Snorkeling on Ras Mohamed and White Island in Sharm El Sheikh

Exploring the Snorkeling Experience in Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed and White Island

Our review of the snorkeling tour in Sharm El Sheikh offers a detailed look at what you can expect from this popular excursion. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews, itinerary, and features paint a clear picture of a memorable day on the water.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the convenience of hotel pickups and air-conditioned transfers makes the day stress-free. Second, the diverse underwater scenery at Ras Mohamed and the unique White Island promise plenty of colorful fish and coral. Lastly, the friendly guides and delicious onboard lunch help elevate the experience.

A potential consideration? The snorkel gear isn’t included—meaning you’ll need to bring your own or rent on-site. This could be a minor inconvenience but is worth noting for those who prefer to have their own equipment.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy underwater adventures, appreciate well-organized tours, and want a blend of scenic boat rides, snorkeling, and good food. Families, solo travelers, or groups seeking a relaxed, well-paced day will find it suits their needs well.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: Hotel pickup and air-conditioned transfers make the journey smooth and hassle-free.
• Underwater Highlights: Multiple snorkeling opportunities in Ras Mohamed National Park showcase vibrant marine life.
• Scenic Views: The boat ride offers plenty of photo-worthy vistas, especially around White Island, known for its tide-dependent visibility.
• Inclusive Lunch and Drinks: Enjoy a delicious onboard meal along with unlimited soft drinks, adding value to the experience.
• Small Group Atmosphere: With a maximum of 25 travelers, you’ll get more personalized attention from guides.
• Equipment Note: Snorkel gear isn’t provided, so remember to bring your own or rent locally.

An In-Depth Look at the Ras Mohamed and White Island Snorkeling Tour

Starting with Convenience: Pickup and Transfer

The tour kicks off bright and early at 8:00 am, with hotel pickup from your accommodation in Sharm El Sheikh. The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the start of your day comfortable, especially considering the often warm Egyptian climate. Once at the yacht port, you’ll board your boat, ready for a day of exploration.

Reviews highlight how effortless this part of the experience is. Travelers appreciated the smooth pickup process and the helpfulness of the guides, who often go beyond just logistical support. From the moment you’re on the bus, it’s about setting the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable day.

The Boat Ride: Scenic and Comfortable

The vessel itself is designed for comfort and viewing. During the cruise, you’ll have opportunities to take photos, especially of the iconic White Island, which is so named because it appears almost invisible at high tide—an intriguing sight that makes for great pictures. The boat ride also provides a chance to enjoy the sea breeze and the expansive views of the Red Sea.

Snorkeling in Ras Mohamed National Park

Ras Mohamed is a well-known marine protected area, famous for its diverse coral reefs and abundance of marine life. On this tour, you’ll make one or two snorkeling stops within the park, guided by knowledgeable staff. Reviewers rave about the clarity of the water and the variety of fish and coral you can see.

One guest, ashraf_g, described the snorkel and dive experience as “great,” praising the helpful and safety-conscious crew. Others mention that the guides are patient and informative, often explaining what fish or coral species you’re observing.

Keep in mind, since the snorkel gear isn’t provided on board, you’ll need your own equipment. If you’re a seasoned snorkeler, that’s no problem; if not, it’s worth renting or bringing your own to ensure comfort.

The Highlight: White Island (or “Invisible Island”)

White Island is the star of this trip—a small sandbar that appears or disappears with the tides. The island’s white sands and shallow waters create a picture-perfect setting, ideal for relaxing and taking photos. Reviewers love the scenery here, describing it as “beautiful” and “so much fun.”

Some guests wished for more time to explore the island or snorkel around it, but generally, the stop is enough to soak in the views and snap plenty of photos.

Lunch and Refreshments: Tasty and Generous

A major perk of this tour is the onboard lunch, which reviewers describe as “delicious.” The menu typically includes a variety of dishes, with some mentioning that the food exceeded expectations for a boat meal. Soft drinks and bottled water are unlimited, keeping everyone refreshed after snorkeling sessions.

Guests have appreciated the friendly staff and the well-prepared meals, which add significant value to the price. The inclusion of coffee or tea further rounds out the experience, making it a comfortable, satisfying journey.

Return Journey: Relaxation and Reflection

After a full day of snorkeling, sightseeing, and eating, you’ll be driven back to your hotel. The return trip is in a cool, air-conditioned bus, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day.

Reviewers note how well-organized the entire process is, with many expressing satisfaction at how smoothly everything runs. The only common critique is that some felt the trip could have included more time at White Island or additional snorkeling stops, but overall, most agree it’s a worthwhile outing.

The Value of This Tour

At just $40 per person, this tour offers a solid balance of adventure and relaxation. The hotel pickup, boat ride, snorkeling, scenic views, and onboard meal are bundled into a cost-effective package that rivals many other options in Sharm El Sheikh.

Compared to independent snorkeling, the guided aspect and organized logistics make this experience particularly appealing. The guides are praised for their helpfulness and explanations, which can make a difference if you’re new to snorkeling or unfamiliar with the marine environment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Families: The tour is suitable for most ages, especially with the small group size that ensures personal attention.
• Solo travelers: The friendly guides and fellow travelers create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Snorkeling enthusiasts: With multiple stops in a renowned marine park, this trip offers excellent underwater viewing opportunities.
• Sightseers wanting a scenic boat trip: The views of White Island and Ras Mohamed are memorable.

The Sum Up

This snorkeling tour in Sharm El Sheikh offers a blend of convenience, stunning scenery, and vibrant underwater life at a fair price. The small group size fosters a more personalized experience, and the knowledgeable guides help you make the most of your time in the water.

The onboard lunch, soft drinks, and comfortable transfers add significant value, making it a great choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free day of adventure. While bringing your own snorkel gear is recommended, the overall experience is engaging, scenic, and relaxing—perfect for those who want to enjoy the Red Sea without fuss.

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, this trip provides a chance to see some of Egypt’s most beautiful marine sights with friendly support and excellent logistics.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers convenient pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, making transportation straightforward.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
Yes, snorkel equipment isn’t provided on board, so bringing your own or renting locally is necessary for snorkeling.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 7 hours, from pickup in the morning to return in the late afternoon.

Can beginners participate?
Absolutely. The guides are friendly, helpful, and explain everything in English, making it suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.

Is the trip suitable for families?
Most likely, yes. The small group size and relaxed pace make it family-friendly, but always check for individual needs regarding swimming ability.

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