Sharm El-Sheikh: Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkeling Trip

The Red Sea saves its best colors underwater. This $25 boat trip combines hotel pickup, two snorkeling stops, White Island, lunch, and a full day on the water. I like the friendly crew, especially guides such as Ahmed, Bishoy, Mustafa, and Shazly, and I like the strong attention to safety for first-time snorkelers and scuba participants. The main drawback is the long day, with some guests out from roughly 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., plus possible seasickness and crowded stops.

You sail from Sharm El-Sheikh toward Ras Mohammed National Park, then swim above coral reefs before reaching the bright sandbar known as White Island. The boat includes hot and cold drinks, soft drinks, water, toilets, showers, and a buffet barbecue lunch, though food and drink supplies may feel limited on a busy departure.

What makes this Red Sea trip worth considering

• Two reef stops at Ras Mohammed: Expect clear water, coral formations, and colorful fish, with an instructor helping you stay with your group.
• White Island is the visual highlight: The small sandbar sits where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet, and you swim a short distance from the boat to reach it.
• Excellent crew support: Ahmed, Bishoy, Mustafa, Shazly, Mohammed, and other crew members are praised for calm instruction, practical help, and friendly service.
• A full meal comes with the boat fare: Rice, pasta, salads, chicken, fruit, and hot dishes make this more than a simple boat ride.
• Scuba is available as an extra: First-time participants can arrange an introductory underwater session with equipment and an instructor for an added fee.
• Allow most of the day: Hotel transfers, marina time, sailing, swimming, lunch, and the return journey can take around 11 hours in total.

From your hotel to the Red Sea marina

Your day begins outside your hotel, where an air-conditioned vehicle collects you and takes you to the marina. Pickup time depends on where you stay, so confirm the exact time the day before. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, and the supplier sends the final pickup details by email.

This transfer is useful because you do not need to arrange a taxi before sunrise or find the marina yourself. Vehicle quality can vary. One passenger described a hot, older, crowded minibus, while others had a comfortable air-conditioned ride. I would treat the transfer as practical transport, not part of the sightseeing.

Bring a copy of your passport. You also need sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. Wear sun protection before boarding, since the open deck offers little escape from the strong South Sinai sun.

At the marina, you board the yacht and receive instructions from the crew. Life jackets are included, and a snorkeling instructor helps explain the water sessions. That briefing matters if you are nervous, have children with you, or have not used fins before.

The boat ride toward Ras Mohammed

The cruise gives you time to settle in and watch the coast recede. The supplied information does not specify a fixed boat capacity, but the yacht has a sundeck, onboard toilets, shower facilities, and seating for lunch and rest.

The boat is part of the experience, but do not expect a private charter. Several boats often visit the same reef sites and White Island. That means the best locations can feel busy, especially at the sandbar, but it also means a lively shared excursion with guides, instructors, and plenty of help nearby.

The boat itself receives strong praise for being clean and spacious. It is not described as especially fast, so the return journey can feel long if you are tired or prone to motion sickness. If that affects you, ask a pharmacist or doctor about suitable medication before the trip. One passenger who stayed onboard rather than swim still enjoyed the day, but specifically advised preparing for seasickness.

Two snorkeling stops above Ras Mohammed reefs

The main reason to book this excursion is the time in the water. You get two snorkeling stops around Ras Mohammed, with the crew helping you enter the water, fit equipment, and remain with your group.

The underwater scenery can be excellent. The clearest descriptions include colorful coral, schools of tropical fish, rays, and strong visibility. Some participants also saw dolphins from the boat on the return journey, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Conditions can vary. One person felt the reefs were less impressive than the house reef at their hotel, while most reports describe the coral and fish as a major highlight. That is a useful warning: Ras Mohammed is special, but every stop depends on weather, water clarity, recent conditions, and how many boats arrive at the same site.

You can snorkel, swim, or simply remain on the boat. You do not have to enter the water. The crew can assist children and nervous swimmers, and several families appreciated the patient guidance given to younger participants.

Snorkeling gear, including masks and fins, is listed as available when the add-on is selected. Check your booking option carefully instead of assuming the equipment is included in the base price. Life jackets are included, and an instructor is present.

An optional first scuba experience

Scuba is not the basic activity, but you can add it for an extra charge. The equipment package includes weights, belts, and 12-liter tanks, along with an instructor. One participant reported paying around £90 for about an hour over two locations with one-to-one guidance, but extra prices can change, so confirm the current cost before you board.

This option suits people who want to try scuba without committing to a full certification course. First-time participants received calm, individual help from instructors including Mustafa and Ahmed. One beginner panicked after taking on water, but the instructor responded quickly and helped the person regain confidence. Another participant with a back injury was assisted with equipment in the water.

Those details point to a useful strength: the crew does not treat beginners as an inconvenience. Still, scuba requires you to follow the instructor’s safety instructions closely. If you feel unwell or uncomfortable, tell the crew at once.

Families should confirm age requirements directly before booking. The information supplied here includes a 10-year-old who joined a first underwater session, but it does not state a general minimum age.

White Island, a sandbar between two gulfs

White Island is the trip’s most unusual stop. It is a small sandbar where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet, with pale sand and clear water around it.

You usually swim a few meters from the boat to reach the sand. Crew members stay nearby to assist, which helps if you are not a confident swimmer. Once ashore, you have time for photographs, a walk along the gleaming shoreline, and a look back at the sea from this low strip of land.

The island is beautiful, but it is not remote. Several boats can arrive at the same time, and one participant found it very crowded. Go early in the swim window, keep your expectations realistic, and focus on the unusual setting rather than expecting a private beach.

White Island also depends on sea and weather conditions. The supplied details describe the stop as part of the normal program, but they do not promise a specific amount of time there. The crew may adjust the order or duration of stops if conditions require it.

Lunch, drinks, and time on deck

Lunch is served onboard after the water activities. The buffet includes barbecue-style chicken, rice, pasta, salads, fruit, and hot dishes. Orange salad received a special mention, and several people found the meal generous and well timed after swimming.

You also receive hot and cold drinks, mineral water, and soft drinks such as cola and Fanta. The package describes these as unlimited, but one passenger found that only a few large bottles were available to share and supplies ran low. This may depend on the boat and the day, but I would bring a refillable bottle if practical.

There is no clear promise of snacks between meals. One person specifically wished for more fruit and small food options during the long hours at sea. If you need regular snacks, pack a few suitable items.

You can eat inside or on the upper deck. The upper deck gives you the sea breeze, but it may be windy enough to make eating awkward. Choose a sheltered seat if lunch matters more to you than the view.

After lunch, the sundeck is a good place to rest. You can dry off, enjoy the return cruise, and watch for coastal views or dolphins. Alcohol is not included.

The crew and the feel of the day

The staff are the most consistently praised part of this outing. Guides including Bishoy, Ahmed, Mustafa, Shazly, Mohammed, Abanob, and Taimour are described as warm, patient, attentive, and quick to help.

Their role is not limited to pointing out fish. They explain the activity, help with masks and fins, assist nervous swimmers, guide groups through the water, and keep an eye on children. That makes a real difference when the sea feels unfamiliar.

The service can also be personal in small ways. One guide returned sunglasses to a hotel after they were left on the boat. Another passenger appreciated that the guide stayed close during a long snorkeling session and made time for conversation.

There is optional photography, but it costs extra. The photographs are described as good quality by some participants, though the price may feel high compared with the low base fare. Decide in advance if you want professional underwater photos, and ask for the price before agreeing.

The atmosphere is friendly rather than formal. The crew may encourage you to try snorkeling or scuba, but one passenger specifically praised a guide for explaining options without pressure. If you prefer to relax onboard, you can do so.

What the $25 price really includes

At $25 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day at sea. The fare includes hotel pickup and return, air-conditioned transport, the yacht, two snorkeling stops, White Island, a buffet lunch, drinks, life jackets, onboard toilets and showers, and the national park fee when the relevant option is selected.

The low price does not mean a short excursion. You are paying for a long shared boat day, not a private tour. Extra costs can include snorkeling equipment if you select it as an add-on, scuba equipment and instruction, photography, and possibly the €5 Ras Mohammed entry fee depending on the option you choose.

Check the exact inclusions at booking. The supplied details list gear and park entry under selected options, so do not assume every package is identical.

The value is strongest for families, couples, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants transport and meals handled in one booking. It is less appealing if you dislike group boats, need a quiet private setting, or want to spend only a few hours on the water.

Who should book this Ras Mohammed trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want a straightforward introduction to Sharm El-Sheikh’s best-known marine areas. It gives you a sample of coral reefs, a distinctive sandbar, a meal, transport, and the option to add scuba without arranging separate providers.

It works especially well for:

• Families who want staff support in the water
• Couples looking for a full day away from the resort
• First-time snorkelers who value instructors and life jackets
• Budget visitors who want several inclusions for one low price
• Scuba beginners who want a guided first session
• Non-swimmers who are happy to rest on the boat and enjoy the scenery

You should think twice if you suffer badly from seasickness, dislike early starts, or want uncrowded beaches. The day can stretch to 11 hours, White Island may be busy, the boat may travel slowly, and meal or drink supplies may feel modest on a crowded departure.

Practical advice before you go

Confirm your pickup time one day before departure and wait outside your hotel. Keep your passport copy with you, along with swimwear, sunglasses, and a towel.

Take motion sickness precautions before leaving if you know you are sensitive. Eat lightly before the morning transfer, choose a central seat on the vehicle if possible, and avoid spending the entire return journey on the upper deck if the wind makes you feel unwell.

Ask whether your selected package includes snorkeling gear and the Ras Mohammed entry fee. If you want scuba or photographs, confirm the added cost before the boat leaves the marina.

Bring patience. The day includes transport, boarding, sailing, two water stops, lunch, White Island, and the return transfer. The payoff is a full Red Sea experience, not a quick outing.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want good value and a well-supported day on the Red Sea. The coral stops and White Island provide variety, while the crew’s calm help makes the trip suitable for beginners and families. The lunch, drinks, hotel transfers, and national park access also make the $25 starting price appealing.

Book with realistic expectations. This is a shared excursion with possible crowds, a long schedule, variable reef conditions, and extra charges for selected equipment or scuba. If you prepare for the heat, bring motion sickness medication when needed, and confirm what your fare includes, this is a strong choice for seeing Ras Mohammed without spending much.

FAQ

How much does the Ras Mohammed and White Island trip cost?

The listed price is $25 per person. Some options and activities may cost extra, including snorkeling gear, scuba equipment and instruction, photography, and the Ras Mohammed entry fee when not included in the selected option.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and return to your hotel are included using air-conditioned vehicles. Pickup takes place outside the hotel, and the exact time depends on your location.

How long does the full experience take?

It is an all-day outing. Some participants were away from their hotel for about 11 hours, including transport, with a morning departure and an early evening return.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The standard program includes two snorkeling stops at Ras Mohammed. A snorkeling instructor is available to help with the activity.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Masks and fins are listed when the snorkeling gear add-on is selected. Check your chosen package before booking, since the base fare may not include this add-on.

Is lunch included on the boat?

Yes. The onboard buffet includes barbecue chicken, rice, pasta, salads, fruit, and hot dishes. Hot drinks, cold drinks, mineral water, and soft drinks are also listed.

Can I try scuba during the trip?

Yes. Scuba can be added for an extra fee and includes an instructor, weights, belts, and 12-liter tanks. The trip also offers snorkeling for anyone who does not want the scuba option.