Safaga/Makadi Bay: Panorama Submarine with Snorkeling Tour

Makadi Bay’s best feature is below the boat: a glass-windowed cabin takes you about 5 meters beneath the Red Sea, where fish pass close to the windows and a scuba diver may appear outside. You can enjoy the reef without getting wet, then enter the water for a 30-minute snorkeling stop.

I like the mix of easy underwater viewing and hands-on snorkeling, which works well for families with children or anyone who does not want to scuba dive. I also like the price: at $18 per person, with transfers, equipment, water, a soft drink, and entry included, it gives you a lot for a short outing. The main drawback is that the best views depend on water clarity, and the walk from the transfer drop-off to the boat can be awkward for anyone with limited mobility.

Key points at a glance

• Five meters below the surface: Sit in the lower cabin and watch fish and coral through underwater windows without swimming.
• A 30-minute reef stop: The snorkeling portion is long enough to make the trip more than a simple sightseeing cruise.
• Good family value: Children can watch the fish from the cabin, while confident swimmers and beginners can use the snorkeling gear.
• Pickup from three resort areas: Transfers serve Safaga, Makadi Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh, though some Makadi hotels require a separate arrangement.
• Friendly multilingual crew: Assistance is available in English, Russian, German, and Arabic, with guides helping first-time snorkelers.
• Sales are optional: Photos, canned drinks, and snacks cost extra, but the basic trip includes the main essentials.

What the Makadi Bay semi-submarine actually is

This is not a fully submerged submarine traveling through the open sea. It is a boat with an enclosed lower viewing area, allowing you to sit beside large windows below the surface while the vessel rests or moves slowly near a reef.

That setup matters because you get two different Red Sea experiences in one trip. First, you watch marine life from a dry seat. Later, you can put on a mask and snorkel and see the same world from the water.

The underwater cabin is the star attraction for young children, non-swimmers, and anyone who finds a full snorkeling session tiring. Fish may come close to the glass, and the crew may position the boat near coral where you can see schools of smaller fish. A scuba diver can also swim outside the windows, giving children an entertaining close-up view.

Keep your expectations sensible. Visibility can be affected by marks or salt on the windows, and one booking found the reef less impressive than a previous submarine trip in Sharm el-Sheikh. You are paying for a short, accessible look at the sea, not an extensive reef expedition.

Getting from Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, or Makadi Bay to the boat

Hotel pickup is included from Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay. The transfer is listed as about one hour each way in the full itinerary, though some people staying close to the marina may spend much less time on the road.

The vehicle has air conditioning, an important detail in Egypt’s heat. Pickup instructions generally ask you to wait at the reception entrance. At certain hotels, you need to wait at the main gate outside instead, so check the exact meeting point before the morning of the trip.

The transfer is one reason the $18 price works well. You are not only buying a boat ride, but also transport and admission. Still, allow more time than the headline two-hour duration if you are being collected from Safaga or Sahl Hasheesh. The water activity itself is described as two hours, while the full outing can include roughly an hour going out and another hour returning.

There can also be a walk at the marina. One family took about ten minutes from the vehicle drop-off to the pier with a toddler, while the walk may be closer to five minutes without a small child. That is manageable for most people, but it is worth knowing if you have a stroller, heavy beach bag, or mobility concerns.

Boarding and the short ride across Makadi Bay

At the dock, you board the Panorama Submarine boat and receive an introduction from the crew. The trip begins with views across calm Makadi Bay before the boat heads toward the viewing area.

The ride to the reef may be around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the exact departure point and route. This part is not packed with activities, but it gives you time to sit outside, take in the coast, and get ready for the underwater viewing.

Choose a morning or afternoon departure when booking. A morning trip can be a good choice for families who want cooler conditions and a full day remaining afterward. Afternoon light may give the surface of the bay a different look, but strong sun can make the open deck hot.

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and fairly spacious. On busier departures, families may need to separate briefly to find seats, so arrive ready to sit wherever space is available rather than expecting a private family section.

Seeing coral and fish through the lower windows

Once the boat reaches the reef, you go downstairs to the underwater viewing cabin. The windows sit about five meters below the surface, putting you at eye level with fish and coral without requiring any swimming.

This is a particularly good arrangement for a three-year-old or another child who is too young for a full snorkeling session. Several children enjoyed the lower cabin more than expected, especially when fish gathered near the windows. Adults may find the cabin less exciting if they have already snorkeled on several Red Sea trips, but it still provides a relaxing break between activities.

The crew may point out marine life, and a scuba diver can swim in view of the windows. The description also includes the possibility of seeing sea lions, though marine sightings are never guaranteed. Fish are the more realistic focus, with schools sometimes passing directly in front of the glass.

Window condition is worth keeping in mind. One person found the glass could have been cleaner inside and out. If your view looks hazy, changing position may help, but you cannot control the clarity of the water or the condition of every pane.

The underwater viewing generally lasts around 20 to 30 minutes, though the boat may remain in the reef area for close to an hour while the program moves toward snorkeling. Use this time to watch patiently rather than expecting constant action. Marine life comes and goes, and the best moments may be brief.

The 30-minute snorkeling stop

The snorkeling stop is what gives this outing real value. Equipment is included, and the crew provides help for beginners. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, which is a useful amount of time for a first attempt or a short family swim.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, but tell the crew if you are nervous or inexperienced. Staff have helped first-time snorkelers, including children, and guides may lead you around the reef while pointing out fish.

The water can offer colorful coral and a range of smaller Red Sea fish. The exact quality of the reef varies, and some people may find the snorkeling spot pleasant rather than exceptional. If you have already visited famous reefs around Sharm el-Sheikh or spent days on dedicated snorkeling boats, this may feel modest by comparison.

For a first Red Sea outing, though, the combination is strong. You get a dry view from below the boat, then a chance to swim among the fish yourself. The 30-minute stop is also long enough for you to settle into the mask and snorkel instead of spending the entire time learning how to use them.

Bring your own swimwear and towel. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and comfortable shoes are useful for the transfer, pier walk, and time on deck. Food and personal drinks are not allowed, but unlimited mineral water and one soft drink are included. Snacks and canned drinks can be bought onboard.

Crew, safety, and the optional photo service

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Staff members help with equipment, offer support in the water, and keep an eye on first-time snorkelers. Communication is available in English, Russian, German, and Arabic, although the clarity of explanations can vary during a busy trip.

Several crew members received special praise in individual bookings. Mahmood was singled out for making a family’s water activity memorable, while Muhammed was helpful on deck. Mina was also warmly praised by one family. Crew assignments can change, so treat these names as useful recognition rather than a promise that a particular person will be onboard.

A photographer may take pictures from the boat and during snorkeling. You can buy photos or video afterward, but the price may be close to the cost of the excursion itself. Image quality has received mixed feedback: some families bought a full package and loved the results, while another person was disappointed that some snorkeling pictures were missing.

The sales approach also appears to vary. Many people found the photo offer and tip request low-pressure, while one booking described the photo sales as too long or annoying. If you are not interested, a clear no should be enough. Bring extra money only if you genuinely want photos, snacks, or paid drinks.

Is $18 good value for this Red Sea outing?

Yes, for most people, the price is strong. At $18, you receive hotel pickup and return, the semi-submarine ride, all entry tickets, snorkeling equipment, a 30-minute water stop, unlimited mineral water, and one soft drink.

That is less than you might pay for a longer boat trip with meals, but this is also a shorter outing. You should not compare it directly with a full-day island cruise or a specialist reef trip. Those may offer more time in the water and more remote snorkeling sites.

The value is best if you are staying in Makadi Bay, where the transfer may be short. It is still reasonable from Safaga or Sahl Hasheesh, but the road time makes the day feel longer. The experience is also a smart choice if your group includes mixed abilities. One person can stay dry and watch from the cabin while another snorkels.

There are no listed extra charges for the basic program, but transfers from Madinat Makadi, Sun Rise Makadi, and Xanadu hotels are not included. Confirm this before paying, since an additional transfer could change the final cost.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it most strongly for families with children, first-time snorkelers, and couples or groups looking for a simple half-day activity. The lower cabin gives children something to do even if they are not ready for the water, and the crew can provide extra support during snorkeling.

It also suits you if you want to see Red Sea fish but do not want a full scuba session. The semi-submarine offers a dry, seated view, and the snorkeling stop lets you decide how much time you want to spend in the water.

Strong swimmers who want a secluded reef, long snorkeling time, or advanced marine sightseeing should look elsewhere. This boat visits an accessible reef area, not a remote site, and the underwater views depend on clean windows and good visibility.

Mobility requires extra care. The activity information says the tour is wheelchair accessible, yet also marks it as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. Add the pier walk and the need to move between the deck, lower cabin, and snorkeling area, then contact the provider before booking if stairs, uneven ground, or boarding are concerns.

Practical details before you reserve

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times vary, so check the available morning and afternoon departures for your date.

Do not bring pets, food, or drinks. Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes. A small amount of cash is useful for optional drinks, snacks, photos, or a tip, but none of those extras are required.

Wait at the correct hotel pickup point. Most pickups use the reception entrance, while some properties require you to wait at the main gate. If your hotel is in the group excluded from standard transfers, arrange the extra transport in advance.

Should you book the Panorama Submarine?

Book it if you want an affordable introduction to Makadi Bay’s reef with both dry viewing and a short swim. The $18 package covers the main costs, the crew is generally helpful, and the format keeps young children involved.

Skip it if you want a full-day reef adventure or have already seen much stronger coral sites elsewhere in Egypt. For everyone else, especially families and mixed-ability groups, this is a practical Red Sea outing with enough fish, water time, and friendly assistance to justify the low price.

FAQ

How long does the Panorama Submarine tour last?

The water activity lasts about two hours. With pickup and return transfers, allow additional travel time, especially from Safaga or Sahl Hasheesh. The full route can include about one hour by coach each way.

What is included in the $18 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the semi-submarine cruise, entry tickets, snorkeling equipment, a 30-minute snorkeling stop, one soft drink, and unlimited mineral water.

How deep does the semi-submarine go?

The underwater viewing cabin descends about 5 meters below the surface.

Can children or non-swimmers enjoy the trip?

Yes. Children and non-swimmers can watch fish and coral through the lower windows without entering the water. Snorkeling is optional, and the crew can help beginners, but the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Are food and drinks included?

One soft drink and unlimited mineral water are included. Food, additional drinks, snacks, and canned drinks are not included, though some can be purchased onboard. Food and outside drinks are not allowed.

Where does hotel pickup operate?

Pickup is available from Safaga, Makadi Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh. Transfers from Madinat Makadi, Sun Rise Makadi, and Xanadu hotels are not included. Wait by the reception entrance unless your hotel’s instructions specify the main gate.