Sharm El Sheikh: White Island and Ras Mohamed Cruise Adventure

If you’re dreaming of exploring the stunning underwater world of Egypt’s Red Sea or lounging on pristine sandy beaches, the White Island and Ras Mohamed cruise offers an alluring combination. This 7-hour trip is packed with snorkeling in some of the region’s most vibrant coral reefs, scenic island views, and a delicious onboard barbecue. It’s a favorite among travelers, boasting a strong 4.5-star rating from nearly 1,824 reviews, with 95% recommending it.

What we really love about this tour is the professional guides who help you navigate the waters, the delicious barbecue lunch, and the convenient transfers straight from your hotel. However, a potential downside is the additional costs—park entrance fees and optional snorkeling gear upgrades aren’t included in the base price. This trip is perfect for those wanting a full-day aquatic adventure with a laid-back vibe, especially if you’re a fan of snorkeling, beautiful scenery, and hassle-free logistics.

Key Points

• Excellent guides make the snorkeling experience safe and informative.
• All-inclusive lunch with barbecue, soft drinks, and water enhances the day.
• Hotel transfers save you time and stress, making it a seamless trip.
• White Island’s sands and Ras Mohamed’s reefs are picture-perfect.
• Additional costs like park entrance fees and optional gear upgrades may add to your budget.
• Group size is capped at 25, keeping the experience relatively intimate.

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This cruise from Sharm el Sheikh is about making the most of your day in the Red Sea’s most iconic spots. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll be whisked away in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort from the get-go. Once at the marina, you’ll board the luxurious Miss Sherry yacht, a spacious vessel with three levels, ideal for relaxing and socializing. The crew’s professionalism and helpfulness are repeatedly praised—expect friendly staff who go out of their way to support even nervous snorkelers or first-timers.

The itinerary includes three main stops: White Island, Ras Mohamed National Park, and a final reef visit, each offering unique sights to enjoy. The entire trip is planned to maximize your time in the water while balancing comfort and convenience.

Ras Mohamed National Park: The Reefs and Marine Life

The trip kicks off with a visit to Ras Mohamed, one of Egypt’s most celebrated protected areas. Its coral reefs are said to be among the most vibrant in the Red Sea, bursting with marine life and colorful corals. The guides are certified instructors, ready to assist with snorkeling gear and point out the underwater highlights. Several reviews highlight how helpful and knowledgeable the guides are—some even mentioning they tailored the experience to non-swimmers, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the reefs safely.

Expect to see a variety of fish, corals, and possibly larger marine creatures. The clarity of the water is often praised, with many describing the experience as “amazing,” “unforgettable,” and “incredible.” For snorkelers, this stop is a highlight that offers a fantastic glimpse into the Red Sea’s underwater biodiversity.

White Island: Sand, Sun, and Snorkelling

White Island is the star for most guests. Known for its soft sands and shallow waters, it’s the perfect spot to relax and snorkel. Reviewers mention that the white sands are stunning, and some say their time there was quite short—often around 20 minutes, so don’t expect hours of beach lounging. A common theme is the safety and encouragement provided by guides, especially for those nervous about swimming or snorkeling for the first time.

While some reviews mention White Island being under water at times, most agree that it’s a picturesque stop where you can enjoy the scenery, take photos, and dip into the crystal-clear waters. It’s rarely crowded, and the guides typically help organize your snorkeling or swimming, making it accessible even for non-swimmers, as one reviewer happily pointed out, “they reassured me and made the experience very enjoyable.”

Additional Snorkeling and Marine Exploration

The third stop usually involves more snorkel time at Ras Mohamed’s reefs or nearby spots. Snorkel equipment is available, with options to rent gear for around five euros per item—so if you want fins, masks, or life jackets, be prepared for the extra charges. Several reviewers mention that the costs can add up, so if you already own your gear, you’ll save some money.

The guides provide interesting insights into the marine environment, pointing out various fish, corals, and other sea creatures. Some guests mention how the crew helped them feel comfortable, whether it was guiding them through their first snorkel or reassuring about safety.

The Lunch and Onboard Comfort

One of the high points of this tour is the gourmet barbecue lunch. Expect a spread of rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish, all freshly cooked and served onboard the boat. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and variety of the meal, describing it as “decent,” “well-prepared,” and ideal for refueling after hours in the water.

Unlimited soft drinks and mineral water are included, which plenty of guests find refreshing after snorkel sessions. The boat’s amenities include bathroom and shower facilities, making it comfortable for a full day at sea.

The Atmosphere and Group Size

While the trip usually caps at 25 travelers, reviews indicate that sometimes there are more guests on board, which can make the experience feel a bit crowded—especially during the snorkeling stops. Some guests mention that the atmosphere can shift to a party vibe with loud music during the return journey, which may not be everyone’s preference.

A few reviews mention instances where crew members aggressively pursued tips or tried to upsell photos and equipment. However, many others appreciated the friendly, helpful attitude of staff like Saeed, Mohammed, and Mousad, who made the day enjoyable and relaxed.

Costs and Additional Charges

The tour price of $26 per person offers good value, especially considering the included transfers, guides, lunch, and soft drinks. However, it’s important to note that park entrance fees are not included, typically costing around 5 USD. Optional extras like snorkeling gear, wetsuits, photographs, or additional dives will incur extra charges, with some reviews mentioning charges as high as 5 euros per item.

This means that while the base price is affordable, your total cost can increase if you choose to rent equipment or buy photos. For travelers who already own gear, this is a bonus and can significantly reduce expenses.

Real Experiences and Tips from Reviewers

Many guests have highlighted the professionalism of guides and crew, with some describing them as “helpful,” “friendly,” and “knowledgeable.” One reviewer summed it up, saying, “the boat crew, captain, and snorkeling team were incredibly helpful and friendly, which made the trip even more enjoyable.”

Another reviewer appreciated the seamless logistics, mentioning that the hotel pickup and boat transfer were smooth, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get ready for the day.

Some negative feedback focused on overcrowding, pressure to purchase extras, or the White Island’s sometimes underwhelming appearance due to water levels. These points are worth considering, especially if you prefer quieter, more relaxed environments or are on a tight budget.

This cruise from Sharm el Sheikh offers a decent balance of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for travelers wanting a taste of the Red Sea’s underwater beauty without breaking the bank. The combination of professional guides, scenic stops, and a tasty onboard meal makes it a practical, enjoyable outing.

If you’re a snorkeler, a lover of marine life, or simply want a day in the sun with stunning views, this trip will likely satisfy. Be prepared for potential extra costs and crowded spots, but overall, the trip’s highlights—like the reefs at Ras Mohamed and the sands of White Island—are worth the price.

This tour suits first-time visitors, families, or anyone who enjoys easy, guided outdoor adventures with good food and beautiful scenery. It’s especially recommended for those who appreciate authentic experiences and value guided expertise in unfamiliar waters.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm el Sheikh, making the day hassle-free.

What’s the duration of the trip?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy snorkeling, eating, and relaxing onboard.

Are snorkeling masks and fins provided?
Yes, snorkeling masks, fins, and life jackets are available if selected as an upgrade. Basic gear rental costs extra.

Do I need to pay park entrance fees separately?
Yes, the Ras Mohamed National Park entrance fee isn’t included and costs about 5 USD.

Can beginners do this tour?
Absolutely. The guides are certified, friendly, and helpful, often assisting first-timers and non-swimmers.

Is this suitable for children?
While the tour is family-friendly, keep in mind the water activities and the 7-hour duration. Children should be comfortable around water.

What’s the food like?
Expect a barbecue-style lunch with rice, pasta, salads, chicken, and fish. Many reviewers find it satisfying and freshly prepared.

Are there any restrictions I should know?
It’s best to bring cash for optional extras, and note that the tour can be crowded at times. Also, the trip is weather-dependent; poor conditions can lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

In Closing

The White Island and Ras Mohamed cruise offers a hearty dose of the marine wonders and scenic beauty that Sharm el Sheikh is famous for. With expert guides, good food, and the chance to see vibrant coral reefs, it’s a solid pick for travelers seeking a full day of adventure on the water. Just keep in mind the potential for extra costs and crowd levels, and you’ll be set for an enjoyable Red Sea escape.