Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed Cruise with Snorkeling & Lunch

Ras Mohamed is one of those Red Sea spots where the water does the talking, clear enough to make even basic snorkeling feel special. This half-day style cruise from Sharm El Sheikh gives you a simple plan: two swim stops plus a relaxed onboard break with lunch.

I especially like that the crew keeps things organized and supportive. Names like Mido, Omar, Islam, and Mohammed come up in the kind of service you want when you are in the water with strangers. I also like the value mix, park access + lunch and time at both Ras Mohamed and White Island.

One thing to consider: White Island depends on tide conditions, so it can change day to day. Also, there is a mandatory marina entrance fee you should expect to pay.

Key highlights

• Two snorkeling-friendly swim stops in Ras Mohamed National Park
• White Island shallow-water time for photos and swimming, tide dependent
• Lunch onboard includes buffet favorites like BBQ chicken and fish, plus salads and pasta
• Optional introductory scuba dives if you want to go beyond snorkeling
• Small-move, no-fuss guidance with English-speaking (and other languages) support
• Easy meeting point at Egypt Sunmarine Fleet in Watanya Marina

Ras Mohamed National Park, the Red Sea’s “look closer” day

This cruise is interesting because it turns a longish boat ride into real water time. You are not just cruising past coastline views. You are heading to Ras Mohamed National Park at the southern tip of Sinai, where conditions often make the reef easy to spot.

What makes it work for you is the rhythm. You get a couple of chances to get in, breathe, and actually see marine life, then you move on to a sand-and-sea break at White Island. If you want a day that feels varied without being exhausting, this is a good shape.

Getting to Watanya Marina, and the practical “don’t sweat it” checklist

Your day starts either with pickup (if you choose that option) or by going straight to the marina. The meeting point is Egypt Sunmarine Fleet at Watanya Marina, Sharm El-Sheikh. When you arrive, look for the operations team member, usually in a yellow T-shirt, and show your ticket.

If you picked hotel transfer, pickup happens roughly 90 minutes before departure in a shared bus. The exact time is confirmed by WhatsApp about 24 hours before you go, so keep an eye on your phone.

Bring basics that make the water part easy: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. It helps to have everything packed so you are not digging for stuff on a moving boat. And skip alcohol and drugs, those are not allowed.

The drive and the long sailing stretch, how to make time feel short

The schedule has some travel time built in, including a bus/coach transfer of about 45 minutes (depending on your pickup option). Then you head out for around 2.5 hours of sailing toward Ras Mohamed.

This is where I’d be smart about expectations. The boat time is part of the day, and it is also part of why the trip feels like a mini escape. If you are sensitive to motion, plan ahead like you would for any sea day, simple steps like staying hydrated and using what helps you normally.

If you love just sitting and watching the Red Sea change around you, this boat portion can be the calm between the water stops. If you hate waiting, it is still worth it because the snorkel time is built in and not treated like an afterthought.

Ras Mohamed setup with snorkeling gear and a real guide

Once you reach the park area, you go into the water with a professional snorkeling guide. The experience is designed so you are not wandering around alone, which matters when you are trying to focus on what you are seeing instead of how to manage the gear.

Snorkeling gear is available as an add-on option. If you choose it, you get snorkeling gear rental so you are not relying on whatever you packed from home. Even if you bring your own mask, it can still be nice to have guidance on how to get the best view quickly.

The guide support is one of the most praised parts of the day. People call out help from staff members like Mido during snorkeling, and that kind of hands-on reassurance is exactly what you want if it is your first time snorkeling in this region.

Swim stop 1: marine life viewing where the reef does the work

The first Ras Mohamed water section is about 1.5 hours focused on snorkeling and marine life viewing. This is your chance to get comfortable with the water, find calm rhythm, and start spotting coral and fish.

I like this stop because it gives you time to settle. With guided time, you can focus on looking instead of constantly adjusting. And with two snorkeling windows across the day, you are not stuck having one “do or die” moment.

A practical thought: if you are nervous about getting in, try to treat the first stop as your warm-up. Use it to build confidence, then you will usually feel more ready for the second swim stop later.

The option slot for intro scuba dives, if you want more than snorkeling

There is also a scuba diving session of about 35 minutes built into the broader plan if you choose to upgrade. Since this is listed as an option, you are not forced into it if you only want to snorkel.

If you have ever looked at the reef and thought, I want a closer look, this is a good middle step. Intro dives are a way to see what changes when you go deeper and move differently in the water. Just be honest with yourself about comfort level and listen carefully to the instructors when you do choose this add-on.

You get the benefit of having that choice without wrecking the day’s main structure. It still stays centered on the Red Sea views and the two swim opportunities.

White Island in Sharm El Sheikh, a tide-dependent sand and photo break

After Ras Mohamed, you head to White Island for about 1 hour. This stop is famous for the look: shallow water, sand, and bright light that makes photos pop.

Here is the honest catch: the visit is subjected to tide conditions. That means you should treat it as “promised if conditions allow,” not as a guaranteed postcard moment every day. If the sandbar isn’t accessible the same way, the crew still aims to keep the experience enjoyable, but the exact feel can vary.

Even with that caveat, this is the kind of contrast stop that makes the day memorable. Ras Mohamed can feel like pure reef world, then you switch to something calmer and sandier. It is a nice reset for legs and mind.

Swim stop 2: the second chance that usually matters more than you think

There is another snorkeling session of about 1 hour back at Ras Mohamed after the White Island break. This is smart planning. It means you have a second window to spot what you might have missed the first time, and it gives you more flexibility if you had a slower start.

I like this structure because snorkeling can be unpredictable. Water clarity can change slightly. Fish drift. Your energy might be higher or lower than expected. A second stop helps you catch a better version of the day.

If you did the optional intro dive, this second snorkeling window still keeps the focus on the reef you can experience without extra training. It is a good combo for people who want one foot in both worlds.

Lunch onboard: what you get, and why it is part of the value

Lunch is served onboard as an open buffet. The menu includes rice, pasta, salads, plus barbeque chicken and fish. You also get soft drinks.

This is where the $31 price starts making sense, because you are paying for a full boat outing, park access, and a meal, not just for “time on a deck.” People call the food decent and worth it for the price, and the fact that it is a proper buffet matters. You can eat what you like, you do not have to time your taste choices perfectly, and you do not waste time hunting for food in town mid-day.

Practical tip: eat before you get too hungry and drink water. When you are in sun and salt air, you notice thirst late. A steady lunch makes the last snorkeling stop easier.

Languages, guides, and how smooth the day feels in real life

You are not stuck with one language. The instructor and support are listed as English, Russian, German, and Kazakh, which helps if you want instructions you can actually understand quickly.

The service style is also a big part of the positive vibe. Several names get mentioned for being supportive, including Omar and Ali, along with snorkeling support from people like Islam. That matters because snorkeling is simple, but it is not magic. You still need help with gear fit, where to look, and how to handle the moment when you are floating and trying to think clearly.

If safety and confidence matter to you, this is the kind of trip where good guidance is worth paying for.

Price and value: what $31 buys you, and what might cost extra

The listed price is $31 per person, and on paper it is a lot of day-packaging for relatively low cost. You get a boat cruise, national park entry fees, White Island time (when tide allows), and lunch onboard.

Two costs to keep in mind:

• There is a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 euros per person. It is paid upon arrival or can be prepaid through add-ons.
• Snorkeling gear rental and snorkeling upgrades are tied to add-on selections. If you want rental gear or intro dives, check the options before you go.

So is it good value? For most people, yes, because it bundles food and access. If you already have your own snorkeling gear and you will not add scuba, the core value is mostly the boat, park fees, and the meal. If you do add gear or diving, your total cost rises, but your day becomes more complete.

Who this cruise is best for, and who might prefer another plan

This trip fits you if you want:

• A straightforward snorkeling-focused day at one of Sinai’s most popular marine areas
• A plan that mixes reef time with a sand-and-water break at White Island
• Lunch included without hunting for food in Sharm El Sheikh

It might be less ideal if:

• You are extremely sensitive to schedule variation since White Island depends on tide
• You want a trip with minimal time on the boat, because sailing is part of the program
• You prefer to control every detail yourself with no guidance, since this is built around guided snorkeling

It is also a good pick for a range of travelers. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, and the crew supports multiple languages.

My booking call: should you book Ras Mohamed with snorkeling and lunch?

If you are spending a short time in Sharm El Sheikh and want your day to deliver visible reef time plus a real meal, I think you should book. The combo of Ras Mohamed National Park snorkeling, two water stops, and a White Island break is the kind of balanced day that stays fun even if you are not a hardcore diver.

Book it if you:

• Want a guided snorkeling day with built-in structure
• Like value, because park fees and lunch are part of what you pay
• Might add intro dives if you want that next step

Consider another option if:

• White Island timing is a must-have for you and you cannot handle changes due to tide
• You are trying to do the absolute cheapest possible day with no extra fees, because the 5 euro marina entrance fee applies

Bottom line: this is a well-shaped day trip that prioritizes time in the water, with food taken care of and support when you need it.

FAQ

How long is the Ras Mohamed cruise with snorkeling and lunch?

The total duration is about 390 minutes, or roughly 7 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Egypt Sunmarine Fleet in Watanya Marina, Sharm El-Sheikh. Your ticket should be shown to the operations team member on site.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is optional. If you choose it, pickup happens in a shared bus and the exact time is confirmed by WhatsApp about 24 hours before.

What is the marina entrance fee?

There is a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 euros per person. It is paid upon arrival or can be prepaid from add-ons.

Is the White Island visit guaranteed?

The White Island visit is subject to tide conditions, so it can vary based on the day’s conditions.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Snorkeling gear rental is available if you select the snorkeling gear add-on option.

Can I add scuba diving to the trip?

Yes, you can upgrade by adding 1 or 2 introductory dives. Scuba diving is scheduled as a short session if you choose that option.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.