Makadi Bay: Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise & Snorkel stop

A submarine ride in Egypt sounds old-school, but it is actually practical. You get a glass-walled underwater deck for panoramic viewing, then a snorkel stop in clear Red Sea water without needing special gear.

I like how this experience splits your time between seeing life from inside the ship and getting in the water for your own close-up moments. I also like the straightforward location, since the Royal Seascope leaves from the Xanadu Hotel Marina area that is easy to reach from Makadi hotels.

One possible drawback to plan for: the snorkel session is only about 20 minutes, so you will want to make those minutes count (and you might prefer a more relaxed pace if you want longer water time).

Key things that make Royal Seascope worth it

• 3 meters below sea level on an air-conditioned underwater observation deck, with huge panoramic windows
• Fish-eye style viewing that helps you spot fish and coral without craning your neck
• A short ride to a reef near Xanadu Hotel, so most of your time is spent underwater
• 20-minute snorkeling in crystal-clear water for a closer look
• Skip-the-line style entry, plus hotel pickup in Makadi Hotels only
• A group format that can feel busy during snorkeling, so expect a crowd at the water stop

What the Royal Seascope semi-submarine experience is really like

This tour is built around one smart idea: you do not have to choose between comfort and access. You start on a boat that feels like a cruise, but the headline is the semi-submarine section. That means you can sit down and look out through large, underwater-facing windows while you are below the surface. No fins required for the first part.

The underwater deck sits about 3 meters below sea level, and it is air-conditioned. That matters more than you might think in the Red Sea. When the air above the water feels hot, being inside with cool air makes it easier to stay focused on what is outside: coral shapes, fish movement, and that constant shimmer of shallow water.

Then comes the second half, the part where you trade the glass view for real water contact. After the observation time, you get a snorkeling stop for about 20 minutes. It is short, but it is timed to match the best reef area the boat is cruising toward.

Finding the Xanadu Hotel Marina from Makadi Bay

Logistics can make or break a half-day outing, and here the meeting point is fairly direct. The Royal Seascope submarine is located at the Xanadu Hotel Marina. You can access that marina via the beach from all Makadi hotels.

If you booked pickup, you will use an air-conditioned vehicle, and pickup is only for Makadi Hotels. The shared bus timing is a bit earlier than you might expect, since pickup takes place about 45 minutes before the trip time. After booking, you should receive pick-up details via WhatsApp, which is the easiest way to avoid confusion.

Here is a practical tip for avoiding stress: arrive a little early to the pickup area and keep an eye on your WhatsApp instructions. That way, you are not standing around with a swim bag and sun beating down while everyone else boards.

Also note the tour has two drop-off locations mentioned as Royal Seascope Makadi and Hurghada 2. So plan on staying flexible if your return timing and location differ from what you assumed.

The smooth part, boat cruise and the reef run

Once you are at the marina, the day shifts into motion. There is a boat component that gets you from Makadi Bay out to the reef area. Depending on the exact flow of the day, the schedule points to a short cruise segment, then a longer period where the boat is effectively “working” the reef zone.

That balance is one reason this tour feels good for people who do not want to spend half a day traveling. You are not just sitting on land waiting for the water time. The plan is built so you reach a reef area near Xanadu Hotel in Makadi Bay relatively quickly.

From there, your time becomes mostly underwater viewing plus the one snorkeling session. If you enjoy short, focused travel activities, this format works well.

Inside the underwater observation deck (about 45 minutes)

This is the heart of the experience. You descend to the underwater observation area, then settle in for roughly 45 minutes of viewing through panoramic windows.

What I like about this setup for you is control. You can watch fish and coral patterns at your own pace. There is no constant standing in waves, no scrambling to keep balance, and no need to repeatedly surface to catch your breath. You just look.

The windows also change how you see the reef. With the boat below the surface and your seat positioned to look out, you get that fish-eye perspective that helps you notice fish schools and coral textures even when visibility is shifting.

Because the deck is air-conditioned, you can also handle the reality of the Red Sea climate better. You are not sweating through your whole experience just to get a view. You can pay attention, take photos if that is your thing, and still feel comfortable.

One more note that matters: the deck is about 3 meters below sea level, and the activity is not suitable for people with claustrophobia. If that is a concern, do not “test it.” Pick a different kind of snorkeling day where you are fully on the surface.

The 20-minute snorkeling stop, how to make it count

After the observation deck portion, you get the snorkeling part. Expect 20 minutes in the water, and it is done in a group. That group format can be friendly, but it also means the timing can feel tight.

So how do you make those minutes count?

• Start moving calmly the moment you are allowed in, so you are not spending your first minute adjusting.
• Focus on the edges where fish activity usually shows up, rather than trying to cover a huge area.
• Stay aware of the group and any guidance given, so you do not get separated.

The water is described as crystal-clear, and that is the key benefit. Clear visibility makes snorkeling more rewarding even with a short session. It is often the difference between seeing “something” and seeing distinct coral structure and fish behavior.

Also, there is a strict rule: do not touch marine life. That is not just for protection of animals. It also keeps the snorkeling safer and helps prevent a rushed, chaotic moment in the water.

If you are hoping for a long personal snorkeling drift, this tour may feel short. If you want a short taste that fits into a 2-hour outing, it is a solid fit.

Coral reef viewing near Makadi Bay: what you will likely see

The tour is designed around one specific goal: reaching one of the best coral reef areas near Xanadu Hotel. Even without fancy gear, the viewing angle from the deck and the short snorkeling window give you two different ways to experience the reef.

From inside the underwater deck, you are watching through the ship and not forcing yourself to swim constantly. That helps you take in the reef as an overall scene: coral shapes, patches of color, and fish darting patterns.

Once you are snorkeling, the experience changes. You are closer to the water surface, moving more like a swimmer than a viewer. That is when you typically notice the details: the way fish hover near coral branches, and how certain areas look busier than others.

The real value here is not just the reef itself. It is the combination: see it broadly from below, then get close for a short moment in the water.

Value for $19: where the money goes and what you get back

At $19 per person and 2 hours total duration, this is a budget-friendly option compared with longer day boats. The best part is how much is included.

Your ticket covers:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Makadi Hotels only
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Entry fees and national park fees
• The cruise itself
• The snorkeling stop

Food and drinks are not included, so you will want to plan on handling that separately. But for the core experience, you are not paying extra for the big pieces.

The value question comes down to your priorities. If you want more than 20 minutes of snorkeling, or you want a slow, unhurried day with lots of time in the water, you might feel limited. If you want a cost-effective way to see coral life with minimal planning, the structure makes sense.

The overall customer feedback seems to lean toward good value, with comments specifically pointing to a nice boat and good location. The location advantage is real here, since it reduces travel time and makes it easier to fit into your Makadi Bay stay.

The parts that can feel annoying, and how to prepare

This kind of tour runs on a schedule, and the schedule can create a few friction points.

One issue to keep in mind is waiting. There is an example of someone arriving at the pier at the told time and then having to wait an hour before the ship left. That does not mean it is always like that, but it is a good reason to build in patience.

Another possible friction point is the group energy during snorkeling. Snorkeling is described as happening in a large group, and one guide communication style was specifically mentioned as annoying, with repeated phrases like hello hello. You cannot control the guide, but you can control your mindset: treat it as part of the group rhythm, and keep your focus on the water and your safety.

Finally, there is one more real-world issue: payments sometimes get messy at the start of a day if a booking confirmation is not understood. You can lower the odds of any hassle by keeping your confirmation details handy on your phone.

Small rules and practical tips you should follow

A few rules are clearly stated, and they help you have a better experience while keeping the reef protected.

• Bring swimwear. You will be getting in the water, and you do not want to waste time changing on site.
• Bring sunscreen. The deck is air-conditioned, but the day starts and ends under the sun.
• Do not touch marine life. If you have kids with you, make sure everyone understands this before you reach the water.

You may also want to bring a towel and water for after, but the only “official” items listed are swimwear and sunscreen, so treat anything else as optional.

If you take photos, remember that the underwater deck windows may reflect light depending on where you sit. Try shifting your position slightly to reduce glare and get cleaner shots.

Who should book Royal Seascope, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want:

• A short, easy Red Sea experience
• Underwater viewing that works even if snorkeling feels intimidating
• A comfortable indoor observation option with air-conditioning
• A convenient Makadi Bay location that does not require a long transfer

It may not be for you if:

• You have claustrophobia, since the underwater deck is below sea level and could feel too enclosed
• You want a long snorkeling session beyond 20 minutes
• You dislike group tours and the pace that comes with them

If you are traveling with limited time, or you simply want your reef experience without over-planning, this is a practical choice.

Should you book Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise & Snorkel Stop?

I would book it if you want a budget-friendly, 2-hour way to see the Red Sea in two styles, from an underwater glass deck and then briefly in the water. The value is strong because entry fees and the snorkeling stop are included, and the location at the Xanadu Hotel Marina keeps logistics simple.

Skip it if you are looking for a long snorkeling day or if the idea of being below sea level in an observation area could trigger discomfort. In that case, you will likely feel rushed or uneasy.

If your goal is a clean, straightforward reef introduction from Makadi Bay, Royal Seascope is a sensible pick.

FAQ

Where does the Royal Seascope submarine leave from?

It is located at the Xanadu Hotel Marina, which you can access via the beach from Makadi hotels.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Makadi Hotels only.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling stop is about 20 minutes.

How long do you spend on the underwater observation deck?

The underwater observation deck experience is for approximately 45 minutes.

How far below sea level is the observation deck?

The observation deck is about 3 meters below sea level.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and sunscreen.

Are food and drinks included?

No, food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.