Sindbad Submarines – Hurghada (Egypt) – 2 Hours

Hurghada’s Sindbad Submarines lets you see the Red Sea from 25 meters below the surface, without swimming, snorkeling, or wearing scuba gear. You sit at an individual viewing window in a genuine recreational submarine while coral, fish, rays, and even a sunken ship pass by.

I like the easy family appeal and the smooth door-to-door transfer service. I also like that the submarine has 44 passenger seats and a large window for each person, so you are not fighting for a view. The main caution is timing: the underwater ride lasts about 45 minutes, but the complete outing takes roughly three and a half hours, and pickup arrangements have not always been perfect.

Key points before you book

• 25 meters underwater: See the Red Sea reef without getting wet or learning to swim.
• A real submarine: Hurghada has two of the world’s small number of recreational submarines.
• Individual viewing windows: Each of the 44 passenger seats has its own round window.
• About 45 minutes below the surface: The submarine portion is only part of the total outing.
• Best for families and non-swimmers: Young children and adults can enjoy the ride while remaining seated.
• Photos cost extra: Staff may offer photo and video packages during or after the trip.

What the Sindbad submarine experience is really like

The appeal here is simple: you get a look at the Red Sea’s famous coral world while staying dry, seated, and comfortable. That makes this a good choice if you are curious about marine life but do not swim, do not want snorkeling equipment, or have small children who are not ready for a boat-based water activity.

Sindbad operates what is described as one of the few real recreational submarine fleets in the world. Two of these submarines are based in Hurghada, and the boat carries up to 44 passengers, plus two pilots. Each passenger has a round viewing window, which is a useful detail. You are not simply peering over someone’s shoulder at a shared glass panel.

The submarine is air-conditioned, and the ride reaches about 25 meters below the sea. From there, you look across roughly 500 meters of coral reef and its marine life. The view may include swaying coral, schools of small reef fish, rays, and a sunken ship. The exact amount of marine life is naturally dependent on conditions, but you should expect a calm viewing trip rather than an action-packed water sport.

From hotel pickup to the Hurghada terminal

Hotel pickup is offered, and the service is intended to work from your hotel to the submarine terminal and back again. The transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle, with land and sea transportation included in the overall arrangement.

When it works well, this is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Pickup has been on time for many people, and communication may begin through WhatsApp after booking. The transfer is described as door-to-door, which saves you from arranging a taxi and finding the terminal yourself.

Still, I would not treat the pickup as something to ignore. A few bookings have had serious problems, including a vehicle that did not arrive and messages that went unanswered. If your hotel is outside the normal pickup area, the operator may still arrange collection, but you should confirm the time and location directly. Keep your booking confirmation and allow enough time to contact the provider or your hotel bell desk if the vehicle is late.

The stated operating hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Your exact pickup time is arranged for the date you choose. The complete outing takes about three and a half hours, even though the underwater portion is much shorter.

Boarding a genuine recreational submarine

At the terminal, you are assigned a seat number before boarding. Once inside, you remain seated during the submarine ride. This is worth knowing if you are hoping to move around for better photographs or switch sides during the trip.

The cabin has 44 passenger seats, two pilot seats, air conditioning, and a round window for each passenger. The seating arrangement gives everyone a personal view, although the reef may appear more clearly on one side during the outward journey and on the opposite side on the return. A diver may appear beside the submarine on the side without the main coral view, sometimes feeding fish or entertaining the people inside.

The underwater ride lasts about 45 minutes according to the available practical details. That is long enough for the unusual feeling of being below the surface to sink in, but short enough for most children to manage. You are not expected to swim, leave the cabin, or handle any special equipment.

The experience is also less physically demanding than many Red Sea excursions. You do not need to be a confident swimmer, and most people can participate. The boat and submarine are designed for general visitors, not only for people already comfortable with marine activities.

Watching coral, fish, rays, and a sunken ship

The Red Sea is the reason to come, but expectations matter. Through the windows, you can see coral formations and reef fish moving past the submarine. Rays may appear, and the sunken ship adds a distinct point of interest to the route.

I would describe the view as pleasant and unusual rather than guaranteed spectacle at every window. Some rides offer plenty of fish, while others provide fewer species and less of the wow factor than you may hope for. Underwater visibility and the location of the reef affect what you see, and no submarine can guarantee a particular animal.

The crew may add some showmanship. Divers swim outside the windows, wave to the passengers, and sometimes feed fish. This can be especially entertaining for children, who may find the human activity easier to follow than a quick fish slipping past the glass.

The route covers about 500 meters of coral reef. On one part of the journey, the reef may be more prominent on one side of the submarine. On the return, passengers on the other side get a better angle. Since you are assigned a seat and remain there, you may not see exactly the same view as someone across the aisle.

That is not a deal breaker, but it helps you understand the format. This is a fixed-seat viewing ride, not a free-roaming underwater observatory.

Why families and non-swimmers like it

This is one of the clearest family-friendly options in Hurghada. A four-year-old can experience the sensation of being underwater without wearing a mask or entering the sea. Young children may respond strongly to the fish, the divers outside the window, and the novelty of riding in a submarine.

I like the fact that parents can share the Red Sea experience with children who are too young, too nervous, or simply uninterested in snorkeling. You can also choose it if you have mobility or comfort concerns that make a more active water excursion less appealing, although the supplied information does not provide detailed accessibility specifications.

The cabin is enclosed and air-conditioned, and complimentary juices, sodas, or cold water are included. That helps during the waiting and transport portions. The outing is also suitable for adults who want a simple introduction to marine life without signing up for a lesson or course.

An introductory scuba session may be offered as another activity connected with the operation. That is separate from the submarine ride and is not needed for this booking. If you only want to see the reef from inside the submarine, be clear about that when discussing additional activities.

Timing, waiting, and the three-and-a-half-hour schedule

The experience is sometimes marketed with a shorter duration, while the practical total is about three and a half hours. The difference comes from hotel pickup, transfer to the terminal, boarding, waiting, the boat ride, and the return journey.

Do not plan a tight connection immediately afterward. One family was asked to arrive at 10:30 a.m. for an 11 a.m. start, then waited until about 11:30 before the activity began. There was no clear explanation or apology in that case. Delays may not happen every day, but the schedule has enough moving parts that a little spare time is sensible.

The submarine ride itself is around 45 minutes. The longer overall duration is not a sign that you will spend three and a half hours underwater. You will have a transfer and terminal period around a relatively compact submarine experience.

The group size can reach 44 people. That is a full cabin, but the individual windows make the arrangement more manageable than a standard boat tour where everyone gathers around one rail. You still need to stay in your assigned seat, and the cabin may feel busy when the whole group boards or leaves.

The photo question, and how to handle it

Photography is the main extra-cost issue. A photographer may take pictures from outside the submarine or during the boat transfer, and staff may offer photo and video packages. One account describes an outside diver photographing the submarine, with a package costing about $50 and delivery after 24 hours. Another person paid for a photo link and received nothing.

Prices and delivery arrangements may change, so confirm the cost, the number of images, and how you will receive them before paying. If you do not want photographs, say so clearly at the start. Several people enjoyed their pictures, but the sales approach has also felt pushy to some families.

You can bring your own phone for the experience, but the practical value of your photos will depend on the window, lighting, and movement outside. The most memorable part is likely to be the unusual setting itself: sitting in a real submarine below the Red Sea while divers and fish pass the glass.

Photos and videos are not included in the $75 price. Soda or juice, transport, and the listed fees and taxes are included.

Is $75 good value in Hurghada?

At $75, this is not the cheapest way to see Red Sea marine life. A local snorkeling trip may cost less, though it will give you a different experience and will require more physical participation.

The submarine price pays for something specific and unusual. You are not simply taking a boat out to a reef. You are entering a real recreational submarine, descending to 25 meters, and viewing the seabed through your own window. For a family with young children, a non-swimmer, or anyone who does not want to get wet, that difference may justify the price.

I would call it fair value if the submarine itself is the reason you are booking. I would call it weaker value if your only goal is to see the largest possible range of fish and coral. A snorkel or scuba outing may offer a closer look, but those options are not as easy or comfortable for every member of a family.

The included transfer also adds value, especially if you are staying in a hotel area away from the terminal. The included soft drink or juice is minor, but welcome during a long morning or afternoon.

Who should book this, and who should skip it?

I would recommend the submarine to:

• Families with young children
• Adults who cannot swim or dislike snorkeling
• Anyone curious about submarines and underwater viewing
• Visitors who want a low-effort Red Sea activity
• People who prefer a fixed, air-conditioned seat to an active water excursion

I would think twice if you want close contact with marine life, a wide variety of fish, or a fully flexible schedule. The submarine route is fixed, the viewing time is limited, and the total outing can take much of a morning or afternoon.

You should also be comfortable with the possibility of waiting and with a full cabin of up to 44 people. If reliable pickup is especially important, confirm it directly and keep your hotel informed.

My practical verdict on Sindbad Submarines

I like this experience because it makes the Red Sea available to people who might otherwise miss it. The submarine is the attraction, not just a means of transport, and the personal windows, air conditioning, and short underwater ride make it easy to enjoy.

The best moments are likely to come when the cabin settles below the surface and you see coral, fish, a ray, or the sunken ship through the glass. The weakest parts are the occasional pickup failures, possible waiting time, limited underwater duration, and aggressive photo sales.

Book it if you want the novelty of riding in a real submarine and need a family-friendly way to view the reef without getting wet. Skip it if you are seeking the most active or wildlife-focused Red Sea trip. For the right visitor, especially a family with children or a nervous non-swimmer, the unusual submarine ride is worth the $75.

FAQ

How long does the Sindbad Submarines experience take?

The complete outing takes approximately three and a half hours, including transfers and the terminal time. The submarine ride itself lasts about 45 minutes.

How deep does the submarine go?

The submarine reaches approximately 25 meters below the surface.

Do I need to swim or snorkel?

No. You view the Red Sea from inside the submarine, so swimming and snorkeling are not required.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the experience includes return hotel transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle. You should confirm your pickup time and location after booking.

Are food and drinks included?

Complimentary soda, juice, or cold water is included. The supplied information does not list a meal.

Are photos and videos included in the price?

No. Photo and video sessions are not included and are offered at an additional cost.