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

Planning a day out in Sharm El Sheikh often means choosing between relaxing on the beach or exploring the vibrant underwater life. This tour offers a perfect blend of both—taking you from the luxury of the Red Sea’s colorful reefs to the untouched sands of White Island, all in one memorable day.

What makes this trip particularly appealing? First, the professional guides and diving instructors who ensure safety and maximize your experience. Second, the stunning natural scenery, from vivid coral reefs to the glowing sands of White Island. And third, the great value for money, considering the number of activities, meals, and the overall quality of the experience.

One aspect to consider is the potential for overcrowding—the tour is popular, with most bookings happening nine days in advance, and the group size can reach up to 25 travelers. While this keeps things lively, it might not be ideal if you’re seeking complete solitude or a private adventure.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a full-day adventure with diverse experiences, including snorkeling, diving, and relaxing in beautiful scenery, all while enjoying professional support and tasty food.

Key Points

• Excellent value with inclusive meals, equipment, and transfers.
• Professional guides and instructors who prioritize safety and enjoyment.
• Multiple snorkeling and diving opportunities at renowned Red Sea sites.
• Beautiful scenery, from coral reefs to White Island’s pink sands.
• Comfortable boat and transport, ensuring a smooth experience.
• Ideal for families, beginners, and experienced snorkelers/divers seeking a comprehensive day trip.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Convenient Hotel Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport, which takes you comfortably from your accommodation to the marina. This service is a big plus, minimizing hassle and travel stress. According to reviews, the organization here is top-notch—the team is known for excellent communication, making sure everyone is ready and on time for the boat departure.

Setting Sail from Sharm El Sheikh

Once aboard the boat, you’ll cruise out into the sparkling Red Sea. The trip is approximately 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Expect a relaxing boat ride, with a gentle sea breeze and scenic views. Many reviews mention the friendly and helpful crew, adding to the overall positive vibe. Travelers particularly appreciated how the crew interacted with kids and made everyone feel safe and cared for—especially during snorkeling and diving.

Ras Mohamed National Park: A Reef Wonderland

The first main stop takes you to Ras Mohamed National Park, at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Known for its vibrant coral reefs, this spot is a diver’s paradise. The tour includes one or two dives with a qualified instructor, depending on your booking option. Reviewers loved the professional guidance—many mentioned how the guides, including instructors like Said, Ali, or Alex, made them feel confident even if it was their first time.

You’ll see a diverse array of marine life—from colorful fish to turtles, with some lucky guests spotting caretta caretta (loggerhead turtles). The reviews highlight the well-maintained equipment and the organised nature of the dives, which reassures less experienced snorkelers and divers.

Snorkeling and Relaxing at White Island

Next, you’ll cruise to White Island, a tiny sandbank famous for its stunning pink sands and clear shallow waters. The calm environment here makes it ideal for snorkeling, especially for families or less confident swimmers. Many guests describe White Island as “unreal” and “beautiful”, with several noting how they captured amazing photos of the glowing waters.

Guests also enjoy relaxing on the soft sands, soaking up the sun, and taking in the scenery. One reviewer mentioned the crew’s attentiveness to children, ensuring they felt safe and engaged during the snorkeling adventure.

Tasting the Delicious Buffet Lunch

Back on the boat, a buffet lunch awaits—featuring barbecue chicken and fish, rice, pasta, and salads. This meal, served on the deck, is often praised for its tasty, satisfying quality. Many reviews mention how the lunch exceeded expectations, especially considering the boat’s comfortable setting. Unlimited hot drinks, including tea, coffee, and milk, plus soft drinks and mineral water, keep everyone refreshed throughout the day.

Return and Hotel Drop-off

After a full day of exploration, you’ll head back to the marina and be transported comfortably back to your hotel. The entire experience is designed to be smooth and enjoyable, with many guests appreciating the well-organized logistics and friendly staff.

Why Choose This Tour?

Value for Money

At just over $37 per person, this tour packs in quite a lot—from multiple snorkeling stops to professional guidance, tasty meals, and comfortable transportation. The reviews consistently commend the good value, especially for those wanting a comprehensive day trip without hidden costs or surprises.

Expert Guides and Crew

The success of the trip heavily relies on the team—reviewers frequently mention Saeed, Ali, Alex, and the crew for their friendly, professional, and attentive service. Their knowledge ensures safety and helps make even beginners feel at ease, which is why many travelers state they would do it again.

Diverse Experiences

Whether you’re a snorkeler eager to see vibrant coral reefs, a beginner wanting a gentle introduction to diving, or a family seeking a fun day in the sun, this tour caters to all. The multiple stops, combined with the scenic cruise and meal, make for a well-rounded adventure.

Stunning Scenery and Marine Life

Expect breathtaking views at every turn—from the coral-draped reefs of Ras Mohamed to the pink sands of White Island. The reviews frequently mention beautiful fish, turtles, and clear water, confirming this is a visual feast for lovers of underwater life.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

While the trip offers fantastic value and experiences, some reviews hint at the potential for overcrowding. The group size can reach 25 travelers, which might feel busy at times, especially during snorkeling. Also, entrance fees for Ras Mohamed are not included—so budget extra if you wish to explore more freely.

Plus, lunch options are standard, and if you have specific dietary needs, it’s good to keep that in mind, though many guests found the food satisfying.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Book early: Most bookings are made about 9 days in advance, so plan ahead for preferred dates.
• Bring your essentials: Sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera, and a towel are advisable.
• Dress appropriately: Light clothing for the boat and swimwear for snorkeling are a must.
• Snorkeling gear: Equipment is included, but if you prefer your own, bring it along.
• Be aware of the schedule: The tour lasts around 7 hours, so prepare for a full day out.
• Consider your swimming level: Snorkeling and shallow water swimming at White Island are suitable for most, but check with guides if you’re unsure about diving or swimming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free.

Can I book this tour if I don’t want to dive?
Absolutely. The tour offers options to snorkel at White Island and participate in diving if you wish, but you can also just snorkel or relax on deck.

How many stops are there for snorkeling or swimming?
There are two main stops—one at Ras Mohamed for diving/snorkeling and another at White Island for snorkeling and relaxing.

Are the diving instructors experienced?
Yes, the guides and diving instructors are professional, including qualified personnel who ensure safety and a smooth experience, even for first-timers.

What’s included in the meal?
A buffet lunch with BBQ chicken, fish, rice, pasta, salads, and unlimited hot drinks plus soft drinks and mineral water.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 10 can snorkel but are not permitted to dive. The tour is generally family-friendly but keep in mind the boat trip length.

What is the group size?
The number of travelers can be up to 25, which helps keep the atmosphere lively but may not appeal to those seeking solitude.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, Ras Mohamed entrance fees are not included in the price, so plan to pay those separately if you wish to explore the park more extensively.

How much in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 9 days ahead, especially during peak season.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund, ensuring flexibility if plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Sharm El Sheikh day tour to Ras Mohamed and White Island offers an excellent balance of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. The guided dives and snorkel stops allow you to discover the vibrant underwater world without needing prior experience, while the boat ride and scenic stops make for a truly immersive day. The inclusion of a tasty buffet lunch and professional crew further enhances the value.

It’s an ideal choice for travelers wanting a diverse and well-organized excursion that satisfies snorkelers, divers, and families alike. The tour’s popularity and consistent reviews speak to its quality—just remember to book early and prepare for a day packed with stunning sights and fun.

In summary, if you’re seeking a full-day adventure in Sharm El Sheikh that combines marine exploration with scenic relaxation, this tour fits the bill perfectly. Whether you’re after your first snorkel or an experienced diver looking to revisit renowned reefs, the combination of professional guidance, breathtaking views, and delicious food makes it a memorable outing.