What a semi-submarine is
A semi-submarine doesn’t dive. The vessel stays at the surface, but its lower cabin sits below the waterline, lined with large windows. You sit facing the glass and the reef passes at eye level, much as it would if you were snorkelling, only without the mask, the salt water or the sunburn. That is why the submarine in Sharm El Sheikh is popular with guests who don’t swim, older travellers and anyone who wants to see the reef in comfort on a hot day.
How the trip typically runs
- Hotel pick-up and the transfer to the departure point.
- Boarding and a short welcome from the crew.
- Upper deck while the vessel heads out to the reef, with sea air and views back to the coast.
- Down to the lower cabin for about an hour of reef viewing in air-conditioned comfort.
- Back up on deck for the return, then drop-off at your hotel.
Semi-submarine or glass bottom boat?
| Feature | Semi-submarine | Glass bottom boat |
|---|---|---|
| How you view | Sideways through big windows, sitting below the waterline | Looking down through glass in the hull |
| Comfort | Air-conditioned lower cabin plus an open upper deck | Shaded seating on board |
| Trip length | About 1.5 h | About 1.5–2 h |
| Feels like | Snorkelling without getting wet | A relaxed boat ride with the reef below |
Both suit all ages. Choose the semi-submarine for the eye-level view and the air-conditioning; choose the glass bottom boat if you would rather stay in the fresh air the whole time.
Who the submarine in Sharm suits
- Non-swimmers and anyone who would rather not snorkel.
- Grandparents and guests with limited mobility. Ask us about access to the lower cabin before you book.
- Children, whose noses tend to stay pressed to the window for the whole hour.
- Summer visitors who want a reef trip that escapes the midday heat.
Tips from a local
- Take better photos through the window. Switch off the flash, hold your phone close to the glass and angle it slightly to cut out reflections from the cabin.
- Sit in the middle of the cabin if you’re prone to motion sickness, where you feel the least movement, and take a tablet before boarding.
- Pick a calm day for the clearest water. If the forecast shows strong wind, ask Mido whether another day would be better.
- Bring a light layer. The air-conditioned cabin can feel cool after time in the sun on deck.
- Feeling closed in? Tell the crew; you can head back up to the open deck for some air.
Combine it with other trips
The semi-submarine makes a good taster before a bigger day at sea. If it leaves you wanting to get into the water, try an intro shore dive with an instructor, or book a short, supervised swim with dolphins. For the full list of ideas, read our guide to the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh.
Book the submarine in Sharm El Sheikh by messaging Mido Tours on WhatsApp (+20 10 1868 1624) with your date, hotel and number of guests.
