Hurghada Glass-Bottom Boat vs Semi-Submarine

Glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine? Compare both Hurghada tours, explore the pros and cons, and choose the best Red Sea experience for your trip with Cruisara.

Arrived in Hurghada and asking yourself how to see the coral of the Red Sea without getting my hair wet? You're not alone. Each year, people who are not able to swim, not great divers or just don't care for an overly active day on the water compare the same two choices.

This is a very simple guide explaining in simple terms Hurghada Glass-Bottom Boat vs Semi-Submarine, so you can make your booking the first time without having to scramble through ten different sites to get hold of the answer.

What's the Difference between Glass-Bottom Boat Semi-Submarine?

On both tours you will get a dry, comfortable vantage point to view the coral gardens in Hurghada, but the methods these tours use are very different.

A glass bottom boat is a common boat with a prominent transparent panel attached to the hull. You remain above water and look straight down through the glass of the water at the reef going below you.

A semi-submarine is a lower deck that pushes part of the way away from sea level and features a row of oval windows along the sides. Step a few measures down into that place below and then peer sideways out at the reef, as if inside an aquarium.

Glass Bottom Boat vs Semi Submarine in Hurghada

Aspect

Glass Bottom Boat

Semi-Submarine

Viewing Perspective

Bird’s-eye view from the surface

Eye-level view through windows below the waterline

Position

Above the water

Partially submerged

Swimming / Diving Required

Getting Wet

Suitability

Popular with visitors from Europe, the UK, and further afield

Underwater Visibility Comparison

There are two main factors involved with visibility of Hurghada Glass-Bottom Boat vs Semi-Submarine, the daytime water clarity and proximity to the reef and your eyes.

When on a glass bottom boat, you will be looking down through numerous meters of water which is surface dependent on sun, boat wakes and glare. The view is really great on a day with little wind and sunny weather, as the water of the Red Sea around Hurghada is exceptionally clear and can reach up to 15 - 30 meters.

On a semi-submarine, you have its cabin around 1.5 to 2 meters high in the water compared to the reef, so you see the reef side-on rather than overhead and then the lighting and picture will look nicer even if there is some chop on the water's surface.

Which One Offers Better Coral Reef Views?

For those travelers who are most concerned about marine life, this is frequently the deciding factor in the Hurghada glass-bottom boat vs semi-submarine dilemma.

Semi-submarines typically traverse near the reef wall allowing you to see fish, coral texture and occasional turtles or rays.
A glass-bottom boat will cover more area/time, meaning that you possibly get over a larger reef during your trip.
One of them is regularly channeled through a shallow reef in the vicinity of Giftun Island, one of the most prolific coral reefs near Hurghada.
Both types are not bothering the reef the way that snorkeling or diving can and it gives you the enjoyment of the marine park without the impact.

Which Tour Is Better for Families?

The only reason both tours are family favorites is that no one in the group knows how to swim. However, there are some differences to be aware of before you reserve.

Families prone to feeling seasick or those who don't like having to stay enclosed will prefer the fresh air and easy exit of a glass-bottom boat.
Semi-submarines are quieter below deck and help keep you out of the sun and wind, so they are much loved by older family members and those who are quite sensitive to the sun.
Many semi-submarines feature a brief snorkeling introduction for those in the group who are daring enough to join in whilst anyone who is not a swimmer is kept dry and entertained from the cabin.
Both have life jackets and a safety briefing and staff who are familiar with working with children.

If you're a true cross-section of age, then your group will probably have to decide between the Hurghada glass-bottom boat vs semi-submarine based on whether anyone in the group is claustrophobic.

Which Is Better for Young Children?

For very young children the choice between the Hurghada glass-bottom boat vs semi-submarine is more of a comfort and security selection than a scenery one. The glass-bottom boat may be the safer option for toddlers. It remains on the open deck so parents are free to move around, there is no step down into a lower cabin and the ride is close to a normal boat trip.

While still a safe option for kids, the semi-submarine starts at 3 to 4 years old for most operators and can be tight on the lower deck and lower stairs for some kids who live in a small space or are fussy.

If you are traveling with a child that is susceptible to getting carsick or a baby, ask what time of day they get the most restful ride. For most of the trips the morning ones are smoother than afternoon ones.

Duration & Price Comparison

The following table provides a quick comparison of Hurghada glass-bottom boat vs semi-submarine including some of the most frequently asked questions prior to booking.

Feature

Glass-Bottom Boat

Semi-Submarine

Typical duration

1 to 2 hours

Around 1 hour underwater, roughly 3 hours total with transfers

Starting price

Affordable

Slightly Higher

Snorkelling stop

Sometimes included

Frequently included

Hotel transfer

Often included or available for a small fee

Usually included

Best suited for

Toddlers, non-swimmers, quick add-on trips

Families and couples wanting a longer, more immersive experience

Pros and Cons of Each Experience

If you consider the pros and cons of the Hurghada glass-bottom boat vs semi-submarine side by side you will surely notice that it is an easier choice to make.

Glass-Bottom Boat

Pros: It's affordable, will open up the deck for someone who is having mobility problems, is easy for young toddlers, and the trip is shorter and simpler.
Cons: Viewing is dependent on water clarity and surface conditions, viewing from above is not as immersive as below the water line and the coral is a little farther away.

Semi-Submarine

Pros: The advantages include views from the side windows that look more like a proper underwater dive, a shaded lower cabin for comfort, the often-built-in snorkeling station for older kids and/or adults and more stable viewing in light ripples.
Cons: It will cost a bit more than the brands mentioned, steps are fairly shallow which may not be ideal for older children with limited mobility, and the total ride duration is longer.

Read More: Best boat trips in hurghada

Which Tour Should You Choose?

In Hurghada glass-bottom boat vs semi-submarine, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, as it all depends on the person you're traveling with and what you're planning for your day.

Take the glass-bottom boat if you are on a time constraint, have a young child with you, or prefer a less expensive and lighter introduction to the Red Sea.

A semi-submarine is great if you want something longer with more immersion underwater, aren't above paying a bit more and you'd like an option of snorkeling for the members or members in the group who like swimming.

Book the Best Underwater Tour with Cruisara

After all these details about the Hurghada glass-bottom boat vs semi-submarine, it's time to make the right booking with us. Cruisara runs from Hurghada Marina with hotel pickup from most areas.

All bookings come with a guide who is licensed, life jackets for all ages, some cold drinks and a relaxed small group format. Between the trip to Giftun Island and the stay at Asa there is the chance of joining a few semi-submarine trips where snorkeling will be an enjoyable side activity.

For a longer day visit Orange Bay Island or select Paradise Island for a higher-class vacation in the Red Sea. We help you to choose the right one before you book.

Hurghada Glass-Bottom Boat vs Semi-Submarine | Which Is Better?