Hurghada: Empire Submarine Boat Trip with Snorkel and Drinks

Hurghada’s Empire Submarine gives you two ways to see the Red Sea in one outing: through broad underwater windows and from the water itself. The semi-submarine observation deck sits 3 meters below the surface, so you can watch coral and fish in air-conditioned comfort before putting on a mask for a 40-minute snorkel stop.

I like the easy family format and the fact that hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, life jackets, water, and soft drinks are included. I also like the balance between a 60-minute coastal cruise, a 45-minute underwater viewing period, and time in the sea. The main consideration is that the snorkeling and reef views depend on sea conditions, and photos taken onboard can cost extra.

The tour earns a strong 4.5 rating from 35 reviews, with praise for friendly staff, clean boats, punctual pickup, and an underwater show that works well for children. At $19 per person, it is a practical introduction to Hurghada’s marine life, though serious snorkelers may want a longer, more specialized boat trip.

Key points before you book

• See the reef from 3 meters below the surface: Large panoramic windows give you an underwater view without requiring you to swim.
• Get 40 minutes in the water: The snorkeling stop lets you see the same Red Sea setting at close range.
• Expect a family-friendly pace: Children aged 5 and 6 enjoyed the trip, and the activity suits a wide range of ages and skill levels.
• Use the hotel transfer: Pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, plus an air-conditioned vehicle, are included.
• Bring your own towel: Swimwear, sunglasses, a sun hat, and comfortable shoes are useful, but towels and food are not provided.
• Watch the photo costs: The crew takes photos and videos, but they are sold separately at what one passenger considered a high price.

From Hurghada marina to the Red Sea reef

Your day begins with pickup from your Hurghada hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The exact time depends on where you are staying, so confirm it one day before departure. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, a small point that matters when you are waiting outside with children or planning the rest of your day.

Pickup and drop-off are included for Hurghada hotels. Extra charges apply for pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga, so check the location supplement before paying. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed.

Once you reach the marina, you board the Empire Submarine for the coastal ride. The first cruise lasts about 60 minutes and takes you along the Hurghada coast toward one of the area’s attractive coral reef sites. This part is not just transport. It gives you open views of the Red Sea and a little time to settle into the boat before the underwater viewing begins.

I would treat the cruise as a calm introduction rather than a sightseeing voyage with many named landmarks. The main attraction is the sea itself and the shift from the busy shoreline to a reef location. Complimentary water and soft drinks are available onboard, which is helpful under the Egyptian sun, but food is not included.

The air-conditioned underwater deck at 3 meters

The signature feature is the semi-submarine’s observation deck. You move below the waterline into an air-conditioned space with glass walls and wide panoramic windows. At roughly 3 meters below the surface, you can look across the reef while staying dry and protected from the heat.

This setup solves a common problem with reef excursions: not everyone wants to swim, and not everyone can swim confidently. You can sit by the windows and watch colorful fish, coral formations, and other sea life without needing a mask or fins. For parents, it also means younger children can see the underwater setting without spending the whole trip in the water.

The underwater viewing period lasts about 45 minutes. That is enough time to watch the reef, move your attention between the windows, and take photos if conditions allow. The glass gives you a fish-eye style view, though you should keep expectations sensible. This is not a private submarine ride into the open sea. It is a semi-submarine cruise at a shallow reef depth, designed to make marine life accessible.

The word submarine can make this sound more dramatic than it is. You are not traveling through a dark underwater tunnel or reaching great depths. The appeal is comfort and access. You get a steady look at a Red Sea reef from an enclosed deck, with no special training and no need to spend the entire excursion wet.

The windows are the reason this tour works for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can remain inside, and children can shift between the two options. If your main goal is a long swim over a large reef, this will feel limited. If you want a simple way to see marine life with relatives or children, the design makes good sense.

What the underwater views can and cannot promise

The Red Sea is known for clear water, coral, and colorful fish, and this trip takes you to a reef area selected for underwater viewing. You may see fish moving around the coral and notice how the reef looks from different angles through the large windows.

The quality of the view can change with sunlight, water clarity, and sea conditions. The supplied information does not promise particular fish species or guaranteed visibility, so I would book this for a general reef experience rather than for a specific wildlife sighting.

The underwater deck is also a shared viewing space. You may need to shift position to get the best angle through the glass, especially if several people are trying to watch the same area. Still, the 45-minute period gives you time to look without rushing.

The strongest feature here is access. You do not need to be an experienced swimmer, a confident snorkeler, or a keen boat enthusiast. You can simply sit below the surface and watch. That makes the experience especially useful on a first visit to Hurghada, when you want a taste of the Red Sea before committing to a longer marine excursion.

Forty minutes of snorkeling near the reef

After the underwater viewing, the boat stops for about 40 minutes of snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are supplied, so you do not need to hire basic gear separately. You should still bring swimwear and a towel, since towels are not included.

Forty minutes is a worthwhile amount of water time for a casual snorkeler. It gives you enough time to enter the water, adjust your mask, look around the reef, and return to the boat without feeling that the stop is over immediately. It is not a full-day snorkeling program, and keen swimmers may find the session short, but it adds real value to the underwater window experience.

The contrast between the two parts is useful. Through the glass, you observe from a fixed position. In the water, you can move and see the reef from close range. You might notice fish that were easy to miss from the boat, or see how the coral changes as you swim along.

Life jackets are included, which helps less confident swimmers. The tour is described as suitable for all skill levels, but you should still follow the crew’s instructions and use the safety equipment provided. No information is given about a dedicated instructor or private snorkeling guidance, so expect a group activity rather than one-to-one coaching.

Parents should appreciate the choice built into the schedule. Children who are comfortable in the water can snorkel, while others can remain onboard with an adult. The trip is not limited to strong swimmers, but every participant should bring a sensible attitude toward the sea.

Friendly staff, clean boats, and onboard extras

The crew’s manner is an important part of a short sea trip. The staff are described as friendly and helpful, with clear explanations during the outing. Support is available in English, Arabic, and German, which can make instructions easier to follow for mixed-language groups.

The boat has also been praised for being clean. That matters more than it may sound. You will spend time in the enclosed observation area, on the deck, and around the snorkeling equipment, so a tidy boat makes the entire experience more comfortable.

Water is available without limit, and soft drinks are included. These are useful inclusions in a hot climate, especially when you are traveling with children. Food is not included, so eat before pickup or plan to have a meal afterward. Do not count on the boat as a lunch excursion.

Photography is the one clear caution. The crew takes photos and videos during the trip, and some people enjoy having a record of the underwater show and snorkeling stop. The extra charge can feel high, so decide in advance how much those images matter to you. Bring a waterproof phone case only if you already have one, since no personal photography equipment is listed as part of the package.

Is $19 good value for Hurghada?

At $19 per person, this is priced as a budget-friendly marine outing rather than a premium yacht or specialist snorkeling cruise. The value comes from combining several services: hotel transport within Hurghada, the semi-submarine ride, underwater viewing, snorkeling gear, life jackets, a snorkeling stop, water, and soft drinks.

If you booked transport and a separate reef activity, the price would quickly become less simple. Here, you pay one modest amount for a few hours built around the Red Sea. That makes it useful for families, couples, and first-time visitors who want to see the coast without spending a full day at sea.

The price is less compelling if you only want serious snorkeling. The snorkeling portion lasts 40 minutes, and a specialist reef trip may offer more water time, though no comparison price is provided here. You are paying for the combination of comfort and access, not just for time in the water.

I also see value in the family flexibility. A group with different abilities does not have to split up. Confident swimmers get a snorkeling stop, while those who prefer to stay dry still receive a proper underwater viewing session.

Who will enjoy the Empire Submarine most?

This trip suits you if you want a short, low-cost introduction to Red Sea marine life. It is particularly practical for families with young children, older relatives, and anyone who feels unsure about swimming in open water.

It also works well for a mixed group. One person can focus on underwater views, another can snorkel, and children can decide which part feels comfortable. The report of children aged 5 and 6 enjoying the trip suggests that the format can hold young attention, though every child responds differently to boats and water.

You should consider another kind of excursion if you want a quiet, private experience. The boat has shared viewing areas, and the activity includes both a cruise and a group snorkeling stop. It is also not the right choice if wheelchair access is essential.

Pack lightly but sensibly:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Comfortable shoes for the boat and transfer
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Personal spending money for photos, videos, or other expenses

The boat supplies snorkeling gear and life jackets. Bring sun protection because much of the outing takes place on or near open water.

Timing, cancellation, and practical planning

Pickup time changes with your hotel location, so confirm the exact time one day before the trip. Allow a little patience for a delay of up to 10 minutes, especially if you are arranging a later meal or another activity.

You can reserve the experience and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada schedule is still changing. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Keep those terms in mind if your plans depend on weather or a changing hotel schedule.

The activity is offered in English, Arabic, and German. That does not mean every part of the outing will be conducted in all three languages at once, but it does give you useful language options when booking and receiving instructions.

The overall pace is straightforward: hotel transfer, a 60-minute cruise, around 45 minutes viewing the reef from the underwater deck, a 40-minute snorkeling stop, and the return sail to the marina. Exact timings can vary, so avoid scheduling something immediately afterward.

Should you book this Red Sea boat trip?

I would book the Empire Submarine if you want a simple and affordable first look at Hurghada’s reef life. The price is fair for the mix of transport, underwater viewing, snorkeling, equipment, drinks, and family-friendly pacing.

Book it with realistic expectations. You get a shallow semi-submarine view rather than an advanced submarine expedition, and 40 minutes of snorkeling rather than a full day in the water. The paid photos may also cost more than you expect.

For a family, a mixed-ability group, or a visitor who wants to see coral without committing to a demanding sea tour, this is a sensible choice. Strong snorkelers seeking long reef time should compare it with a longer boat outing. Everyone else will find a clean, well-organized way to meet the Red Sea, with enough time underwater to make the $19 fare worthwhile.

FAQ

How much does the Empire Submarine trip cost?

The experience costs $19 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada. Extra pickup charges apply for Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling stop lasts 40 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included.

Are drinks included on the boat?

Yes. Unlimited water and complimentary soft drinks are included. Food is not provided.

Is the tour suitable for children and all swimming levels?

The experience is family-friendly and suitable for all ages and skill levels. It includes underwater viewing for people who do not want to swim, plus a snorkeling stop for those who wish to enter the water.