Semi-Submarine & Glass-Bottom Boat Trip: trip overview
The semi-submarine looks like a boat above the water, but its lower deck is a glass-walled viewing cabin just below the surface. You sit comfortably and watch the reef, fish and sometimes turtles glide past the windows.
Most departures include a short snorkel stop for those who want to get in the water, making it an easy half-day trip for mixed-age families.
Highlights
- Underwater viewing cabin with big windows
- Coral reef and fish feeding area
- Optional snorkel stop
- Great for all ages
- Short and affordable
Your day, as it feels
Step down into the viewing cabin and suddenly you're at eye level with the reef. Fish dart past the windows, coral glows in the sunlight and children press their noses to the glass.
Afterwards, anyone who wants can snorkel at a shallow stop, while others relax on the top deck. It's short, affordable and ideal for mixed-age families.
Why guests choose this trip with Hurghada Day Trips
Perfect for little ones
Dry, shaded and short.
Optional snorkelling
Something for everyone in the family.
Great value
One of the most affordable sea trips.
Honest description
A semi-submarine, not a real submarine — and still great fun.
Itinerary, hour by hour
- Flexible
Hotel pickup
Transfer to the marina.
- +30 min
Sail to the reef
Watch from the top deck.
- +45 min
Underwater viewing
About 40 minutes below deck.
- +1h 30
Snorkel stop
Optional.
- +2h 30
Return
Transfer back to your hotel.
Times are approximate and confirmed with your booking. Pickup times vary by hotel area — you receive yours the evening before.
What's included
- Hotel transfers
- Semi-submarine trip
- Snorkel equipment
- Soft drink
Not included
- Towels
- Tips (optional)
Optional extras — told to you before you book
| Optional extra | Cost |
|---|---|
| Towels | bring your own |
Your safety on this trip
- Licensed boat and crew
- Life jackets for the snorkel stop
- Short trip with calm-water departures
What other travellers complain about — and what we do instead
We read public reviews of Hurghada excursions so you don't have to learn the hard way. Here is what goes wrong on some trips of this kind, and the standard we hold ourselves to.
Is this trip right for you?
Perfect for
- Toddlers and young children
- Non-swimmers
- Older travellers
Maybe not for you if…
- Guests wanting a deep submarine dive (choose Sindbad)
Insider tips from our team
- Morning trips have the clearest water.
- Bring swimwear if you want to snorkel.
What to bring
- Swimwear if you want to snorkel
- Sunscreen
Good to know
- Great first activity for young children.
Hotel pickup areas
Pickup and drop-off are arranged from hotels in central Hurghada and from El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, Safaga. Read our pickup areas guide for typical transfer times.
Guest reviews
Reviews on this page come only from guests who booked this trip with us; we publish positive and critical ones alike. After your trip we send you a short review link.
Semi-Submarine & Glass-Bottom Boat Trip: questions & answers
Do we get wet?
Only if you choose to snorkel. The viewing cabin is completely dry.
How are children's tickets priced?
Children aged 0–4 travel free on standard per-person trips; ages 5–10 pay 50% of the adult trip fare; ages 11 and over pay the full fare. Enter every child’s age on the trip date when booking. Pickup supplements and minimum booking prices are shown separately. Private boats, jeeps and quads are priced per vehicle. Activity age restrictions still apply.
