Semi Submarine Sharm El Sheikh Review: Reef Views Dry

If you want to experience the legendary coral reefs of the Red Sea without wearing a mask, putting on a wetsuit, or even getting your feet wet, a semi-submarine is the ultimate middle ground. Our Semi Submarine Trip in Sharm El Sheikh with Transfer takes roughly 3 hours door-to-door, including hotel pick-up and drop-off, with a solid 75 to 90 minutes spent out on the water. You step onboard a purpose-built vessel, head down into a climate-controlled lower deck fitted with large glass windows beneath the waterline, and cruise slowly alongside thriving reef systems. Bring your camera, a light jacket (the underwater deck is air-conditioned), and sunglasses for when you relax on the top deck during the return trip. It is a relaxed, accessible, and remarkably vivid way to see marine life up close.

Since 1990, our family team at Sun 'N Fun Egypt has welcomed over three million guests aboard various Red Sea excursions. We frequently get asked whether the semi-submarine is worth it compared to a standard glass-bottom boat or a full snorkeling trip. Here is our honest, local breakdown of what to expect, who it is best for, and how to get the most out of your time below the surface.

How the Semi-Submarine Actually Works

Unlike a true submarine that fully submerges into deep oceanic trenches, a semi-submarine remains floating on the surface at all times. The upper deck stays above water like a normal boat, while the lower observation cabin sits roughly two to three meters beneath the surface.

When you board, you descend a short flight of stairs into the lower lounge. Here is what makes the setup special:

• Individual Swivel Seats: Each guest gets a dedicated seat directly in front of a wide, thick glass window.
• Air-Conditioned Comfort: The lower hull is fully sealed and chilled, making it very comfortable even in the height of the Sinai summer.
• Panoramic Reef Views: Because the windows are positioned sideways into the water column rather than straight down (like basic glass-bottom boats), you get a natural horizon view of the coral drop-offs and swimming fish.

Once everyone is seated, the vessel glides slowly along local fringing reefs. The captain navigates close to coral walls where sea life is most active.

Marine Life: What Will You Actually See?

Because the boat stays close to shallow reef gardens, the underwater light is exceptional. Sunlight filters through the clear turquoise water, illuminating brilliant hard and soft corals, brain corals, and purple fire corals.

During your time below deck, you can regularly spot:

• Parrotfish: Bright blue and green grazers munching on coral algae.
• Clownfish: Nestled safely inside swaying sea anemones.
• Surgeonfish & Butterflyfish: Flocks of yellow, black, and striped reef species darting across the windows.
• Blue-spotted Stingrays: Gliding along the sandy seabed just beneath the coral ledge.
• Occasional Hawksbill Turtles: If you are lucky, sea turtles often frequent these shallower coastal feeding areas.

Practical Tips for the Best Experience

To make sure you get the absolute best photos and comfort out of your semi-submarine trip, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Avoid Camera Reflection: Press your camera or smartphone lens flat against the glass window when taking photos or video. This eliminates glare and reflections from the interior cabin lights.
• Turn Off Your Flash: Flash reflects harsh white light off the thick glass pane and disturbs the marine life. Ambient natural light underwater is plenty bright for photos.
• Top Deck Sunshine: Don't stay downstairs the entire time! Once you have finished your underwater viewing session, head up to the open-air upper deck to enjoy the coastal breeze and views of the Sinai mountains against the shoreline.

Who Is This Trip Best For?

The semi-submarine is one of the most inclusive sea excursions in Sharm El Sheikh. It is ideal for:

• Families with Toddlers: Young children who are too small for snorkel gear love the aquarium-like feel of the big windows.
• Non-Swimmers & Seniors: If you are uncomfortable in open water or prefer not to swim, you do not miss out on the Red Sea's famous marine flora and fauna.
• Photographers & Sightseers: Anyone looking for a calm afternoon outing that takes only half a day, leaving the rest of your itinerary open.

Looking for More Ways to Explore Sinai?

While the semi-submarine keeps you cozy and dry, you might decide later in your holiday that you want to dip your toes into the water or explore the natural scenery on land.

If members of your group decide they want to try swimming over deeper coral drop-offs, check out our Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkeling, Diving & Lunch tour, which takes you right to the protected marine park. (Note: standard national park entrance fees of $5 per person apply when visiting Ras Mohamed).

If you prefer to stay dry while exploring Sinai's natural wonders, our Ras Mohamed Half Day Tour by Bus is another fantastic land-based alternative. You get to visit the famous mangrove channels, magic lake, and earthquake fissures with a expert local guide (national park entrance fee of $5 per person also applies).

Whether you choose to view the reef from behind panoramic glass or jump right into the warm waves, our team is always here on the ground in Sharm to make sure your day on the water is seamless, safe, and memorable.