The Seascope in Hurghada: the Red Sea from the inside
From €15 per person, transfer included
The Seascope is a semi-submersible boat: it stays on the surface, but its glass-walled cabin sits below the waterline. From there you watch the reefs and fish of the Red Sea through large windows, without getting wet. With Hurghada Habibi the trip starts at €15, with about 20 minutes of snorkelling at the end for anyone who fancies it.
How it works
You board, the boat sails out to the reef, and you go down into the glass cabin, seated facing the windows, to watch coral and fish drift past for about 45 minutes; afterwards, those who want to can get in the water.
The cabin is the coolest part of the boat, and the quietest. Children press their noses to the glass within the first minute. Grown-ups too, to be fair.
How the trip goes
- Hotel pick-up.
- Boarding and the short sail to the reef.
- About 45 minutes of viewing from the glass cabin.
- About 20 minutes of snorkelling for anyone who wants it, kit provided.
- Back to the harbour and your hotel.
Who it suits
Families with young children, non-swimmers, anyone who'd rather not put their face in the water, and anyone who wants to see the reef before trying snorkelling.
It also makes a neat half-day when you want the sea without a full 8am to 4pm on a boat. And a perfect plan B when the wind makes the long crossings less pleasant: the sail is short.
What you see through the glass
Coral heads, shoals of tropical fish, parrotfish grazing on the reef, and now and then a ray or a moray eel at the mouth of its hole.
For photos, put the lens right against the glass and switch the flash off. Otherwise you mostly photograph your own reflection.
Best time to go
All year, and winter especially: you enjoy the reef without feeling the cold, since nobody has to get in the water.
What to bring
- Swimmers and a towel if you'd like to snorkel
- A light layer for the cabin
- Cap and sun cream for the deck
- A charged phone, flash off
Seascope prices and booking
From €15 per person with Hurghada Habibi, with transfer, entry and snorkelling kit; partner price, confirmed on WhatsApp.