about 60 minutes along the Hurghada coastline toward a coral reef area. This part gives you time to settle in, look out across the Red Sea, and enjoy the trip before the underwater viewing begins.

Do not think of the cruise as dead time. It is the transition from the marina to the reef, and it lets you enjoy the coast without rushing straight into an activity. Complimentary water and soft drinks are available onboard, so you can avoid paying for a drink every time you feel thirsty.

The boat is intended for a broad age range, but comfort still matters. Wear comfortable shoes for moving around, and keep sunglasses and a hat close at hand. The sun can be strong on the upper part of the boat, even when the observation area below feels cool.

Food is not included. If you need a snack during the outing, plan ahead rather than expecting a meal onboard. A simple breakfast or snack before pickup can make the trip more comfortable for children.

Seeing the reef from three meters below the surface

The main feature is the air-conditioned observation deck, located 3 meters below the surface. Glass walls and broad panoramic windows give you a fish-eye view of coral formations, fish, and other sea life without requiring you to swim.

This is the part I would value most for a family group. You can sit down, cool off, and watch the reef at a steady pace. The view is not the same as being in the water, since you are looking through glass and from a fixed position, but it is far easier for small children and non-swimmers.

The underwater viewing period is described as about 45 minutes. That gives you enough time to look carefully instead of taking one quick glance and returning upstairs. You may see colorful fish moving around the coral and small sea creatures close to the windows.

Keep expectations sensible. This is a semi-submarine, not a full underwater vessel traveling around the seabed. The boat reaches a viewing depth of 3 meters, and the appeal comes from the windows and access to a reef site, not from a long technical submarine voyage.

The observation deck is air-conditioned, which is a useful detail rather than a luxury. It gives you a break from the sun and can make the trip easier for children, older adults, and anyone who finds a hot boat deck tiring.

Forty minutes of snorkeling near the coral reef

After the glass-bottom viewing, you get about 40 minutes to snorkel near the reef. This is where you can see the water up close, move at your own pace, and notice details that may be harder to appreciate through a window.

Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included. That keeps the outing simple, particularly if you are flying in or moving between hotels and do not want to carry your own equipment.

You should still bring your own towel. Towels are not included, and you will want one after leaving the water. Swimwear is also essential, even if you expect to spend most of the time in the observation deck.

The stop is long enough for a useful first look at the reef. One available account specifically praised the amount of snorkeling time, which suggests that the 40-minute period feels worthwhile rather than token. Still, experienced snorkelers may want more time or more than one location.

Life jackets are provided, and the outing is suitable for different skill levels. You should listen carefully to the safety instructions and use the equipment that makes you comfortable. If you are nervous in open water, the semi-submarine portion means you can still enjoy the trip even if your snorkeling session is short.

The return to the marina

After snorkeling, the boat heads back to the marina. The return gives you time to dry off, drink water, and settle into the trip’s quieter final stretch.

There is no food included, so do not count on a meal during the return. Water and soft drinks are available, which covers basic refreshment but not lunch.

The boat has been described as clean, an important detail on a water excursion where wet floors and shared equipment can quickly make things feel untidy. A clean boat helps the experience feel more comfortable, especially when you are traveling with children.

The staff are described as friendly and helpful, with clear explanations during the outing. That matters here because the experience combines a boat ride, a below-water viewing area, and snorkeling. Good instructions make the transitions easier.

What the $19 price really gets you

At $19, this is one of the easier Red Sea activities to justify if you want a short outing without a large package price. You receive hotel transport from Hurghada, an air-conditioned vehicle, the semi-submarine cruise, the underwater viewing session, snorkeling equipment, a snorkeling stop, life jackets, water, and soft drinks.

You are not paying for a full-day boat trip. There is no meal, and the experience does not include several reef stops or a long open-water session. I would compare it with the cost of arranging transport to a marina, renting snorkeling equipment, and finding a separate short reef cruise. On that basis, the included extras make the price strong.

The main optional cost is photography. Staff may take photos and videos during the outing, but the purchase price has been described as high. If you want pictures, ask about the cost before agreeing. If you would rather keep spending under control, enjoy the trip without treating the photo package as part of the deal.

The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if you are arranging several Hurghada activities. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund, giving you some flexibility if weather or family plans change.

Who will enjoy the Empire Submarine most

I would recommend this outing to:

• Families with children who want an easy introduction to Red Sea sea life.
• Non-swimmers who still want to see coral and fish below the surface.
• First-time snorkelers who want a supported, short session.
• Couples or solo visitors looking for an inexpensive half-day-style activity.
• Hotel-based visitors who value included pickup and drop-off.
• Anyone who wants both dry viewing and time in the water.

The trip may be less satisfying for serious snorkelers. If your main goal is several hours in the water, a liveaboard or longer reef cruise would offer more time and variety. This experience is about access and convenience, not an extended marine expedition.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users. Pets are not allowed. Those limits are worth checking before you pay, particularly if you are booking for a larger family group with different mobility needs.

What to bring and how to keep the day comfortable

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. The list is short, but each item earns its place.

Your sunglasses and hat help on the sunny upper deck. Swimwear and a towel make the snorkeling stop easier. Comfortable shoes are useful for the transfer from vehicle to boat and for moving around onboard.

I would also keep a bottle of water within reach, even though unlimited water is provided. Children often drink more than expected in the heat, and it is easier to stay comfortable when drinks are immediately available.

Do not plan the day around a provided lunch. Food is excluded, so eat before pickup or arrange your next meal after returning to the hotel. Keep your schedule loose after the trip because pickup delays of up to 10 minutes are possible, and your return timing can vary with the day’s operations.

How the experience has performed for families and couples

The overall rating is 4.5 from 35 reviews, with repeated praise for organization, friendly staff, clean boat conditions, underwater views, and the snorkeling stop.

The strongest family detail is that children aged 5 and 6 loved the trip. That supports the idea that the underwater cabin is not just a backup for non-swimmers. It can be the main attraction for young children who may not be ready for a long snorkeling session.

The boat’s cleanliness and helpful staff also matter more than they might on paper. A family outing works best when equipment handoffs, safety advice, and movement between the cabin and water are handled clearly.

The clearest caution concerns the paid photos and videos. They can be a pleasant souvenir, but you should not feel obliged to buy them. Decide your budget before the staff begin taking pictures, and you will avoid an awkward surprise at the end.

My verdict: book it for access, not for a full reef day

I would book the Empire Submarine Boat Trip if you want a low-cost, family-friendly look at the Red Sea with minimal planning. The combination of a 3-meter underwater viewing cabin and 40 minutes of snorkeling gives you more range than a basic sightseeing cruise, while the included transport and drinks keep the day simple.

I would skip it only if you already know that you want extended snorkeling, several reef sites, or a full-day boat experience. For everyone else, especially families and non-swimmers, $19 is a fair price for a clean, organized introduction to Hurghada’s coral reefs.

FAQ

Where does the Empire Submarine Boat Trip take place?

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

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $19 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is pickup available from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh?

Pickup service from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga requires an additional selection at checkout.

How long is the cruise along the coast?

The coastal cruise to the reef area takes about 60 minutes.

How deep is the underwater observation deck?

The air-conditioned observation deck is located 3 meters below the surface.

How long can you view the reef through the windows?

You have about 45 minutes to view coral, fish, and other marine life through the panoramic windows.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling stop lasts about 40 minutes.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Unlimited water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and life jackets are included. Food is not included.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.