From Sharm: White Island and Ras Mohamed Snorkeling Trip

The Red Sea does its best work underwater. This six-hour boat trip from Sharm El Sheikh combines two guided snorkeling stops, a buffet lunch, and a visit to the tide-dependent White Island. I especially like the patient guides, including Mido, Mohammed, Islam, and Ismail, and the comfortable yacht with a spacious upper deck and air-conditioned salon.

The coral and fish are the main event, but the trip also works well for first-timers and nervous swimmers. The crew keeps close watch in the water, and several families found the support reassuring. The catch is that many boats visit the same sites, so the best places can feel busy, and White Island may be partly or completely covered by water when tides change.

The trip in four useful points

• Two separate water stops: You get more than a quick swim, with time set aside for snorkeling near Ras Mohamed.
• White Island depends on the tide: The visit is a striking part of the day, but its sandy beach is not guaranteed to appear.
• A surprisingly good lunch: Expect salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, and Egyptian kofta served buffet-style on the boat.
• Strong support for beginners: Guides help nervous swimmers and remain attentive during the water stops.
• Comfortable boat setup: There is a modern sun deck above and an air-conditioned salon below.
• Good value at $29: The price covers the cruise, lunch, national park entry, and selected extras, but the mandatory marina fee may be separate.

Leaving Sharm for Ras Mohamed

Your day begins with transport to Watanya Marina if you choose the pickup option. The shared bus generally collects passengers about an hour to 90 minutes before the boat departure, depending on your hotel. You receive the exact time through WhatsApp roughly 24 hours before the trip, so keep your phone available and do not rely only on the broad start time shown when booking.

If you arrange your own way there, the meeting point is the Egypt Sunmarine Fleet center at Watanya Marina. Look for an operations team member, usually wearing a yellow shirt, and show your ticket. The marina can be busy, but the process involves checking in and completing the needed paperwork before you board.

There is also a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 euros per person. It may be payable on arrival or prepaid as an add-on. This matters when you compare the advertised $29 price with your final cost. The national park entry fee is listed as included, while snorkeling equipment is included only if selected through the available add-on.

Once aboard, the yacht gives you a choice of settings. The upper deck is suited to sun, sea air, and wide views. The air-conditioned salon below is useful when the heat becomes too strong or when you want a quiet break. The boat is described as clean, spacious, and well maintained, and that comfort matters because several hours are spent at sea.

The long sail and why it matters

The route includes about two and a half hours of sailing toward Ras Mohamed National Park. That is a substantial part of a six-hour outing, so you should enjoy being on a boat, not only the time in the water.

The journey gives you room to settle into the day. You can sit on the deck, watch the coast, and take photos before the snorkeling begins. The sea can be rough at times. One family reported that the crew adjusted its choice of snorkeling spots when conditions became difficult, which is a sensible sign of a safety-first operation.

The boat is not a private yacht experience. It serves a shared group, and several boats may gather around the same popular reefs. Still, the spacious layout gives you different places to sit, and the crew’s attention appears to be one of the strongest parts of the trip.

White Island: a beautiful stop with a tide-shaped timetable

White Island is the most unusual part of this excursion. It is a small sandy area surrounded by the sea, reached by boat and sometimes by a short transfer in a smaller craft. When the tide exposes the sand, the scene feels wonderfully odd: you are standing on a pale patch of land out in open water.

Do not picture a large beach with facilities. One family described the beach as simple, small, and surprisingly special. Another found that the island was covered by water, yet still enjoyed being in the middle of the sea. That is the right attitude here. White Island is a natural feature controlled by tide conditions, not a guaranteed beach day.

The scheduled stop allows about 45 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, marine life viewing, and, where arranged, scuba activity. The water is described as clear and clean, and several people found the island well worth the cost of the excursion. Bring a relaxed mindset, since the exact appearance can change.

This stop also gives non-snorkelers something to enjoy. You can swim, take in the open-water setting, or simply stay aboard if you prefer. The island is a fine photo opportunity, but the conditions and number of boats can affect how peaceful it feels.

Two snorkeling stops in Ras Mohamed National Park

The water stops are the heart of the trip. You get time at a first site near White Island, followed by another Ras Mohamed snorkeling stop of about 45 minutes. The exact reef conditions can change with wind, tide, and boat traffic, but the main attraction is consistent: clear Red Sea water, coral formations, and many colorful fish just below the surface.

The guides do more than point out fish. Mido is repeatedly praised for being patient, funny, and careful with people who lack confidence. He even lent his own mask to a child who needed one. Islam, Ismail, Mohammed, and other crew members are also singled out for staying attentive and checking that people were comfortable.

That support makes a real difference. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to try the activity, but you should be honest about your ability before entering the water. The crew can guide and reassure you, but normal sea safety still applies. If you are nervous, stay close to the guide and use the support offered rather than trying to prove anything.

One person who had never been in the ocean before managed both snorkeling and a scuba session with the guides’ help. Another family brought a two-year-old, who enjoyed the day with parental care and crew support. These accounts suggest a welcoming setup, but small children and non-swimmers still need close adult supervision.

The coral and fish receive the highest praise throughout the experience. You might see schools of colorful fish and detailed coral growth in the clear water. Dolphin sightings have also occurred on the return journey, but treat that as luck rather than part of the promised program.

One practical drawback is crowding. At least one person found several other boats at the same sites. That can mean more swimmers in the water, more splashing, and less of the quiet reef experience you may imagine. The quality of the marine environment remains the reason to go, but the setting is shared.

Lunch with a view of the Red Sea

The buffet lunch is more substantial than the usual boat snack. The menu includes freshly cut salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, and Egyptian kofta. Vegetarian choices are available, and one family specifically appreciated the range of meat-free options.

Lunch is served on deck, where the view does much of the seasoning. After swimming, you will likely welcome a proper plate rather than a sandwich. Several people described the food as tasty, filling, and worth returning for, with one person saying they could easily have gone back for a third helping.

Drinks are available on the boat, and one account described them as plentiful. The information does not specify a full drink menu, so I would not plan the day around particular beverages. The useful point is that you can eat, rest, and recover without needing to bring a complete packed lunch.

The one-hour lunch period also gives the crew time to reset equipment and prepare for the next part of the route. It breaks up the day nicely. If you do not want a full meal, you can use the time to sit in the shade or remain in the air-conditioned salon.

Sailing back and the final two hours

After lunch, the schedule allows about two hours of rest and open sailing on the Red Sea. This is not dead time. It is your chance to dry off, sit on the upper deck, chat with the crew, or simply watch the water.

The return portion can also be when you spot dolphins, as happened for some passengers. Again, there is no promise of wildlife sightings, but keeping your eyes on the sea is worthwhile.

Photographers work aboard some trips, and Mustafa received particular praise for making the day lively while producing attractive snorkeling photos. You may be offered an image package at extra cost. One person who paid for underwater pictures felt the result was worth it, especially because the images captured the fish and coral. Consider this only if you value a permanent record, since photography is not part of the base price.

The boat returns to Watanya Marina, with drop-off information listing two locations and Watanya Marina in Sharm El Sheikh. If you use hotel transport, confirm the return arrangement with the operator, particularly if your hotel is far from the center.

What the $29 price really buys

At $29 per person, this is a strong-value day on paper. You receive the boat cruise, buffet lunch, national park entry fee, and the White Island visit when tide conditions allow. You also receive a live guide in English, German, or Russian.

The price becomes less simple when you add the 5 euro marina entrance fee and any optional snorkeling equipment rental. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also dependent on the option selected. Check those inclusions before paying so the low headline price does not catch you off guard.

Even with the marina fee, the package bundles transport, a yacht, food, guided water activities, and access to one of South Sinai’s best-known marine areas. Paying separately for those parts would usually be less convenient, even if a private boat could offer more quiet and flexibility.

The value is strongest for a first visit to Sharm El Sheikh, families wanting an easy organized day, and anyone who wants to try snorkeling without arranging equipment or transport independently. It is less suited to someone seeking a private reef outing or a quiet beach with no other boats.

Safety, comfort, and who will enjoy it most

The crew’s care in the water is the most important practical strength. Guides remain nearby, encourage hesitant swimmers, and adjust their help to the person in front of them. Several people specifically praised the safety focus, including support for children, beginners, and someone who could not swim.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the supplied details do not explain the exact boat transfer or water-access arrangements. If you use a wheelchair, contact the operator before booking to confirm how boarding and each stop will work.

You should bring a swimsuit, sun protection, a towel, and any personal medication you need for a six-hour sea trip. Because the boat has both an open deck and an air-conditioned interior, you can move between sun and shade. If you are prone to seasickness, remember that the route includes a long sail and occasional rough water.

The outing suits:

• First-time snorkelers who want close guidance
• Families with children who can manage a boat day with adult supervision
• Confident swimmers interested in coral and fish
• People who want a full Red Sea excursion at a modest price
• Visitors who enjoy a social shared-boat atmosphere

It may frustrate you if you dislike fixed schedules, crowded reef sites, or tide-dependent attractions. The experience is organized and active rather than private and slow.

Should you book this Sharm snorkeling trip?

I would book it if you want an affordable, well-supported introduction to Ras Mohamed and White Island. The combination of clear water, colorful coral, a filling lunch, and unusually attentive guides gives the trip more substance than its low price suggests.

Book with realistic expectations. White Island may not show its sandy beach, the reefs may be shared with several boats, and the ride can be rough. But if you value good crew support over solitude, this is an easy choice for a half-day on the Red Sea. Confirm the marina fee, pickup option, and equipment add-ons before you pay, then let the guides handle the water work.

FAQ

How long is the trip?

The advertised duration is six hours, including transport on the water, snorkeling, White Island, lunch, and return sailing. Hotel pickup may begin roughly one hour to 90 minutes before the boat departure.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is the Egypt Sunmarine Fleet center at Watanya Marina in Sharm El Sheikh.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. The shared bus usually collects passengers about one hour before the trip, though the exact time depends on your hotel.

How will I receive my pickup time?

The tour team contacts you through WhatsApp about 24 hours before the trip with the exact pickup time.

Is White Island guaranteed to appear?

No. The visit is subject to tide conditions. The sandy area may be exposed, partly covered, or fully covered by water.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The schedule includes two water stops for snorkeling around White Island and Ras Mohamed National Park.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Equipment rental is included only if you select it through the available add-on. Check your chosen option before booking.

What food is served for lunch?

The open buffet includes salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, and Egyptian kofta. Vegetarian options are available.

What languages are offered by the guides?

Guides are available in English, German, and Russian.

Is there a marina fee?

Yes. A mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 euros per person is payable on arrival or may be prepaid through an add-on.