Youโre in Hurghada, the sea looks unreal, and someone in your group says the words that change everything: โI want to see the reefโฆ but I donโt want to snorkel.โ Thatโs exactly why the hurghada glass bottom boat experience is a favourite for travellers from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Scandinaviaโit gives you the underwater โwowโ while staying comfortable, seated, and (mostly) dry. If you want a smooth pickup and the best available time slot, book your trip now.
What is a Hurghada Glass Bottom Boat (and what โSea Scopeโ means)?
In Hurghada, โglass bottom boatโ often refers to a Semi-submarine Hurghada (Sea Scope) style trip:

The boat stays on the surface, but you go down into an air-conditioned viewing deck with big underwater windows so you can watch coral reefs and fish like youโre in an aquariumโexcept itโs real Red Sea reef outside.
Many tour listings describe this as a 2โ3 hour experience and call it a semi-submarine excursion rather than a true submarine.
Why Europeans love this trip (especially families and non-swimmers)
A classic snorkelling day can feel too long or too โwetโ for some people. The Glass bottom boat Hurghada option is popular because itโs simple, short, and comfortable.
Itโs a great match if you:
- Travel with young children or older family members
- Prefer a shorter sea trip instead of a full-day boat tour
- Want coral and fish views without needing swimming confidence
- Want an โeasy winโ activity between bigger excursions
What youโll actually do on board
Most programmes follow a similar rhythm:
1) Quick cruise from the marina to a reef area
Some operators describe leaving the marina and cruising for around 15 minutes before reaching coral sites.
2) Underwater viewing deck time (the main highlight)
Then you head into the glass-walled observation area. Several listings describe:
- An air-conditioned underwater deck around 3 meters below sea level
- About 45 minutes of seated viewing through panoramic windows
This is the moment people remember: you sit down, the light turns blue, and suddenly the reef appears outside your windowโcoral shapes, shimmering fish, and that calm โIโm really seeing thisโ feeling.
3) Optional swim/snorkel stop (only if you want it)
Many semi-submarine trips include (or offer) a short snorkelling opportunity at the end, but itโs optionalโso non-swimmers can simply enjoy the viewing deck and stay on board.
What marine life can you see?
What you see depends on visibility and the dayโs route, but tour descriptions commonly mention colourful reef fish and coral formations, and some listings note you may spot larger creatures like turtles on lucky days.
Think of it as a Reef sightseeing boat: the goal is โbeautiful reef views with minimal effort,โ not chasing rare wildlife.
How long is the trip?
Most listings put the experience in the 2โ3 hour range (often including the cruise time, viewing-deck time, and any optional swim/snorkel).
If youโre planning your Hurghada week, this is perfect on:
- A โrest dayโ between island trips and desert safari
- A family day when you want something easy
- A short morning activity before an afternoon at the pool
Whatโs included (and what to confirm before booking)
Because packages vary, confirm the details before you payโespecially if youโre comparing offers while still in Europe.
Common inclusions:
- Hotel transfers on many options
- Underwater viewing deck seat
- Short reef cruise + marine viewing segment
Sometimes included / sometimes extra:
- Snorkelling stop and/or equipment
- Photos or video packages
- Transfers from farther resort areas (varies by operator)
What to bring (simple and realistic)
You donโt need much for an Underwater viewing boat, but these small items help:
- Sunglasses + suncream (youโll still spend time on deck)
- Cash for small extras (photos, drinks, etc.)
- A light layer in winter (boat breeze can feel cool)
- If you plan to snorkel, bring swimwear and a towel
Why book with Hurghada Royal Tours
A family from Manchester once told us: โWe want the reef, but we donโt want the stress.โ The parents wanted something comfortable, the kids wanted fish, and nobody wanted a full-day commitment. We booked them a Coral viewing boat Hurghada experience with an easy pickup, clear timing, and a simple planโreef viewing first, then (only if they felt like it) a short water stop.
Book with Hurghada Royal Tours here: Hurghada Royal Tours
What you get with us:
- A clear recommendation between Glass bottom boat Hurghada options (shorter vs longer, with or without snorkel)
- Transparent expectations (duration, pickup time, whatโs included)
- A smooth, European-friendly experienceโno confusing meeting points
FAQs about Hurghada Glass Bottom Boat

Is the glass bottom boat in Hurghada worth it?
Yes if you want reef views without a full-day snorkelling trip. Itโs short, comfortable, and ideal for families and non-swimmers.
How long is the Hurghada glass bottom boat trip?
Most options are around 2โ3 hours, depending on the programme and transfers.
Do I need to swim on a Sea Scope semi-submarine?
No. Many trips offer snorkelling as an option, but the main experience is the underwater viewing deck.
What marine life can you see?
You typically see coral reefs and colourful fish through panoramic windows, and some listings mention you might spot turtles on lucky days.
If you want an easy Red Sea highlight that works for almost everyone in your group, the hurghada glass bottom boat trip is the perfect choiceโreef views, comfort, and zero pressure to swim.
Book now and weโll arrange your pickup and the best available time slot:
Call Our Customer Service
Call Us Via WhatsApp
For More Tours
Comment (0)