Hurghada: Glass Boat & Snorkeling with Optional Parasailing

Hurghada’s Red Sea is at its best below the surface, and this trip gives you two ways to see it. I like the large panoramic windows on the semi-submarine, which let you watch coral and fish without getting wet, and I like that the snorkeling session lasts about 40 minutes rather than feeling like a quick dip. The optional parasailing adds a sharp burst of height and excitement.

I also like the low price, $18 per person, and the fact that hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, marina admission, drinks, and transport are included. The main caution is organization: pickup details and the parasailing arrangement can be muddled, and some people have been asked for extra money for transport that was supposed to be included.

Key points to know before booking

• The semi-submarine is the main attraction: Large lower-deck windows provide clear views of coral and fish, even if you prefer not to snorkel.
• Snorkeling lasts about 40 minutes: You get useful time in the water with equipment and a life jacket supplied.
• Parasailing is optional: One or two people can rise 30 to 40 meters above the sea for a stated flight of 4 to 7 minutes.
• The trip works well for families: Children and adults can enjoy the underwater viewing, while confident swimmers can join the snorkeling.
• Hotel transfers cover a wide area: Pickup is available in Hurghada, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga.
• Confirm the transport details: Check your pickup time the day before, and do not pay an unexpected transfer charge without clarifying it with the operator.

Starting with hotel pickup in Hurghada

The day begins with pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. The service covers more than central Hurghada, with selectable pickup areas in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga.

Your exact time depends on your hotel. You should confirm it one day before the trip, and allow for a delay of up to 10 minutes. That sounds minor, but it matters if you are waiting outside a large resort or trying to coordinate a family group.

The transport problems reported on this trip are worth taking seriously. One person said the driver did not have a clear FTS Travels sign or the passenger details supplied at booking. Another was asked for an extra return fare, despite having booked transportation as part of the trip.

My practical advice is simple: keep your booking confirmation handy, ask the driver to identify the tour clearly, and confirm that both the outbound and return rides are included. If someone demands an unexpected payment, contact the operator before handing over money.

Entering the semi-submarine at Hurghada Marina

At the marina, you board a semi-submarine rather than a traditional glass-bottom boat. The lower deck sits below the waterline and has large windows, giving you a broad view of the Red Sea floor.

That design makes this trip useful for mixed groups. If one person in your party dislikes swimming, has young children, or simply wants to stay dry, the lower deck offers a proper look at the reef. You can sit in air conditioning while watching fish pass the windows, which is a welcome break from Hurghada’s heat.

The underwater visibility has been described as excellent on some departures. Fish and coral were easy to see, and one family found the setup particularly good for a young child who wanted to see marine life without spending long in the water.

Still, do not picture a luxury yacht. One short assessment called the boats old. That does not mean the viewing is poor, but it sets a fair expectation. The boat is a practical sightseeing platform, not a polished cruise vessel.

The schedule may also involve several boats during the day. One family said they used three different boats by the end of the activity. That can add variety, though it may also make the day feel less neatly arranged.

Watching coral and fish through the lower windows

The semi-submarine portion is the calmest part of the outing. You look through the windows as the boat moves over reef areas, with coral formations and fish providing the main show.

Fish food may be used to bring fish closer to the boat. This can make the viewing more active and help children spot the marine life, though the natural reef remains the real reason to go. The crew has also been described as relaxed, friendly, and willing to explain what you are seeing.

You should keep your camera ready, but underwater photography through glass is unpredictable. Reflections, movement, and changing light can affect your pictures. The best photographs may come from the open-air sections, the snorkeling stop, or the parasailing boat rather than through the windows.

A cola and mineral water are included. This is a small detail, but it is useful on a warm day, especially when the group is moving between boats and water activities.

The 40-minute snorkeling stop

After the semi-submarine ride, you get about 40 minutes to snorkel in the Red Sea. That is long enough to look around without turning the water stop into an all-day swim.

Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included. You do not need to arrange your own mask, fins, or flotation gear, which keeps the packing list short. If you have a favorite mask, you may still prefer to bring it, but the supplied equipment has generally been considered suitable.

The snorkeling is the part of the trip where you get closest to the reef. From the semi-submarine, you watch through a window. In the water, you can look around more freely and see fish moving through the coral from a different angle.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, but you should be comfortable following the crew’s instructions in open water. A life jacket is available, and the crew has been attentive when helping less confident swimmers and children.

One particularly useful detail is the crew’s habit of throwing small pieces of bread into the water to attract fish. This can produce an immediate cluster of fish near the group, which is entertaining and makes it easier for children to see marine life. It is also a reminder that the snorkeling is designed as an accessible sightseeing stop, not a serious reef expedition.

The main limitation is that the exact quality of the marine life depends on the day, water conditions, and chosen location. The trip promises coral and fish, and that is what you should expect, but no short boat outing can guarantee a particular species or perfect visibility.

Adding the parasailing flight

Parasailing is an optional extra, so you can book the basic semi-submarine and snorkeling trip without committing to it. If you choose it, one or two people can rise 30 to 40 meters above the sea.

No prior training is required. You are attached to the parasail system and lifted from a boat, giving you a high view over the Red Sea and the coastline. The stated flight lasts 4 to 7 minutes, which makes this a short thrill rather than a major part of the day.

The ride is best for someone who wants a little adrenaline without a long technical activity. You get the height and the views, but not the physical work required by many water sports. For families, two people can ride together, and one family enjoyed pairing a parent with a child.

There is an important catch. The parasailing may take place on another boat, and the handover between activities has not always been well organized. One account described the process as chaotic, while another said the actual flight lasted only about 2.5 to 3 minutes. That is considerably shorter than the advertised 4 to 7 minutes.

I would treat the parasailing as a bonus, not the reason to book the trip. If it runs for the full stated time, it adds good value. If the arrangements are rushed or the flight is short, the snorkeling and semi-submarine remain the stronger parts of the day.

How the timing affects the value

At $18 per person, this is a very inexpensive way to combine several Red Sea activities. The price includes the semi-submarine, a speedboat ride, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, marina admission, drinks, and hotel transport. With parasailing selected, the flight is included in the chosen option.

The value is strongest if you plan to use all the included parts. A family can split the day between dry viewing and water time, while one or two people can add parasailing without arranging a separate activity.

The price also explains why you should keep expectations practical. You are not paying for a private boat, a quiet custom schedule, or luxury service. You are paying for a shared outing with several moving parts.

The main risk to the value is an unexpected transport charge. Since round-trip hotel transportation is included, you should not assume a driver can add a large fee at the end. Confirm the arrangement before departure and keep the operator’s contact information available.

Crew service and communication

The crew is one of the stronger parts of the outing. They have been described as friendly, relaxed, and playful, with a willingness to help people in the water and make the activity comfortable for children.

That informal style can be a plus. A crew member who jokes with the group and points out fish can make the trip feel more personal than a silent boat ride. It also helps first-time snorkelers relax.

Communication is less consistent. English and Arabic are listed as the available languages, but instructions around pickup and parasailing may not always be clear. If your day includes the optional flight, ask early when it will happen, where you should wait, and how you will move between boats.

This is not a reason to reject the tour, but it is a reason to stay alert. The actual water activities have received stronger praise than the coordination around them.

Who will enjoy this Hurghada trip most

I would recommend this outing to families, first-time snorkelers, couples, and anyone who wants a short Red Sea activity without spending a large amount.

It is especially practical for a mixed group. One person can watch through the semi-submarine windows, another can snorkel, and two people can try parasailing. Young children may enjoy the fish viewing even if they are not ready for a long time in the water.

The trip also suits people with limited time in Hurghada. You get several activities in one booking, with transport handled from the hotel. That saves you from arranging a marina visit, a snorkeling boat, and a separate parasailing session.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, carefully timed day or a polished boat operation. The boats may look dated, the parasailing organization can be untidy, and the transfer communication needs attention.

What to bring and how to prepare

You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a way to protect your phone from water. The trip includes drinks and equipment, but it does not list towels or personal sun protection.

Wear something easy to move in when changing between the vehicle, marina, boat, and water. Keep small valuables secure, particularly if you plan to snorkel or fly above the sea.

Check your pickup time one day before departure. This is the single most useful preparation step because the time varies by hotel and a short delay is possible.

If you want photos, plan around the conditions. The windows can show the reef well, but glare may affect pictures. The open deck, snorkeling stop, and parasailing ride offer better chances for memorable shots, provided your phone or camera is protected.

Safety, comfort, and family use

Life jackets are included, and no training is needed for parasailing. The semi-submarine’s lower deck is air-conditioned, which gives you a cool place to sit between time in the sun and water.

The crew has helped children and less confident swimmers during the snorkeling stop. That is reassuring, but you should still judge your own comfort in open water and follow the crew’s instructions.

Parasailing is a short activity, yet it involves height and an open sea setting. If you are nervous, watch the first flight before deciding. Since the option is separate, you do not have to take part simply because someone else in your group does.

The trip is not presented as accessible for every mobility need, and no detailed accessibility information is provided. If you require specific assistance, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the boats and transfers will suit you.

Booking flexibility and final practical details

You can reserve now and pay later, which is helpful if your Hurghada plans are still shifting. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

At checkout, make sure you select the correct pickup area if you are staying outside central Hurghada. Your hotel location affects the pickup time, and the available areas include Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga.

The listed rating is 4.8 from 12 reviews, but the individual experiences point to a clear pattern: strong enjoyment of the fish viewing, snorkeling, and crew, with less consistent transport and parasailing coordination. That is a useful way to judge the trip. The core Red Sea activities are the safer bet, while the logistics require a little self-management.

Should you book this $18 Red Sea outing?

I would book it if you want a low-cost introduction to Hurghada’s reef life and like the idea of combining dry viewing, snorkeling, and an optional short flight. The semi-submarine is useful for families, the 40-minute snorkeling period gives you real time in the water, and the included transport and equipment make the price hard to beat.

I would choose the basic option first if parasailing is not a priority. If you do add it, confirm the expected flight length and meeting point before the boat leaves.

Book with realistic expectations: this is a value-focused shared trip, not a luxury cruise. Keep your confirmation ready, clarify the return transfer, and judge the day mainly by the reef viewing and snorkeling. For those activities, this is a practical and lively way to meet the Red Sea.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling session?

The snorkeling portion lasts about 40 minutes.

How high does the parasailing go?

The parasailing flight rises about 30 to 40 meters above the sea.

How long does the parasailing flight last?

The stated flight time is 4 to 7 minutes. One account reported a much shorter flight of about 2.5 to 3 minutes, so you should confirm the expected duration before taking part.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included, with pickup also available from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga when selected at checkout.

What drinks are provided?

The trip includes cola and mineral water.