Hurghada: Empire Submarine Boat Trip with Snorkel and Drinks

The best part of this Hurghada boat trip is the chance to see a Red Sea reef without spending the whole outing in the water. From the air-conditioned observation deck, you look through wide glass windows at coral and fish from about 3 meters below the surface.

I like the easy mix of sightseeing and snorkeling, and I like the price: $19 includes hotel pickup, drinks, gear, and the boat ride. The main catch is that the underwater viewing and snorkeling time are fixed, so this is a gentle introduction rather than a long reef expedition. Also, bring your patience for the onboard photo sales, which can feel pricey.

Key points to know

• Three meters below the surface: Watch fish and coral from an air-conditioned, glass-walled deck.
• Forty minutes of snorkeling: You get a proper water stop, not just a quick swim beside the boat.
• Simple $19 value: Transfers from Hurghada, equipment, life jackets, water, and soft drinks are included.
• Good for families: Children aged 5 and 6 enjoyed the outing, and the pace suits mixed-age groups.
• About 45 minutes of underwater viewing: Large panoramic windows give you a dry way to see the reef.
• Allow for pickup variation: Hotel collection depends on location, and a delay of up to 10 minutes is possible.

Why this semi-submarine works for first-time reef visitors

The Red Sea is famous for its clear water, coral, and colorful fish, but not everyone wants to spend hours swimming or wearing a mask. The Empire semi-submarine solves that problem in a straightforward way. You sit below the waterline in an air-conditioned viewing area and watch the reef through large windows.

That makes this a useful choice for families, older visitors, nervous swimmers, and anyone who wants a short introduction to Hurghada’s marine life. You still get the sea air and boat ride, but the main viewing takes place in comfort.

I would not compare it with a full-day snorkeling or scuba trip. You are not spending hours moving between reef sites, and the windows give you a framed view rather than the open-water feeling of swimming above coral. Still, for $19, it offers a lot of variety in a fairly short outing.

The experience is family-friendly, and the children’s age range reported for the trip is encouraging. Kids aged 5 and 6 enjoyed it, which tells you something useful about the pace and format. They can watch fish from indoors, then decide how much they want to take part in the snorkeling stop.

From your hotel to the Hurghada marina

Hotel pickup is included from Hurghada, with transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. That matters in Hurghada, where a simple boat outing can otherwise require arranging a taxi to the marina and back.

Your exact pickup time depends on your hotel location. Confirm it one day before departure, and allow for a delay of up to 10 minutes. The service also covers other resort areas, but pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga requires selecting the appropriate option at checkout and may not be included in the basic Hurghada arrangement.

The vehicle transfer is practical rather than part of the sightseeing. Think of it as a useful door-to-boat connection. Wear comfortable shoes for the transfer and marina, and keep your sunglasses and hat handy for the open portions of the trip.

One limitation is accessibility. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you have mobility concerns, ask before booking rather than assuming the boat layout will work for you.

Sixty minutes along Hurghada’s coast

The boat spends about 60 minutes cruising along the Hurghada coastline toward a good coral reef area. This gives you time to settle in, enjoy the sea view, and understand the rhythm of the outing before the underwater viewing begins.

The coastal cruise is also the least predictable part of the experience from a sightseeing point of view. The appeal is the open water and the approach to the reef, not a series of named coastal landmarks. If you want a tour built around beaches, islands, or historic sites, this is not the right boat trip.

Still, the cruise adds value for families. You are not rushed straight from the van into a mask and fins. You get a gradual start, and the onboard supply of water and soft drinks helps keep the outing simple. Food is not included, so do not expect a meal during the trip.

The boat is family-oriented, but normal sun protection still matters. Bring a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and comfortable shoes. The sun can be strong on the open deck even when the underwater section is cool and shaded.

Forty-five minutes behind the underwater windows

The main feature is the air-conditioned observation deck, positioned about 3 meters below the surface. Large panoramic windows give you a broad view of the water around the boat, including coral formations, fish, and other small sea life.

This arrangement is especially helpful if you are not comfortable snorkeling. You can watch the reef without worrying about breathing through a mask, keeping afloat, or staying close to the boat. For children, it also creates a calm way to see the underwater world before deciding how much water time they want later.

The windows do change the experience. You are looking through glass, and the best view can depend on where you sit and how clear the water is at that moment. The trip promises colorful coral and fish, but nature does not arrange itself on demand. Treat the underwater section as an observation visit, not an aquarium show with guaranteed species.

You should have about 45 minutes for this part. That is long enough to watch the reef properly rather than snapping one quick look and heading back upstairs. The air conditioning is a real plus in the middle of a sunny day, though you may want a light layer if you are sensitive to cool air.

The underwater section has earned strong praise for its clear views, clean boat, and friendly staff. I would put those points high on the list for anyone comparing similar short boat trips in Hurghada. The basic idea is simple, but cleanliness and clear explanations make a difference when children or first-time snorkelers are involved.

The 40-minute snorkeling stop

After the semi-submarine viewing, you get about 40 minutes to snorkel near the reef. This is enough time to put on the provided mask and fins, get used to the water, and look for coral and fish at a closer range.

The snorkeling stop is important because it balances the indoor viewing. Through the windows, you see the reef as a scene. In the water, you get a better sense of its scale and movement. Fish may pass at different distances, and sunlight changes the colors as you move.

Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included. If you are new to snorkeling, the life jacket can make the stop less tiring and help you feel secure. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, but you should be comfortable following the boat’s safety instructions and using the equipment.

Forty minutes is a useful middle ground. Serious snorkelers may want much longer and may prefer a dedicated reef trip with several stops. For a mixed family group, though, this is often enough time before younger children lose interest or become tired.

Bring your own towel, since towels are not included. Wear swimwear under your clothes, and pack a dry change of clothing if you prefer not to sit in damp swimwear on the return journey. That last point is practical, especially if you have a hotel transfer after the boat ride.

Drinks, photos, and the real price

At $19 per person, this is a low-cost way to combine a boat ride, underwater viewing, and snorkeling. The value is strongest if you use the included extras: hotel transport, air-conditioned vehicle, semi-submarine cruise, snorkeling gear, life jacket, unlimited water, and soft drinks.

The price does not include food, towels, personal expenses, or optional CD and DVD purchases. You do not need to buy anything extra for the basic experience, but you should bring money if you are interested in the photo or video package.

This is where I would set expectations clearly. Photos and videos are taken during the trip, and the charge for them can feel high. You can enjoy the outing without purchasing them, so decide your budget before boarding and avoid feeling pressured by the excitement of the day.

The included drinks are useful, but they do not replace lunch. If your hotel pickup is early or the full outing takes most of the day, eat beforehand or plan your next meal. The supplied information does not list a meal stop.

For a family, the savings add up. A more expensive boat trip may offer extra reef stops or a longer schedule, but this outing covers the basics at a modest price. If your priority is an affordable taste of the Red Sea, the cost is persuasive.

What the staff and onboard atmosphere are like

The tour is offered in English, Arabic, and German. That gives you a better chance of following safety instructions and the basic explanation of what you are seeing, especially if your group includes people who are more comfortable in one of those languages.

The staff are described as friendly and helpful, with clear explanations during the trip. The boat is also reported to be clean, which is not a minor detail when you are sharing an enclosed viewing area and handling snorkeling gear.

Do not expect a private tour. The information does not specify the group size, so you should assume you will share the boat and viewing windows with other passengers. If everyone wants the same side of the observation deck, some patience may be needed.

The tone is relaxed rather than formal. That suits the activity. You are there to see fish, take photos, and enjoy a simple Red Sea outing, not attend a specialist marine biology lesson.

Who should book this Hurghada boat trip?

I would recommend it to families with children, couples who want a short sea outing, and anyone who wants to see coral without committing to scuba or a long snorkeling day. It also works well for mixed groups in which some people love swimming and others prefer to stay dry.

It is a particularly good fit if you are staying in Hurghada and want hotel pickup included. The air-conditioned observation deck gives you a comfortable alternative to spending the whole trip under the sun.

You may want a different tour if you are an experienced snorkeler looking for several reef locations, longer time in the water, or a more active day at sea. The 40-minute snorkeling stop is useful, but it is not the main focus.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users. It also is not a pet-friendly activity, so leave pets at your accommodation.

What to pack for a smoother outing

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen and any personal medication
• A small amount of money for personal expenses or optional photos

Water and soft drinks are included, so you do not need to buy drinks for the boat. Food is not included, and towels are not supplied.

A phone or camera can be useful, but protect it carefully around the water. The crew may offer professional photos and videos, but you are not required to purchase them.

Booking, cancellation, and practical limits

You can reserve the experience and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada schedule is still changing. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund.

Pickup times vary by hotel, so confirm the exact time one day before departure. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, and that is normal enough to plan around without turning it into a stressful start.

The tour is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 35 ratings, with repeated praise for organization, friendly service, the underwater views, the clean boat, and the snorkeling time. Those are the areas I would use to judge it. The one recurring caution is the cost of onboard photos, not the main activity itself.

Should you book the Empire semi-submarine?

Book it if you want a budget-friendly Red Sea introduction with both dry viewing and a real snorkeling stop. At $19, the included transport, drinks, gear, and life jackets make the price hard to fault for a short family outing.

Skip it if you want a full day devoted to snorkeling or scuba. You will see the reef from a useful angle and get 40 minutes in the water, but the trip is designed for easy access, not serious underwater exploration.

For most first-time visitors to Hurghada, I see this as a sensible half-day-style choice: simple, affordable, and varied. Just bring a towel, confirm your pickup time, and decide in advance if photos are worth the extra cost to you.

FAQ

How much does the Empire semi-submarine trip cost?

The listed price is $19 per person.

What is included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, air-conditioned transport, the semi-submarine cruise, panoramic underwater viewing, soft drinks, unlimited water, snorkeling gear, a snorkeling stop, and life jackets are included.

How long can I view the reef from the semi-submarine?

The underwater observation section lasts about 45 minutes, with the viewing deck positioned around 3 meters below the surface.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

You get about 40 minutes of snorkeling near the reef.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. It is described as family-friendly, and children aged 5 and 6 enjoyed the outing. The semi-submarine viewing also gives children a way to see marine life without staying in the water.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. Towels and food are not included.

Is hotel pickup available outside Hurghada?

Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga requires selecting the relevant option at checkout. The basic included pickup is for Hurghada.

Can wheelchair users join?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund.