If you want the Red Sea without packing an all-day plan, this helps. The Royal Seascope is a semi-submarine cruise from Makadi Bay, built for a comfortable view of the fish-eye marine life below. You also get a short snorkeling stop in clear water, all wrapped into a tidy 2-hour outing.

I like two things most: you get underwater glass-walled viewing (so you can enjoy the reef even if you do not swim much), and you still have a chance to get in for 20 minutes of snorkeling. One thing to keep in mind is timing can feel a little “wait-and-go,” with some groups reporting a long hold before departure, so arriving early and staying flexible helps.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Underwater glass deck 3 meters down: air-conditioned, panoramic windows, and easy viewing without getting wet first.
• Fish-eye reef views from below: a different way to appreciate coral and fish than you get from shore.
• A reef stop near Xanadu Hotel: the cruise heads out briefly, then you return to the same marina area.
• 20-minute snorkeling window: enough time to see reef life, but short enough that the pace stays controlled.
• Makadi hotel pickup (for Makadi hotels only): makes it low-effort if you stay in the right area.
• English, German, Polish, Russian-speaking staff: helpful if you want instructions clearly explained.

Entering the Royal Seascope experience from Makadi Bay

This is a good choice when you want the Red Sea in a “try it today” format. You start from the Xanadu Hotel Marina area, then you spend most of your time in controlled, comfort-first viewing and a single swim stop.

The structure is simple: you ride out, go down to the underwater deck for extended viewing, then you snorkel for a brief burst. After that, you head back to the marina, so you are not scrambling for your whole day on the water.

Getting to Xanadu Hotel Marina and boarding the semi-submarine

The Royal Seascope submarine runs out of the Xanadu Hotel Marina, which is reached via the beach from nearby Makadi hotels. If you booked pickup, expect a shared bus transfer that runs about 45 minutes before the trip time (you receive the exact pickup timing via WhatsApp after booking).

Once you arrive at the marina, the process is typically straightforward, and you can skip the ticket line. Still, keep a small buffer in your head. Some experiences report being at the pier on time but then waiting quite a while before the ship left, so do not plan a tight connection right after.

If you are paying through an app or using any cashless method, bring your confirmation and be ready for on-the-spot clarification if something does not register smoothly. A backup payment method is a boring idea, but it prevents real stress when you are trying to board.

What the underwater glass deck is really like (air-conditioned, 3 meters down)

This is the heart of the experience. You descend to an air-conditioned observation deck about 3 meters below sea level, with big panoramic windows designed for easy reef watching from your seat.

Because you are down there, you do not need to stand in waves or fight wind. You can take it slow, watch fish cruising past, and get a reef view that feels closer and more stable than snorkeling from the surface. The ride is set up so you can enjoy marine life even if water time is limited.

One note that matters: the deck is enclosed enough that claustrophobia can be an issue. If you know you get uncomfortable in small, enclosed spaces, skip this one and choose an open-air boat or other snorkeling option instead.

The fish-eye reef viewing: what you should look for

You will get a fish-eye style view of the Red Sea’s coral and marine life. The windows and the angle are made for color and movement, so you tend to notice fish behavior faster than you might from shore.

Here is how to make your viewing time count:

• Focus on the coral edges and the darker patches near the reef structure, since that is where fish often hover.
• Watch for quick darting movements, then slower gliding fish that track the reef.
• Use your first minutes as a “scan,” then pick one area and watch how marine life shifts around it.

The experience is not trying to be a museum lecture. It is more about sitting comfortably and letting the underwater world come to you, with long-enough viewing time to actually absorb what you are seeing.

The cruise out near Makadi Bay and Xanadu Hotel

Between the marina departure and the snorkel stop, the boat ride does not feel like dead time. You typically cruise out for about 25 minutes toward one of the best coral reefs near the Xanadu Hotel area in Makadi Bay.

That cruise section matters because it sets expectations. You are going to see reef life that is reached efficiently, not something far away that requires a long journey. For most people, that trade-off is good value: you lose less time traveling and you gain more time looking and swimming during the core window.

Along the way, you also get scenic views on the water. If your phone battery does not hate you, this is an easy spot for a few dry photos before you switch to wet gear.

Snorkeling for 20 minutes: short, clear, and group-paced

After the underwater viewing, you get a swim time: a 20-minute snorkeling stop in clear Red Sea water. That length is intentional. It is long enough to see a few reef zones and get a feel for snorkeling, but short enough that the group stays together and the boat schedule stays on track.

To enjoy those 20 minutes more than you waste them:

• Put sunscreen on before you get in. Water reflects the sun, and you often do not realize you are getting burned until later.
• Keep your mask and snorkel ready, and practice the calm, slow breathing that makes floating easier.
• Treat the first minute as setup time, then commit your attention to fish and coral patterns.

Also pay attention to one rule: touching marine life is not allowed. Coral can be easily damaged, and marine animals can be sensitive. You will see enough by watching, and you keep the reef healthy for the next person.

One small human detail to know: snorkeling can be done in a group, and some groups have described a guide using repetitive call-outs while people swim further out. If you dislike coaching that interrupts your focus, you might find it a bit annoying, but it is usually part of keeping everyone together.

Price and value: why about $19 makes sense

At around $19 per person, this is priced like a “value-first” Red Sea activity. You are paying for transportation, the cruise, entry and national park fees, and the snorkeling stop. Food and drinks are not included, but for a short 2-hour outing, that is a common trade-off.

Where the value really shows is the underwater portion. Many snorkeling trips require you to be comfortable in the water the whole time. Here, you can spend a long chunk seated and looking through panoramic windows, then do only the snorkeling time you choose.

If you want maximum water time, you might feel the snorkel is brief. If you want maximum variety and comfort, this fits well. You get both a below-water perspective and a chance to experience the surface reef directly.

What to pack, what to expect on board, and practical tips

You do not need much, which is part of the appeal. Bring swimwear and sunscreen. That is it for the essentials, and you will be glad you did not overpack when the clock starts moving.

On board, the key expectation is that you will spend a lot of time in the underwater observation deck. Dress so you can comfortably go from sun to shade, and consider a light layer for before and after, especially if you tend to cool down quickly after swimming.

If you are sensitive to crowds or noise, treat the experience as a group activity. Even when the underwater deck feels calm, the snorkeling part is run as a coordinated stop, so you should expect a social pace.

Finally, if you are thinking about safety and rules, remember the no-touch policy for marine life. You will have more fun when your goal is watching, not grabbing.

Who should book Royal Seascope, and who should skip it

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want an intro to the Red Sea that does not require full-day planning.
• Prefer a comfortable underwater viewpoint with air-conditioned seating.
• Want snorkeling, but only in a controlled, limited time window.
• Are staying in Makadi Bay and would like pickup from Makadi hotels.

It is less ideal if you:

• Are claustrophobic and uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, since the underwater deck is a small enclosed environment.
• Expect long snorkeling time or an all-day reef immersion plan.
• Get easily annoyed by repetitive group guidance, especially during snorkeling when people spread out and need reminders.

Should you book this Royal Seascope submarine cruise and snorkeling stop?

I would book it if you want a straightforward, good-value Red Sea outing from Makadi Bay. The biggest reason is the balance: you get extended underwater viewing from 3 meters down through large windows, plus a short snorkeling window that is doable for most people.

I would skip it if you know you need open-air experiences, or if claustrophobia is a real issue for you. Also, if you are the type who hates waiting around, arrive with a calmer mindset than you would for a perfectly timed shore excursion.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Royal Seascope submarine cruise with snorkel stop?

The experience is listed as 2 hours.

Is snorkeling included, and how long do I snorkel?

Yes. Snorkeling is included, and the snorkeling stop is for 20 minutes.

Do I get hotel pickup in Makadi Bay?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Makadi hotels only. Pickup can be optional depending on your booking option.

Where do I meet for the Royal Seascope?

The submarine is at Xanadu Hotel Marina, accessible via the beach from all Makadi hotels. The Royal Seascope Makadi and Hurghada 2 are listed as drop-off locations.

How deep is the underwater observation deck?

The underwater observation deck is about 3 meters below sea level.

Is the underwater deck air-conditioned?

Yes, the underwater observation deck is air-conditioned.

Is this activity suitable if I am claustrophobic?

No. It is not suitable for people with claustrophobia.

What should I bring, and is touching marine life allowed?

Bring swimwear and sunscreen. Touching marine life is not allowed.