Hurghada: Empire Submarine Boat Trip with Snorkel and Drinks

The best part of this Hurghada trip is the underwater observation deck, where you sit in air-conditioned comfort about 3 meters below the surface and watch coral and fish through broad glass windows. I like that you get two ways to see the Red Sea: a calm, dry view from the boat and a 40-minute snorkeling stop. The main drawback is simple: if you want a long, quiet reef session, this is a short introductory outing rather than a full-day boat trip.

I also like the tidy logistics. Hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, life jackets, water, and soft drinks are included, which keeps the $19 price unusually easy to understand. Families get a gentle introduction to the sea, though the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users, and photographs sold onboard can cost more than you may expect.

Key points at a glance

• Three meters below the surface: Watch fish and coral through the submarine’s air-conditioned, glass-walled cabin.
• Forty minutes in the water: The snorkeling stop gives you a proper taste of the reef, not just a quick swim.
• Two different Red Sea views: Start with a dry observation session, then see the reef firsthand with mask and snorkel.
• Hotel transfers included: Pickup and return from Hurghada hotels are part of the price, with a possible delay of up to 10 minutes.
• Made for families: Children as young as 5 and 6 enjoyed the outing, according to the supplied feedback.
• Budget-friendly extras: Unlimited water and soft drinks are included, while food, towels, and onboard photo packages cost extra.

What the Empire Submarine trip is really like

This is not a conventional submarine exploring dark, deep water. It is a semi-submarine, a surface vessel with an enclosed viewing cabin below the waterline. That distinction matters because you get plenty of daylight, open-air deck space, and a simple way to see the Red Sea without committing to a full scuba or snorkeling excursion.

The underwater cabin sits around 3 meters below the surface. Large panoramic windows give you a fish-eye-style view of the reef, coral formations, and passing marine life. You remain dry during this part, and the air conditioning is useful in Hurghada’s heat.

I see this as a good first encounter with the Red Sea. You can watch the underwater world before deciding how much time you want to spend in the water. For children, cautious swimmers, and family members who prefer to stay dry, that makes the trip more flexible than a snorkeling-only boat ride.

The experience has a rating of 4.5 from 35 supplied ratings, with especially strong praise for organization, friendly staff, clean boat conditions, underwater views, and the snorkeling time. One family reported that children aged 5 and 6 loved it, which tells you something about the gentle, accessible nature of the outing.

Pickup from Hurghada and the ride to the reef

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada in an air-conditioned vehicle. The exact pickup time depends on your hotel, so confirm it one day before the trip. Allow a possible delay of up to 10 minutes, which is normal for a service collecting people from several properties.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Hurghada. Transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga are not included in the standard arrangement, so select the correct pickup option when booking if you are staying outside central Hurghada.

The vehicle transfer is not the star of the day, but it adds real value at this price. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the marina or work out where to meet the boat. The air conditioning also helps after a hot morning outdoors.

Once onboard, the boat cruises for about 60 minutes along the Hurghada coast toward a reef selected for its underwater scenery. This first stretch gives you time to settle in, take in the coast, and get ready for the main viewing session.

Do not expect a fast ride or a packed sightseeing program during this hour. The point is to reach the reef, not to tick off a series of coastal landmarks. Bring sunglasses and a hat for the open deck, and keep your phone protected from spray if you plan to take pictures.

Seeing the Red Sea from three meters down

The semi-submarine’s main feature is its air-conditioned observation deck. You go below the surface without putting on a mask, entering the water, or worrying about swimming skills. The cabin is glass-walled, with broad windows intended for viewing the reef and fish from several seats.

The underwater viewing period lasts about 45 minutes. That is long enough to settle into the rhythm of the sea. Fish may appear, disappear behind coral, and reappear farther along the windows. The attraction is not a staged show in the theatrical sense. It is a moving window onto a living reef.

The supplied information describes colorful corals, exotic fish, and other marine life. You might find the clearest views depend on sunlight, water conditions, and where the boat stops. Even so, the low viewing position gives you an angle that is hard to get from a normal sightseeing boat.

I particularly like this section for mixed groups. One person can snorkel later while another stays dry. Parents can introduce young children to the sea without immediately asking them to manage fins, masks, and open water. Older visitors can enjoy the reef without spending 40 minutes swimming.

There are a few practical limits. The cabin is a viewing area, not a private space, so you may be sharing the windows with other passengers. You also see the reef through glass rather than with your own eyes in the water. For the best detail and closest contact, snorkeling remains the stronger part of the day.

The 40-minute snorkeling stop

After the underwater cabin, the boat stops near the reef for about 40 minutes of snorkeling. Masks, snorkels, and life jackets are included. That is a useful arrangement, especially if you are packing light or do not have your own equipment.

Forty minutes is a respectable amount of time for a short excursion. You have time to adjust your mask, get comfortable, and look around instead of rushing straight back onboard. One supplied comment specifically praised the amount of snorkeling time, and I agree that this is one of the tour’s better features.

The water is described as clear, with coral and marine life close to the reef. You may see fish and coral formations from a much more personal angle than from the submarine windows. The difference is important: the boat shows you the reef as a moving picture, while snorkeling lets you control where you look.

Life jackets are available, which helps less confident swimmers. The tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels according to the supplied details, but you should still bring swimwear and a towel. The activity is not designed for wheelchair users, so anyone with mobility concerns should check carefully before reserving.

A 40-minute stop is enough for an introduction, but it is not a full marine expedition. If your main goal is hours of snorkeling, a dedicated reef boat with a longer water schedule may suit you better. If you want a balanced day with dry viewing, a boat ride, and one accessible swim, this format makes good sense.

Drinks, food, towels, and onboard extras

Unlimited water and complimentary soft drinks are included onboard. This is a small detail, but it matters in Hurghada, where sun and heat can wear you down quickly. You can enjoy the cruise without adding a drink budget to every stop.

Food is not included. Pack or purchase anything you need before the trip, especially if you are traveling with children who become hungry between the hotel pickup and return. The supplied information does not list a meal service, so do not treat this as a lunch cruise.

Towels are also not provided. Bring your own towel, along with swimwear, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat. These items are easy to overlook when the tour price already includes so much equipment.

A photo and video package can be purchased onboard. This can be tempting after a good snorkeling session or a clear view of the reef, but check the price before agreeing. One piece of supplied feedback specifically found the photo fee high, so I would bring a waterproof phone case if you want your own pictures.

How the $19 price holds up

At $19 per person, this is one of the easier Red Sea activities to recommend on value alone. You receive transport from and back to a Hurghada hotel, an air-conditioned vehicle, the boat trip, 45 minutes of underwater viewing, 40 minutes of snorkeling, equipment, life jackets, water, and soft drinks.

The price is particularly useful for families. A private boat, scuba session, or long reef cruise can quickly cost far more once transfers and equipment are added. Here, the main sights are included in one low-cost package.

The compromise is time and simplicity. You are visiting one reef area rather than spending a full day moving among several sites. The boat provides an organized introduction, not a private marine experience. You also need to pay extra for food, towels, personal expenses, and optional photos.

For a first Red Sea outing, I think the balance is strong. You get a proper look underwater, a real snorkeling session, and basic comforts without paying for a large adventure program. If you already know that snorkeling is your main passion, spend more on a longer specialist trip. If you want to test the waters, $19 is a sensible entry point.

Who will enjoy this most

This tour suits families with young children, mixed-age groups, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants to see the reef without spending the whole day at sea. The air-conditioned cabin gives non-swimmers and cautious visitors a meaningful part in the experience.

It also works well for visitors with a busy Hurghada schedule. The supplied itinerary gives you a 60-minute cruise, a 45-minute underwater viewing period, a 40-minute snorkeling stop, and a return sail. The exact total duration is not stated, so leave room in your day rather than booking a tight follow-up plan.

You will likely enjoy it if you want convenience, a low price, and a gentle introduction to marine life. You may prefer another option if you want scuba certification, long snorkeling sessions, secluded water, or a private boat.

The experience is offered in English, Arabic, and German. That helps a mixed group follow safety instructions and understand what is happening onboard. No individual guide names are provided, so I would not book this expecting a named naturalist or a private guide.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear comfortable shoes for the transfer and boat, though you will need swimwear for the snorkeling stop. Sunglasses and a hat are useful on deck, while a towel is essential after leaving the water.

Confirm your pickup time one day before departure. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, so avoid waiting anxiously after the scheduled time. Pets are not allowed.

The booking allows you to reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans are still moving around. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those policies are useful, but the bigger practical question is where you are staying, since outlying resorts may require a separate pickup choice.

Should you book the Empire Submarine trip?

I would book this if you want good Red Sea value without a full-day commitment. The combination of air-conditioned underwater viewing, 40 minutes of snorkeling, hotel transfers, gear, drinks, and family-friendly pacing is hard to fault at $19.

I would skip it only if you already know you want a serious snorkeling or scuba day. The reef stop is limited, the route is shared, food and towels are extra, and onboard photos may be costly.

For families, first-time visitors, and anyone nervous about getting into the water, this is a smart way to meet the Red Sea. You get a dry seat below the surface, a chance to snorkel when ready, and a clean, straightforward day out.

FAQ

How much does the Empire Submarine trip cost?

The listed price is $19 per person.

What is included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, air-conditioned transportation, the semi-submarine cruise, panoramic underwater viewing, unlimited water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, the snorkeling stop, and life jackets are included.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling stop lasts about 40 minutes.

How deep is the underwater observation cabin?

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

Is the trip suitable for children?

Yes. The experience is described as family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Supplied feedback also notes that children aged 5 and 6 enjoyed the trip.

Are food and towels included?

No. Food and towels are not included, so bring a towel and plan ahead for anything you want to eat.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.