Panorama Semi-Submarine with Snorkelling Makadi Bay

Makadi Bay and its coast

Makadi Bay is a quiet stretch of the Red Sea coast south of Hurghada, with a calm bay, sandy beaches and clear water that suits reef trips. The resorts here sit close to the shore, and the coral reef begins only a short sail from the marina, which is why the semi-submarine can show you so much in a short time.

Many guests ask how to get to Makadi Bay from Hurghada or Sahl Hasheesh: it takes roughly half an hour to an hour by road, and your hotel pickup is included so you do not need a taxi. The bay is sheltered, so the sailing is usually gentle even on days with a breeze, and the coast looks lovely from the water, with palms, beaches and the hills behind.

The semi-submarine

A semi-submarine is a boat with an underwater viewing hall below the waterline, lined with large windows. You walk down a few steps, sit in comfort and watch the reef pass at eye level. There is no diving gear and nothing to learn, so it is easy for children, older guests and anyone who prefers to stay dry.

When you ask whether a semi-submarine trip in Makadi Bay is worth it, the answer depends on the visibility: on a clear day the windows give a wide, steady view of coral heads and fish. The crew sail slowly along the reef, stop at the best spots, and you can also go up on deck for fresh air and photographs of the coast.

The coral reef and its marine life

The Red Sea reef is famous for its colour and variety. From the windows you may see coral formations, schools of small orange anthias and damselfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish and sometimes larger fish such as groupers, depending on the day. Marine life changes with the light and the time, so no two cruises are exactly the same.

The reef is a protected, living habitat, and the semi-submarine lets you look at it without touching it. This is a good first meeting with the underwater world for children, and a relaxed way for adults to enjoy it before deciding whether to try snorkelling or diving at other times on your holiday.

The snorkelling stop

After the underwater cruise, the boat stops at a good reef spot for about thirty minutes of snorkelling. Mask, snorkel and fins are provided, and the crew help you with the equipment and stay near the group, so you can enter the water confidently even if you are a beginner.

Floating over the shallow coral gives a very different view from the windows: you can swim among the fish and look down on the reef. Please do not touch or stand on the coral, which is fragile and protected. If you prefer to stay dry, you can simply remain in the viewing hall or on the deck. The snorkelling stop is optional, and the crew are happy to point out the fish for children.

Times, pickup and the best time to go

The tour runs in the morning, at about nine o'clock, and in the afternoon, at about three o'clock, and takes around two hours on the water. Pickup from Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Soma Bay and Makadi Bay is arranged for your hotel, and our team confirms the time on WhatsApp the day before.

The best time for a semi-submarine trip is late morning, when the sun is high and the underwater light is strongest, though the afternoon trip is also pleasant and cooler. In summer the sun is strong, so a hat and sunscreen are useful on deck, and in winter a light jacket helps on the sail. One soft drink and unlimited mineral water are included, and food is not, so you may want to eat before or after.