Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving

The best part of this day is the contrast between Ras Mohamed’s coral reefs and the pale sands of White Island. You get a proper Red Sea outing rather than a quick swim from shore, with time for snorkeling, scuba sessions, photos, and a hot lunch on the boat.

I like the friendly, hands-on crew, especially for first-time scuba participants, and I like the simple value: hotel pickup, equipment, drinks, lunch, and a full day at sea for $37.05. The boat is reported to be clean and comfortable, with two toilets, though the food selection is fairly basic and the national park entrance fee costs extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Ras Mohamed reefs: Two water stops give you a chance to see coral, fish, and clear Red Sea water.
• White Island visit: Enjoy shallow water, soft sand, swimming, and plenty of photo opportunities.
• Beginner-friendly scuba: A professional instructor helps first-timers, while children under 10 may snorkel but cannot take part in scuba sessions.
• Lunch included: The buffet covers rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, fish, and drinks.
• Small group size: The boat accepts a maximum of 25 people, which helps keep the day more manageable.
• Extra cost to remember: Ras Mohamed National Park entrance fees are not included in the advertised price.

A full day from Sharm El Sheikh to the Red Sea

This tour runs for about seven hours, including hotel pickup, the boat trip, water stops, lunch, and the return drive. You begin with air-conditioned transport from your hotel to the Sharm El Sheikh marina, then board a yacht for the journey south toward Ras Mohamed National Park.

That transfer matters. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the harbor or carry snorkeling equipment across town. Pickup is included, though one unpleasant report described a driver who drove too fast and behaved badly about tipping. That is not the general tone of the feedback, but it is a useful reminder to keep your expectations practical and to report poor conduct promptly.

Once aboard, the day is built around the sea rather than sightseeing from land. You can sit on deck, drink tea or coffee, and watch the coast recede. The boat carries up to 25 people, a modest number for a shared yacht trip. It should feel easier to find space and assistance than on a large party boat, although the exact seating and boat layout can vary.

The crew includes professional underwater staff, and names that come up in the feedback include Saeed, Said, Ali, and Alex. The Miss Sherry crew is also praised for being friendly and calm. Staff support seems particularly useful if you are trying scuba for the first time or are nervous in open water.

Ras Mohamed, where the underwater action begins

Ras Mohamed National Park sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It is the main natural attraction on this outing, and the water is the reason to come. The area is known for coral reefs and clear conditions, giving you the chance to see colorful fish and other sea life while snorkeling or taking part in a supervised scuba session.

The selected package determines whether you take one or two scuba sessions. If you choose scuba, an instructor provides guidance and equipment. Several people describe their first session as comfortable because the instructor was calm, clear, and reassuring. That makes this a sensible introduction for someone who wants to try scuba without committing to a full certification course.

You should still be honest about your comfort level and swimming ability. The tour description says most people can participate, but scuba is more demanding than floating with a mask and fins. If you prefer not to go underwater, you can snorkel or stay on the boat and enjoy the views.

The exact reef scenery can change with weather, water conditions, and the day’s route. Do not treat the advertised stops as a guarantee of a particular fish or coral sighting. The appeal is the chance to explore one of the Red Sea’s best-known protected marine areas, not a promise of a private reef or untouched water.

Two water stops are included for swimming and snorkeling. This is a useful arrangement because you are not relying on a single short session. If the first stop feels rushed or the water is busy, the second gives you another chance to get comfortable, see more fish, or simply enjoy the sea.

One point needs clarification at booking. The description refers to one or two scuba sessions depending on the option selected, while the snorkeling element includes two stops. If you book for both scuba and snorkeling, ask the operator how the time is divided. One negative account described confusion about access to snorkeling while the scuba group waited at a first stop. That appears to be a problem with how the day was managed, but it is worth confirming the plan before you board.

White Island brings a change of pace

After the reef time, the boat continues to White Island. This is the more relaxed part of the outing. Instead of focusing on equipment and underwater instruction, you can step into shallow water, walk on the soft sand, swim, and take photographs against the bright Red Sea.

White Island is a good counterpoint to Ras Mohamed. The reef stops suit people who want fish and coral, while the island gives non-swimmers and families something easy to enjoy. Children under 10 cannot take part in scuba sessions, but they can snorkel, and the island stop offers another way to spend the day without going underwater.

The island is also where you will want to keep your camera ready. The pale sand, clear water, and open views make it the most obviously photogenic stop. Do not expect a long land excursion with facilities and shops. The attraction is the sand and sea itself, so bring the right mindset: this is a brief natural stop within a boat trip, not a full beach resort visit.

Time at White Island can also depend on the day’s sea conditions and schedule. The tour promises a sailing visit, shallow-water snorkeling, and time to relax, but it does not state an exact number of minutes ashore. If White Island is your main reason for booking, ask how much time is normally allocated there.

Lunch on deck, with a practical buffet

Lunch is served aboard the yacht, usually after you return from the water. The buffet includes rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish. Tea, coffee, milk, soft drinks, and mineral water are also included, with hot drinks described as unlimited.

I would call the meal filling rather than elaborate. Several comments praise the taste and generous portions, while another notes that the food choices are limited. That is a fair way to view it. You are eating on a boat during a day focused on the sea, not visiting a restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh.

The buffet format works well after snorkeling or a scuba session because you can choose what suits you and return for more. If you have a restricted diet, the available information does not list vegetarian, vegan, halal, allergy-friendly, or gluten-free arrangements. Contact the operator before booking if food requirements matter to you.

The drinks are a useful inclusion in the heat. Still, do not confuse included refreshments with a full personal packing list. A hat, sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, and a waterproof pouch for valuables are sensible choices, though the tour information specifically confirms equipment and drinks rather than personal items.

What the boat and crew add to the day

The boat is part of the experience, not just transport between stops. The available feedback describes it as clean and comfortable, with two toilets. A clean boat and usable toilets matter on a seven-hour outing, especially when lunch, wet gear, and children are involved.

The staff receive the strongest praise. Their role is practical: fitting equipment, helping nervous beginners, watching children in the water, explaining the scuba routine, and keeping the schedule moving. A calm instructor can make the difference between an enjoyable first session and an uncomfortable one.

The mood seems lively rather than formal. Some staff are described as funny and energetic, while others are praised for being caring and professional. That may suit you if you enjoy a social boat trip. If you want a quiet, private cruise, this is not the right format.

The maximum group size of 25 is another positive detail. It is not a private charter, but it limits the number of people sharing the boat and the instructors’ attention. During the busiest moments, you may still wait for equipment or your turn, particularly if several people choose scuba.

Is $37.05 good value?

At $37.05 per person, this is an inexpensive way to spend a day on the Red Sea. The price includes hotel pickup and return, air-conditioned transport, the yacht cruise, one or two scuba sessions depending on your selection, snorkeling equipment, a professional instructor, lunch, and drinks.

That package gives the price real weight. If you paid separately for transport, equipment hire, a boat trip, and lunch, the total would usually be higher. The value is best for someone who wants several activities in one day and does not need a luxury yacht or a private guide.

The main extra cost is the Ras Mohamed National Park entrance fee. The amount is not provided, so you should budget for it separately and ask how it is collected. The advertised price should not be treated as the final all-in total.

There is also a time trade-off. A shared boat can cover more than one attraction at a low price, but you give up control over the schedule. You cannot decide to stay at Ras Mohamed all day or leave White Island whenever you want. That is normal for a group excursion, but it matters if you prefer independent travel.

The tour is booked an average of nine days ahead, so it is sensible to reserve early during busy periods. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward Red Sea day with a mix of activity and relaxation. It suits couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and beginners who want to try scuba with an instructor nearby.

It is also a good fit for people who like variety. You are not stuck doing one thing for seven hours. You can snorkel, take a supervised scuba session, sit on deck, visit White Island, swim, eat lunch, and take photographs.

Families should pay attention to the age rule. Children under 10 cannot take part in scuba sessions, though they can snorkel. One particularly encouraging detail is the crew’s reported care around children in the water. Even so, parents should remain attentive and make sure younger children are comfortable with the equipment and conditions.

I would be more cautious about booking if you need a private schedule, specialist food, or a quiet luxury setting. The tour is shared, the lunch is simple, and the exact balance between snorkeling and scuba may depend on the group. It is also not ideal if a national park entrance fee added at the destination would bother you.

A few practical choices before you go

Choose the one-session package if you are new to scuba or mainly want time for snorkeling and White Island. Choose two sessions if the underwater part is your main goal and you are comfortable giving more of the day to instruction and reef time.

Ask the operator two things before departure: how the scuba and snorkeling groups are scheduled, and how much the Ras Mohamed entrance fee is. Those questions address the only significant areas where the advertised plan may feel less clear.

Keep your valuables limited. You will be moving between a hotel, transport, a boat, sand, and the water. Bring sun protection and a towel, and use the boat’s facilities respectfully so the shared space stays comfortable for everyone.

Should you book this Ras Mohamed and White Island trip?

Book it if you want strong value, a full seven-hour sea outing, friendly staff, and the chance to combine coral reefs with a sandy island stop. The crew support, clean boat, included lunch, and beginner-friendly instruction give this trip broad appeal.

Skip it if you want privacy, a carefully tailored menu, or complete control over the timing. Also check the scuba and snorkeling schedule before paying, and remember that the park entrance fee is extra.

For most people staying in Sharm El Sheikh, this is a practical way to see more of the Red Sea without arranging several separate activities. Just treat it as a well-priced shared boat day, not a private cruise.

FAQ

How long is the Ras Mohamed and White Island tour?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours, including hotel pickup, the boat journey, water activities, lunch, and return transport.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with air-conditioned transportation to and from the Sharm El Sheikh marina.

What is included in the $37.05 price?

The price includes transport, the yacht cruise to White Island, two swimming and snorkeling stops, snorkeling and scuba equipment, one or two scuba sessions depending on the selected option, an instructor, buffet lunch, hot drinks, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Is the Ras Mohamed entrance fee included?

No. Ras Mohamed National Park entrance fees are not included in the tour price.

Can children take part?

Most people can participate, but children under 10 are not permitted to take part in scuba sessions. They may snorkel instead.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 25 people.

What food is served at lunch?

The buffet includes rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish. Tea, coffee, milk, soft drinks, and mineral water are also provided.

Are snorkeling and scuba equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling and scuba equipment are included, along with guidance from a professional instructor.

How many scuba sessions are available?

The selected option includes either one or two scuba sessions. Confirm the exact option when booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.