A pharaoh-style cruise with real snorkel time. I love the underwater observation deck views and the costume photo stop that turns a simple boat trip into a fun Egyptian moment. One thing to plan for: snorkeling equipment costs extra if you don’t rent it in the marina.

This is a 4-hour Makadi Bay experience in the Red Sea where the schedule actually makes sense. You get an underwater look first, then a guided snorkel (45 minutes), then a 3-course meal onboard. If you’re picky about food, you’ll be glad there are vegan and gluten-free options too, and the deck is air-conditioned for comfort.

Key things you’ll remember from this cruise

• Underwater observation deck with panoramic windows and an air-conditioned ride
• Egypt-style boat + floating tomb replica that makes photos easy
• 45-minute snorkeling stop guided by qualified staff
• Costumes and Tutankhamun’s throne for quick, memorable pictures
• 3-course lunch or dinner with a set menu (seafood or chicken) plus salad choices

Makadi Bay’s Nefertari floating tomb: a boat that feels like a show

The main hook here isn’t just the snorkeling. It’s the ship’s theme. You’re cruising on a floating replica inspired by Queen Nefertari’s tomb, dressed up with Egyptian-style décor. It’s the kind of setting that makes the whole trip feel special without requiring you to be an Egypt expert.

Before you even think about the water, the vibe is fun and visual. The boat also has an underwater viewing setup, so you’re not stuck only hoping for clear visibility during the snorkel. This matters in the Red Sea because conditions can vary, but you still get a great view through the deck windows either way.

Getting there from Makadi Bay and Hurghada: shared transport, short travel time

The cruise runs from Makadi Bay and includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Makadi Bay only. If you’re staying farther out, transfers may be an add-on you choose at checkout (areas listed include Safaga, Hurghada, Soma Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and Gouna).

In the real-world timing, your day starts with a shared bus ride (about 35 minutes) before you reach the marina area. Then it’s a boat cruise out (around 25 minutes) to the Abu Hashish Island area. After snorkeling, you return for a short marina tour and then head back to Hurghada.

Why this helps: you don’t spend your day bouncing around multiple hotels. The ride is part of the plan, not the main event.

First look underwater: panoramic windows on the air-conditioned deck

One of the smartest parts of this trip is that you see the underwater world before your feet ever hit the water. You access an underwater observation deck at the submarine level, with panoramic windows designed for viewing.

From that deck, you’ll be looking for coral reef life and larger marine animals. The experience is set up for you to spot things like turtles, dolphins, rays, and even the sea cow (manatee). You’ll also see lots of different fish and coral shapes and colors.

The air-conditioned note is more important than it sounds. In Egypt’s warm months, that little comfort boost makes the viewing time feel relaxing instead of sweaty.

If you’re the type who worries about snorkeling skills, this stage helps you feel oriented fast. You’ll already know roughly what you’re looking for when it’s time to snorkel.

Glass-bottom viewing and the best spotting opportunities

In addition to the observation deck, you’ll also have time for a glass-bottom boat ride (listed at 40 minutes). That extra viewing angle can be great, especially if you want to watch without adjusting gear or managing fins.

This is also the stage where many people start pointing at fish behavior. It’s easier to track movement from a stable boat or viewing window than while floating. Even if you’re confident in the water, glass-bottom viewing gives you a cleaner “where is everything?” overview.

Snorkeling at the Red Sea stop: guided 45 minutes, clear expectations

Now the water part. After the viewing and photo time, you cruise to a best snorkeling spot and spend 45 minutes snorkeling with fully qualified guides.

A few practical things to know:

• You’ll get help on the water with technique and safety guidance.
• You’re not left alone in the ocean. The snorkel stop is guided.
• If you’d rather not snorkel, the experience can still include an alternative boat ride for you.

Time management is a big deal here. Forty-five minutes is long enough to feel like a real snorkel, but short enough that the rest of the trip stays relaxed. That balance is where the value shows.

Gear rental: one small extra cost

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can rent it in the marina shops for $5 per piece. If you already have your own mask and snorkel, bring them and skip the rental cost. If you don’t, rent only what you need—sometimes people don’t realize how quickly add-ons add up.

Dressing as royalty: costumes, throne photos, and photographer energy

This cruise leans into the playful side of Egypt. There’s an opportunity to dress up as an ancient Egyptian king or queen for photos. You’ll also sit on Tutankhamun’s throne, which makes the photos feel less like a casual snapshot and more like a staged moment.

Expect a photo rhythm:

• There’s a photo stop (about 20 minutes).
• You’ll dress, pose, and get pictures during that window.
• Photographers are present and will likely offer their photo packages after.

How you should handle it: if you like photos, this is an easy win—bring a camera too and ask for a quick alternate angle before you commit to anything. If you dislike sales talk, keep your decision simple. Take your favorites, then politely move on.

What I like about this: it’s not constant. It doesn’t interrupt the snorkel flow. It’s folded into the day like a planned “fun block,” not random entertainment.

Lunch or dinner onboard: the 3-course set menu you’ll actually get

After your snorkeling time, you dine onboard. You’ll have a 3-course meal with a set menu—either seafood or chicken.

The menu structure is listed clearly and it’s the kind of set-up that avoids confusion when you’re hungry:

• 3 kinds of salad
• Seafood soup, plus rice
• Fish and calamari, or chicken with pasta
• Then you continue the meal as a full 3-course service

Good news if you have dietary needs: there are vegan and gluten-free meal options available.

One extra practical point: you’ll eat in a scheduled window (listed around 40 minutes). That means you’re not waiting forever for lunch, and you’re not eating so late that the day feels dragged out.

A couple of details I’d file away for planning:

• You should still bring sunscreen and a hat, because you’ll be outside earlier.
• If soft drinks matter, one recent guest specifically noted soft drinks were included.

The return trip and marina tour: your last 25 minutes matter

When the cruise wraps, you don’t just get dropped off immediately. There’s sailing time on the way back (listed around 30 minutes) and then a 25-minute tour of the marina and nearby shops.

That means you can do two helpful things:

1. Grab a quick souvenir without scrambling.
2. Walk off a little seawater time before you sit on the bus back.

Also, there’s a scenic component on the way, especially on the sunset option where people talk about the view from the water.

Morning or Sunset: choose your vibe, not just the time

There are two trips daily: one morning and one sunset.

If you’re trying to match the mood:

• For sunset, you’re set up for a memorable sky-and-sea moment, and some departures include musical accompaniment during the return sailing time.
• A morning cruise tends to feel more “active and clear” for the day, which can be helpful if you want snorkeling first and then a quieter rest of your afternoon.

If you’re deciding between the two and you care about photos, I’d pick sunset for the light. If you want to avoid evening tiredness, morning can feel more comfortable.

Price and value at $90 per person: what’s included and what costs extra

At $90 per person for a roughly 4-hour experience, the value comes from bundling multiple things that are often separate on other tours:

• guided snorkeling stop
• underwater observation deck access
• a glass-bottom viewing component
• 3-course lunch or dinner
• costume photo time
• marina tour
• hotel pickup and drop-off within the Makadi Bay area

Two “watch the wallet” considerations:

• Snorkeling equipment rental costs extra at $5 per piece.
• Transfers outside Makadi Bay may require an add-on.

So the math works best if you’re comfortable renting gear only if you need it and if your hotel is in the Makadi Bay pickup zone. If you’re staying just outside the included area, the add-on transfer fee can change the real cost.

Still, even with rentals, you’re not paying extra for the guided experience or for the meal. That’s the part you’ll feel most during the day.

Who should book this Nefertari cruise

This is a strong fit if:

• You want an easy, guided snorkeling intro in the Red Sea
• You want a “more than snorkeling” day with onboard views and themed photos
• You like structured time: viewing first, water second, meal third
• You want wheelchair accessibility (the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible)
• You appreciate dietary options (vegan and gluten-free are available)

It may not be your best choice if:

• You’re looking for a long, serious dive experience. The snorkeling window is 45 minutes, not hours underwater.
• You hate the idea of any organized photo setup. You don’t have to buy pictures, but photographers will be part of the experience.

Should you book it?

If your goal is a smooth half-day in Makadi Bay with real reef viewing, a guided snorkel, and a meal that’s already handled, I’d book this without overthinking it. The combination of an underwater observation deck plus snorkeling means you aren’t gambling on whether you’ll see enough during the water time.

I’d hold off only if you’re extremely cost-sensitive after adding gear rental and you’re staying outside the included pickup zone. Otherwise, $90 feels like a fair “you get the full day package” price—especially because the schedule stays balanced and the underwater viewing isn’t left to chance.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Nefertari Sunset or Morning Cruise?

It’s listed as a 4-hour experience.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Makadi Bay only. Other areas like Safaga, Hurghada, Soma Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and Gouna require add-on transfer tickets.

Is snorkeling included?

The snorkeling stop is included, but snorkeling equipment rental is not. Equipment rental is available in the marina shops for $5 per piece.

What kind of marine life can I expect to see?

The underwater viewing mentions turtles, dolphins, rays, and the sea cow (manatee), along with many kinds of fish and coral.

Is there an underwater viewing area if I don’t snorkel?

Yes. There’s access to the underwater observation deck, and the experience also offers an alternative boat ride for those who don’t snorkel (as noted in a guest comment).

What food is included?

You get a 3-course meal with a set menu: seafood options or chicken options, plus salads, soup, rice, and either fish and calamari or chicken with pasta.

Are there dietary options?

Vegan and gluten-free meal options are available.

Do I need to bring a towel and swimwear?

Yes. The list of what to bring includes hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen.

What’s the difference between the morning and sunset trips?

There are two daily departures: morning and sunset. Sunset includes scenic sailing views, and some departures include musical accompaniment during the return.

What languages are available for the instructor?

The instructor is listed as available in English, German, Polish, Czech, and Russian.