Sindbad Submarines – Hurghada (Egypt) – 2 Hours

Want the Red Sea without getting wet? This submarine ride in Hurghada puts you 25 meters below the surface, so you watch corals and fish glide past in climate-controlled comfort.

What I love most is how every seat has a clear view through large panoramic windows, and how simple it feels if you do not swim. The trip also includes door-to-door pickup and a drink onboard, which matters when you just want the experience to run smoothly.

One consideration: the photo and video add-ons are a big part of the experience, and you should decide in advance if you want them, because the sales pitch can feel pushy.

Key things to know before you go

• 25 meters down: you will see the reef from a real-world underwater viewpoint, without scuba gear
• 44 passenger limit: a moderate group size, with seats assigned for the full trip
• Panoramic windows for all: 18 windows total, so you are not stuck looking only one direction
• Coral visibility changes sides: the coral is on one side during the first part, then switches on return
• Photo packages are extra: expect upsells, including on-board photography and optional links or uploads
• Pickup timing can vary: most runs are fine, but confirm your pickup instructions clearly

A real recreational submarine in Hurghada, not a gimmick

This is one of those activities that sounds too neat until you realize it is a real, scheduled submarine trip. The operator describes Sindbad Submarines as one of the only real recreational submarines in North Africa and the Middle East, and says there are only 14 like this worldwide, with two based in Hurghada.

That matters because you are not looking at a simulated screen. You are actually riding a submarine down to the reef zone, then using the windows to watch marine life in motion. It is a special kind of Red Sea viewing, especially if snorkeling sounds unpleasant or if you just want to keep things easy.

I also like that the experience is built for broad ages. The ride is designed around a calm, safe pace, with everyone staying seated for the trip. For families, that single detail can be the difference between a smooth outing and a long, stressful one.

The route and what happens during your 3.5 hours

The total time is about 3.5 hours from pickup to drop-off. Under the water, plan on roughly 45 minutes inside the submarine based on how the trip is described by guests.

Here is how your day typically unfolds:

First, you get collected from the meeting area in Hurghada. The listed start point is Little Buddha Hurghada, in the Touristic Villages area (Hurghada 1). The schedule window is 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so you are not dealing with an ultra-early departure.

Next comes the water transfer and the approach to the dive site. You may have a short boat segment before the submarine ride begins, and you can also expect some staff activity here, including people offering help for photos. If you dislike being asked repeatedly, you can set a clear boundary early.

Then the main event starts: the submarine goes down to the reef area off Hurghada. The operator mentions exploring 500 meters of coral reef, and that is where you spend your underwater time watching fish, coral, and other sea life.

On the way back up, the viewing angle changes slightly. One nice detail is that the coral is on one side during the first part, then on the other side during the return leg, so you get a different view even if you do not move your seat.

Finally, you are taken back to the meeting point. The activity ends back at the start location.

Inside the submarine: windows, seating, and what you will actually see

This submarine experience is all about viewpoint. It is a modern vessel with 44 passenger seats and 18 panoramic windows, plus two pilot seats. That is enough capacity that the boat does not feel cramped, but small enough that the whole ride stays focused on the windows.

Expect to stay in your allocated seat for the full ride. That is not a negative, because it encourages everyone to keep their heads out of the way and watch. And it also helps kids settle, since there is no constant movement or standing around.

What about the marine life? This trip is centered on reef scenery: swaying corals, reef fish, and the kind of sightings like rays that you hear guests mention. If you love nature photography, you will appreciate how close you are to the reef line compared to being on a glass-bottom boat.

A few practical points I think you will care about:

• You might see more activity on one side than the other at different moments. Since coral is on one side first and the other side during return, try to sit where you will enjoy both angles.
• A scuba professional may work on the non-coral side to entertain and feed fish. This can increase how much you notice, especially if you are traveling with kids.
• You might spot a sunken ship. One guest highlights that as a memorable element, so keep your eyes open for artificial structures near the reef area.

Overall, this is a calm, “look out the window” style outing. It is not like active snorkeling where you can choose your route moment to moment. Your job is simple: point your gaze, take breaks, and enjoy the ride at a slower pace than most sea excursions.

Family-friendly and non-swimmer friendly, with real comfort

If you do not swim, this is the kind of Red Sea activity that does not punish you for it. You are not expected to float, splash, or keep goggles on while breathing hard. The submarine does the work of getting you to the viewing depth.

The cabin is described as air-conditioned, which is a quiet upgrade in Hurghada heat. When your tour includes transfers plus sun, that comfort makes the experience feel less like a chore and more like a break.

For families, it is also worth noting that the ride is explicitly positioned for all ages. In practice, that shows up as assigned seating, a predictable schedule, and a calm rhythm. Kids can watch, adults can relax, and nobody needs to learn a new skill set just to enjoy the scenery.

The one thing I would think about is your expectations for “wow factor.” Because you are in a sealed cabin with windows, your viewing is amazing but not unlimited. If you are expecting a wide-ranging reef swim with constant motion, you may feel the contrast. If you want a safe, comfortable underwater window into the Red Sea, you are in the right place.

Price and value: how $75 stacks up in real life

At $75, this is not the cheapest Hurghada excursion. I get why some people compare it to other local trips. But the value here is tied to something you cannot replicate easily: a real submarine experience, at about 25 meters depth, with panoramic windows and a dedicated underwater viewing route.

The price also includes return hotel transfers (door-to-door for many hotels, with pickup arranged from the site area), plus soda/pop and all fees and taxes. That is part of why the cost feels easier to justify. You are paying for the vehicle, the specialist team, and the operating costs, not just for access to a beach or a basic boat ride.

Where you can overspend without noticing is photos and video. If you know you want a souvenir, decide your budget before they start pitching packages. If you are on the fence, you can still enjoy the ride without buying anything beyond the included items.

So my value verdict is simple:

• If your goal is a true underwater viewing experience without swimming, the pricing can feel fair.
• If your goal is a bargain reef boat, you might feel it is pricey.

Getting there smoothly: pickup, timing, and what to do

Most runs seem to work as planned, with pickup and transfers described as smooth when things go right. But there are also reports of missed pickups or delayed starts, which is not rare in busy tourist areas.

My advice is to treat this like any time-sensitive tour in Hurghada:

• Confirm your pickup time the day before and again the morning of.
• Have your exact hotel name and address ready.
• Keep a phone on you and be reachable.

Also, arrival time matters. One guest notes being told to arrive earlier, then the schedule shifted later without much explanation. That does not mean it will happen to you, but it is a good reminder to arrive a little ahead so you are not rushed or waiting in the sun.

A small positive trend in the feedback is communication via WhatsApp. One guest specifically mentions being contacted quickly after booking and coordinating pickup that way. If you receive a contact message, save it and follow the instructions closely.

Photos, video, and how to avoid souvenir sticker shock

Photo and video are not included. You can buy add-ons, including a photography service that takes images and then offers packages or download links.

A few details I think you should plan around:

• You may be asked to pay for photos taken during the trip, including images connected to the submarine viewing moments.
• Some packages involve waiting after the trip for delivery or uploads.
• There can be multiple sales points, including on the boat transfer to the submarine and during the submarine portion.

One review mentions a photographer by name, Avram, which suggests the photo team can be a consistent part of the operation. Another review highlights paying for a photo link but then not getting the delivery as expected.

That is why I suggest a practical approach:

1. Ask what you are buying, what format you get, and how long delivery takes.
2. If you do not want it, say no clearly before they start. Do not debate mid-pitch.
3. Decide your budget up front so the price shock does not sneak up on you.

If you love family memories, the photos can be worth it. If you hate pressured selling, plan to enjoy the underwater ride and skip the extras.

Extra options if you want more than window-viewing

The experience is centered on the submarine ride. Still, the tour material also references an introduction scuba option for people who want basic skills before committing to a full course.

I like that this gives you a pathway. You can do the submarine first to see if you even like being underwater, then choose how adventurous you want to get later.

If you are not ready for any scuba training at all, you do not need it. The submarine alone gives you a full underwater experience without the breathing-underwater part.

Should you book Sindbad Submarines in Hurghada?

Yes, book it if:

• You want a real submarine view of the Red Sea and reef.
• You are traveling with kids, seniors, or anyone who does not want to swim.
• You like the idea of 25 meters depth and panoramic windows with minimal effort.

Skip it or consider another option if:

• You only want reef swimming and lots of active movement in the water.
• You strongly dislike upsells and are not comfortable saying no to photo packages.
• You cannot handle schedule uncertainty. Confirm pickup and stay flexible.

If you fall into the first group, this is one of those rare excursions where the core promise is simple and the payoff is immediate: you get the underwater world in front of you, in comfort, with everyone safely seated and looking out at the reef.

FAQ

How long is the Sindbad Submarines submarine experience?

The activity time is listed as about 3 hours 30 minutes approximately, including pickup and the full transfer experience. The submarine ride itself is described as about 45 minutes.

Do I need to swim or scuba?

No. This is designed for people who want to see the Red Sea underwater without swimming. You stay seated and watch marine life through the submarine windows.

What is included in the ticket price?

The included items are an air-conditioned vehicle, soda/pop, and all fees and taxes. Photo and video sessions are not included.

How deep does the submarine go?

You go down to about 82 feet (25 meters) beneath the sea.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The listed meeting point is Little Buddha Hurghada, Touristic Villages, Hurghada 1, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.