Sharm El-Sheikh: Ras Mohammed & White Island Cruise

The Red Sea saves its best colors underwater. This Sharm El Sheikh cruise combines two snorkeling stops with a visit to Ras Mohammed National Park and a sandy pause at White Island, making a full sea day from a modest $35 price. I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that lunch, drinks, safety gear, and park fees are bundled in. I also like the attentive activity team, especially guides such as Bishoy and Emad, who helped less confident swimmers feel secure.

The main consideration is that optional snorkeling or scuba equipment costs extra, and the day is built around shared boat activities rather than a quiet private outing. Still, the mix of reef time, open-water views, food, and White Island gives you a lot for the money.

Five useful things to know before booking

• Ras Mohammed is the main reef stop: You’ll have time to explore underwater areas with a snorkeling instructor nearby.
• White Island is a real change of pace: After time in the water, you can walk on soft sand, swim in shallow water, and take photos.
• Two snorkeling stops are included: That gives you more than one chance to see marine life and get comfortable in the water.
• Lunch and drinks stay on board: The buffet includes rice, pasta, salads, and barbecue chicken, with hot drinks, soft drinks, and mineral water.
• The crew gets strong praise for care: Bishoy and Emad are named for friendly, attentive help, especially during snorkeling and scuba activities.
• The $35 fare covers the basics well: Hotel transfers, yacht transport, park entry, lunch, safety equipment, and the boat facilities are included, but activity gear may be an add-on.

Setting out from Sharm El Sheikh Marina

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. You’ll ride to the marina in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a useful touch in the South Sinai heat. The transfer keeps the morning simple: you do not need to arrange a taxi to the harbor or work out where the boat leaves.

At the marina, you board the yacht and head out onto the Red Sea. The boat has two bathrooms and shower facilities, which matter more than they may sound. Salt water, sunscreen, and a long day in swimwear can make basic washing space a welcome luxury.

Life jackets are provided, and the boat carries a snorkeling instructor. That does not mean you can ignore normal water safety, but it does mean you have someone to help with the activity rather than being sent into the sea without guidance. Several people singled out the crew’s patience and attention, with Bishoy and Emad receiving especially warm praise.

The yacht is described as comfortable, though no group size or exact boat layout is provided. I would expect a shared excursion with social spaces on deck rather than a private charter. If you want quiet personal service, ask about the boat setup before booking. If you enjoy meeting people and want a well-priced day on the water, the format should suit you.

Ras Mohammed National Park and its coral reefs

The first major stop is Ras Mohammed National Park, at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. This is the part of the trip aimed most directly at underwater scenery. You’ll enter the sea with the activity team and explore the reef around the park.

The supplied details do not name a specific reef or promise particular fish, so it is best to arrive with sensible expectations. Red Sea snorkeling can offer clear water and colorful coral, but marine life is never a stage show. Visibility and conditions can change, and no responsible operator can guarantee a particular sighting.

What you can count on is a guided start. The instructor can help point you in the right direction and keep an eye on the group. This is particularly useful if you can swim but are not yet comfortable in open water. One detailed account praised the guide for giving frequent direction during snorkeling, allowing the participant to swim with greater confidence.

You may also choose to rent snorkeling or scuba equipment. Masks, fins, and snorkeling gear are included only if you select that add-on, while scuba equipment includes weights, belts, and 12-liter tanks when that option is chosen. Check the final booking price carefully, since the base fare does not automatically include every piece of activity equipment.

I like the structure here. You get a proper reef stop rather than only a quick photo pause from the boat. At the same time, the guide-led format means you should follow instructions and stay with the activity area. It is not the right outing for someone hoping to swim off alone for hours.

Two chances to snorkel in clear water

The cruise includes two snorkeling stops. That is one of its strongest practical features. A single stop can feel rushed if you need time to adjust your mask, find your fins, or settle your breathing. Two stops give you a second opportunity if the first attempt is not your best.

You might use the first stop to get comfortable and the second to enjoy the water with less fuss. You can also decide to spend more time watching the reef rather than trying to cover a large area. The crew’s role is important here, and the praise for their friendliness and close attention suggests that beginners are not left to manage everything alone.

The cruise also accommodates people who want scuba activity. The feedback includes enthusiastic comments from people who enjoyed both scuba and snorkeling, while others were happy simply swimming and looking below the surface. That mixed setup makes the boat useful for couples or families with different interests, provided everyone is clear about which activity they are booking.

No skill level, age limit, or swim test is supplied, so you should ask the operator if you have a medical concern or are unsure about taking part. Life jackets are available, and the instructor provides guidance, but you still need to be comfortable following the safety rules for the chosen activity.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a dry layer for the return boat ride. These items are not listed as included, so do not assume the operator supplies them. A waterproof pouch for your phone is also sensible if you want photos without risking your device.

White Island: sand, shallow water, and photographs

After reef time, the boat continues to White Island. This stop changes the rhythm of the day. Instead of spending all your time in deeper water or around coral, you can step onto soft sand, swim in shallow water, relax, and take pictures.

White Island is best understood as a scenic break rather than a full beach holiday. The supplied details do not state how long the boat stays, how large the island is, or what facilities are available there. Plan for a short natural stop, not a developed resort beach with shade, shops, or changing rooms.

The warm, shallow water can be appealing if you want a less demanding swim after snorkeling. It also gives you a chance to dry off and enjoy the setting without wearing a mask and fins. For photographers, the contrast between pale sand and bright sea makes this a natural point for simple holiday pictures.

There is one practical catch: White Island can be exposed to sun, and shade is not promised. Use sunscreen before leaving the boat and keep drinking water. The boat carries unlimited soft drinks and mineral water, so you do not need to ration your main supply, but you should still make a point of drinking regularly.

A stop like this helps the cruise feel less repetitive. You are not just moving from one water session to another. You get reef viewing, an open-sea cruise, a meal, and a sandy interlude. That variety is a strong reason to choose this trip over a cheaper boat ride that only offers one swim.

Lunch on the yacht, with useful onboard facilities

Lunch is served on the deck as a buffet. The menu includes rice, pasta, salads, and barbecue chicken. It is straightforward boat food, but that is exactly what you need after time in the sun and water. You can take a sensible portion, return for more if needed, and eat without losing time looking for a restaurant.

Hot and cold drinks are included, along with unlimited soft drinks and mineral water. This adds real value to the $35 fare, especially in South Sinai’s heat. A later fruit serving was also appreciated by one participant, although fruit is not specifically listed as a standard inclusion, so I would treat that as a pleasant possibility rather than a guaranteed menu item.

The boat has two bathrooms and showers. You should not expect a full changing room or spa, but these facilities make the trip more comfortable and practical. After snorkeling or visiting White Island, a quick rinse can make the return journey much more pleasant.

Food preferences are not described, and there is no stated vegetarian, vegan, halal, or allergy menu. If you have dietary needs, contact FTS Travels before booking rather than relying on the general buffet description. The menu gives you several basic choices, but that is not the same as a confirmed special meal.

What the $35 price really includes

At $35 per person, this is a strong-value package if you plan to use the included services. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, the yacht trip, two snorkeling stops, one White Island stop, a snorkeling instructor, lunch, drinks, life jackets, onboard bathrooms and showers, and the Ras Mohammed National Park entry fee of €5.

That list matters because small extras can quickly change the cost of a boat day. Here, the park fee and meals are already covered. You are not paying the $35 only for a seat on the yacht.

The main price question concerns equipment. Snorkeling masks and fins are included only when the gear add-on is selected, and scuba equipment is also tied to an add-on. If you already own suitable gear, bring it if permitted. If not, add the cost before comparing this trip with other cruises.

The cancellation terms are friendly for uncertain plans: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your hotel or flight schedule is not fully settled. A copy of your passport is required, so keep that ready when booking or checking in.

The tour is offered with English, Italian, Russian, German, and Arabic language support. That broad range can help mixed-language groups, though the exact language of your individual guide should be confirmed when you reserve.

The crew’s biggest strength

The most consistent praise goes to the staff. The crew is described as friendly, professional, and ready to help during both snorkeling and scuba sessions. Emad is praised for going beyond the expected service, while Bishoy is noted for being attentive, cheerful, and careful with different needs on board.

That detail matters more than polished boat wording. On a sea trip, a good guide affects your whole day. Clear instructions help you get into the water with less worry, and a friendly crew can make a shared boat feel relaxed rather than impersonal.

The activity team also appears willing to support people taking part in different ways. Some may snorkel, some may swim, and others may choose scuba. You should still make your own limits clear and follow the instructor’s direction, but the reported level of attention is a reassuring sign for first-time snorkelers.

The rating is 4.6 from 30 reviews, with repeated five-star comments about organization, the crew, and the quality for the price. That is a useful pattern, though it is still a modest sample. I would put more weight on the specific comments about guidance and service than on the number alone.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a reasonably priced full-day sea outing with several elements packed into one plan. It suits first-time visitors to Sharm El Sheikh, casual snorkelers, couples who want a scenic day, and groups where some people prefer swimming while others want scuba.

It is also a good choice if you value convenience. Hotel transfers remove the need to arrange transport, and the lunch and drinks mean fewer extra decisions during the day.

You may want a different trip if you dislike shared excursions, need a very quiet boat, want a guaranteed private guide, or require a carefully planned special diet. You should also check equipment charges before paying if snorkeling or scuba gear is not already included in your booking choice.

Should you book the Ras Mohammed and White Island cruise?

Yes, if you want strong value and a varied Red Sea day. The combination of Ras Mohammed reef time, two snorkeling stops, White Island, buffet lunch, drinks, hotel transfers, and an attentive activity team is hard to fault at $35 before optional gear charges.

Book it with realistic expectations. This is a shared yacht excursion, White Island is not described as a developed beach facility, and underwater conditions can vary. Bring sun protection, confirm your equipment option, carry your passport copy, and tell the operator about any dietary or medical concerns.

For most people, the best reason to choose this cruise is not one single stop. It is the complete package: easy transport, two chances to get in the water, a sandy break, food on board, and guides who appear to take their work seriously.

FAQ

What is the price of the cruise?

The listed price is $35 per person.

What destinations does the boat visit?

The cruise visits Ras Mohammed National Park and White Island.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included.

Is a snorkeling instructor provided?

Yes, a snorkeling instructor is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The onboard buffet includes rice, pasta, salads, and barbecue chicken.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Hot and cold drinks, unlimited soft drinks, and mineral water are included.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is the Ras Mohammed entry fee included?

Yes. The Ras Mohammed National Park entry fee of €5 is included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling masks and fins are included if you select the snorkeling gear add-on.

Can I choose scuba equipment?

Yes. Scuba equipment, weights, belts, and 12-liter tanks are available if you select the scuba gear add-on.