Sharm el-Sheikh: Ras Mohammed Elite VIP Cruise and BBQ Lunch

This Red Sea day trip is interesting because it packages the best part of Sharm into one smooth, guided outing: boat time, coral reef snorkeling, and a hot meal, all wrapped in a boat that feels more like a floating lounge than a crowded tour bus. I like that you get multiple snorkeling stops with expert guidance, so you are not just thrown in and told good luck. I also like that the boat has two air-conditioned salons plus room to spread out on deck.

What you should consider is that conditions can affect comfort. In winter, the water is often still snorkel-friendly, but one traveler noted it was too cold for their comfort during their season, and another mentioned wind on the return trip, so plan for a chill breeze even if the sun is doing its job.

Key Highlights Worth the Money

• Spacious sun deck with plenty of comfortable loungers, including shaded areas on lower decks
• Two air-conditioned salons to escape heat and relax between water time
• Waiter service for hot and soft drinks delivered straight to where you are sitting
• Three Red Sea snorkeling stops in Ras Mohammed National Park with an expert guide at all times
• On-board BBQ and seafood-style lunch prepared on board while you stay part of the action
• Hands-on safety support, including life jackets and guided help for less-confident swimmers

A VIP Red Sea Day From Sharm El-Sheikh

If you are in Sharm el-Sheikh and want the classic Red Sea experience without turning the day into a logistics project, this Elite VIP cruise does the job. The day runs 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, but the vibe starts earlier with pickup happening about an hour before departure. You will get your exact pickup time by WhatsApp the day before, which helps cut the usual stress of waiting around.

What makes the trip feel “VIP” is not just the marketing. It is the boat setup and the way the day is paced. You get a long stretch of sailing, then snorkeling breaks that are guided and structured, then lunch, then more water time as the boat heads back toward Sharm. You are basically building your day around the sea, not around lines, crowds, or missed timing.

You will also have a strong sense of being looked after. The operation leans into guidance, with snorkeling guides accompanying you in the water and staying close enough to keep things calm, especially for people who get nervous in open water.

The Boat Experience: Space, Shade, and Air-Conditioned Comfort

This is the type of tour where the boat actually matters. The Elite VIP cruise has 4 floors and two air-conditioned salons, so you can cool down without doing the usual “stand in the sun and hope for shade” routine. Between snorkeling sessions, I like having options: hang on deck when you want sun, then slide into AC when you want to reset.

On top, you have a sun deck filled with sun loungers. That detail shows up repeatedly in what people praise, because it changes how you experience the ride. Instead of craning your neck for photos, you can lounge, read, or just watch the horizon while the boat cruises toward Ras Mohammed.

Down on the lower deck, you can find shaded seating areas too. That is key if you burn easily or if you just want to recharge in a calmer setting. One traveler also called out the absence of loud music on this kind of trip, which makes sense. When the goal is snorkeling, you do not need a soundtrack to make the day feel full.

Getting There: Pickup, Coach Time, and Time on the Water

The trip starts with hotel pickup and drop-off, then about 25 minutes by bus or coach to reach the marina area. That sounds simple, but it is part of how the day stays organized. You are not just meeting at a random dock and figuring out where the boat is.

After that, you begin the sea portion. There is roughly 2.5 hours of sailing as you move toward the snorkeling grounds. This long cruise time is not wasted. It gives you a chance to get comfortable, find your spot on deck, and let the day flow naturally before you hit the water.

One more practical point: the trip schedule is built around being on time for boarding and departure. With pickup happening about an hour before, it helps to set your phone to WhatsApp notifications and keep your expectations flexible around that pickup window.

Ras Mohammed National Park Snorkeling Stops, and What Makes Them Work

Ras Mohammed is famous for a reason, and this cruise focuses on it with three snorkeling stops. You get multiple chances to see coral and marine life, not just one short swim and done.

The snorkel program is guided. Your snorkeling guides accompany you at all times, and they know where to take you. That matters because it is not only about being safe, it is about making the water time count. You will also have life jackets available, and access to the sea is via a low platform at the back of the boat, which usually feels easier than climbing down from a high ladder.

If you are worried about getting in, you will appreciate the hands-on approach. One person described a guide attaching them to a life buoy and pulling them if needed. That is exactly the kind of proactive support that turns snorkeling from intimidating into manageable.

What you will likely see

The Red Sea here has a lot going on. You can expect a mix of coral structures and fish life, with sightings such as:

• sea horses
• octopus
• hundreds of species of exotically colored fish
• turtles
• manta rays
• dolphins

Even with no guarantees, the overall point is consistent. The guide plan gives you repeated opportunities to find fish-rich areas and coral zones that look good even when you are just snorkeling slowly.

Why you get three stops instead of one

This is one of those “small design choice, big result” things. With three snorkeling moments, you are less likely to get stuck with one spot that is less active or less clear. You can also wear yourself out less. You can snorkel, rest, eat, and snorkel again without the day feeling like one nonstop effort.

White Island Timing: A Quick Break From the Reef

Between snorkeling and lunch, you get a stop at White Island for about 45 minutes. This is not the same thing as Ras Mohammed reef time, which is exactly why it helps.

You get a change of scenery, a breather from the water, and time to reset your gear and sun routine. For families, kids often like this part because it feels like a “visit” instead of only floating and swimming. For adults, it can break up the day so you do not feel like you are only bouncing between boat and water.

The practical upside is that this break also gives you a chance to regroup if you were more cautious in the first snorkeling session. You can dry off, warm up, and decide how you want to handle the later water time.

BBQ and Seafood Lunch: More Than a Token Meal

Lunch is served on board and runs about 1 hour. The menu is laid out clearly and it is the kind of mix that works for different appetites:

• sea food soup
• 3 types of fresh salad
• rice, pasta, and potatoes
• shrimp, calamari, and fish
• chicken and Egyptian kofta
• seasonal fresh fruit

This matters because a lot of boat trips feed you something that feels rushed. Here, people specifically call out the food as high quality, and one guests said it was better than what they had at their hotel. Even if you are not expecting a gourmet meal, having real hot dishes plus sides and salads is a big quality-of-life upgrade when you have been in the sun.

Drinks are also part of the comfort story. The trip includes waiter service for unlimited hot and soft drinks throughout the day, delivered straight to you. That reduces the need to get up repeatedly, and it helps keep you focused on snorkeling and relaxing instead of standing in line for cups.

One note to keep in mind: there can be confusion around what counts as included refreshments. One traveler felt that for their VIP experience they were expected to pay for some drinks beyond very small plastic cups of generic coke and lemonade. So before you assume every drink is covered, check what is included with your booking or with the crew when you arrive.

Back on the Boat: Final Snorkeling, Then Cruise Home

After lunch and your White Island time, you head back toward Sharm. The itinerary includes another stretch back on the water with boat cruise time and swimming and snorkeling. This is where the day can feel extra valuable. You are not done with the sea once lunch ends.

Also, because you have already found your rhythm on deck, this last segment is often when you do your best “slow enjoyment” snorkeling. You are less rushed. You know where you feel comfortable entering the water and what gear setup works for you.

As the day winds down, expect the return to feel different than the outbound sailing. One person mentioned wind on the way back to harbour, which makes sense since you are moving through open water. Bring a light layer or something you can throw over your swimwear if you tend to get cold quickly.

Price and Value: How $80 Adds Up, Including the Marina Fee

At about $80 per person, this trip is positioned as a value VIP option, not a luxury day on a private yacht. For that price, you get hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat cruise, buffet-style lunch, crew, and guided snorkeling.

The big value drivers are:

• The boat itself, with sun loungers and two air-conditioned salons
• Multiple guided snorkeling stops, not just one brief swim
• Food that is more substantial than a typical snack lunch
• Drinks included as hot and soft options via waiter service

There is also a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 Euros per person, paid on arrival or possibly via prepaid add-ons. Factor that into your mental math so you are not surprised at the dock.

Snorkeling gear can be included as an add-on if you select it. If you bring your own mask and snorkel, you avoid any last-minute shopping. If you do not, one traveler reported that mask and goggles could be hired at the port for $5, with no flippers available. That means you might still want to plan your fin situation ahead of time if you use fins for comfort.

So is it worth it? If you care about comfort on the boat and want real time in the water with a guide who checks on you, yes. If you only want a fast reef peek and you already own great snorkeling gear, you might compare cheaper shared tours. But you would likely be trading away the lounge comfort and AC.

Who Should Book This Elite VIP Cruise

This is a strong fit if you:

• want guided snorkeling with safety support
• prefer lounging on deck rather than standing around
• like having real meal choices during the trip
• are going as a couple, friends, or family who wants a relaxed day plan

It is also a good option if you tend to get anxious in the water. Multiple guide-focused comments highlight reassurance and close attention. In other words, you are not the only one who gets a little nervous when you step into the sea.

If you are extremely temperature-sensitive, plan your expectations for winter. Even when the water does not feel freezing to most people, you might feel cold right after getting in, especially if you stop moving while floating. And if you are prone to seasickness, keep in mind it is an all-day sea experience with sailing time on either side of snorkeling.

Should You Book This Tour?

I would book this Elite VIP Ras Mohammed cruise if you want a day that feels organized, comfortable, and genuinely reef-focused. The combination of roomy deck space, air-conditioned escape, three snorkeling opportunities, and a satisfying on-board lunch makes it a practical choice in a place where boat days can otherwise blur together.

Pass on it, or at least compare carefully, if your priority is the absolute cheapest option or if you already know you only want one quick swim. Also, double-check what drinks are included at no extra cost, and plan for cooler wind on the way back.

If your goal is to spend more time enjoying the Red Sea instead of managing stress, this is the kind of day trip that usually delivers.

FAQ

How long is the Elite VIP cruise?

The tour runs for about 7 hours, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

What stops are included during the day?

You will cruise to Ras Mohammed National Park and have swimming and snorkeling time there, then visit White Island, and you will have additional boat cruise and water time as you return.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get waiter service for unlimited hot and soft drinks throughout the day.

Is lunch included, and what’s on the menu?

Lunch is included. The menu includes sea food soup, salads, rice, pasta and potatoes, shrimp and fish options, chicken and Egyptian kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Do I need snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear is available as an add-on if selected. You should also bring swimwear and a towel.

Is there a marina entrance fee?

Yes. There is a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 Euros per person, paid upon arrival or potentially prepaid via add-ons.

What languages are the instructors or guides available in?

English, German, and Russian.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.