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

REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH

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

  • 5.047 reviews
  • From $37.05
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Operated by Egyptra Travel Services · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating★ 5.0 (47)Price from$37.05Operated byEgyptra Travel ServicesBook viaViator

Sharm El Sheikh looks good from land, but the water wins. This yacht tour takes you to Ras Mohammed National Park and White Island, with two swim/snorkel stops, a buffet lunch onboard, and optional scuba sessions with a qualified instructor. I like that it’s structured like a proper day at sea (pickup, marina, set stops), and I really like the small-group feel (up to 25) for a day that still includes real guided underwater time. One thing to consider: park entrance fees for Ras Mohammed aren’t included, and your exact time in the water can depend on the option you select and how your group is scheduled.

What you’ll likely remember most

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - What you’ll likely remember most
The two most memorable parts are the coral-and-fish time around Ras Mohammed and the soft-sand break at White Island where you can relax and take photos with the Red Sea doing its thing. I also appreciate the basics being covered: snorkeling and scuba gear, plus hot drinks, soft drinks, and bottled water onboard. The main drawback I’d plan around is simple—show up ready and double-check the activity option you booked (especially if you’re expecting both snorkeling and scuba), because I saw at least one unhappy story tied to waiting and confusion.

Key highlights you shouldn’t skip

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - Key highlights you shouldn’t skip

  • Two swim and snorkeling stops, not just one quick swim-by
  • Ras Mohammed National Park at the southern tip of Sinai, known for reef viewing
  • White Island for shallow-water snorkeling plus that postcard sand-and-sea moment
  • Onboard buffet lunch with rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish
  • Qualified instructor and included equipment for the scuba option
  • Friendly, hands-on crew (I kept seeing names like Saeed/Saaid, Ali, and Alex)

You can also read our reviews of more scuba diving tours in Sharm el Sheikh

From pickup to marina: the 7-hour flow that works

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - From pickup to marina: the 7-hour flow that works
This is a full half-day that runs about 7 hours from your hotel area to the marina and back. You get hotel pickup and drop-off via air-conditioned transport, then you head out to Sharm El Sheikh’s port area. You’ll board a yacht, get your equipment sorted, and settle in while the boat heads toward Ras Mohammed.

What I like about this timing is that it doesn’t waste your day with long sightseeing detours. You’re spending most of your time where the value is: on the water, at reef stops, and then at White Island. If you’re used to tours that feel like a bus ride with a snack stop, this one is more like a day at sea that happens to include lunch.

Group size stays reasonable—up to 25—so the crew can actually manage everyone without turning the water into a free-for-all.

Quick logistics that help your day

If you want your day to feel smooth, do these:

  • Bring a swimsuit towel/dry bag setup. You’ll be changing locations and getting in-and-out water.
  • Wear reef-safe footwear if you have it. Even when you’re mostly snorkeling, boat steps and sandy edges can get slippery.
  • Use sunscreen early. You’ll be outside for long stretches.

And one more practical note: Ras Mohammed entrance fees are not included. If you don’t plan for that small extra, it can feel like a surprise at the wrong moment.

Ras Mohammed National Park: reef time with real guidance

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - Ras Mohammed National Park: reef time with real guidance
Ras Mohammed is the first big highlight. The tour heads there after sailing out from Sharm El Sheikh, and you’ll explore underwater near some of the area’s most known spots. This is where you’ll get your best chance to see coral and fish up close.

For the scuba option, you’re not just dropped in. You’re paired with a professional scuba instructor, and you can choose between one or two underwater sessions depending on the option you book. If it’s your first time, it’s the kind of day where an instructor presence matters—especially for getting comfortable with gear and water timing.

If you’re snorkeling instead of scuba, you’ll still get swim/snorkel stops. That matters because snorkeling alone can sometimes feel rushed on day tours; here, the format is built for at least a couple of separate water breaks.

What makes this stop worth planning for

Ras Mohammed is on the southern tip of Sinai, and the water quality in this part of the Red Sea is one reason people come back. You’re aiming for:

  • Coral and fish viewing that’s far better than a quick beach swim
  • Structured underwater time so you’re not figuring everything out on your own
  • The chance to see sea life that shows up where reef edges and currents meet

I also saw one specific mention of caretta caretta (sea turtles). No promise, of course, but it’s a good reminder that this area isn’t just pretty—it can be alive.

A fair consideration

One caution: your schedule can shift based on the scuba option and group flow. If you booked scuba and snorkeling and you’re counting on a certain amount of water time, make sure your confirmed option matches what you expect. I saw a complaint from someone whose timing didn’t match their booking.

White Island: sand, shallow water, and photo-ready relax time

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - White Island: sand, shallow water, and photo-ready relax time
After Ras Mohammed, the day continues to White Island, the tour’s relaxation payoff. This stop is all about the combination of soft sand and warm shallow water, with snorkeling in the surrounding areas.

The best part here is that you’re not stuck fighting currents or staying tethered to a reef edge for hours. White Island gives you room to:

  • Ease into snorkeling in calmer shallows
  • Walk on sand and take photos while the sea stretches out around you
  • Actually rest for a bit, instead of nonstop water time

One review theme was how “unreal” the beach moment feels once you’re there. And honestly, it’s the kind of place where you’ll keep picking up your phone—because the color contrast between sand and water is hard to beat.

Realistic expectations

White Island is great for photos and casual snorkeling, but don’t treat it like an all-day reef expedition. The value is the mix: reef time first at Ras Mohammed, then a break that feels like a beach day without needing to leave the boat.

The yacht lunch: what’s included and why it’s good value

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - The yacht lunch: what’s included and why it’s good value
Lunch is served onboard as a buffet. From what’s listed, you should expect a spread along these lines:

  • Rice and pasta
  • Salads
  • Barbecue chicken
  • Fish
  • Plus drinks: unlimited hot drinks (tea, coffee, milk), soft drinks, and mineral water

This matters for value because a day on the water usually costs extra once you start paying for drinks and meals. Here, lunch and drinks are part of the package, so you’re not trying to hunt down food after you’ve already spent your morning in the sun.

Also, the boat setup is not just theory—one review noted the yacht was clean and mentioned two toilets, which is genuinely useful on a 7-hour trip. Small comfort, big difference when you’re out on the water.

Crew and instruction: where good days get made

The people handling the day can make or break it, and this is where the feedback stands out. Many comments praise the crew for friendliness and care, and multiple reviews call out staff names such as Saeed/Saaid, Ali, and Alex.

For first-timers, what I’d watch for is how calm and clear the instructor feels during equipment prep and in-water instructions. Several reviews specifically highlighted instructors who made people feel at ease and described the guidance as professional and structured.

If you’re scuba-curious

You’re not signing up for a marathon here. It’s a guided, option-based day where you’ll do one or two underwater sessions depending on what you select. That makes it a good way to test the waters—literally—without turning the day into a full training program.

If you’re snorkeling-only, you still get attention during swim stops, and families often like this format because kids who can’t do the scuba part can still enjoy the water breaks.

Family note (important)

Children under 10 are not allowed for the scuba part, but they can participate via snorkeling. If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this is one of the reasons the tour can work as a family plan.

Price and value: what $37 gets you

At about $37.05 per person, this is a low price for a full yacht day that includes:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned transport
  • Two swim/snorkel stops
  • Buffet lunch onboard
  • Unlimited hot drinks, soft drinks, and mineral water
  • Snorkeling and scuba equipment
  • A professional instructor for the scuba option

The main add-on to budget is Ras Mohammed National Park entrance fees, since those aren’t included.

So here’s how I’d think about value: you’re paying for logistics (transport + boat), water time (multiple stops), and the basics of comfort (food + drinks + equipment). If you’ve ever priced out snorkeling boat days where food and gear aren’t included, this one can look like a bargain.

That said, low cost can sometimes correlate with scheduling pressure. If you’re very particular about timing, bring flexibility—or confirm your option details ahead of time so you don’t feel rushed when you reach the water.

Who this tour fits best (and who should choose carefully)

This works best if you want:

  • A single-day plan that covers two major water highlights
  • Reef viewing with real instruction for the scuba option
  • A comfortable, not-too-chaotic group size
  • Lunch and drinks included so you can focus on the water

You should also consider it if you’re traveling with friends or a family group and you want one plan that can work for both scuba-capable adults and snorkeling-only participants.

Consider choosing carefully if…

  • You booked scuba and are expecting a very specific snorkel timing too. Ask questions before you go so expectations match the day’s flow.
  • You dislike any uncertainty around entrance fees. Plan for Ras Mohammed entrance fees so you’re not caught off guard.

Should you book this Ras Mohammed and White Island tour?

If you want a practical Red Sea half-day—boat ride, two swim/snorkel stops, and White Island beach time—this is a strong pick. The best reason to book is the package value: you’re getting transport, lunch, drinks, equipment, and guided underwater time in one bundle.

I’d say book it if you’re excited about coral-and-fish viewing and you’re open to a day that runs by schedules at sea. I’d hesitate only if you’re ultra-sensitive to timing mismatches or you’re expecting every minute to match a personal water plan. For most people, this feels like a fun, well-paced day you’ll remember for the water.

FAQ

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off using air-conditioned transportation.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours.

Are Ras Mohammed National Park entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees for Ras Mohammed National Park are not included.

How many snorkeling or swimming stops are there?

There are 2 swim and snorkeling stops.

Can kids do the scuba option?

Children under 10 are prohibited from scuba sessions and can only snorkel.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes. You’ll have a buffet lunch onboard, including items like rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish.

Do you provide snorkeling and scuba equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling and diving (scuba) equipment is included.

What’s the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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