A glass box 3 meters down works magic. This Royal Seascope semi-submarine cruise is a smart way to see the Red Sea up close, with panoramic underwater windows and a fish-eye view of coral and fish without needing to be in the water the whole time. The best part for me is how quickly you get to the reef area near Xanadu Hotel in Makadi Bay, then settle into the observation deck while the marine world comes to you.

The only real catch is time. The snorkeling stop is just 20 minutes, and the overall flow is fairly set, so if you want long water time or lots of flexibility, you may feel a bit rushed.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• 3-meter-below observation deck with air conditioning and big panoramic windows
• Fish-eye reef viewing for coral and exotic marine life from your seat
• About 15 minutes cruising to a reef near Xanadu Hotel (then you go down and stay put)
• A 20-minute snorkeling stop in crystal-clear Red Sea water
• Transportation from Makadi hotels only, with optional pickup by shared bus

Where this Royal Seascope trip starts in Makadi Bay

This experience is based out of the Xanadu Hotel marina area. The Royal Seascope submarine is located at the Xanadu marina, and it’s reachable via the beach from all Makadi hotels, which is handy if you’re staying in the Makadi zone and don’t want to worry about complicated transfers.

If you choose hotel pickup, it’s for Makadi hotels only, and it’s done by shared bus. Expect the pickup to be roughly 45 minutes before the scheduled trip time, and you’ll get the exact pickup details by WhatsApp after booking.

One practical note: you’ll be dealing with a marina setup and a departure process, so give yourself a little buffer even if you think you’re right on time. In at least one case, people reported waiting before the ship left, so arriving early at the marina is a good habit.

The boat portion: quick transfer and a chance for marine sights

After pickup (if you selected it) or meeting at the Xanadu marina area, you’ll head out by boat. The total experience runs about 2 hours, and you’ll spend time on the water heading to a reef site close to Makadi Bay’s Xanadu area.

On this ride, you can keep your eyes open for scenic views and some marine life viewing, and there’s even mention of dolphin watching as part of what you might catch during the cruise. This isn’t a guarantee in the way a zoo is, but it’s a nice bonus if conditions are right and the boat is moving in a way that keeps surfaces calm enough to spot anything.

The key reason I like this boat portion is that it sets up the rest of the trip. You’re not jumping straight into snorkeling. You’re first transported to the right spot, then you get a comfortable underwater viewing session before you decide how adventurous you want to be in the water.

The underwater deck: the real draw at 3 meters down

Once you’re in the Royal Seascope, the main event is the underwater observation deck, located about 3 meters below sea level. It’s air-conditioned, with glass-walled panoramic windows, so even if the air outside is hot or the sun is strong, you can stay comfortable and focused.

You’ll typically have about 45 minutes in this underwater deck. This is long enough to really settle in and start noticing details: the way coral shapes vary from patch to patch, how fish move in small clusters, and how the reef structure creates little “lanes” for marine life to swim through.

The viewing style is also a big deal. You get a fish-eye view, which makes the reef look closer and more dramatic than it would from a standard surface glance. If you’re the type who likes to watch quietly and take your time with photos, this part of the trip is where you’ll feel the most satisfied.

And because you’re seated, it’s a good option if you’re not fully confident in snorkeling right away. You can watch what’s going on, then decide whether you want to jump in for the snorkel portion.

Snorkeling in crystal-clear water: 20 minutes that add up

After the underwater deck session, you get the chance to snorkel for 20 minutes. This is the part that many people remember most because you’re suddenly surrounded by what you only saw through glass.

The snorkeling itself happens in the Red Sea’s clear water, and the tour is built around keeping it simple: you wear your gear, follow the guide’s direction, and enjoy a short window in the water.

Here’s the trade-off. Twenty minutes is enough time to see coral and fish if you stay calm and don’t lose your rhythm, but it’s not enough to treat snorkeling as a long swim excursion. If your goal is to spend an hour in the water, this won’t do that for you.

Also, snorkeling is done as a group activity. That can be great for first-timers who want structure, but it can also mean you don’t swim as freely as you might on your own. One thing you might notice is that guides can be very energetic with instructions, including repeated calls to get attention, which some people find slightly annoying. I’d call it a minor factor, but if you’re sensitive to constant guidance, keep that in mind.

Most importantly: don’t touch marine life. The rules are clear for a reason—coral and small animals are easy to damage and easy to hurt.

Price and value: is $19 a good deal?

At $19 per person, this Royal Seascope cruise is priced for people who want “wow factor” without paying for a private boat or a full-day reef trip. What you get for that money is the combination of:

• Underwater observation (comfortable, air-conditioned, long enough to really watch)
• A cruise to the reef area near Xanadu
• A snorkeling stop
• Transport and entry/national park fees (included)
• Hotel pickup/drop-off from Makadi hotels (included, if you’re eligible and select pickup)

The main item not included is food and drinks. So if you’re doing this during the hottest part of the day or you’re prone to snack cravings, plan to grab something before you go or after you return.

Is it “cheap”? Yes, relative to many reef-focused activities in the Red Sea region. But the better way to think about it is value-for-time. You’re paying for a tightly packaged experience that delivers both the underwater deck viewing and a taste of snorkeling—without needing a long day on the water.

If your priority is maximum time snorkeling or maximum seclusion, you’ll probably look elsewhere. If your priority is a solid reef introduction plus comfort, this price point is hard to beat.

Logistics that affect your comfort (and your photos)

There are a few details that can make or break the day, and they’re easy to plan for:

What to bring

• Swimwear
• Sunscreen

That’s it from the official list, but I’d also think about practical extras like a towel and a way to keep your phone dry if you plan to take photos, since you’ll be moving between the boat, the deck, and the water.

What not to do

• Touch marine life. This one is non-negotiable.

Who should be careful

• It’s not suitable for people with claustrophobia. The underwater deck is enclosed enough that this could feel uncomfortable if you’re prone to panic in tight spaces.

On the deck, you’ll likely be thinking, so photos can be easier if you’re patient and wait for fish to pass close to the windows. The reef viewing is best when you let your eyes adjust and watch longer than you think you need.

Timing and what “2 hours” feels like

The entire experience runs about 2 hours, which can feel either perfect or too short, depending on what you’re chasing.

A typical flow goes like this: you’re transported from your Makadi hotel (about 25 minutes by bus/coach if you’re using pickup), then you do a boat cruise out (listed around 25 minutes in the route details), and once you’re at the reef area near Xanadu, you spend most of the time either on the underwater deck or in the water for snorkeling.

The underwater deck is about 45 minutes, then the snorkel stop is 20 minutes, and the rest of the time is the travel to/from the reef site and the sail back to the marina.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to savor experiences, you might wish the snorkeling stop were longer. If you’re more of a “see the main highlights without spending a whole day” person, the timing will feel right.

Where you’ll end up afterward: drop-off points

After the cruise, there are two drop-off locations. The information provided lists:

• Royal Seascope Makadi
• Hurghada 2

Where you end up will depend on the option you selected when booking and how the pickup/drop is arranged for your specific starting point.

If you’re staying in Makadi and planning a late lunch or an evening activity, it’s a good idea to keep some flexibility, since marina departure and return timing can vary slightly.

Who should book this Royal Seascope semi-submarine cruise?

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want underwater reef viewing without committing to long snorkeling time
• Like comfort (the air-conditioned underwater deck is a real plus)
• Are traveling with mixed experience levels and want an option that works even if someone isn’t ready to swim far
• Want a short, structured way to experience the Red Sea near Makadi Bay

It’s not the right fit if you:

• Are claustrophobic (the underwater deck is enclosed)
• Want a full-day reef outing
• Need lots of free time to swim independently

Also, it’s a sensible choice for first-timers who want to feel the water experience safely and quickly, after watching the reef through the windows.

Should you book it? My call

If you’re in Makadi Bay and you want a reef experience that balances comfort and real marine viewing, I’d say yes, this is worth booking—especially at $19. The underwater observation deck at 3 meters down, with glass windows and a 45-minute session, gives you a big chunk of the experience even if you don’t end up loving snorkeling.

But if your dream is extended time in the water or a totally relaxed, independent snorkeling day, then this format may feel too scheduled. For most people looking for a smart, efficient taste of the Red Sea, the Royal Seascope hits the right notes.

FAQ

How long is the Royal Seascope submarine cruise and snorkeling stop?

The total duration is listed as 2 hours.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included features are hotel pickup and drop-off from Makadi hotels (if you choose pickup), air-conditioned transportation, entry fees and national park fees, the cruise, and a snorkeling stop.

Do I get to snorkel, or is it only viewing from the submarine?

You’ll have a snorkeling stop for 20 minutes in addition to viewing from the underwater observation deck.

How deep is the underwater observation deck?

The observation deck is 3 meters below sea level.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The Royal Seascope submarine is located at the Xanadu Hotel Marina, accessible via the beach from all Makadi hotels.

Is pickup from my hotel available?

Pickup is available from Makadi hotels only, and it’s done by a shared bus about 45 minutes before trip time (pickup time is sent via WhatsApp after booking).

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and sunscreen.

Is it suitable for claustrophobia?

No. The experience is listed as not suitable for people with claustrophobia.

Are there any rules about touching marine life?

Yes. You’re not allowed to touch marine life.

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