Three ways to look at a reef without diving
| Real submarine | Semi-submarine | Glass-bottom boat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Sealed vessel that dives | Boat with a viewing cabin below the waterline | Normal boat with glass panels in the floor |
| Where you sit | Inside, fully underwater | In the hull, facing side windows | On deck, looking down |
| How deep you see | Down to about 22 m (Sindbad) | The upper reef, a few metres under you | Only what's under the boat |
| Time on the water | About 2 h in total | About 2 h | 1–2 h |
| Snorkel stop | No | Usually yes | Often yes |
| Running now | Sindbad suspended since March 2025 | Yes, daily from Hurghada and Makadi | Yes |
| Price level | Was the most expensive | Low | Lowest |
The names cause most of the confusion. Listings say "submarine cruise", "panorama submarine" or "Seascope submarine" for what is a semi-submarine. If the description says you watch through windows while the boat moves at the surface, it is a semi-sub. Germans search for "Halb-U-Boot", which is the honest name.
What happened to the Sindbad submarine
Sindbad was the real one: a passenger submarine for about 44 people that dived to around 22 metres off Hurghada. On 27 March 2025 it sank during a tourist dive; six passengers died and 39 were rescued. The company suspended all trips and Egyptian authorities opened an investigation.
At the time of writing we found no official notice that Sindbad trips have restarted. Some booking sites and local agencies still show Sindbad listings with old descriptions, and at least one local agency marks the tour "on hold". If you see one, ask the seller in writing whether it actually runs on your date, and book only where you get a full refund if it doesn't.
How a semi-submarine trip runs
Royal Seascope is the best-known semi-sub. Most trips leave from Hurghada marina; there is also one from Makadi Bay for hotels in the south. You check in at the desk, board, and the boat runs about 15 minutes out to a reef. Then you go down a short stair into the hull and sit along the windows for roughly 45 minutes while the captain moves slowly along the reef. Expect corals and the usual reef fish rather than big animals. Afterwards most boats stop for about 20 minutes of snorkelling for those who want it, then head back.
Two things people mention after the trip: the cabin can be full, so sit near the front for a clear window, and the crew usually asks for tips at the end. Bring small notes.
Glass-bottom boats
A glass-bottom boat is simpler: you stay on deck and look down through a glass panel. You see less because the view is only straight down, but there are no stairs, so it suits anyone with limited mobility. Many island cruises include a short glass-bottom ride as one part of the day, and private glass-bottom boats can be hired for a family.
For kids and non-swimmers
This is the trip for people who will never snorkel. Toddlers can sit on a lap at the window, and nobody has to swim. If one parent wants to snorkel and the other stays with the kids, the snorkel stop handles that. Check what is paid on top before you go: some listings include the protected-area fee and some don't (see the fee card).
Booking: what's in the ticket and what isn't
Semi-sub tickets come in two forms: entry only, where you make your own way to the marina, or with a hotel transfer. Transfers from hotels in Hurghada town are usually included in that second type. From El Gouna, Makadi or Soma Bay, sellers either charge a supplement or point you to the departure from Makadi. Arrive about 20 minutes early to check in at the desk. On board, the snorkel gear for the reef stop is normally included. The extras are the usual ones: tips for the crew, photos, and the protected-area fee where a listing excludes it.
