A semi-submarine trip is the easiest way to see the Red Sea reef without diving or snorkelling. You sit in a glass-walled cabin below the waterline while the boat moves slowly over the coral, so you can watch fish and reef life through large windows and stay completely dry. It suits non-swimmers, families with young children and anyone who prefers to keep their feet on the boat.
How does a semi-submarine work?
Despite the name, a semi-submarine does not dive. It is a boat with a special hull. The upper part sits above the water like a normal boat, with a deck where you can sit in the sun. Below it, a cabin with big windows sits under the surface. When the boat reaches a reef, you go down a few steps, take a seat, and the reef passes in front of you.
Because the cabin stays close to the surface, there is no pressure change in your ears and no special equipment. You do not need a diving certificate or any swimming skills.
What will I see from the windows?
The Red Sea is famous for its coral reefs and clear water. From the windows you can often see:
- Hard and soft corals in many shapes and colours
- Schools of small reef fish swimming around the coral
- Larger reef fish, such as parrotfish and angelfish
- Other marine life, if you are lucky, such as rays or turtles
Wildlife is never guaranteed, and water clarity can change with wind and waves. Still, most trips over a healthy reef give you plenty to look at.
Who is a semi-submarine trip best for?
This trip works especially well for:
- Non-swimmers who want to see the reef safely
- Families with small children, who can sit close to the windows
- Older travellers or anyone with limited mobility in the water
- People nervous about snorkelling who want a first look at the reef
- Mixed groups where some want to swim and some do not
If you are a confident swimmer, a semi-submarine is still a nice, relaxed way to spend a few hours, and it is a good option on a day when you want a break from the water.
Where can I take a semi-submarine trip?
Semi-submarines run from several towns along Egypt’s Red Sea coast. In the south, the reefs near El Quseir and Marsa Alam are often less busy than the areas closer to Hurghada. We offer two options:
Each tour page explains the pickup area, the timing and what is included. To learn more about the southern coast, read our Marsa Alam destination guide.
How can I make the most of the trip?
- Go in the morning if you can. The sea is often calmer and the light underwater can be clearer.
- Sit near the front of the cabin for a wider view.
- Turn off your flash when taking photos through the glass to avoid reflections.
- Bring sun protection for time on the upper deck.
- Eat lightly before the trip if you are sensitive to boat movement.
Is it good for the reef?
Watching the reef from a boat is one of the gentler ways to enjoy it, because nobody touches or stands on the coral. Wherever you are on the Red Sea, the simple rules are the same: do not touch or take coral or shells, do not feed the fish, and use reef-safe sunscreen if you also swim.
Quick facts
- What: a boat with an underwater viewing cabin; it does not dive.
- Who: non-swimmers, families, older travellers and anyone who wants to stay dry.
- Where: we offer trips from El Quseir and Marsa Alam.
- What you may see: coral, reef fish and sometimes larger marine life.
- Best time: calm mornings usually give the clearest views.
Book your reef trip
If you want to see the colours of the Red Sea without getting wet, choose the El Quseir semi-submarine tour or the Marsa Alam semi-submarine tour and see current prices on the tour page. Looking for something to balance a day at sea? Our guide to https://www.travelhubegypt.com/hurghada-turkish-bath-spa-day/ covers a relaxing day on land, and https://www.travelhubegypt.com/dendera-temple-day-trip-from-hurghada/ is a calm cultural trip from the coast.
FAQ
What is a semi-submarine?
A semi-submarine is a boat with a glass-walled viewing cabin below the waterline. The top of the boat stays above the surface while you sit in the lower cabin and watch the reef through large windows. It does not dive, so there is no pressure change, and you stay dry the whole time.
Do I need to swim to go on a semi-submarine trip?
No. You never enter the water, so swimming skills are not needed. That makes it a good choice for non-swimmers, small children and older travellers. Some trips may also include a snorkelling stop for those who want it, so check the tour page to see what each trip includes.
Will I see fish and coral from a semi-submarine?
On most trips, yes. The Red Sea is known for colourful coral and reef fish, and the boat moves slowly over shallow reef areas where marine life is common. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and water clarity can change with the weather, but most visitors see plenty of fish and coral.
Is a semi-submarine trip good for people who get seasick?
The viewing cabin sits low in the boat, which some people find steadier, but any boat can move with the waves. If you are prone to seasickness, eat lightly beforehand, consider medication from a pharmacist, and look out at the horizon on deck before you go below. Calm mornings are usually best.