Glass Bottom Boat Excursion in Sharm El Sheikh

The main appeal here is simple: you can see Sharm El Sheikh’s coral reefs and fish without snorkelling or getting into the water. The boat’s lower level has seats beside large glass panels, while the upper deck gives you open-sea views and a better spot for photographs.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that the trip suits children, older people, and anyone who prefers to stay dry. I also like the price, $24 per person, which is fair for transport and boat fees. The main point to watch is timing: the boat ride itself lasts about one hour, while the advertised two hours includes transfers.

Key points to know before you book

• One hour on the water: The full outing takes about two hours, but much of that time is hotel transfer and boarding.
• Large glass viewing panels: You can watch coral and fish from the lower deck without snorkelling.
• Two-level boat: Sit by the glass at sea level, then go upstairs for open water views.
• Good family choice: Children, older people, and non-swimmers can enjoy the reef scenery.
• Hotel pickup included: An air-conditioned vehicle collects you from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel and returns you afterward.
• Small group size: The boat excursion allows a maximum of 20 people, though the exact boat may vary.

Seeing Red Sea coral without getting wet

Sharm El Sheikh is known for its coral-rich Red Sea waters, but not everyone wants to snorkel. Some people dislike wearing fins, some children are too young, and some older visitors simply prefer a steady seat and a clear view.

That is where this glass bottom boat works well. You sit over panels set into the lower deck and look down into the water as the boat reaches reef viewing areas. You may also see marine life from the side of the boat, which gives you a broader view than the glass panels alone.

The experience is not a substitute for being in the water. The glass can limit the size and sharpness of what you see, and the boat ride is fairly short. Still, for a gentle introduction to the Red Sea, it offers a useful compromise between a beach outing and a full snorkelling trip.

The boat usually spends about 60 minutes near the reef areas. A guide or captain may point out fish and coral species, and one guide was praised for telling people when to have their cameras ready. That small bit of timing matters, since the best view can pass quickly as the boat moves.

From your hotel to the pier

Your outing begins with pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. The included vehicle is air-conditioned, and the return trip is part of the package, so you do not need to arrange a taxi or negotiate a fare at the end.

The transfer service receives especially strong praise. Drivers have been described as punctual, friendly, and helpful, with Ahmed singled out for professional service. Another driver, Mohammad, reportedly shared information about Egypt during the ride and went out of his way to help a family with children.

Those details make a difference in Sharm El Sheikh, where an organized pickup can save you time and reduce stress. The operator, Nabil, is also frequently associated with arranging this excursion and other local activities. If you book, it is sensible to confirm the pickup time and the driver’s contact details before leaving your hotel.

There is a small point of confusion about the meeting place. The excursion is connected with the Old Market area, while one account places boarding at Novotel Jetty. Since piers and boat arrangements can change, confirm the exact jetty and the walking route before you set off, especially if you have young children or limited mobility.

Boarding near Old Market and Novotel Jetty

The listed stop is Old Market, but the boat itself departs from a jetty. One account describes a walk from the vehicle to the Novotel Jetty, including sand and a small, older dock. That route may be uncomfortable in strong sun, and it is worth keeping in mind if you are bringing a stroller, elderly family members, or anyone who has trouble walking.

The boarding area is not presented as a major attraction in its own right. You might have a short wait before departure, and one person used the time to sit at a beachside café with fruit juice. That can be a pleasant pause, but you should not expect every minute of the two-hour booking to be spent on the boat.

Once aboard, the vessel has two levels. The lower level is at sea level, with seats beside the glass viewing panels. This is the important section for seeing the reef, so try to settle there when the underwater viewing begins.

The upper level is better for fresh air, broad sea views, and photographs. One account describes moving upstairs on the return journey to enjoy the open water. Soft drinks may be available for purchase, and some trips include a bottle of water, but refreshments should not be treated as a guaranteed part of the package.

The one-hour reef viewing trip

The boat heads toward reef and marine viewing areas for roughly one hour. Your main activity is looking through the glass floor as the boat passes over coral formations and schools of fish.

The quality of the view depends on water conditions, the cleanliness of the glass, the boat’s position, and how long the captain stays over each area. Some departures appear to include fish feeding, which can bring marine life closer to the boat. That can be entertaining, especially for children, though it is not the same as observing fish in a completely undisturbed setting.

A guide or captain may provide commentary. Some people found the explanation of local history and the development of Sharm El Sheikh interesting, while others wished they had been told more about the fish and coral themselves. If marine identification is important to you, ask the guide directly what species you are seeing.

Bring a phone or camera, but keep expectations realistic. The glass panels are the best place for underwater photographs, while the upper deck is better for pictures of the boat, coast, and open sea. The guide may alert you when a good view is coming, so listen for those prompts rather than looking down constantly.

One practical warning: the boat may allow people to sit on the glass panels for a closer look, but this drew criticism from one person who felt an extra charge was being requested. Clarify any optional fees before paying. Your basic booking includes the boat fees, so anything beyond that should be explained clearly.

What the $24 price really buys you

At $24 per person, this is a low-cost way to add a Red Sea experience to a Sharm El Sheikh holiday. The price includes the air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and return, and boat fees. For a family that does not want a full snorkelling trip, the transport alone adds useful value.

You are paying for convenience as much as for the reef viewing. A private taxi to the pier, a separate boat ticket, and a return ride could cost more or require more planning. Here, the basic arrangements are handled together, and the group is limited to a maximum of 20 people.

The value drops if you have already spent time snorkelling that day. One person who had been in the water earlier found the glass boat less impressive by comparison. If you can snorkel confidently and have already seen the reefs at close range, this may feel like a short add-on rather than a major excursion.

For first-time Red Sea visitors, families, non-swimmers, and people who want a calm outing, the price makes more sense. The experience has a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 134 ratings, with 96 percent recommending it, which fits its strongest qualities: friendly transfers, simple planning, and broad family appeal.

Who will enjoy this most

I would put this near the top of the list for families with small children. Children can see fish and coral without dealing with masks, fins, currents, or the fear of putting their face underwater. One family even received extra help when a child found the route onto the boat difficult.

It also suits older relatives who would rather remain seated. The trip gives them a chance to see the Red Sea’s marine life alongside the rest of the family, rather than being left out of a water-based activity.

Non-swimmers can take part, and most people are able to join the activity. The boat provides a safer, cleaner way to appreciate marine life than entering the water, though the walk to the jetty and the condition of the dock may matter for anyone with mobility concerns.

You may enjoy it less if you want a long cruise, detailed marine biology, or an active day at sea. The boat ride is short, the commentary may vary, and the main viewing is through glass rather than from the water itself.

Timing, comfort, and small practical tips

Plan for about two hours from hotel pickup to hotel return. Only around one hour is spent on the boat itself, so do not book this expecting a half-day outing.

The sun can be strong during the walk to the dock and while waiting to board. Wear comfortable shoes, carry sun protection, and bring water even if a bottle may be provided. If you are travelling with children, keep the boarding route in mind and ask for help if the dock or steps look difficult.

The boat’s lower deck is the priority for reef viewing. If you want the best chance of looking through the glass, board promptly and ask the crew where the panels are clearest. After the viewing, the upper deck offers a pleasant change and better open-sea photographs.

The group limit of 20 people should keep the outing from feeling huge, but the exact amount of space around the glass panels can still depend on the boat used that day. The photos used to promote an excursion do not always match the vessel you receive, so focus on the activity itself rather than expecting a particular boat design.

Booking, cancellation, and weather

Mobile ticketing makes the booking easy to carry on your phone. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability, so do not assume the trip is final until you receive it.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off follows local time in Sharm El Sheikh.

Weather matters on the Red Sea. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached and the operator cancels the departure.

Should you book the Sharm El Sheikh glass bottom boat?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, low-effort look at Red Sea coral. It is particularly useful for families, older relatives, non-swimmers, and anyone who wants to stay dry. The included pickup, friendly drivers, and compact two-hour schedule make it easy to fit between other Sharm El Sheikh plans.

Skip it if you have already snorkelled over the reefs and want more time in the water. Also think twice if a long walk over sand, a small dock, or a short boat ride would be difficult for you.

For most people, the right expectation is a pleasant one-hour marine viewing trip, not a full sea adventure. At $24, that is a fair deal, and the strongest part is the chance to share the Red Sea with your whole family, including those who would never choose to snorkel.

FAQ

How long does the glass bottom boat excursion take?

The whole experience takes approximately two hours, including hotel pickup and return. The boat ride and reef viewing itself usually last about one hour.

How much does the excursion cost?

The listed price is $24 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh and return transport are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What can I see from the boat?

You can view Red Sea coral reefs and fish through the large glass panels at the bottom of the boat. You may also see marine life from the side of the boat.

Do I need to snorkel or swim?

No. The glass bottom lets you see the underwater marine world without getting wet, making the trip suitable for people who do not want to snorkel.

How many people can join the excursion?

The activity has a maximum group size of 20 people.

Where does the boat depart from?

The excursion is associated with Old Market, and one departure point is described as Novotel Jetty. Confirm the exact jetty and boarding instructions after booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If weather or insufficient numbers cause the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.