White Island & Ras Mohamed Boat Trip & Diving , lunch from Sharm

The best part of this Sharm el Sheikh boat trip is the chance to see two very different sides of the Red Sea in one day: the reef-filled waters of Ras Mohammed National Park and the bright, shallow setting of White Island. You get long periods in the water, rather than a quick swim squeezed between transfers.

I like the friendly, hands-on crew and the practical package: air-conditioned transport, lunch, unlimited water and soft drinks, and a boat with a sun deck. I also like that first-time scuba participants can join an optional session with an instructor. The main caution is timing. Although the trip is listed as about 10 hours, one customer reported returning much later than expected, so do not book a fixed evening plan afterward.

Key points to know before booking

• Ras Mohammed and White Island in one day: You visit two of Sharm’s best-known sea stops, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Optional scuba session: The selected option includes one session, and instructors can help beginners who feel nervous.
• Lunch and drinks included: An open buffet, unlimited water, and soft drinks are part of the day.
• Extra costs to budget: Ras Mohammed charges a $10 entrance fee, and each rented snorkel item costs EUR 5.
• Small enough to stay manageable: The boat group is capped at 30 people, though the overall day still depends on marina and sea conditions.
• Pickup has a practical catch: Hotel collection is offered, but most pickups take place at the main road entrance.

What the day from Sharm el Sheikh is really like

This is a full-day Red Sea outing, not a short sightseeing cruise. The stated start time is 8:00 am, and the total duration is about 10 hours. That means you should expect a substantial part of the day on the water, with transport before and after the boat portion.

The package begins with an air-conditioned vehicle. Most hotels are served from the main road entrance, so you may need to walk or arrange a short connection from your hotel to that meeting point. Bring your original passport and two photocopies, as requested for the excursion.

The boat group has a maximum of 30 people. That is a useful limit for a water-based activity, since a smaller group usually makes it easier to hear instructions, find help, and get into the water without a huge queue. Still, 30 people is not a private charter. If you want complete quiet or a personal guide at every moment, this is not that kind of trip.

The schedule may also run longer than the stated estimate. One account describes a delayed departure and a return around 6:30 pm instead of 3:00 pm. That may not happen on every departure, but it is enough reason to leave your evening open. Boat schedules can be affected by weather, marina procedures, and the order of stops.

Ras Mohammed, where the Red Sea gets serious

Ras Mohammed National Park sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It is the centerpiece of this excursion, and the reason to choose this boat trip over a generic coastal cruise.

The park is known for clear water, coral formations, and a wide range of sea life. The planned water time includes swimming and snorkeling at selected spots reached by boat. You may see tropical fish and sea turtles, while dolphins are possible but never guaranteed.

I would treat the park as the main event. The coral and fish are the attraction, not a long list of land-based sights. Once you are in the water, you can look down through the clear surface and spend time observing the reef instead of rushing through a single short stop.

The trip description also allows for a scuba option. If you select it, you get one scuba session, with trained staff assisting in the water. This is particularly useful for a first attempt. One customer described an instructor patiently helping a nervous beginner settle down, while another praised the care taken to keep the session safe.

That said, you should choose the scuba option because you want a guided introduction, not because it guarantees an advanced underwater experience. The available information describes one stop, while the snorkeling portion gives you more general freedom in the water. If your priority is extended scuba time, compare this package with a dedicated scuba center.

White Island, a lighter second stop

White Island follows Ras Mohammed and gives the day a change of pace. The stop is known for pale sand and shallow, clear water, creating a bright contrast with the reef areas.

The attraction here is simple: swim, float, take in the open sea, and enjoy the setting. It is a good counterpoint to snorkeling over coral, especially if some people in your group want an easier water stop. The boat gives you a place to dry off and relax between swims, and the sun deck is available for those who prefer to stay above water for a while.

Do not expect White Island to feel like a private beach. Its appeal depends on the sea, weather, and how many boats are using the area that day. The best way to enjoy it is to see it as one part of a wider boat route rather than as a full beach day.

The combination works well. Ras Mohammed gives you the strongest marine-life focus, while White Island gives you a more open, leisurely stop. You get variety without having to arrange two separate excursions.

Snorkeling time is one of the strongest features

Many boat outings promise snorkeling but allow only a few rushed minutes. This one is described as providing plenty of time in the water, with several attractive snorkeling locations along the route.

That matters because Red Sea snorkeling rewards patience. The longer you stay calm and move slowly, the more likely you are to notice small fish, coral shapes, and changes in the reef. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to appreciate the water, but you should be comfortable following the crew’s instructions.

Equipment is not fully included. A mask, fins, or life jacket costs EUR 5 per piece if you rent it. Check the exact arrangement before boarding, since the wording indicates a charge for each item rather than one flat equipment fee. If you own dependable gear, bringing it can reduce both cost and waiting time.

A life jacket is a sensible choice if you are not a confident swimmer. The sea may look calm from the boat, but conditions can change. Listen carefully to the crew and stay within the marked or instructed area.

The boat has a sun deck, which gives you a place to rest while cruising. Pack sun protection and a cover-up. The open deck is useful, but it also means you are exposed for long stretches of the day.

The optional scuba session for beginners

The scuba add-on is aimed at people who want to try breathing underwater with an instructor. It is not described as a multi-session certification course, so think of it as a guided introduction during a broader boat day.

This can be a good choice if you are curious but unsure. The staff have been praised for patience, including helping a first-time participant who became anxious. That kind of support is more important than flashy equipment or ambitious promises.

Some accounts also describe one instructor per participant and careful handling of the session. Even so, conditions and staff assignments can vary. Ask who will lead your session, how long it lasts, and what is included before you commit.

Underwater photographs and videos may be offered separately. One customer specifically found the scuba video fee expensive. If a photographer approaches you, ask for the price before agreeing. The memory may be worth it to you, but the extra charge should not come as a surprise.

Lunch, drinks, and the comfort factor

The open-buffet lunch is included, along with unlimited water and soft drinks. That makes the price easier to judge, since you are not paying separately for a meal during a long day at sea.

Food on a boat is rarely the reason to book, but it matters after swimming. A hot or filling meal gives the day a useful pause. One account describes the food as tasty, and another praises the onboard chef. You should still keep expectations sensible: this is an excursion buffet, not a restaurant meal.

Unlimited water is especially practical in the Sinai sun. Drink often, even if you do not feel thirsty. You will spend hours outdoors, and swimming can make it easy to overlook how much heat you are taking in.

The boat itself has been described as clean, comfortable, and well equipped. The same applies to the shuttle in the most favorable accounts. You should not read that as a guarantee of a luxury vessel, but basic cleanliness and a working air-conditioned transfer make a real difference on a day this long.

How good is the $17.42 price?

At $17.42 per person, the advertised price is strikingly low for a full-day boat outing with transport, lunch, drinks, two sea areas, and an optional scuba upgrade. It looks like strong value if the base price is available for your date and the included items match your booking option.

The headline price does not cover everything. Add the $10 Ras Mohammed entrance fee, and allow for up to EUR 5 per piece of rented snorkeling equipment. The scuba session is included only if you select the appropriate option, so compare the base and upgraded prices carefully.

Even with those extras, the package can be good value for someone who wants an active day rather than a private boat. You are paying for access, transport, crew support, food, and several water stops in one booking.

The tradeoff is control. A low-cost group excursion follows a shared schedule. You cannot decide to stay at one reef all afternoon or leave early whenever you wish. If keeping costs down matters more than flexibility, this arrangement makes sense.

The crew and the feel of the trip

The strongest human element is the crew. Their role includes helping with snorkeling, supporting the scuba session, serving lunch, and keeping the day moving. Several accounts describe the staff as friendly, helpful, and professional, with particular appreciation for the diving team.

Names connected with especially positive experiences include Ziad and Taher. Saiko and the captain are also singled out for their modest, helpful manner. Staff assignments are not promised, so treat these names as useful possibilities rather than a guarantee that a particular person will be onboard.

The company also appears to serve an international audience. Assistance in several languages is mentioned, including Italian. That can be useful when safety instructions and water procedures need to be clear.

The overall mood is social and active. You will share the boat, swim stops, meal, and deck with other people. That is part of the value, but it may not suit someone seeking silence. One account also raised concerns about rude behavior and a delayed schedule. I would not ignore that. The majority of the available feedback is strongly positive, but a balanced choice includes accepting that group operations do not always run perfectly.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a reasonably priced introduction to Ras Mohammed, prefer snorkeling to spending the day on a beach, and like the convenience of transport, lunch, and drinks in one package.

It suits mixed groups well. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling, cautious swimmers can use a life jacket, and curious beginners can add a guided scuba session. White Island also gives people a simpler place to swim or relax between reef stops.

Families and first-time snorkelers should pay close attention to the equipment charge and safety instructions. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed age limits or medical rules. If anyone in your party has a health concern, ask the operator before booking.

You should think twice if you need a precise return time, want a private boat, or plan to fit another major activity into the evening. The day is long, and delays are possible. It is better to treat the excursion as your main event for the day.

Practical details that can save you trouble

The meeting time is 8:00 am. Pickup is offered, but most hotel collections use the main road entrance. Confirm the exact pickup point rather than waiting at a hotel lobby without checking.

Bring your original passport and two photocopies. Also bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer to use. The provided information specifically requires passport documents, while rental gear costs extra.

The experience is subject to weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

The tour is available with a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking. The operator is Bella Trips.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a full Red Sea day at a low price, with Ras Mohammed, White Island, snorkeling, lunch, and optional scuba in one outing. The long water time, supportive crew, clean boat reports, and beginner-friendly instruction give it a strong practical case.

I would skip it if your schedule cannot absorb a late return or if you want private, highly personalized service. Budget separately for the park fee and equipment, then leave your evening free.

For most people staying in Sharm el Sheikh, this is a sensible way to reach Ras Mohammed without arranging transport, food, and boat access on your own. Just go in expecting a shared excursion, not a perfectly timed private cruise.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately 10 hours, beginning at 8:00 am. The actual return can be later if there are delays or changes to the day’s operation.

What places does the trip visit?

The route includes Ras Mohammed National Park and White Island, with time for swimming and snorkeling at selected sea locations.

Is scuba included?

One scuba session is included only when you select the scuba option. The base experience includes snorkeling, not the scuba session.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes an open-buffet lunch, unlimited water, and soft drinks.

Are snorkeling masks and fins included?

No. A mask, fins, or life jacket costs EUR 5 per piece if rented.

Is the Ras Mohammed entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee is listed as $10 per person.

Where is pickup provided?

Pickup is offered, but the main pickup point for most hotels is the main road entrance. The start time is 8:00 am.