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

Red Sea reefs feel like they’re right under your feet. This tour links Ras Mohamed National Park and White Island with easy hotel pickup, a yacht cruise, and water time for snorkeling or scuba.

I like the combination of reef viewing plus a real beach break. You get the best of both worlds: fish-and-coral time, then warm sand and shallow-water snorkeling at White Island.

One thing to keep in mind: Ras Mohamed park entry fees are not included, and if you’re booked for scuba, you’ll want to confirm timing so you don’t end up waiting at the first underwater spot longer than you expect.

Key highlights to know before you go

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - Key highlights to know before you go

  • Two snorkeling-and-swim stops plus additional time to snorkel around White Island in shallow water
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off saves you from figuring out transport to the marina
  • A qualified scuba instructor and provided snorkeling/scuba gear (per option)
  • Buffet lunch on board with rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, fish, and unlimited drinks
  • Small group size (max 25) makes it feel more controlled on a busy day
  • Staff names like Said, Ali, and Alex show up repeatedly in positive feedback for being friendly and helpful

Entering Sharm El Sheikh Marina: Pickup to the Yacht

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - Entering Sharm El Sheikh Marina: Pickup to the Yacht
This day starts with air-conditioned hotel pickup and a ride to the marina in Sharm El Sheikh. That matters more than it sounds. You’re not spending your “reef day” navigating taxi lines or guessing where the boat actually leaves from.

Once you’re at the port, you’ll board a yacht and head out into the Red Sea. The water breeze and the open-sky feeling are part of the point here. You’re not trapped in a cramped minibus with a hard-sell pitch; you’re moving at a sea pace, with time to settle in before the underwater portion begins.

The tour runs about 7 hours, and it’s built for one main rhythm: cruise out, then water stops at Ras Mohamed, then on to White Island, then back again to the marina for the ride home. The small group limit (up to 25) also helps keep things from turning into a chaotic scramble when it’s time to gear up.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sharm el Sheikh.

Red Sea Day on Board: Lunch, Drinks, and Group Size

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - Red Sea Day on Board: Lunch, Drinks, and Group Size
On board, the payoff is simple: you eat like a person, not like a snack box. Lunch is a buffet served on the deck, and it’s reported as a highlight for quality and quantity.

The menu includes rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish. On top of that, you’ll have unlimited hot drinks—tea, coffee, and milk—plus soft drinks and mineral water. In hot weather, that drink setup is a quiet comfort. You don’t have to track purchases or run out of water halfway through the afternoon.

You’ll also appreciate practical ship details. One review called out a clean boat with two toilets, which is exactly the kind of detail that makes a 7-hour day feel smoother. Another theme in feedback is that the crew stays friendly and organized, with people praising how the staff kept the day moving without making it stressful.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants “set it and forget it” logistics, this format fits. And because it’s a max-25 group, it typically feels easier to manage than the big-mass tours you see elsewhere.

Ras Mohamed National Park: Coral Reefs and Scuba or Snorkel Options

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - Ras Mohamed National Park: Coral Reefs and Scuba or Snorkel Options
Ras Mohamed sits on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and the whole area is known for impressive underwater life. This is where the tour focuses most of its reef time.

You’ll cruise from Sharm El Sheikh to the park and then choose your water option. If you booked scuba, the tour includes one or two scuba sessions depending on the option you selected. If you’re snorkeling instead, you’ll still get time at popular underwater spots with provided equipment.

A qualified scuba instructor is part of the included package. That matters especially if it’s your first time. Multiple reviews mention that the instructor approach is calm and clear, and that first-timers felt comfortable. The staff also comes across as safety-minded in how they manage equipment and keep people supported.

What you can realistically expect underwater is fish and reef scenery. Reviews mention lots of coral views and seeing plenty of marine life. One person also specifically noted caretta caretta turtles—so yes, you might spot sea life beyond the usual fish.

The one practical catch: Ras Mohamed park entrance fees are not included. So if you’re budgeting tightly, factor that in. Also, your exact experience at the first underwater stop can depend on whether you’re scheduled for scuba or snorkeling, and how the group timing flows that day.

Two Water Stops: How Snorkeling Works Here

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - Two Water Stops: How Snorkeling Works Here
Even if you don’t do scuba, you’re not just watching from the surface. The tour includes two swim-and-snorkeling stops, with snorkeling equipment provided.

Here’s what I’d pay attention to before you get in the water:

  • Bring a plan for comfort: water time is usually the highlight, but it’s also when you’ll feel sun and wind the most.
  • Use the gear they provide and ask questions early. When the crew is doing their job well, it’s when people gear up fast and safely.

In the reviews, snorkeling shows up as a top win. People praised the fish, reefs, and the clarity of the water. Families also mentioned feeling safe and looked after during snorkeling, with crew members staying close to help especially for kids.

If you’re traveling with kids: children under 10 can’t do scuba and can only snorkel. That’s clearly stated, so it’s worth selecting the right option when you book, rather than assuming everyone can do the full underwater program.

White Island Beach Time: Sand, Shallow Water, and Photos

Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving - White Island Beach Time: Sand, Shallow Water, and Photos
After Ras Mohamed, the day shifts gears. You head to White Island, a small spot where the sand and shallow water create a very different feel from the reef stops.

The tour includes time to unwind on the soft sand and snorkel in the surrounding shallow waters. People repeatedly describe the beach as unreal and the views as photo-worthy. This is the part of the day where you stop moving underwater and start doing the simple things: sit, swim lightly, and enjoy the light on the water.

Photo time is easy here because the setting is so contrasty—pale sand against deep blue water. One review described the whole White Island section as amazing and gave it a full score for the round trip.

One more practical point: White Island is a good “pace reset.” If you spent the morning gearing up and managing the water rules, the beach break lets you relax without losing the water experience.

Price and Value at About $37.05 for a Full 7 Hours

At around $37.05 per person, this is one of those deals that only makes sense if you compare it to what’s included.

You’re getting:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned transport
  • Yacht cruise to Ras Mohamed and White Island
  • Two swim/snorkeling stops
  • Lunch buffet on board
  • Provided snorkeling/scuba equipment (based on your option)
  • Unlimited hot drinks and soft drinks plus water
  • A scuba instructor (for scuba option)
  • A reasonably sized group (max 25)

That’s a lot bundled into one price. The main “extra” cost is the Ras Mohamed entrance fee, which you should expect to pay separately.

So the value question becomes: do you want a full day on the water with food, gear, and guided stops without doing logistics yourself? If yes, this price point looks attractive. If you only want one short photo stop or you hate boats and sun exposure, you might decide it’s not worth paying for the whole package.

Who This Tour Suits, and When to Think Twice

This tour fits best if you want:

  • An easy day from Sharm El Sheikh with pickup, a yacht, and set stops
  • Reef viewing with snorkeling
  • The option for a beginner-friendly scuba session (scuba is not allowed for kids under 10)
  • A day that includes both water time and beach time, not just one long activity

It may not fit as well if you’re the type who gets angry about waiting. One negative review reported issues like a rude pickup driver and delays around the first underwater stop, including confusion around snorkel vs scuba timing. That sounds like a bad day for that person, not the whole pattern—but it’s still a signal to manage expectations.

My advice: when you book, double-check what option you selected (scuba vs snorkeling) and ask how the order of activities is handled that day. If you’re picky about not losing time, arrive relaxed and be ready for the natural rhythm of a group tour.

Should You Book This Sharm El Sheikh Tour or Skip It?

Book it if you want a well-paced Red Sea day that bundles transport, reef stops, White Island beach time, and a real lunch. The repeated praise for friendly, supportive staff (including names like Said, Ali, and Alex) and calm instruction for first-timers makes this feel especially workable for people who don’t want to wing it.

Skip or choose another option if you’re only snorkeling and price sensitivity about the park fee matters, or if you know you’ll be stressed by group timing between scuba and snorkeling.

If you’re aiming for a classic Sharm El Sheikh combo—Ras Mohamed reef time plus White Island sand time—this is a strong match.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 7 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with air-conditioned transportation.

What underwater activities are included?

The tour includes 2 swim and snorkeling stops. Depending on the option you choose, it also includes one or two scuba sessions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. There’s a buffet lunch on board with items like rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish.

Are Ras Mohamed National Park entrance fees included?

No. Ras Mohammed National Park entrance fees are not included.

What equipment is provided?

Snorkeling and diving/scuba equipment are provided (based on your selected option).

Can children do scuba on this tour?

No. Children under 10 are prohibited from scuba and can only snorkel.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.

Is confirmation provided after booking?

Yes, confirmation is received at the time of booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You must cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you want, tell me whether you’re choosing snorkeling-only or the scuba option, and whether you’re going as a couple or with kids—I can help you pick the best option for how you want the day to feel.

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