A reef trip with training wheels. That’s the Empire semi-submarine in Hurghada, built for seeing the Red Sea’s corals without needing strong swimming skills. You get air-conditioned underwater glass windows about 3 meters down, then top it off with a 40-minute snorkeling stop close to the reef.

What I really like is how the experience is split into clear sections: a long cruise for the ride, a comfortable viewing session for the marine life, and then a timed snorkeling break. You also get practical extras like snorkeling gear, life jackets, and plenty of soft drinks and water onboard.

One consideration: the trip is family-friendly, so if you’re hoping for a quiet, slow-paced outing, expect a shared tour vibe. And there’s an added cost for the photos and videos they sell onboard.

Key highlights at a glance

• Semi-submarine viewing deck about 3 meters below the surface for reef spotting without getting fully wet
• Panoramic underwater windows plus an air-conditioned cabin that makes long viewing comfortable
• A 60-minute coastline cruise before the underwater time, so the day has momentum
• 40 minutes snorkeling at a top reef spot, with snorkeling gear and life jackets provided
• Good budget value for the price, since pickup, transport, drinks, and gear are included

Semi-Submarine Fun at 3 Meters Below the Surface

If your idea of snorkeling is partly exciting and partly intimidating, this format makes a lot of sense. The Empire semi-submarine lets you watch the underwater world from an observation deck located roughly 3 meters below the waterline. That’s shallow enough for great visibility, but comfortable because you’re not exposed to waves the whole time.

You’ll be in an air-conditioned, glass-walled space—exactly what you want in Hurghada when the sun is doing its best impression of a heat lamp. The viewpoint through the big panoramic windows is designed for easy viewing: you can lean in, scan left to right, and spot fish and corals without trying to balance and breathe at the same time.

And then there’s the mental win: you can spend time learning what to look for before you ever go in the water. That makes the snorkeling break more rewarding, because you already know what’s worth hunting for.

The Start of the Trip: Hurghada Coastline Cruise

Before the underwater time, you get a 60-minute cruise along the Hurghada coastline. This part matters more than you’d think. It sets the tone, gets you out onto the water, and gives you a moving view of the Red Sea without committing your whole body to anything yet.

On a semi-submarine, you’re not stuck waiting around. You’ll transition from the surface cruise to the underwater experience on a schedule that feels straightforward. It’s a good setup if you’re traveling with kids, or if you’d rather pace your day than cram everything into one activity.

45 Minutes of Underwater Windows: What You’ll Actually See

The most distinctive part is the underwater viewing session—about 45 minutes spent gazing through expansive panoramic windows. This is where the reef comes into focus: colorful corals, fish, and other marine life seen from the comfort of a glass cabin.

What makes this valuable for you is the “stop-and-look” format. On a normal snorkel outing, your attention is split between breathing, staying in position, and trying not to drift too far. Here, your attention stays mostly on spotting what’s in front of you.

How to get the best views without stress

Bring the simple stuff and you’ll enjoy it more:

• Put on sunglasses and keep an eye on the light. Reflections can make it harder to see fish at certain angles.
• Stand or move to the spots where the windows are clearest. (It’s usually not identical everywhere.)
• Watch the coral first, then look for movement around it. Fish tend to “work the edges,” not just hang in the middle of the frame.

The depth and glass-walled setup means you’re not fighting the ocean. It’s reef viewing with the friction turned down.

The 40-Minute Snorkel Break at a Reef Spot

Next comes snorkeling—40 minutes at a top snorkel spot near the reef. This is the sweet spot for many people: enough time to feel like you did something real, but not so long that you get exhausted or bored.

Snorkeling is also where the tour earns its “works for all ages” reputation. You’ll get snorkeling gear and life jackets, which helps a lot if you’re not fully confident in open water. You don’t need advanced technique here; you just need a relaxed attitude and a readiness to follow the crew’s guidance.

What to do when you jump in

You’ll get more out of those 40 minutes if you treat it like a guided sightseeing walk underwater:

• Focus on the reef edge and coral clusters rather than trying to spot far-off fish.
• Move slowly. Quick fin kicks often scare the small stuff into hiding.
• If visibility isn’t perfect for a moment, don’t waste time panicking. Look for movement and follow it.

Also, remember that you’re snorkeling in a limited window. Plan your priorities: coral and fish first, then anything extra. That keeps you from ending the session feeling like you missed your chance.

Included Extras That Make It Feel Like a Deal

At $19 per person, the biggest value is what’s baked in. This isn’t just “get on the boat, figure it out.” You also get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada (pickup time depends on your hotel)
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Semi-submarine cruise with underwater panoramic views
• Complimentary soft drinks and unlimited water onboard
• Snorkeling gear and life jackets
• Snorkeling stop

Not included: food, towels, and any optional photo/video purchases. They also mention CD/DVD options can be bought onboard.

In plain terms: if you’re doing snorkeling in the Red Sea, equipment and water add up fast. Having them included makes the total experience easier to justify.

Timing, Pace, and How the Day Feels

Even without knowing your exact total duration, the tour has a clear rhythm:

• 60-minute cruise along Hurghada’s coastline
• 45-minute underwater viewing session from the deck
• 40-minute snorkeling stop
• Return to the marina after snorkeling

That structure is a big reason it works for mixed groups. Someone who prefers to watch can do that comfortably. Someone who wants water time gets it with a manageable snorkeling block.

And because it’s family-friendly, the crew tends to keep things moving in a way that prevents long waiting. In practice, that matters: nobody enjoys a day that’s 80% standing around.

Staff, Organization, and Family-Friendly Comfort

Good organization is not fancy, but it’s everything on a short tour. The trip runs like a well-managed day out: clear segments, equipment ready when you need it, and crew members who are friendly and helpful.

This is also a smart choice if you’re traveling with kids. The format keeps expectations realistic. Younger kids can enjoy the underwater windows, while older kids usually get excited about snorkeling once they see what’s down there.

One more plus: the underwater cabin is air-conditioned. That’s the kind of comfort that turns a hot half-day into something you’ll actually remember fondly, instead of something you’ll mostly try to survive.

The Only Big Headache: Onboard Photo Fees

There’s one recurring annoyance to plan for: the photo/video sales onboard can come with a high fee. If you hate surprise charges, decide ahead of time if you want them at all.

Tip: treat photos like an optional extra. If you like a bargain, stick to your own phone or camera for non-essential shots. If you do buy their photos, set a budget in your head before you feel pressured in the moment.

Who Should Book This Tour (And Who Might Not Love It)

This tour fits well if you want:

• A low-stress reef experience with a mix of viewing and snorkeling
• An activity that works for all ages, including kids
• Reef access without committing to long open-water swimming

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a long, dedicated snorkeling session where you’re in the water for most of the time.
• You’re using mobility aids. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

If you fall somewhere in the middle—curious about the reef but cautious about snorkeling—this is a strong match.

Practical Tips to Bring More Value from Your Day

A few small items make a noticeable difference:

• Swimwear (you’ll want to be ready for the snorkeling stop)
• Sunglasses and a sun hat (Hurghada sun is no joke)
• Comfortable shoes for getting on and off smoothly
• A towel (not included)

Also, check the simple rules: pets aren’t allowed. That’s typical, but it’s worth knowing so you’re not caught off guard.

Should You Book the Empire Submarine Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a budget-friendly Red Sea experience that balances reef viewing with actual snorkeling time. The semi-submarine format lowers the barrier to entry, and the timed snorkeling stop gives you a real feel for the water without making your day a full-day endurance event.

Skip it only if you’re chasing a long snorkeling-only adventure or you’re counting on wheelchair accessibility. Otherwise, for most people—especially families and first-time snorkelers—this is an easy yes.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling stop on this tour?

The snorkeling break lasts about 40 minutes.

Is food included with the Empire Submarine tour?

No, food is not included.

What’s included for snorkeling?

You’ll get snorkeling gear and life jackets.

How deep is the underwater viewing deck?

The observation deck is about 3 meters below the surface.

Does the tour include pickup from other nearby areas besides Hurghada?

Pickup is included from Hurghada. For Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma bay, and Safaga, pickup is only available if you select it on checkout.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.