Hurghada: Empire Submarine Boat Trip with Snorkel and Drinks

A glass-bottom view without the swim. That’s the point of the Empire Submarine, with panoramic underwater windows from an air-conditioned deck about 3 meters down. You still get the Red Sea marine-life show, just with less effort and more comfort than a standard boat-and-hope plan.

I love the balance here: you get long underwater viewing time and then a real snorkeling break to see the reef up close. The snorkeling time is a solid 40 minutes, and you’re not left to figure anything out on your own, because snorkeling gear and life jackets are included.

One thing to consider, if you care about souvenirs: the boat photo/video package can come with a high onboard fee, and that part can feel a bit pushy.

Key things to know before you go

• Underwater windows at 3 meters: air-conditioned, glass-walled viewing for reef and fish watching.
• A full 60-minute coastal cruise: you’re not rushing straight to the water, you get time on board.
• 40-minute snorkeling break: enough time to enjoy the reef without feeling rushed.
• Soft drinks and unlimited water: included onboard, so you can stay hydrated in the sun.
• Family-friendly setup: great fit for kids and adults who want an easy marine outing.
• Bring sun protection: you’ll spend time exposed on the boat before and after the water stops.

How the Empire Submarine Changes Your Red Sea Day

Let’s be honest, Hurghada can be a lot of bright sun and hot steps to get to the water. This tour meets you halfway. You start with a boat ride along the coastline, then you head down to an air-conditioned observation deck tucked well below the surface. That means you get the best part of the Red Sea experience, the coral and fish, without needing to be a strong swimmer or planning your own route.

What I like most is that it is practical. You get guided structure, clear timing, and included gear. Then, if you want a little extra fun, you also get into the water for snorkeling. It’s not “either-or,” it’s “both,” with enough comfort built in for different ages and confidence levels.

The Main Show: Panoramic Underwater Windows at 3 Meters

The heart of the trip is the semi-submarine observation deck, located roughly 3 meters below the surface. This is where you’ll spend about 45 minutes looking out expansive panoramic windows.

Inside, you’re in an air-conditioned, glass-walled space. That matters more than it sounds. On a hot Red Sea day, air conditioning turns the experience into something you can actually enjoy start to finish, not just survive. The view itself is what you came for: colorful coral shapes, fish moving in and out of the reef, and marine life that feels close because the windows are right at the action.

A helpful way to think about this part: even if you skip snorkeling, you still get a real marine window experience. And if you do snorkel, this window time helps you “spot” the kinds of fish and coral you’ll later look for while swimming.

Hurghada Coast Cruise: 60 Minutes to Set the Mood

Before the underwater part, you cruise for about 60 minutes along the Hurghada coastline. This is not just transport time. It gives you a breather, a chance to get oriented, and a slower ramp into the day.

Expect time on the boat where the sun can be intense. This is where your sun hat and sunglasses earn their keep. It’s also when you’ll get the feel of how the day runs. Staff are present, things are kept organized, and it’s the kind of trip that stays calmer than some high-speed boat excursions.

If you’re traveling with kids, this cruise segment helps a lot. It breaks the experience into chunks, so nobody is waiting too long before the exciting part begins.

Snorkeling for 40 Minutes at a Reef Spot

Then comes the moment you either love or dread, depending on your comfort in the water. Here, you’re given about 40 minutes for snorkeling at a top snorkel spot near the reef, plus snorkeling gear and life jackets.

The value of this timing is that it’s long enough to actually enjoy. You’re not doing a quick “one minute, goodbye coral” stop. You get time to float, look around, and swim at whatever pace feels right.

A practical note: the reef can be busy, and the water is clear, so you may find yourself staring more than moving. That’s normal. Focus on steady breathing, keep your fins gentle, and let the fish come to you. If you’re not an experienced snorkeler, the life jacket makes a difference for peace of mind.

Also, you don’t need to be in the water the entire time to make it worthwhile. Even relaxed floating can be spectacular in the Red Sea, especially during a stop specifically chosen for snorkeling.

Staff, Cleanliness, and the Family-Friendly Flow

This is built as a family-friendly tour. That shows in the overall pacing and in how the experience is handled on board. People of different ages can enjoy it, because you have two ways to experience the sea: watching from below the surface and then snorkeling if you want to.

I also like the way the trip feels set up for comfort. The boat is described as very clean, and the crew comes across as friendly and helpful, with clear explanations. You’ll also be well equipped with the snorkeling gear and life jackets, so you’re not standing there figuring out straps in front of everyone.

For families, this kind of structure matters. One moment your kids are watching fish through windows, the next they’re geared up for snorkeling. Even if a child is hesitant, there’s still plenty of marine viewing without asking everyone to commit to swimming.

What You Actually Get for $19: Value That Makes Sense

For around $19 per person, this trip is strong value because you’re not only paying for boat time. You’re paying for a bundle of extras that are usually separate on other activities.

Here’s what is included:

• hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada
• air-conditioned vehicle transportation
• the semi-submarine cruise with underwater panoramic views
• complimentary soft drinks and unlimited water onboard
• snorkeling gear
• snorkeling stop
• life jackets

And what’s not included:

• food
• towels
• personal expenses
• optional photo products like CD/DVD (sold onboard)

So the real question is not just the price. It’s whether you get the elements that make it worth your day. You do. You get the underwater experience even if you don’t want to get wet, and you still get a meaningful snorkeling window for those who do.

If you’re trying to keep costs down while still getting a proper reef experience, this is one of the easier ways to do it in Hurghada. If you love marine life but you’re traveling with mixed ages or mixed swimming confidence, it’s even more of a win.

What to Bring (So the Day Feels Easy, Not Miserable)

This is a sun-and-water outing, so pack like it. The essentials matter because there’s limited mention of towel provision and no food included.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes
• sunglasses
• a sun hat
• swimwear
• a towel

You’ll likely want sunscreen too, even though it’s not listed, because you’re exposed on the boat and around the marina. If you’re snorkeling, keep your towel easy to reach for the quick “back to normal” moments.

Shoes matter because you’ll be moving around the boat deck and getting in and out. Comfortable grip helps more than you’d think.

Photos, Videos, and the Onboard Fee That May Annoy You

One detail you should plan for: the boat photo and video setup. Your trip experience may include photos and video captured onboard, and then you’re offered those media options for purchase.

Some people love having the footage. Others find the photo fee high and the sales push a bit annoying. If you think you’ll want souvenirs, decide early and only go for what you genuinely want. If you’re not into it, you can keep your day focused on the actual reef.

A smart approach: treat the photos as optional. Let the real souvenir be the memory of coral and fish through the windows and the reef you looked at during snorkeling.

Who Should Book the Empire Submarine, and Who Should Skip

This tour is a great match if you want Red Sea marine life without the stress of organizing your own snorkeling day. It’s also excellent for families, because the experience works for kids and adults who might have different comfort levels.

You’ll probably love it if:

• you want both underwater viewing and a chance to snorkel
• you prefer a structured, friendly crew approach
• you’re traveling with children or anyone who prefers less time in the water

You might want to skip or rethink if:

• you use a wheelchair (the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)
• you are specifically looking for a long, extended snorkeling session far beyond 40 minutes
• you strongly dislike any onboard photo upsells

Practicalities That Affect Your Comfort

Pickup and timing can shape your day more than you’d expect. Pickup time depends on your hotel location, and it can be delayed by up to 10 minutes. So I’d plan for a bit of flexibility, especially if you’re juggling kids or other bookings.

Also, if you’re staying outside central Hurghada, the pickup coverage may be limited. The trip notes extra pickup locations may apply to select areas only when you choose them at checkout. If you’re staying in a more spread-out resort area, double-check your pickup option during booking.

One more small detail: pets are not allowed on this tour, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with any animal.

Should You Book This Empire Submarine Trip in Hurghada?

I think this is a strong “yes” for most people looking for good marine value in Hurghada. The combination of air-conditioned underwater windows, a meaningful 40-minute snorkeling stop, and included drinks makes the whole day feel easy and complete. And it’s a particularly solid choice for families because there are two ways to enjoy the reef.

Before you book, consider two things. First, think about your photo preference, because the onboard media can add cost. Second, make sure the format works for your mobility needs, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

If what you want is an organized, budget-friendly Red Sea outing with real coral and fish time, this semi-submarine experience is a smart bet.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling part of the trip?

You get 40 minutes of snorkeling during the snorkeling stop near the reef.

How deep is the underwater observation deck?

The observation deck is about 3 meters below the surface.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada are included.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes. Soft drinks are included, and water is unlimited onboard.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

What snorkeling gear do I need?

Snorkeling gear is included, along with life jackets.

Is the tour wheelchair friendly?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.