Coral views without getting wet. I love how the semi-submarine ride gives you reef sighting comfort, and the 40-minute snorkeling window lets you see fish close-up. One thing to think about: the onboard photo/video package is pricey, so go in ready to decide.

This is a simple, family-friendly Red Sea outing in Hurghada that feels good value for the money. You stay warm and dry in an air-conditioned, glass-walled observation area about 3 meters below the surface, then you switch to real snorkeling at a top reef spot.

The main downside is timing and expectations: you’ll have limited time in the water, and you don’t get food included. Pack a towel and plan for drinks only onboard.

Key Things I’d Bet You’ll Like

• Dry comfort in a glass-walled observation deck about 3 meters down
• Great “first look” at the reef from large panoramic underwater windows
• A clear, family-friendly snorkeling break with gear and life jackets provided
• 40 minutes near the reef that’s long enough to enjoy, not long enough to overdo
• Hotel pickup in Hurghada and an air-conditioned ride to the marina
• Soft drinks and unlimited water onboard so you don’t hunt for refreshments

From Marina to Reef: The Semi-Sub Cruise Rhythm

The experience starts with a pickup from your Hurghada hotel and a ride to the marina in an air-conditioned vehicle. Once you’re onboard, the pace is relaxed and easy to follow, which matters on vacation days when you don’t want your evening ruled by strict clocks.

You’ll cruise for about 60 minutes along the Hurghada coastline before reaching a coral reef area. That stretch is more than “getting there.” It’s a chance to settle in, look out at the Red Sea from the boat, and get that mental switch from beach mode to underwater mode.

Then comes the payoff: you descend into the semi-submarine’s observation area. It’s air-conditioned and enclosed, with big glass windows that keep the experience comfortable even when the sun is doing its thing above the waterline.

You’ll spend roughly 45 minutes looking out from the underwater windows. This is the portion that makes the trip work for many people who aren’t sure about snorkeling or who just want a low-effort way to see coral and fish.

3 Meters Down: What the Panoramic Windows Are Really For

The observation deck sits around 3 meters below the surface, which is a sweet spot for first-time reef viewing. You’re not far from the light, so colors show up clearly, and you’re close enough to spot fish activity around coral.

What you’re seeing is the Red Sea underwater world in a very direct way:

• Colorful corals
• Exotic-looking fish
• Marine life moving through the reef structure

The view style is also a big deal. You get a fish-eye style view through the windows, so even if you’re sitting still, it feels like you’re watching a living aquarium from inside the glass.

This is also the part that helps kids and non-swimmers enjoy themselves. You don’t need confidence in open water. You just need patience for a good view. If you’re traveling with a mixed group, the semi-sub portion is what keeps everyone included, even when snorkeling might not be their plan.

45 Minutes of Glass-Floor Reef Viewing (Without the Gear)

You won’t be suiting up on this section. That’s the quiet genius of the semi-sub format. You can enjoy reef detail without sunscreen chaos, without wet hair, and without the “I’m not sure I’m doing this right” moment that can happen when snorkeling starts.

The observation deck is family-friendly by design, and it’s set up so you can watch comfortably from inside. The large panoramic windows matter here. Smaller viewing areas can feel cramped, but these give you room to scan for fish and follow what’s happening around the coral.

If you’re the type who likes to “learn with your eyes” while you travel, this is a good time to do it. I’d treat the glass viewing as your rehearsal. When you later snorkel, you’ll know what you’re looking for: coral shapes, fish groups, and where movement tends to show up.

40 Minutes Snorkeling Near the Reef: How to Make It Count

After the glass viewing, you’ll switch to snorkeling for about 40 minutes at a top snorkel spot near the reef. This is where the trip earns its name beyond “just a boat ride.”

Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, which takes away a lot of stress. You’re not arranging rentals, and you’re not guessing which equipment to use. You just show up in your swimwear and follow what the crew tells you.

Here’s how to get the most out of the snorkeling window, with minimal fuss:

• Start with a calm pace. Don’t rush to the first fish you see.
• Keep your focus on the reef edges and coral patches where fish tend to hang out.
• If you feel unsure, stick to where you can comfortably see through clear water.

Forty minutes is a real amount of time. It’s long enough to settle in, adjust to breathing and mask comfort, and actually enjoy the underwater scenery. It’s also not so long that it turns into a tiring marathon.

And yes, marine life is close. The experience is built around viewing the reef world at shallow depth conditions, including the key 3-meter-under-surface perspective from the semi-sub portion. That closeness helps beginners experience the reef rather than just floating above it.

The Best Part for Families: It Works on Different Comfort Levels

This trip is designed as a family-friendly outing, and that shows in how the day is structured. You get two modes: a dry, enclosed underwater viewing portion and a shorter active snorkeling portion.

That matters when you have different ages or different comfort levels in the same group. A child might love the snorkeling moment, while a parent might prefer sticking with the windows first. The schedule lets both kinds of people have a good time.

The tour also includes life jackets, which makes the snorkeling segment more approachable. And the onboard vibe is practical rather than fancy. It’s the kind of experience where you can relax, watch coral from glass, then decide how adventurous you want to be when you put your face in the water.

Even if you’re traveling with kids, the timing is friendly. There’s enough structured activity to keep attention, but it never drags into something that feels endless.

What $19 Buys You (and What Costs Extra)

Price is where this trip shines. At about $19 per person, you’re getting a full package rather than paying separately for transport, a vessel experience, drinks, and gear.

What’s included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada
• Air-conditioned transport
• Semi-submarine cruise with panoramic underwater views
• Soft drinks plus unlimited water onboard
• Snorkeling gear
• Snorkeling stop
• Life jackets

What’s not included:

• Food
• Towels
• Optional CD/DVD (sold onboard)
• Personal expenses

One more thing to be realistic about: onboard photo and video services exist, and they can add a noticeable cost. If you care about photos, ask for the pricing before you commit. If not, you can save money by keeping it simple.

So is $19 “cheap” or “good value”? It’s better to think of it as a budget-friendly way to tick multiple Red Sea experiences in one day: reef viewing plus snorkeling, with drinks and pickup handled.

Included Drinks and Your Packing List That Actually Helps

Onboard, you’ll have soft drinks and unlimited water, which is a big quality-of-life win in warm weather. You don’t have to buy drinks at every step, and you can focus on the experience.

Still, come prepared. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll want decent footing at the marina area)
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Swimwear
• A towel

Also keep in mind the practical rule: food isn’t included. If you’re doing this as a half-day adventure, plan an earlier meal or a post-trip snack so nobody gets cranky.

If you want smooth logistics, confirm your exact pickup time the day before. Pickup timing depends on your hotel location, and a delay of up to 10 minutes can happen.

Who Should Book This and Who Might Skip It

Book it if you want:

• A low-barrier way to see Red Sea coral and fish
• A family outing that balances dry viewing with a snorkeling chance
• A budget-friendly activity that doesn’t require advanced water skills

It’s also a smart choice for mixed groups. Some people will love the snorkeling, others will be perfectly happy in the observation deck.

You might skip this one if:

• You rely on wheelchair access (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
• You expect a full-day, gourmet-food, sit-down excursion (food isn’t included, and the structure is active but time-limited)

A Quick Reality Check on Photos and Time Limits

Two practical notes before you fall in love with the idea of it all.

First, the onboard photo/video option comes with a high fee. If you’re unsure, don’t let it pressure you. Decide based on price, not excitement in the moment.

Second, snorkeling time is set at about 40 minutes. That’s plenty for most people to enjoy the reef without turning it into a workout. If you’re the type who wants hours in the water, you may feel a bit shortchanged. In that case, you’d likely want a longer snorkeling-focused tour instead.

Should You Book the Empire Submarine Boat Trip?

I think you should book it if your goal is a classic Hurghada Red Sea taste: coral and fish from inside a semi-submarine, then a fun snorkeling session you don’t have to over-plan. The included pickup, drinks, gear, and life jackets make it one of the easier value plays in the area.

If you’re sensitive to added costs, be ready to either pass on the expensive onboard photos or check prices first. And pack smart for the fact that food and towels aren’t included.

For families and first-timers, it’s a solid, friendly way to see the Red Sea without turning your vacation day into a logistics project.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling part?

You get about 40 minutes of snorkeling during the experience.

Is the semi-submarine part wet or dry?

It’s dry. You watch the reef from an air-conditioned, glass-walled observation deck located about 3 meters below the surface.

What’s included with the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, air-conditioned transportation, the semi-submarine cruise with underwater panoramic views, soft drinks and unlimited water, snorkeling gear, a snorkeling stop, and life jackets.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling gear is included. You should bring swimwear and a towel.

Is food included?

No food is included on this tour.

Is pickup offered from other areas besides Hurghada?

Pickup is from Hurghada. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma bay, and Safaga is not available for every option, depending on checkout.

What time should I expect pickup?

Pickup time depends on your hotel location, and you should confirm the exact pickup time one day before the trip. A delay of up to 10 minutes can occur.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour.