A real submarine ride in Hurghada is rare. Sindbad Submarines lets you watch the Red Sea from 18 panoramic windows at about 25 meters down, no swimming required. I especially like the easy “hang there and look” format (you don’t have to be a confident swimmer) and the fact that you’re in a proper passenger submarine, not a gimmick photo boat.

The main thing to keep in mind is that photo and video sales can take a prominent role during the experience, so decide ahead of time what you want to buy.

Key things to know before you go

• Real recreational submarine: one of only a handful worldwide, with two based in Hurghada
• 25 meters down: about 82 feet, with panoramic viewing for every seat
• About 45 minutes underwater: the submarine portion is a focused, comfortable ride
• Coral reef route: you travel along roughly 500 meters of reef habitat
• Family-friendly by design: seats are assigned and you stay seated for the ride
• Drinks included: cold soda/pop and other complimentary drinks are part of the package

A Real Hurghada Submarine Ride, and Why That Matters

Hurghada is famous for the sea, but not everyone wants the same kind of water time. Scuba can be intimidating, and snorkel trips are hit-or-miss if you hate cold water, waves, or just don’t want to mess with gear.

That’s why this submarine format is so appealing. You board a modern, 44-passenger submarine and go down under power with the windows doing the heavy lifting. You get the feeling of being underwater without the usual “okay, now what?” moments you’d get in other activities.

The company also leans hard on a point that’s hard to ignore: there are only 14 real recreational submarines worldwide, and two operate here in Hurghada. Whether you care about the global rarity or not, it still translates to something practical: you’re booking an actual submarine experience, not a water-taxi with a novelty stop.

25 Meters Down: What You’ll Actually See From the Windows

The submarine descends to around 25 meters (about 82 feet). From your seat, each passenger has a window, and the viewing setup is built for a wide, steady look rather than quick peeks.

A key detail: the reef life is not evenly “everywhere” at once. In fact, the coral and fish tend to be on one side during part of the trip, then you see more on the other side as you travel back. So if you’re with a group, it helps to be clear before you board: everyone will want to rotate their attention and stay focused on the correct side when the submarine shifts perspective.

What tends to impress most people is simple: you’re close enough to notice coral textures and fish behavior, but you’re not fighting currents or worrying about your snorkel mask. You also get a calmer “watch show” vibe—fish drift past, sometimes they gather around the reef, and the scene changes as the route moves along the coral stretch.

The Ride Schedule: From Little Buddha to the Reef Route

Your experience is built around comfort on land, then a concentrated underwater segment. The total time you should plan for is roughly 3.5 hours, even though the submarine ride itself is about 45 minutes.

Here’s how it typically feels:

1. Start point and timing

• You begin at Little Buddha Hurghada (Hurghada 1, Red Sea Governorate), which is the main listed meeting location.
• Opening hours run daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (for the 2025 season).

1. Hotel pickup (when included)

• Pickup is offered, and the package is designed for door-to-door style convenience.
• One thing I strongly suggest: keep an eye on communication after booking and make sure your pickup time is confirmed. Some experiences go smoothly, but there are also reports of no-show pickup issues in the wild. A quick message check the day of can save a lot of stress.

1. Terminal check-in

• Expect some standing around and a bit of waiting. Even when everything is organized, marine-tour timing often shifts slightly.
• If you arrive early, you might wait longer than you expect. Bring something small to do (water bottle is fine; the tour includes drinks, but you can still stay comfy).

1. Boarding and seating

• Your seat is assigned, and you’re asked to stay seated for the trip.
• This matters because people who try to constantly move around usually end up missing the best views anyway.

1. Underwater viewing

• You’ll travel along the reef area—about 500 meters of coral reef is part of the plan.
• You’ll have the best chance of seeing fish if you actually angle your attention toward the coral side when it’s presented.

1. Return

• The activity ends back at the meeting point area, with return transfers typically included as part of the overall package.

Inside the Submarine: Comfort, Seating, and Viewing Tips

This is not a “walk around and poke your head out” attraction. It’s a seated viewing experience, which is good news if you want calm and predictable.

A few practical tips that improve your odds of getting great shots and great memories:

• Pick your viewing strategy early. When the coral side is on your side, focus there. When it shifts, follow the new angle.
• Stay put. You’ll get told to remain seated for the ride; you’ll see more by cooperating than by trying to maneuver.
• Think “watch behavior,” not just “spot species.” The reef changes slowly. Fish often move in patterns—gliding, darting, or clustering around coral edges.

The submarine is described as air-conditioned and built with safety in mind. That’s a big deal in Hurghada heat, because the experience doesn’t start with a sweaty hike or a long open-air wait.

Also: the vehicle capacity is capped at 44 travelers, which helps avoid the “too crowded to see” problem you sometimes get on large day tours.

Drinks Included, and What That Adds to the Value

This isn’t a “bring your own water and hope” kind of tour. Soda/pop is included, and the overall experience is described as having complimentary juices or sodas.

That may not sound earth-shattering, but it changes the vibe. You’re underground for part of the time, which can make the whole outing feel self-contained. Having drinks taken care of makes the start and finish smoother, especially if you’re bringing kids or you’re simply tired from the rest of your day.

If you’re traveling with children, this is another quiet win: sitting still for the submarine segment is easier when everyone’s comfortable and hydrated.

Coral Life Can Feel Different Than Snorkeling (In a Good Way)

Submarine viewing is not the same as being on top of the water. You’re not looking across the sea surface; you’re seeing the reef straight on through glass. That can make the scene feel clearer and more stable.

Still, manage expectations. The best sightings depend on the reef side and the route timing. Some people will come away thrilled by the variety, while others may feel the fish activity is calmer than what they hoped for.

A fair way to think about it:

• If you want a calm, safe, no-effort underwater look, this works.
• If you’re expecting a constant parade of spectacular mega-creatures, you might find it less intense than you hoped.

Photo and Video Sales: The One Area to Watch Closely

This tour does offer photo and video options, and they are not included in the base price.

From the experience details:

• A photo and video session exists as an add-on.
• There are reports of photographers taking pictures from outside the submarine when you’re underwater (you can then purchase packages).
• One recurring theme in reviews is that the photo process can feel pushy, and pricing can be high.
• There are also reports involving photo link purchases that didn’t feel satisfying to the buyer.

My practical take: if you want photos, ask clearly what you’re paying for, what delivery time looks like, and how you receive the files (physical pickup vs. digital link). If you don’t care about photos, it’s also totally reasonable to say no and focus on the view.

If you do choose to buy, it can help to set a firm budget before you reach the salesperson. Otherwise, it’s easy to end up paying more than you planned.

Getting There Smoothly: Logistics That Can Make or Break Your Day

Most people seem to have smooth pickup and smooth transfers. Door-to-door is a big part of why this fits well into a limited vacation schedule.

But I want to be honest: there are also reports of pickup problems—messages unanswered or drivers not showing up. That doesn’t mean it’s the norm, but it is enough that you shouldn’t treat pickup confirmation as optional.

My advice:

• Confirm your pickup time shortly before the tour date (by whatever channel the operator provides).
• Leave a small buffer in your schedule so you’re not rushing from a restaurant or hotel check-out.
• Keep your phone charged. Mobile tickets are used, and last-minute contact usually happens fast.

Is It Worth $75? The Value Math for a Submarine Experience

At $75, this sits in the “not cheap, but not crazy” category for Hurghada. The real question is what you’re buying with that money.

You’re paying for:

• the novelty and rarity of an actual recreational submarine,
• a stable viewing setup with assigned seating and 18 panoramic windows,
• about 45 minutes underwater plus transfers,
• drinks included (soda/pop and often complimentary juices).

Compared to excursions where you’re paying for a boat plus snorkeling gear plus constant movement, this is simpler. You don’t have to swim. You don’t have to manage currents. You don’t have to be comfortable in open water.

If your priority is underwater views with zero swim stress, the price starts to feel fair. If you only care about fish and coral and you’re a strong snorkeler anyway, you might compare against other reef activities. But for families, non-swimmers, and people who want a controlled, comfortable experience, this is one of the easier ways to get the underwater “wow” moment.

Who This Submarine Trip Suits Best

This is a strong fit if you:

• don’t want to swim or you’re not confident in the water,
• are traveling with kids (including toddlers and younger children—many families use this as their first underwater experience),
• want a safer, more predictable alternative to scuba,
• prefer comfort and short, scheduled segments over a full-day active outing.

You might reconsider if you:

• hate photo upsells and want a purely view-focused experience with no add-ons,
• have a tight schedule and are very sensitive to any waiting times,
• expect nonstop high-action marine spotting all the way through.

Should You Book Sindbad Submarines in Hurghada?

I think this is an easy yes if you want the underwater Red Sea experience without swimming and without the learning curve of scuba. The seating setup, the 25-meter descent, and the big-window viewing format turn the reef into something you can enjoy even if you’re not an experienced water person.

Book it if you like straightforward attractions with real logistics: clear start point, vehicle comfort, assigned seats, and a timed reef route. Just go in with eyes open on photos. Decide your photo budget before you step onboard, and don’t let add-on pressure steer the day.

If you want underwater views, this submarine delivers a rare kind of convenience—and for many people in Hurghada, that’s exactly the point.

FAQ

How deep does the submarine go?

It goes down to about 25 meters (82 feet).

How long is the submarine part?

The submarine trip is about 45 minutes.

Does it require swimming?

No. You view the marine life through windows, and you don’t need to swim.

How many people are on the submarine?

The submarine seats 44 passengers.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soda/pop is included, and complimentary juices or sodas are part of the experience.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and return hotel transfers are part of the experience.

What is the meeting point?

The listed start point is Little Buddha Hurghada (Hurghada 1, Red Sea Governorate).

Are photo and video packages included?

No. Photo and video sessions are not included in the base price.

What if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.