Makadi Bay: Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise & Snorkel stop

The best part of this Makadi Bay outing happens below the waterline. You sit inside an air-conditioned observation deck three meters under the Red Sea, looking through wide glass windows as fish and coral pass by. It is an easy way to see the reef without needing to swim.

I like the $19 price, which includes transport from Makadi hotels, the cruise, entry fees, and the snorkeling stop. I also like the mix of activities: the underwater viewing lasts about 45 minutes, then you get a short chance to enter the sea yourself.

The main drawback is the tight schedule. The snorkeling lasts only 20 minutes, and one recent departure involved a one-hour wait at the pier before the boat left. If you want a long, quiet reef session, this will feel more like an introduction than a full day on the water.

Key points to know before you book

• The underwater deck is three meters below sea level: You stay seated in an enclosed, air-conditioned cabin while large windows give you a fish-eye view of the reef.
• The cruise reaches a reef near Xanadu Hotel: The boat ride from the marina takes about 15 minutes before the main viewing begins.
• Snorkeling lasts 20 minutes: Bring swimwear and sunscreen, but expect a brief group stop rather than an extended snorkeling trip.
• Pickup is limited to Makadi hotels: Shared transport normally collects you about 45 minutes before the scheduled start.
• The package covers the main costs: Transport, entry, national park fees, the cruise, and snorkeling are included, while food and drinks are not.
• A 4.4 rating from 184 ratings reflects strong value: The boat and location receive particular praise, though timing and organization can be uneven.

Seeing the Red Sea without committing to a full snorkel

The Royal Seascope works well because it gives you two ways to view the reef. First, you watch through glass from inside the boat. Then, if you are comfortable in the water, you join the snorkeling stop.

That first part matters for several kinds of visitors. You might be traveling with children who are not ready for open-water snorkeling, or you might simply prefer to see the reef without spending the whole trip floating on the surface. The enclosed cabin also helps if the sun is strong.

The windows provide a broad view of the seabed and marine life. You can expect colorful coral and fish of different sizes and shapes, though the exact conditions depend on the water and the reef on the day you go. The fish-eye effect gives the scene a wide, curved look rather than the natural view you would get while swimming.

I would think of this as a gentle introduction to the Red Sea. It is not a substitute for a longer reef excursion, but it gives you a clear look at the underwater setting with very little physical effort.

From Makadi hotels to Xanadu Hotel Marina

Pickup is offered from Makadi hotels only. If you choose it, a shared, air-conditioned bus collects you roughly 45 minutes before the activity time. The drive portion is listed at about 25 minutes, although your actual pickup time can vary because the vehicle serves more than one hotel.

You receive the pickup time and further instructions by WhatsApp after booking. Keep your phone available, since this message is the practical key to the morning or afternoon schedule.

The meeting point is Royal Seascope Submarine at Xanadu Hotel Marina. It can also be reached by the beach from all Makadi hotels, which may be useful if you are already staying nearby and prefer not to use the shared bus.

The boat leaves from the marina and travels toward one of the better-known coral reef areas near Xanadu Hotel. The cruise to the reef takes about 15 minutes in the main description, while the broader timing shows about 25 minutes for the boat segment. Allow some flexibility rather than treating every listed minute as exact.

One point deserves attention: a recent departure involved a one-hour wait at the pier because the boat had not yet arrived when the passengers reached the meeting point. That is not part of the planned two-hour schedule, but it shows why you should avoid booking a tight restaurant reservation or airport transfer immediately afterward.

The 45-minute underwater viewing deck

Once the boat reaches the reef, you go down to the enclosed observation area. The cabin sits three meters below sea level and has air conditioning, so you can watch the reef from a seat instead of standing in the heat or balancing in the water.

The large glass windows are the heart of the experience. You get a fish-eye view of coral formations and marine animals, with the boat providing a stable platform for your photos and observations. You may find this especially helpful if you are not a confident swimmer or if someone in your group wants to stay dry.

The cabin is enclosed, so people with claustrophobia should think carefully before booking. The activity information specifically warns that it may not suit you if confined spaces cause distress. Even though you are looking out at open water, the viewing area itself is below the surface and surrounded by glass.

The 45-minute viewing period is a reasonable length for this type of outing. You have time to settle in, watch the reef, and look for fish without rushing from one window to the next. Still, the quality of the view depends on water clarity, sunlight, and the boat’s position over the reef.

Do not expect a large aquarium with a fixed display. This is a live marine setting, so the animals move, the visibility changes, and some moments may be quieter than others. That is part of the appeal, but it also means the experience cannot promise a particular fish or animal.

A short snorkeling stop in clear water

After the underwater viewing, the boat stops for about 20 minutes of snorkeling. The water is described as clear, and this gives you a chance to see the reef from above rather than through the cabin windows.

Twenty minutes is enough to get your mask on, swim around, and see a little more of the reef. It is not enough for a relaxed, long-distance swim. You should treat the stop as a taste of Red Sea snorkeling, especially since it takes time for a group to enter and leave the water.

The snorkeling is done in a large group. That can make the stop feel busy, and you should stay aware of the guide’s instructions and the people around you. One recent experience found the guide repeatedly calling out when swimmers moved farther away. This suggests that the crew keeps the group close together, which may feel restrictive if you prefer to explore independently.

The rule about marine life is simple: do not touch it. Coral can be damaged easily, and marine animals should be left alone. You should also bring sunscreen and swimwear. Food and drinks are not included, so plan around that before leaving your hotel.

What the $19 price really includes

At $19 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to add a Red Sea activity to a Makadi Bay stay. You are paying for a short cruise with two distinct parts: underwater viewing and snorkeling.

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Makadi hotels, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees, national park fees, the boat cruise, and the snorkeling stop. That makes the price easier to judge because several normal extras are already covered.

The tradeoff is duration. The full activity is about two hours, not a half-day sailing trip. You are paying for access and convenience rather than a long day at sea. If you want the lowest-cost way to see a reef and spend a little time in the water, the price is strong. If you want multiple snorkeling locations, a meal, or several hours aboard the boat, you will need a different kind of excursion.

The current rating is 4.4 from 184 ratings. The strongest practical praise centers on the pleasant location, the boat, and the value for money. A recent rating also called the activity something to do without hesitation, while another person felt the time should have been longer. Those reactions fit the product well: good for a compact outing, less suitable if you want a full marine safari.

Timing, waiting, and the real pace of the trip

The advertised duration is two hours, but you should separate the planned activity from pickup and possible waiting. Shared transport can add time before and after the cruise, and the marina may not run with clockwork precision.

The planned sequence is straightforward:

• Your pickup or meeting point is arranged first.
• You travel to Makadi Bay and the Xanadu Hotel Marina.
• The boat sails toward the reef.
• You spend about 45 minutes in the underwater viewing cabin.
• You snorkel for about 20 minutes.
• The boat returns to the marina, followed by drop-off.

The main activity timing adds up quickly, so there is not much spare room. The listed journey includes a short bus ride, about 25 minutes of boat travel, roughly one hour for marine viewing and snorkeling, and a final sailing segment of about 10 minutes.

A wait at the pier can change the mood. Bring patience, especially if you meet at the marina rather than using the hotel pickup. I would not plan a fixed appointment right after the tour. The boat’s arrival and departure process may take longer than the simple timetable suggests.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your hotel plans are still changing, but they do not remove the need to allow extra time on the day.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the Royal Seascope to you if you want a short and inexpensive look at Red Sea marine life. It suits first-time visitors, families with mixed swimming confidence, and anyone who wants to combine a seated viewing experience with a quick swim.

It is also a sensible choice if you are staying at a Makadi hotel and do not want the planning involved in arranging a separate reef trip. The meeting point is nearby, pickup is available, and the major fees are included.

The activity may not suit you if you have claustrophobia. The observation deck is enclosed and below sea level, even though the windows open onto the sea. You may also be disappointed if you expect a private snorkeling session, a long swim, or a full meal aboard the boat.

The four listed working languages are English, German, Polish, and Russian. No individual guide names are provided, so you should judge the outing as a simple, shared boat experience rather than a private guided tour.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, which widens its appeal, but the supplied information does not explain every step of boarding or movement between the boat levels. If you need specific assistance, confirm the details before paying.

Small practical details that improve the day

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you do not need to change at the marina. Pack sunscreen and keep your phone ready for the WhatsApp pickup message.

You should also carry anything you need for the short time on the boat, since food and drinks are not included. The supplied information does not list a meal or refreshments as part of the trip.

At the snorkeling stop, stay with the group and follow the crew’s boundaries. The repeated calls to keep swimmers close may be irritating, but they also show that the crew wants the group in one area. Do not touch coral or marine life, even if an animal comes close.

If you are prone to seasickness, the available information does not state whether medication or special seating is offered. You can ask the operator before booking, but you should not assume those arrangements are included.

Should you book the Royal Seascope?

Book it if you want good value in a compact format. For $19, you get an underwater cabin, a reef cruise, a 20-minute snorkeling stop, transport from Makadi hotels, and the main entry fees. The boat and marina setting add a pleasant sense of occasion without turning the outing into a costly full-day trip.

Skip it if your priority is long snorkeling time, a quiet private boat, or a tightly controlled schedule. The snorkeling is brief, the group can be large, and the departure may run late.

My practical verdict: this is a smart first Red Sea activity and a good choice for a mixed group. Just set your expectations correctly. You are buying a short look at the reef from both inside and outside the boat, not an all-day marine expedition.

FAQ

Where does the Royal Seascope cruise depart from?

It departs from Royal Seascope Submarine at Xanadu Hotel Marina in Makadi Bay. The marina is accessible by the beach from all Makadi hotels.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Makadi hotels only. Pickup is optional, and the shared bus usually collects you about 45 minutes before the scheduled trip time.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise activity lasts about two hours. Pickup and drop-off add transport time before and after the boat portion.

How long is the underwater viewing session?

You spend approximately 45 minutes in the air-conditioned observation deck, which is three meters below sea level.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling stop lasts about 20 minutes.

What is included in the price?

The price includes transport from Makadi hotels, entry fees, national park fees, the cruise, and the snorkeling stop. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and sunscreen. You should also keep your phone available for the WhatsApp message containing pickup details.

Is the activity suitable for people with claustrophobia?

It may not be suitable because the observation deck is enclosed and three meters below sea level.

What languages are available?

Instruction and support are available in English, German, Polish, and Russian.