Sharm El-Sheikh: Ras Mohammed & White Island Cruise

A sea day from Sharm El-Sheikh that mixes real reef time with a sand-and-swim break on White Island is an easy win. I like that this trip builds in two snorkeling stops with an onboard instructor, so you are not just dropped in the water. I also like the simple, practical flow, hotel pickup to marina, then back again, without you having to piece together anything yourself.

The main thing to consider is that you will be on a boat for a chunk of the day in open water. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan for that, bring what helps you, and keep your expectations on the comfort side of a day trip rather than a floating hotel.

Key highlights you will feel on the water

• Ras Mohamed National Park reef time with a professional guide and included park entry
• Two snorkeling stops with an instructor, plus life jackets provided
• White Island sand break for shallow-water snorkeling, photos, and warm-water lounging
• BBQ-style buffet lunch onboard with rice, pasta, salads, and barbeque chicken
• Hotel pickup and drop-off plus hot and cold drinks, unlimited soft drinks, and mineral water
• Strong crew support you can rely on in the water, including English guidance and other languages

Hotel Pickup To Sharm Marina: how the day starts

This is a straightforward day trip that starts with you being picked up from your hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh and transferred to the marina in air-conditioned comfort. From there, you get your sea legs in a way that feels organized, with the boat day fully set up for you, not for you to manage.

You will also want to know one small-but-important requirement up front: a passport copy is required. If you have it ready, the start is smooth. If you do not, it can slow down check-in.

Onboard, you are not just waiting for snorkeling. You have practical basics covered, life jackets are provided, and the yacht has two bathroom and shower facilities. That matters more than people think, especially on a longer half-day when you want to freshen up between activities.

Ras Mohamed National Park snorkeling stop: reef viewing with real help

Ras Mohamed is the trip’s reef anchor. You cruise out from the Sharm El-Sheikh marina, then head to the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula. At the park stop, you have time to explore the coral reef area with a professional guide, which is exactly what you want here. Reef snorkeling is better when someone helps you find the right patches and keeps an eye on safety.

Two practical benefits of going with a guide at Ras Mohamed:

1. You spend less time wondering where to look.
2. You can snorkel with more confidence because someone is actively watching the group.

You also have the option to rent snorkeling gear if you want more than what is included on your selected package. Life jackets and an onboard instructor do a lot, but having the right mask fit and fins can change your experience from good to great, so it is worth checking what your booking includes before you go.

If you are a certified diver, this trip also has an added diving option, since diving equipment and tanks are listed as add-ons. Even if you are snorkeling, the overall setup tends to be geared toward people who want proper water time, not a quick glance and done.

The second snorkeling window: crystal-clear water time near Sharm

This itinerary builds in two snorkeling stops, and that second chance is where the Red Sea often rewards you for being patient. The idea is simple: you get another set of underwater viewing opportunities after the Ras Mohamed portion.

What you should expect in this stretch:

• Water access that is organized by the crew
• Instructor guidance for staying on track and not getting separated
• Enough time to actually see things, not just float for a minute

The best part of having two snorkeling moments is that you are not dependent on one single stretch of water. Conditions can change across the day, and having a second chance makes the experience feel more consistently worthwhile.

If you are new to snorkeling, treat both stops like skill-building sessions. The first one helps you find your rhythm, the second one is where you usually relax more and just enjoy the view. If you are already comfortable, you will likely appreciate that the crew is attentive and ready to guide you where they think you will get the best underwater sightings.

White Island stop: sand, shallow water, and a calmer pace

Then comes the switch in mood: the stop at White Island. This is where the day stops being all reef all the time and becomes more about soaking up the sea in a different way.

White Island is known for soft sand and warm, shallow water. In practice, that means you can:

• Step off the boat and settle in without feeling like you need to swim immediately
• Snorkel in the surrounding shallows if you want to keep exploring
• Take photos with that bright Red Sea background

The crew also seems to understand the heat factor. One detail that came up in real experiences is that you may be offered fruit after your time on White Island. It is a small thing, but on a hot sea day it is exactly what you want: cooling, refreshing, and easy to eat after time in the sun.

This is also a good moment to do the non-underwater parts you might skip if you only focus on snorkeling. Rinse off, relax, and recharge your energy for the ride back.

Lunch on board: BBQ buffet that is actually satisfying

Lunch is served on the boat and it is not some sad snack. You get a buffet lunch on board that includes rice, pasta, salads, and barbeque chicken. Drinks are also included, with hot and cold options onboard, plus unlimited soft drinks and mineral water.

Here is why this matters for your enjoyment. When snorkeling time can be active, you burn energy without always realizing it. Having a real meal waiting reduces the chance you spend the afternoon hungry or cranky.

A few practical tips:

• Eat a decent portion before your second snorkeling window if you can.
• If you get stomach sensitivity with boat rides, keep it simple at lunch and avoid going heavy on spicy foods.
• Bring sunscreen and reapply after lunch, because you often get more direct sun between stops.

Boat comfort and crew attention: what makes this feel worth it

The biggest difference between a standard boat tour and a great one is how the crew handles people once you are in the water. In this case, the pattern is clear: you are supported. The snorkeling instructor does not just point and leave. The crew stays attentive and ready to guide you as needed.

The guide names you may hear onboard include Emad and Bishoy. Having a friendly, responsive guide makes a big difference if you are nervous about snorkeling or if you just want clear instructions quickly.

Also, the trip is offered in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Russian, German, and Arabic, so you are less likely to feel stuck if your language skills are limited.

If you want a quick reality check, ask yourself what you value most on a sea trip:

• If you want a smooth day with real water time and clear support, this fits well.
• If you want a purely lounging cruise with zero active moments, you might find the snorkeling schedule a bit more than you expected.

Gear, life jackets, and how to get the best snorkeling

You will be given life jackets, and there is a snorkeling instructor onboard. That is your baseline safety net. Beyond that, your comfort depends on fit.

Here is what to plan around, based on what is listed and how these trips usually work:

• If snorkeling gear is offered as an add-on in your package, consider adding it for the best fit. The listing specifically notes snorkeling gear like masks and fins as an add-on option.
• For those who plan to dive, diving gear, weights, belts, and 12-liter tanks are listed as add-ons. If you are diving, make sure you select the right add-on and follow the crew’s timing on the day.

Simple comfort wins:

• Bring your own anti-fog solution if you use one, and consider a spare pair of goggles if you are picky.
• Wear footwear for getting on and off the boat, unless the crew tells you the surface is easy to step on.
• Keep your phone in a dry bag when you are moving around, since the deck is a working area.

And a small mindset tip: the best reef viewing often happens when you stop rushing. Go slow, breathe calmly, and let the guide show you where to look.

Price and value: what $35 is buying you

At around $35 per person, this tour is positioned as strong value for Sharm El-Sheikh. The math feels better than it looks at first glance because several costs that are common add-ons elsewhere are included here.

What you are getting for the price:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicles
• Yacht tour
• Two snorkeling stops
• White Island stop
• Snorkeling instructor
• Buffet lunch onboard
• Hot and cold drinks, unlimited soft drinks, and mineral water
• Ras Mohamed National Park entry fees (listed as €5)
• Life jackets
• Basic onboard facilities like bathrooms and showers

That park entry fee alone helps make the price feel more “all-in.” And the fact that lunch and drinks are included saves you extra budgeting while you are out at sea.

If you compare this to doing it DIY, the value becomes even clearer. You would need transport, a boat arrangement, park entry, and someone to guide the snorkeling. Here, it is packaged into a single ticket.

Who this trip is best for, and who should think twice

This tour is ideal if you want:

• A one-day Red Sea experience without planning stress
• Reef snorkeling with instruction, not guesswork
• Time on White Island for photos, sand lounging, and shallow-water swimming
• A trip that feels organized from pickup to drop-off

It also makes sense for mixed groups. Some people like snorkeling, others may choose diving as an add-on. The setup supports both, so you are not forcing everyone into the same activity level.

Who should think twice:

• If you are very sensitive to boat movement, plan for it because you will be out on the water during cruise segments.
• If you want a deep focus on one single spot and nothing else, the stop-and-go structure might feel busy. You are doing Ras Mohamed, then White Island, plus two snorkeling windows.

Should you book this cruise from Sharm El-Sheikh?

I think this is a smart booking for most people visiting Sharm El-Sheikh who want a real snorkeling day with a guided element and an included meal. You are not only paying for a boat ride, you are paying for structured water time, park access, and crew attention that makes the difference when you are actually in the water.

Book it if you want the easiest path to:

• Two snorkeling chances
• A White Island sand break
• Lunch and drinks handled
• Pickup and drop-off taken care of

Skip it or rethink if you hate water activities, have strong motion sickness issues, or you are only interested in one short swim and then full-time lounging. For everyone else, this is the kind of day trip that tends to leave you with the photos you want and the calm satisfaction of a well-run plan.

FAQ

Do I need to bring a passport for this tour?

Yes. A copy of your passport is required.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh is included.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat tour departs from the Sharm El Sheikh marina.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You get two snorkeling stops, with a snorkeling instructor included.

Is White Island included?

Yes. There is one stop at White Island, where you can relax on the sand and snorkel in the surrounding shallow waters.

What’s included for lunch?

Lunch is a buffet served onboard, including rice, pasta, salads, and barbeque chicken.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Hot and cold drinks are included, and there are unlimited soft drinks and mineral water.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Snorkeling gear like masks and fins is included only if you select the add-on option.

Is diving equipment included?

Diving gear, weights, belts, and 12-liter tanks are listed as add-ons, so they are included only if you select that option.

What cancellation options are available?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a Reserve & Pay Later option where you book and pay nothing today.