Hurghada: Empire Submarine Boat Trip with Snorkel and Drinks

The Empire semi-submarine gives you two good ways to see the Red Sea: through broad underwater windows from an air-conditioned cabin, then face-to-face while snorkeling. At about 3 meters below the surface, you can watch corals and fish without needing to swim.

I like the easy family format and the fact that pickup, transport, snorkeling gear, life jackets, water, and soft drinks are included. I also like the 40-minute snorkeling stop, which is long enough to feel like more than a quick photo break. The main caution is that food and towels are not included, and the onboard photo service can cost more than you expect.

Key points

• Three-meter underwater viewing: Sit in an air-conditioned, glass-walled cabin and watch the reef through panoramic windows.
• Forty minutes in the water: The snorkeling stop gives you proper time to see fish and coral up close.
• About 19 dollars per person: The price includes hotel transfers from Hurghada, drinks, equipment, and the boat trip.
• Good for mixed-age groups: Children as young as 5 and 6 have enjoyed the outing, while non-swimmers can remain in the submarine cabin.
• One-hour coastal cruise: The boat ride to the reef adds open-water scenery before the main viewing session.
• Bring your own towel and lunch: Food and towels are excluded, and photos or video are sold separately.

Seeing the Red Sea Without a Full-Day Boat Trip

Hurghada is famous for its Red Sea reefs, but not everyone wants to spend a full day on a large excursion boat. The Empire trip keeps things simple. You get a boat ride, an underwater viewing session, and a snorkeling stop, all at a relatively low price.

The key feature is the semi-submarine cabin. This is not a fully enclosed submarine traveling far below the water. Instead, you sit in an air-conditioned observation deck below the surface, with large glass windows looking into the reef area.

That setup matters. You can enjoy the coral and fish even if you are not a confident swimmer. You can also step back into the regular boat area when you want fresh air, sunlight, or a wider view of the coast.

The underwater cabin is about 3 meters below the surface. That is shallow enough for sunlight to reach the reef, which helps the colors show through the windows. The exact clarity will depend on the sea and weather, but the design gives you a clear view without asking you to get wet.

From Hotel Pickup to the Hurghada Marina

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hurghada. You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, a useful detail in Egypt’s heat, especially if your hotel is not close to the marina.

Your pickup time depends on your hotel location. Confirm it one day before the outing, and allow for a delay of up to 10 minutes. That small cushion saves you from standing outside with your swimwear and sun hat while watching every passing vehicle.

Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga is not included in the standard arrangement. You need to select and pay for that service at checkout if you are staying in one of those areas.

The transfer is not just a minor extra. At $19 per person, the included Hurghada transport makes the price more useful than a boat-only ticket. You avoid arranging a taxi to the marina, and you have a clearer plan for getting back to your hotel.

The First 60 Minutes on the Red Sea

The trip begins with roughly a 60-minute cruise along the Hurghada coast toward one of the area’s coral reef sites. This part is more than dead time. It gives you a chance to sit on deck, see the coastline from the water, and settle into the pace of the outing.

You are not rushing from hotel to reef and straight back again. The ride gives the experience a proper boat-trip feel, though the exact scenery depends on the route and sea conditions.

Bring sunglasses and a sun hat for this section. Comfortable shoes are also useful around the boat. Keep your swimwear under your clothes if you want to move quickly into the snorkeling session, and pack a towel because one is not supplied.

You can drink water and soft drinks onboard. Food is not included, so plan accordingly. The supplied details do not specify a meal stop, so do not treat this as a lunch excursion.

The 45-Minute Underwater Viewing Session

At the reef area, you move into the air-conditioned observation deck. The cabin has glass walls and wide panoramic windows, giving you a fish-eye view of the underwater world.

The appeal is its simplicity. You do not need a mask to watch the reef, and you do not need to be a swimmer. Sit by the windows and look for colorful fish, coral formations, and other small sea life moving through the water.

The 45-minute viewing period should feel generous for this type of attraction. You have time to change seats, look through different windows, and wait for fish to pass rather than trying to see everything in one hurried glance.

I would set realistic expectations. A semi-submarine is a viewing platform, not a private reef safari. Several people may be looking through the windows at the same time, and the best position may not remain free. Still, the air conditioning is a real advantage for children, older family members, and anyone who finds a hot boat deck tiring.

The cabin also gives you a useful backup plan. If the water feels too cold, the sun becomes too strong, or you simply decide that snorkeling is not for you, you can still see the reef from below the surface.

Forty Minutes of Snorkeling Near the Reef

After the underwater viewing session, you get about 40 minutes to snorkel near the reef. This is the part of the trip that lets you move from watching the Red Sea through glass to seeing it at water level.

Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included. The life jacket can help you stay comfortable even if you are not a strong swimmer, though you should still follow the crew’s instructions and stay within the permitted area.

Forty minutes is a useful amount of time. It is long enough to adjust your mask, get your breathing under control, and look around without feeling that the activity ends just as you begin. You can focus on the fish and corals instead of worrying about renting equipment or counting every minute.

The water is described as clear, and the reef area is chosen for its coral and marine life. Visibility can never be guaranteed, since weather and sea conditions change, but the combination of a reef stop and an underwater cabin gives you two chances to see something worthwhile.

If your children are new to snorkeling, this format is practical. They can first see what is below from the dry cabin, then decide how much time they want in the water. Parents can also split their attention between snorkeling and staying with a child who prefers the boat.

What the Price Really Includes

At $19 per person, this is one of the more accessible ways to add a Red Sea activity to a Hurghada stay. You are not paying only for a short boat ride. The package includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada
• Air-conditioned ground transportation
• Semi-submarine access
• Underwater viewing through panoramic windows
• A 40-minute snorkeling stop
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets
• Unlimited water and complimentary soft drinks

That collection makes the price strong for families and couples who want a short, structured outing rather than a costly full-day charter.

The trade-offs are clear. There is no food, no towel, and no personal expense allowance. You also pay separately for the optional CD or DVD, and photographs taken onboard may be priced higher than you would like. If you want your own pictures, bring a waterproof phone case only if you already have one that you trust. The tour information does not promise personal photo equipment.

The price is best understood as a value-focused introduction to the Red Sea. It gives you a sample of reef viewing and snorkeling, not a long marine expedition or a private boat experience.

How the Family-Friendly Format Works

This tour suits families because it does not force everyone into the same activity. A confident swimmer can snorkel, while a younger child or cautious adult can remain in the observation cabin.

The format has already worked well for children aged 5 and 6. That does not mean every child will enjoy the water, but the submarine section gives young children something to do even if they decide not to snorkel.

The boat is also a good match for mixed groups. One person may want underwater views but dislike swimming. Another may want as much time in the water as possible. The trip offers both without splitting the group across separate excursions.

There are limits. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed. The supplied information does not give a specific group size, cabin layout, or detailed child policy, so you should ask the operator directly if your party has special seating or supervision needs.

The crew speaks English, Arabic, and German. That makes the basic instructions and trip information easier for many international visitors to follow.

Photos, Drinks, and Small Practical Details

The boat is described as clean, and the crew is friendly and helpful. Those details matter more than they may sound. On a compact boat, cleanliness and clear instructions can make the difference between a relaxed outing and a cramped one.

Water is available without limit, and soft drinks are complimentary. Keep drinking, especially during the sunny boat ride and snorkeling stop. The air-conditioned cabin can feel comfortable, but the open deck still exposes you to strong sun.

The photo service is the one area where I would be careful. Crew members may take pictures and video during the trip, but the purchase price can feel high. Decide in advance how much you are willing to spend so you do not feel pressured when the boat returns to the marina.

Wear comfortable shoes for the transfer and boat. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. A small bag for dry clothes is sensible, though the provided information does not specify storage space onboard, so keep your belongings compact.

Who Will Get the Most From This Trip

I would recommend the Empire semi-submarine to you if you want a short, affordable introduction to Hurghada’s reef life. It is especially useful for:

• Families with young children
• Mixed groups of swimmers and non-swimmers
• First-time snorkelers
• People who want air conditioning between outdoor activities
• Visitors with limited time in Hurghada
• Anyone who wants hotel transport included

It is less suitable if your main goal is a full day at sea, extensive snorkeling, or a quiet private outing. The tour has several timed parts, and the underwater cabin is a shared space.

You should also think about mobility. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the boat may involve moving between different areas. If you need detailed information about steps, seating, or assistance, contact FTS Travels before booking.

Booking Advice and Cancellation Terms

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

Confirm your pickup time one day before departure. This is the most useful booking habit for this outing, since pickup depends on your hotel and a delay of up to 10 minutes is possible.

Check the pickup area carefully at checkout. Hurghada hotels are covered, but hotels in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga require a separate pickup selection.

Should You Book the Empire Semi-Submarine?

Book it if you want a budget-friendly Red Sea sampler with two ways to see the reef. The 3-meter underwater cabin takes the pressure off non-swimmers, while the 40-minute snorkeling session gives capable swimmers a proper chance to see marine life firsthand.

I like the balance of the trip. You get a coastal cruise, a long viewing session, water time, drinks, gear, and hotel transport for $19. The main compromises are the lack of food and towels, the separate charge for photos, and the fact that this is a shared boat experience rather than a private reef trip.

For a family, a first snorkeling outing, or a spare morning in Hurghada, it is a sensible booking. For serious snorkelers who want a full day on the reef, choose a longer boat excursion instead.

FAQ

How much does the Empire semi-submarine trip cost?

The listed price is $19 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga requires an additional selection at checkout.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling session lasts about 40 minutes.

How deep is the underwater observation deck?

The air-conditioned observation deck is located about 3 meters below the surface.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited water and complimentary soft drinks are available onboard.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.