Makadi Bay: Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise & Snorkel stop

The main draw here is simple: you get to see the Red Sea from three meters below sea level without scuba gear. The air-conditioned cabin has large glass windows, so you can sit down and watch coral, fish, and other sea life before entering the water yourself.

I like the way this combines two very different views of the reef: a calm, dry seat inside the boat and a short swim in clear water. I also like the price. At $19, the trip offers a useful introduction to Makadi Bay’s marine life without the cost or commitment of a full-day boat excursion.

The weak point is the tight schedule. The snorkeling lasts only 20 minutes, and one recent departure involved an hour-long wait at the pier. If you need a quiet, well-paced outing, allow extra time and understand that this is a short group cruise, not a private reef trip.

Key points to know before you book

• Three meters below the surface: An air-conditioned, glass-walled cabin gives you an underwater view while you remain seated and dry.
• About 45 minutes at the windows: Most of the sightseeing happens from the semi-submarine observation deck.
• Only 20 minutes of snorkeling: This is a quick chance to enter the Red Sea, not a long reef session.
• Departure from Xanadu Hotel Marina: The marina can be reached along the beach from Makadi hotels.
• $19 offers solid basic value: The price covers transport options, entry and park fees, the cruise, and the snorkeling stop, but not food or drinks.
• Build in extra waiting time: The boat may not leave exactly when expected, according to a recent booking experience.

Seeing the Red Sea from three meters below the surface

The Royal Seascope is a semi-submarine, which means you remain above water for the cruise but can sit in an underwater viewing cabin during the reef stop. This setup works well if you want to see coral and fish but do not feel comfortable swimming for a long period.

The observation deck is air-conditioned and surrounded by large glass windows. You can stay in your seat and watch the seabed through a fish-eye view, with the curved glass giving the scene a broad, slightly unusual perspective.

This is not the same as scuba diving. You will not be surrounded by water, and you will not move through the reef. Instead, you get a framed view from inside the vessel. That makes the experience especially useful for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants a gentle introduction to the Red Sea.

The cabin also gives you a break from the sun. Makadi Bay can be bright and hot, so the cool interior is more than a small comfort. You can watch the reef without worrying about swimming technique, strong sun, or getting water in your face.

From Makadi hotels to Xanadu Hotel Marina

Pickup is available from Makadi hotels only. If you choose it, a shared air-conditioned bus collects you about 45 minutes before the scheduled trip time. The ride to the marina is listed at roughly 25 minutes, though your exact pickup time depends on your hotel and the shared route.

If you are staying at another Makadi hotel, the meeting point is Royal Seascope at Xanadu Hotel Marina. The marina is accessible via the beach from all Makadi hotels, so you may not need a separate vehicle if you are close enough to walk.

The operator sends pickup details and further instructions by WhatsApp after booking. Keep the phone number used for your reservation active, and check the message before leaving your hotel. This matters because the pickup information is not fixed for every booking.

The location itself receives positive attention, and it is easy to see why. Xanadu Hotel Marina puts you close to the bay and the departure point, with the sea forming the backdrop from the moment you arrive. Still, do not assume that arriving at the stated time means the boat will leave immediately.

One recent booking involved a wait of about an hour because the boat was not yet at the pier. That may not happen every time, but it is a good reason to keep your schedule flexible. If you have a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or another tour afterward, leave plenty of room.

The first 15 to 25 minutes on the water

Once aboard, the boat heads toward a coral reef near Xanadu Hotel. The cruise time is described as roughly 15 minutes in the main tour description, while the broader timing shows about 25 minutes for the boat portion. In practical terms, expect a short ride before the main viewing period begins.

This opening ride gives you scenic views of Makadi Bay and a chance to settle into the boat. There is no food or drink included, so bring water if you need it. The experience is focused on the reef rather than onboard dining or a long sailing route.

The boat itself has been praised as nice, and the short cruise helps keep the outing manageable. You are not committing to a full day at sea. For many people, that is the point: you can fit the trip into a morning or afternoon without giving up an entire vacation day.

The tradeoff is that the boat ride is not a major attraction on its own. If you want a long sail, a full meal, or several reef stops, this will feel limited. The value comes from the underwater cabin and the included snorkeling stop, not from the length of time spent cruising.

Forty-five minutes behind the underwater windows

At the reef, you descend into the observation deck, which sits three meters below sea level. The cabin is air-conditioned, and the large windows let you look out from a seated position.

The scheduled viewing period lasts about 45 minutes. That is the longest part of the experience, and it gives you time to look closely rather than rushing past the reef in a few minutes. You may see fish of different sizes and colors, coral formations, and other Red Sea marine life through the windows.

The fish-eye effect is part of the appeal. The view is wider than a normal flat window, though the curved glass can also make the scene look slightly distorted. Think of it as a convenient viewing platform, not a perfect underwater photograph.

I like this format because it removes several common barriers. You do not need swimming skills to take part in the main activity. You do not need to rent diving equipment. You can also share the experience with someone who prefers to stay dry.

There is one important comfort issue. The tour information specifically warns that the activity is not suitable for people with claustrophobia. The cabin is below the waterline and enclosed, so anyone uneasy in confined spaces should choose a boat trip with an open deck instead.

The deck may also feel busy if many people gather around the windows. The larger the group, the more you may need to shift position to get the clearest view. The information provided does not give a group-size limit, so you should not book this expecting a private cabin.

A quick 20-minute snorkeling stop

After the underwater viewing, the boat stops for snorkeling. You get about 20 minutes in the water, with the reef near Xanadu Hotel as the setting.

The Red Sea is famous for clear water and coral, and this short stop gives you a more direct look than the submarine windows. You can swim, look down at the reef, and see how the underwater scene changes when you are moving through the water instead of watching from a cabin.

Twenty minutes passes quickly. I would treat this as a taste of snorkeling, not a full reef session. If you already enjoy snorkeling, you may wish the stop were longer. One recent booking specifically wanted more time, which is a fair criticism given the travel and waiting involved.

The stop is also conducted as a group activity. A recent experience described the group as large and found the guide’s repeated calls of hello hello irritating whenever swimmers moved farther away. This suggests that the staff may keep close control of the group, perhaps to keep people together and away from the reef.

That can be useful for safety and organization, but it may frustrate confident swimmers who want to explore at their own pace. You must not touch marine life, and you should follow the crew’s instructions even if the time in the water feels short.

Bring your own swimwear and sunscreen. The supplied information does not say that snorkeling equipment is included, so confirm that point when booking if you do not have your own gear. Food and drinks are not included.

How the $19 price holds up

At $19 per person, this is a low-cost way to add a Red Sea activity to a Makadi Bay stay. The price includes the cruise, entry fees, national park fees, the snorkeling stop, and air-conditioned transport when hotel pickup is selected.

That package makes the trip good value for a short outing. You get both the underwater cabin and the swim, rather than paying only for a boat transfer. The cost also keeps the experience accessible if you are unsure about committing to a longer or more expensive sea excursion.

The price does not cover food or drinks. Since the activity lasts about two hours, that is not a serious problem for most people, but you should eat before departure and carry water where permitted.

Value depends heavily on your expectations. If you want an affordable first look at Red Sea marine life, the price is appealing. If you want a long snorkeling session, quiet personal space, or precise departure times, the low price comes with clear compromises.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 184 reviews, which fits the experience as described: strong basic value and an enjoyable setting, with occasional problems involving timing, group control, or payment confusion. One booking had an issue where the payment made through the booking app was not initially recognized at the marina, and the customer was asked to pay again before the matter was sorted out.

Keep proof of payment on your phone. That is a sensible precaution for any prepaid activity, especially when the final meeting point is busy.

Who will enjoy this Makadi Bay cruise

I would recommend the Royal Seascope to you if you want a short, affordable marine-life outing and do not need a full day on the water. It suits first-time visitors to the Red Sea, families, and mixed groups where some people want to snorkel while others prefer to stay dry.

It is also a useful choice if you are staying at a Makadi hotel and want a nearby activity rather than a long transfer. The marina location and optional shared pickup keep the arrangements fairly simple.

The trip is less suitable if you have claustrophobia, since the main viewing cabin is enclosed and below sea level. It is also a poor match for anyone who wants extended snorkeling or a private, quiet boat ride.

People with limited mobility may appreciate that the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the information does not explain the exact boarding arrangements. If that detail matters to you, ask the operator before booking.

The available instruction languages are English, German, Polish, and Russian. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not book this expecting a named marine specialist or a personal guiding service.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Use WhatsApp actively after booking. Pickup details and instructions arrive there, and the shared bus pickup is expected about 45 minutes before the trip time.

Wear swimwear under your clothes, apply sunscreen before leaving, and bring what you need for the water. Do not touch coral or marine animals. The rule protects the reef and also keeps your snorkeling stop from becoming a hands-on encounter with wildlife.

Keep your schedule open after the tour. Although the advertised duration is two hours, the boat may leave late, and the transport arrangements are shared. The recent hour-long wait at the pier is worth taking seriously.

If you are sensitive to crowds, set your expectations early. The snorkeling stop can involve a large group, and the crew may call swimmers back if they move too far away. You will get a more relaxed experience by treating the water time as a brief supervised look rather than an independent reef expedition.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Should you book the Royal Seascope?

Book it if you want a two-hour Red Sea introduction at a modest price, especially if you are staying in Makadi Bay and like the idea of viewing coral from an air-conditioned cabin before trying a short snorkel.

Skip it if your priority is long time in the water, a private boat, or exact departure timing. The underwater windows are the real reason to choose this trip, while the 20-minute snorkeling stop is an extra taste rather than the main event.

For $19, I think the Royal Seascope makes sense as an easy add-on. Just carry water, keep your payment confirmation handy, expect possible waiting, and remember that the best value comes from enjoying both halves of the outing: the seated underwater view and the brief swim.

FAQ

Where does the Royal Seascope cruise depart from?

It departs from Royal Seascope at Xanadu Hotel Marina in Makadi Bay. The marina can be reached via the beach from Makadi hotels.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for Makadi hotels when you select that option. The shared bus usually collects you about 45 minutes before the trip time.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is two hours. Pickup and waiting time can make your total time commitment longer.

How long is the underwater viewing session?

The air-conditioned observation deck visit lasts approximately 45 minutes.

How far below the water is the observation deck?

The observation deck is three meters below sea level.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling session lasts about 20 minutes.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and sunscreen. You should also keep your WhatsApp contact active for pickup details after booking.

Is the activity suitable for someone with claustrophobia?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with claustrophobia because the observation deck is enclosed and below sea level.