Snorkeling Day Trip to White Island and Ras Mohamed from Sharm

If you’re heading to Sharm el Sheikh, chances are a boat trip to the legendary White Island and Ras Mohamed will be on your radar. This tour has garnered an impressive 5.0 rating from over 400 reviews, and for good reason — it offers a balanced mix of snorkeling adventures, scenic island lounging, and tasty onboard cuisine all at a budget-friendly price of just $35. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just curious about the underwater world, this trip promises an engaging day out.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the professional guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making sure everyone feels comfortable, even if it’s their first time snorkeling. The crystal-clear coral reefs and vibrant marine life—from clownfish to turtles—are consistently highlighted. Plus, the all-inclusive lunch and drinks keep you fueled for the day’s activities. One possible caveat? The timing and organization aren’t perfect, with some reviews mentioning long waits and crowded snorkeling spots. Still, for those who love marine scenery and a lively boat atmosphere, it’s a great choice.

This trip is perfect if you’re looking for a value-packed day of exploring some of Egypt’s most beautiful underwater environments with a friendly crew. It also suits travelers wanting a simple, hassle-free experience with hotel pickup and drop-off included. If peaceful solitude on the water isn’t your priority, but rather an energetic, scenic adventure, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $35, this tour offers excellent value considering the snorkeling, lunch, and scenic stops.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and friendly staff ensure everyone feels comfortable, especially newcomers.
• Scenic Highlights: White Island’s stunning sandbar and Ras Mohamed’s coral reefs are true sights to behold.
• All-Inclusive Food & Drinks: Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood buffet, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea.
• Crowded Spots & Organization: Some reviews mention busy reefs and long wait times, so be prepared for a lively scene.
• Weather Dependency: As with any outdoor experience, weather can impact the day’s activities, especially at White Island.

The Full Experience Breakdown

The Journey Begins: Comfort and Convenience

Your day kicks off around 8:00 am with a comfortable, air-conditioned bus pickup from your hotel — a hassle-free start that many reviews appreciated. The tour is organized by Sun ‘N Fun Sharm, a trusted provider with over 30 years of experience in marine excursions. The group size is capped at 100, which helps maintain a friendly, manageable atmosphere.

The Boat: A Well-Equipped Ride

Once at the marina, you’ll board one of four boats (names like Dahab Lady, Al Mabrouka, Al Mahrousa, or Al Yasmina), all praised for their comfort and cleanliness. The boats are described as spacious and suitable for relaxing between snorkeling sessions. Many travelers enjoyed the onboard music and lively crew, although a few noted that the loud music isn’t everyone’s cup of tea — so if you prefer serenity, bring your earplugs.

Ras Mohamed National Park: First Stop for Snorkeling

Your crew will sail to Ras Mohamed, a protected marine area renowned for its vibrant reefs and diverse marine life. The captain will choose two prime snorkeling locations, carefully selected for their beauty and fish populations. Reviewers highlight that guides are attentive here, with some even staying beside swimmers who are less confident, ensuring everyone gets a chance to enjoy the underwater spectacle.

White Island: The Sandbar Dream

Next, the boat heads to White Island, a tiny, Maldives-esque sand spit in the middle of the Red Sea. Here, you can unwind, soak up the sun, and snap pictures of that stunning white sandy strip. Several guests mention that White Island is the highlight — a perfect spot to tan, take photos, or even enjoy a skin scrub with mineral-rich sands, as some reviews describe. The island’s natural beauty is undeniable, making it a popular photo op.

Lunch and Relaxation

On the way back, the onboard chef starts serving a freshly prepared seafood buffet, which many travelers describe as plentiful and tasty. Soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea are also included, keeping guests refreshed after a busy morning in the water. Reviewers agree that the food quality exceeds expectations for a boat trip at this price point.

The Return: A Laid-Back End

After lunch, the boat slowly makes its way back to Sharm, with some guests taking the opportunity to relax on deck, chat, and enjoy the sea views. While the tour ends around 4-5 pm, the overall experience feels well-paced for most, though some mention that the snorkeling moments are relatively brief, with about 30-40 minutes of actual underwater activity.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

Knowledgeable Guides & Crew: Multiple reviews praise the crew, especially guides like Ahmed and Wael, for their attentiveness, humor, and clear instructions. Many mention how guides stay close to less confident snorkelers, making the experience inclusive.

Stunning Marine Life & Reefs: The reefs at Ras Mohamed are described as beautiful and lively, with sightings of clownfish, parrotfish, sea turtles, and an array of colorful corals. Several reviewers emphasize that the snorkeling is of high quality, especially if you rent your gear.

Tasty & Generous Lunch: The onboard seafood buffet receives consistent positive remarks, with guests appreciating the freshness and abundance of food. It’s a good way to refuel after swimming.

Relaxing White Island: The tiny island’s pristine sands and clear waters make it an ideal break from the boat hustle. Many photos showcase the island’s postcard-perfect scenery.

Some Considerations

Crowded Reefs & Snorkeling Spots: A common complaint is that multiple boats visiting the same spots can lead to crowded reefs, making it harder to enjoy the marine environment peacefully. Some guests felt the snorkeling time was limited due to the number of boats.

Organization & Timing: Several reviews mention long waiting times for boat departures or at the snorkeling sites, which can make the day seem longer than expected. It’s worth being patient and flexible.

Weather Impacts: Wind and cold weather apparently affected some trips, particularly the visit to White Island, with a few guests missing out on the island itself due to changing conditions.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary & Highlights

Pickup & Transfer

Most travelers find the pickup seamless, with some mentioning that the bus is air-conditioned and arrives on time. This sets a positive tone from the start, especially after a morning in the desert heat.

Ras Mohamed Snorkeling

The two snorkeling sites at Ras Mohamed are chosen for their coral richness and marine diversity. Expect to see Nemo (clownfish), parrot fish, sea turtles, and a vibrant array of corals. Guides frequently stay with less confident snorkelers, which many reviewers appreciated, especially those who were worried about swimming or not being strong swimmers.

Tips: Rent snorkeling gear if possible, as many reviews suggest that doing so enhances the experience. The reefs can be busy, so staying close to your guide helps keep the experience enjoyable.

White Island Relaxation

White Island’s appeal is its unspoiled white sands and calm waters—perfect for sunbathing, photography, and a little skin scrub with mineral-rich sands. Some reviewers mention the island as a “heaven on earth”, with its picture-perfect setting. However, weather can influence the visit — windy days might limit time ashore, or even prevent landing altogether, so be aware of the weather forecast.

Lunch & Leisure

The seafood buffet is served onboard, with many guests describing it as delicious and filling. The menu is simple but generous, which is ideal after a morning in the water. Soft drinks, water, and hot beverages add to the comfort.

Return & Overall Atmosphere

Most guests describe the boat trip as lively and fun, with music and a friendly crew creating a party-like vibe. Some guests mention that the group size can be quite large, which might impact the sense of intimacy but is generally tolerated given the overall value.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re after an affordable, fun-filled day with plenty of opportunities to see marine life and relax in a stunning setting, this trip delivers. The highlights—the reefs, White Island, and onboard seafood feast—are well worth the price, especially considering the positive comments about guides and crew.

However, if you prefer quiet, uncrowded snorkeling or a more tightly organized schedule, this may not be the best fit. The crowds and occasional delays are common themes, but most find the overall experience enjoyable and memorable.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, enjoy social, lively atmospheres, and don’t mind a bit of boat noise or a busy reef scene. It’s an excellent choice for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone wanting a taste of Egypt’s vibrant underwater world without breaking the bank.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup, boat transportation, snorkeling at Ras Mohamed, the White Island visit (weather permitting), and a seafood buffet lunch with soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea.

Are snorkeling equipment provided?
The tour price does not include snorkeling gear, so consider renting your own or inquiring if equipment can be arranged on the boat.

How long is the snorkeling time?
Guests typically snorkel for about 30 to 40 minutes in total at Ras Mohamed, with the captain selecting the best spots during the trip.

What is White Island like?
White Island is a tiny sandbar in the middle of the Red Sea, known for its pristine, white sands. It’s ideal for sunbathing, photos, and skin scrubbing with mineral-rich sands.

Can I expect a crowded reef?
Yes, some reviews mention that multiple boats visit the same sites, leading to crowded reefs, which can impact the tranquility of your snorkeling experience.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers or nervous swimmers?
Guides are attentive and often stay close to less confident swimmers, making it more accessible for beginners and those wary of water.

What should I bring?
Towels, sun protection (sun cream, sunglasses), and optional snorkeling gear. Remember, the tour does not provide towels or sun protection, so pack accordingly.

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

Final Words

For travelers seeking a cost-effective, lively day of snorkeling and island relaxation with friendly guides, this trip is a winner. It offers a fantastic chance to explore some of Egypt’s most iconic marine environments, enjoy great food, and share the experience with fellow adventurers.

While it’s not without its logistical hiccups or crowded reefs, most find the overall value and scenic beauty outweigh these minor inconveniences. Pack your sense of adventure, a good attitude, and maybe a waterproof camera—you’re in for a memorable day on the Red Sea.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned snorkeler, this tour provides a solid, authentic taste of what Sharm el Sheikh’s underwater world has to offer.