Sorkeling Trip to the White Island & Ras Mohammed

Exploring the Snorkeling Trip to White Island & Ras Mohammed

If you’re dreaming of exploring the best coral reefs and scenic beaches of the Red Sea, this snorkeling tour from Sharm el Sheikh offers a compelling option. While it doesn’t claim to be a luxury cruise, it packs plenty of value with impressive reef views, a gorgeous sandbar, and a well-organized day out.

Three things we particularly like about this trip: first, the chance to snorkel at Ras Mohammed National Park, renowned for its vibrant marine life; second, the iconic White Island with its bright white sands and panoramic views stretching from Africa to Asia; and third, the inclusive lunch and soft drinks that keep you fueled for the day.

A single caveat: some reviews mention the long boat ride and crowded spots, especially on White Island. If you’re looking for a quick, secluded getaway, this might feel a bit busy. Still, it’s perfect for those eager to see diverse reefs with ease and enjoy a full day on the water.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy organized excursions with guided insights, want a budget-friendly way to see key sites, and are comfortable with a full day of activities — roughly 8 hours.

Key Points

• Bright Reef Experiences: Visit Ras Mohammed’s renowned marine habitats teeming with fish, turtles, and coral.
• Iconic White Island: Enjoy sunbathing, photos, and the spectacular views from the sandbar.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Lunch and soft drinks are included, making the day more relaxing.
• Door-to-Door Service: Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: The tour tends to be intimate, with a maximum of 35 travelers, but some reviews note crowding at White Island.
• Snorkeling Equipment: Available for rent, but you can also bring your own gear.
• Duration & Pacing: An 8-hour trip with multiple stops, including time on deck for sunbathing and photos.
• Weather Flexibility: The itinerary may shift depending on weather conditions, especially for snorkeling spots.

The Itinerary in Detail

Morning Pickup & Transfer
Your adventure begins bright and early around 8:00 am with hotel pickups in air-conditioned vehicles. The start time is fixed, so planning your morning accordingly is key. Expect a friendly guide to greet you, with a journey that’s approximately 8 hours long. The tour is designed for moderate physical fitness, so pack your swimwear, sun protection, and a sense of adventure.

The transfer to the dock is smooth, with group sizes up to 35 travelers. Some reviews note that the bus ride could be crowded or lengthy, especially if there are multiple stops. To improve comfort, the tour has recently adjusted to fewer pickup stops, but a heads-up about luggage, especially if traveling with babies, can enhance your experience.

Boarding & Departure
Upon arrival at the port, you’ll settle aboard a boat that’s described as clean and spacious by some travelers, though a few reviewers mention it’s on the smaller side. The crew is generally praised for being friendly and professional, with guides speaking fluent English and providing helpful snorkeling tips.

The boat departs, and the cruise out to the reefs takes about 90 minutes each way. This is a significant chunk of time, but the views of the Red Sea and the open sky make for a pleasant journey. Some travelers mention the boat’s age, and there are comments about the crew smoking onboard, which might be worth noting if you’re sensitive to smells.

Snorkeling Stops and Marine Encounters
Once at Ras Mohammed, you’ll have the chance to explore a few different snorkeling sites, where the reefs are famous for their lively fish populations and coral formations. The number of stops can vary depending on weather and sea conditions, but the main highlight is the chance to see turtles, colorful fish, and coral in their natural habitat.

Reviewers like Yasmine_D describe the experience as “the visit of Ras Mohammed and White Island was a dream,” emphasizing the quality of the marine life. The snorkeling equipment is on board for rent, or you can bring your own gear — just remember to have waterproof bags for your phone or camera, as one reviewer suggested to capture the stunning underwater scenery.

White Island: Sun, Sand, and Views
The trip’s highlight for many is stopping at White Island, a tiny sandbar with bright white sands and panoramic views. It’s a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or snapping photos with the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea.

However, some reviews point out that White Island can be quite crowded, especially when multiple boats arrive simultaneously. One traveler noted that “there were about 20 boats around the island and over 100 people,” which diminishes the sense of solitude but still offers spectacular scenery. The stop is relatively brief — around 30 minutes — so plan to maximize your time with your camera and a towel.

Lunch & Relaxation
Midway through the day, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch served on the boat, accompanied by soft drinks. The food is generally described as decent, with some reviews mentioning it as “delicious,” while others find it average. The inclusion of a meal makes this a great value, especially considering the full-day adventure.

There’s also plenty of time to relax on deck, soak up the sun, or chat with fellow travelers. Reviewers like Georgina_H praise the organization and friendly crew, making the whole experience feel smooth and well-planned.

Return Voyage & Hotel Drop-Off
After a full day of snorkeling, sunbathing, and sightseeing, the boat heads back to port. The return trip offers more beautiful views, and the transfer back to your hotel is typically straightforward. Expect to arrive around 4-5 pm, making it a long but rewarding day out.

Authentic Insights from Real Travelers

Many reviews highlight the tour’s well-organized structure and professional guides, with Ibrahim and Hassan often praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Travelers appreciated the safe and cautious approach during snorkeling, with some calling it “extremely careful and caring.”

The boat’s cleanliness and size received mixed comments; some found it spacious and comfortable, while others felt it was a little cramped or aged. The long ride to and from the reefs is a common complaint, but most agree the marine life and views compensate for the journey.

Food quality varies; some guests enjoyed a satisfying lunch, while others were less impressed. But most mention that the soft drinks and snacks kept everyone energized throughout the day.

Crowding at White Island is a notable point. It’s a small sandbar with multiple boats, leading to crowded moments that can limit photos and make it less secluded than some might hope. This is a trade-off for visiting a popular and visually stunning location.

Price and Value
At approximately $37.20 per person, this trip offers good value considering the inclusions—transport, guide, lunch, and soft drinks. It’s a budget-friendly choice for those wanting to experience a variety of reef and island scenery without splurging on a private or luxury cruise.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer, but rentals are available onboard.
• Waterproof bags for phones and cameras are highly recommended, especially for capturing underwater sights.
• Arrive early for hotel pickup, and be prepared for a potentially crowded bus if traveling with luggage or babies.
• Apply plenty of sun protection — hats, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen — as much of the trip is outdoors.
• Expect a long boat ride, so bring water or snacks if you get hungry or seasick.
• Keep an eye on your time at White Island to make the most of the brief stop.
• If you’re a photographer, the views from the boat, White Island, and the reef are bound to produce stunning pictures.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers 2-way door-to-door transfers from most Sharm el Sheikh hotels, making logistics simple.

How long is the entire trip?
It lasts around 8 hours, including transportation, snorkeling, stops, and lunch.

Are snorkeling equipment provided?
Equipment is available for rent on board, but you can also bring your own gear for convenience.

What is the best time to visit White Island?
The stop at White Island depends on the tide, so timing is key. The tour generally aims to visit when conditions are optimal for visibility.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Yes, but they should be comfortable in water or consider staying on deck to sunbathe and enjoy the scenery.

Is there a crowd at White Island?
Yes, it can get quite crowded, especially when multiple boats are present. Bring your patience and a camera to catch the views.

What about the boat’s condition?
Some reviews mention the boat is older and that the crew smoked onboard, but generally, it’s clean and functional.

Are there any hidden costs?
Snorkeling equipment and park entrance fees are not included and are at your expense.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling trip to White Island and Ras Mohammed offers a cost-effective way to see some of Egypt’s most famous reefs and scenic sands. The friendly guides, good organization, and inclusions make it a solid choice for those eager to explore the Red Sea without breaking the bank.

While some reviews point out the boat’s age and crowding—especially at White Island—the overall experience remains memorable, especially for first-timers or budget travelers seeking a full day of underwater and island scenery.

If you’re happy with a lively, well-organized tour that balances snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxation, this trip is likely to meet your expectations. Just pack your essentials, prepare for a long day on the water, and get ready for some spectacular views and marine life.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a straightforward, guided adventure with multiple snorkeling stops, enjoy social atmospheres, and don’t mind some crowds. It’s perfect for those on a budget seeking memorable reef encounters, scenic island views, and good value for money.

For those looking for a more exclusive or secluded experience, or shorter outings, other options might suit better. But for a comprehensive day out in the Red Sea, this trip delivers a satisfying mix of nature, scenery, and fun.