The Red Sea changes when you go underwater. I like this Hurghada Sinbad Submarine tour for the clear transparent windows (you get a front-row view without getting wet) and for the guided snorkeling stop over coral. One thing to watch: optional tips and paid photo/video packages can add cost at the end, even though the core tour price is already low.

You’ll start with a pickup and head to Hurghada Marina, then ride out to the quieter New Marina port area in a way that feels different from a typical boat. From there, you go down to about 3–5 meters and then finish with snorkeling gear in hand—an easy way to see marine life if you don’t want to swim for hours on your own.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Glass-window submarine viewing: you see fish and coral from above the waterline, before you snorkel
• Short transfer + guided format: pickup from Hurghada hotels is part of the deal
• Red Sea snorkeling at a coral reef spot: guided reef time with all snorkeling equipment included
• Panoramic coast views: you get sky-and-sea scenery on the way out from the marina area
• Light refreshments on board: you’ll be offered a soft drink plus refreshments during the trip

Price and Value: Why $26 Can Make Sense (and When It Might Not)

At $26 per person, this Hurghada scenic submarine tour is priced like a budget day trip—but you’re not just paying for a ride. Your money covers a round-trip transfer, the submarine experience with underwater viewing, snorkeling at a coral reef, a professional guide/instructor, snorkeling equipment, and light refreshments.

That bundle is the real value. Submarine rides alone in many beach destinations can cost noticeably more, and snorkeling tours tend to nickel-and-dime you for equipment or separate transfers. Here, the cost stays simple: you’re paying for the full experience, not just transportation.

The main “watch-out” is what isn’t included. Photography services are extra, and tipping expectations can come up at the end. One experience mentioned disappointment about tips being requested after the tour price, plus a paid photo/video package that felt expensive compared with what was offered later. I’d treat that as a heads-up, not panic: ask questions early and decide what you’ll pay for before the boat heads back.

Getting to Hurghada Marina: Transfers, Pickup Times, and Real-World Timing

The tour starts with round-trip transfer from your Hurghada hotel. Pickup availability from other areas like El Gouna, Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi, and Soma Bay is listed as an add-on, so your first job is checking whether your hotel location is included in the base option.

Pickup timing works like this:

• Your pickup time depends on where your hotel is
• You should confirm the exact pickup time one day before the trip
• A pickup delay of up to 10 minutes may happen

That last part matters more than it sounds. In Hurghada traffic and timing can be variable, and a “10 minutes” window can easily stretch if your driver is coordinating multiple stops. Plan to be ready a bit earlier than you think you need, especially if you’re using sunscreen and gathering a towel and shoes.

Also do one practical thing: send your room number to the activity provider by email or WhatsApp if possible. It helps the driver match you quickly and reduces end-of-pickup confusion.

Boarding Sinbad Submarine: What the Ride Feels Like

Once you’re collected, you board the tour at Hurghada Marina. The submarine experience is the headline: you’re going on the Sinbad Submarine with transparent windows, so your first views are from inside the vessel.

What I like about this format is simple. You get the wow-factor without the stress of getting your hair wet, keeping your snorkel in place, or worrying whether you’ll be able to swim comfortably right away. For many people, that makes the submarine ride a smoother first step into the Red Sea than jumping straight into the water.

The route includes time at the New Marina port area, described as sunny and tranquil. You’ll also get panoramic views of the Hurghada coast while you’re heading out—so even before the descent, the trip has scenery value, not just “underwater or nothing.”

You’ll sip a soft drink during the ride, and you’ll be with a professional guide/instructor, so there’s usually someone steering the group and keeping things moving.

Going Down: The 3–5 Meter Window Into Marine Life

This tour is built around one key underwater moment: you descend to about 3 meters (with the chance of going to roughly 5 meters depending on the run). That depth range is shallow enough to keep things accessible, while still dropping you into the zone where coral growth and small fish are likely to show up.

Here’s the practical side: you don’t need scuba gear. Your view comes through the submarine windows, and you’re positioned to watch rather than perform. If you’re new to reef watching, it’s a good way to learn what you’re looking at before you snorkel.

What you can expect to see is described generally as wild sea creatures. The important word there is “chance.” The Red Sea can be busy one day and quieter the next, and visibility changes. The best mindset is: look calmly for movement, don’t rush the glass, and let the guide’s pointers help you spot the things that matter.

Snorkeling at the Coral Reef: Your Turn in the Water

After the submarine viewing, you switch gears to snorkeling. The tour includes snorkeling at a beautiful coral reef spot, plus all necessary snorkeling equipment.

This is where the experience becomes more hands-on. You’ll jump into the Red Sea and snorkel in a guided setting. The snorkeling segment is described as a chance to see colorful coral reefs filled with colorful species—so plan for the typical reef snorkeling: slow finning, gentle body position, and watching the coral rather than chasing fish.

A couple of practical notes based on what’s included and not included:

• Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don’t need to pack your own mask or snorkel
• Towels aren’t included, so bring one from your hotel
• Sun protection matters. Even if you start the day with a submarine ride, you’ll be out in the light during boarding, transit, and the snorkeling session

The tour includes light refreshments, but it doesn’t list water bottles or a full meal. If you’re sensitive to hunger, bring a snack you can eat before pickup (within your own comfort).

What’s Included vs. What You’ll Likely Pay Extra For

Here’s the clean breakdown of what comes standard:

• Round-trip transfer from Hurghada hotels
• Scenic submarine tour with underwater viewing
• Snorkeling at a coral reef
• Professional guide/instructor
• All snorkeling equipment
• Light refreshments (including a soft drink)

Not included:

• Towels
• Personal expenses
• Photography services

And there’s one more consideration tied to your region: if you’re staying in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga, pickup may depend on the option you select. In other words, make sure the transfer is actually part of what you bought.

A real-world money tip

Because photography packages are extra—and because at least one experience noted pressure around tipping and paid photo/video offers—I’d do this:

• Ask what’s optional and what costs extra before you board or right when you meet the crew.
• If you’re considering photos, ask about pricing in advance so you’re not surprised after the fact.

You’re already getting a lot of value for $26; you don’t need a second bill for things you thought were included.

Timing Options: Morning vs. Afternoon Tours

You can choose between a morning and afternoon tour. That’s not a small detail—it changes the feel of the day.

If you prefer cooler sun and softer lighting, the morning option usually wins for most people walking around the marina and dealing with sun exposure. If you want a slower start and more afternoon coast views, pick the afternoon slot. Either way, the key is confirming your exact pickup time one day before, because hotel location determines when you’ll be collected.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This experience fits you best if you want:

• A guided Red Sea day that combines submarine viewing and snorkeling in one outing
• An easier entry point to snorkeling because you get underwater views first from the windows
• A solid value day trip, especially with transfer and equipment included
• A short, structured plan rather than figuring out boats and reef access on your own

I’d be more cautious if:

• You strongly dislike optional extras like photo/video packages
• You feel uncomfortable with end-of-tour tipping conversations
• You’re expecting a fully transparent pricing experience with no pressure on additional purchases

And if you’re sensitive to sun, bring what’s listed (sunglasses and a sun hat). This isn’t an indoor museum—it’s a Red Sea outing.

Practical Packing Checklist (Keep It Simple)

You’ll be more comfortable with:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Towel (not included)
• Comfortable shoes

If you plan to snorkel, wear footwear that’s easy to step in and out of during boarding. The tour doesn’t list specific footwear requirements, but in practice you’ll be getting on/off and moving around the marina area.

The Bottom Line: Should You Book This Hurghada Submarine + Snorkeling Tour?

If you want a low-cost, guided way to see the Red Sea—submarine windows first, then snorkeling gear and reef time—this is a strong candidate. The value is real because you get transfer, equipment, guide, submarine viewing, snorkeling, and refreshments for $26.

I’d book with your eyes open if you care about controlling extra spending. Ask about photography services up front and treat tipping as a personal choice, not a surprise.

If you want, I can also help you decide between morning and afternoon based on your hotel area and what kind of sun you prefer—just tell me where you’re staying (Hurghada vs. El Gouna vs. another area).

FAQ

Where does the pickup happen?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hurghada. Pickup/drop-off from El Gouna, Al Ahyaa, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi and Soma Bay may be available as an add-on. The provider will contact you with exact pickup details.

What tour company is running this experience?

The experience provider is FTS Travels.

How deep do you go in the submarine?

You descend to about 3 meters below the surface, with the possibility of going deeper (about 5 meters) for sea-life viewing.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. The tour includes all necessary snorkeling equipment.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring one.

Are there different tour times?

Yes. You can choose either a morning or afternoon tour.

Is there a refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is photography included?

No. Photography services are not included, and they’re listed as an extra.