Sharm El Sheikh: White Island and Ras Mohamed Cruise Adventure

The Red Sea puts on a show. This seven-hour cruise from Sharm El Sheikh combines two strong attractions: coral reefs at Ras Mohamed National Park and a stop at White Island, a pale sandbar surrounded by clear water. I like the included hotel pickup, onboard lunch, and free-flowing water and soft drinks. The main catch is that park admission and, depending on your booking option, snorkeling equipment cost extra.

I also like the friendly water team, modern three-level boat Miss Sherry, and the care shown to nervous swimmers. Guides such as Saeed, Ali, Mohammed, and Mousad have been praised for helping beginners feel safe. Still, you should prepare for possible delays, crowded reef sites, extra sales for photos or equipment, and a White Island stop that may be brief or affected by the tide.

Key points before you book

• White Island depends on tide and weather: The sandbar may be partly submerged, and reaching it can require a swim of roughly 30 to 40 meters.
• Ras Mohamed offers the best underwater time: The coral and fish are the main event, but busy anchorage areas can make snorkeling feel crowded.
• Miss Sherry is a comfortable base: The boat has three levels, bathrooms, showers, drinks, and space to sit between water stops.
• Equipment may change the final price: Check your option carefully, since masks, fins, and life jackets are included only when selected.
• The crew is often the tour’s strongest point: Beginners and nervous swimmers may receive close support from the snorkeling team.
• Plan for a lively return: Some trips end with loud music and a party-boat mood, while others feel calm and relaxed.

From your Sharm hotel to the marina

The day begins with pickup from your Sharm El Sheikh accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup times can vary, and one practical point is worth noting: the vehicle may arrive a little later than the time first given. The operator can be contacted during this stage, which helps if you are standing outside with a towel, water bottle, and growing suspicion that the bus has forgotten you.

At the marina, you board the day boat for the trip toward Ras Mohamed National Park and White Island. Miss Sherry has been described as modern and spacious, with three levels. Two bathrooms and shower facilities are available, a welcome feature after saltwater snorkeling.

A safety briefing is given before the water activities. One account describes the instructions being offered in three languages. English and Italian guides are specifically included, so check the language available when you book if that matters to you.

The advertised maximum is 25 people. That is important because a small group makes it easier for the guides to keep track of swimmers and for you to reach the water without elbowing past half the boat. At least one experience had around 35 people onboard, so I would confirm the expected group size instead of treating the stated limit as guaranteed.

White Island and the realities of a sandbar

White Island is the photogenic part of the day. Picture pale sand, clear water, open Red Sea views, and a boatload of people trying to take the same perfect photograph without getting splashed. The stop can be lovely, but it is not a permanent island with a pier and beach facilities.

You may need to swim from the boat to the sandbar. One account described the distance as about 30 to 40 meters, though choppy water made it feel longer. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water. Several passengers with little or no swimming ability were supported with life rings and direct guidance.

The tide matters here. White Island can be partly or fully underwater, and some departures have found only a submerged sandbar. Another account described spending about 20 minutes there. So treat White Island as a weather and tide-dependent bonus, not the sole reason to book this cruise.

The views can still be excellent from the boat. If conditions make the sandbar inaccessible, the day does not necessarily collapse, since Ras Mohamed provides the stronger underwater attraction. Still, the tour description gives White Island a prominent place, so the operator should explain clearly how tide and sea conditions may affect the stop.

Ras Mohamed’s coral gardens

Ras Mohamed National Park is the main reason to choose this trip. The park protects some of the Red Sea’s finest coral reef, and the water can be exceptionally clear. Under the surface, you may see colorful fish, coral formations, and other marine life while a guide points out what you are looking at.

The guided format is useful for beginners. Instead of swimming around hoping to recognize something, you can follow the instructor and learn where to look. Guides have been praised for helping nervous swimmers, including people who had never tried snorkeling or scuba before.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, but you should be honest about your ability. Life jackets are available if included in your selected package, and some groups have used a shared flotation ring while being led around the site. The water team’s calm support is one of the best features of this excursion.

The downside is crowding. Ras Mohamed is popular, and boats may gather around the same reef. One account described dozens of boats at a supposedly quiet site, with ropes and swimmers making it hard to move freely. In a crowded area, fins can become accidental weapons, especially when people surface to clear a mask or look around.

Listen carefully to the safety instructions. Stay with your guide, keep enough distance from other swimmers, and avoid forcing yourself into the center of a packed group. If the site feels too crowded, ask where you can wait safely or move to a less congested part of the marked area.

Snorkeling gear, scuba options, and extra charges

The basic package does not automatically make every piece of water equipment free. Snorkeling masks, fins, and life jackets are included if you choose the equipment option. A discounted rate is available for people bringing their own snorkeling gear.

That makes the price comparison simple. If you already own a mask and fins, bringing them can reduce the final cost. If you need everything, check the exact upgrade price before paying. One account described separate charges for a mask, fins, swimming glasses, and life jacket, while another noted that an additional scuba session and photographs cost extra.

The trip also offers scuba opportunities with instructors. This can suit a first-timer who wants to try a supervised underwater session rather than only float above the reef. Several people praised the instructors for being friendly and reassuring, including one person who was nervous in the water and another who did not swim.

I would ask three questions before boarding:

• Is scuba included in my selected price?
• Are mask, fins, and life jacket included?
• What is the price of photographs, wetsuits, and any extra water activity?

This prevents an inexpensive booking from turning into a much more expensive day. The advertised price of $26 per person is appealing, but you should view it as the starting cost unless your chosen option clearly includes the equipment you need.

Lunch, drinks, and time between swims

Lunch is served onboard after the water activities. The planned spread includes rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish, with bread also mentioned in the onboard meal description. Water and soft drinks are available throughout, and hot drinks such as tea and coffee have also been available on some departures.

Food quality appears to vary by departure. Some people found the meal fresh, well prepared, and satisfying after snorkeling. Others described it as average, with too little meat or fish. I would expect a straightforward buffet-style boat lunch, not a restaurant meal.

The drinks are a practical strength. Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks are included, which matters after time in the sun and saltwater. Bring your own preferred snacks only if you need something specific, since the supplied information does not promise a wider food selection.

Between stops, you can sit on the boat, use the shower, or enjoy the views from the upper deck. Some departures have a peaceful atmosphere. Others turn up loud music on the way back, creating more of a party boat than a quiet sunset cruise. If you want a calm day, ask about the expected onboard mood before booking.

Timing, delays, and the pace of the day

The advertised duration is about seven hours, including hotel transfers, marina time, the cruise, water stops, lunch, and the return trip. That sounds generous, but the actual time in the water can be reduced by boarding delays, marina congestion, and slow departures.

One account described waiting more than two hours at the port before the boat left. Another departure did not set out until around 10:15. This is not a small detail. A long wait can turn a seven-hour outing into a tiring day, while leaving less time for snorkeling and White Island.

The itinerary is also not a nonstop series of reef stops. You need time to reach the sites, organize equipment, brief passengers, supervise the water sessions, serve lunch, and return to Sharm. One person reported only about 30 minutes of snorkeling during an excursion lasting more than five hours.

For the best experience, go in with flexible expectations. The cruise is a full-day outing centered on the sea, not a tightly timed race from one attraction to the next. If you are choosing between this and a faster, smaller boat, the tradeoff is usually comfort and included food against speed and more time in the water.

The crew, guides, and onboard atmosphere

The strongest praise is directed at the crew and water instructors. Guides have helped beginners with masks, flotation equipment, snorkeling technique, and the first nerves of entering the Red Sea. Saeed has been singled out for keeping a group laughing, while Ali, Mohammed, and Mousad have been praised for making first-time participants feel supported.

That personal help matters more than polished advertising. A clear briefing and a patient guide can make the difference between enjoying the coral and spending the whole stop gripping the boat ladder.

Service is not perfectly consistent. Some departures have had warm, attentive crews. Other accounts describe pressure to buy photographs, rent wetsuits, book extra scuba, or leave tips. A tip box may be placed onboard, and tipping is part of the local service culture, but you should not feel forced to pay for extras or write a review immediately.

Photographers may work onboard. Some people appreciated the service and felt no pressure. Others found repeated offers irritating. A polite, firm no should be enough. Ask the price before agreeing to any photograph package.

Who will get the most from this cruise?

This excursion suits you if you want several elements in one day: hotel pickup, a boat ride, guided snorkeling, a possible scuba introduction, lunch, and access to Ras Mohamed without arranging separate transport.

It is especially useful for:

• First-time snorkelers who want help in the water
• Families with older children who can manage a supervised sea activity
• Couples or friends wanting photographs and a full-day Red Sea outing
• People who prefer an organized cruise over arranging a private boat
• Scuba beginners looking for an introductory experience with instructors

I would be cautious if you are bringing babies or children under four. One direct account noted that there is little for very young children to do onboard. I would also think twice if you dislike crowds, loud music, waiting, or sales pitches.

Non-swimmers may still enjoy the trip, but you should tell the crew clearly and use the safety equipment provided in your package. The snorkeling areas are in open water, so comfort and supervision matter.

Is $26 good value?

At $26, the tour is attractively priced for a seven-hour cruise with hotel transfers, lunch, water, soft drinks, a professional water team, and access to two well-known Red Sea locations. If your main goal is to see coral without planning transport or meals, that is a solid base value.

The final price depends on extras. Ras Mohamed entrance fees are not included. One account reported paying $5, or 250 Egyptian pounds, at the park. Equipment, scuba, wetsuits, and photographs may also add to the bill.

The value is strongest when you bring your own gear or choose an option that includes it. It is weaker if you must pay separately for every basic item and then receive little time at White Island or the reef. Before booking, add the likely entrance and equipment costs to the headline price.

Practical booking advice

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded. Poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.

The operator confirms bookings at the time of reservation, and the activity is open to most people. The stated maximum is 25 participants, but I would confirm this in writing if group size is important to you.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. Also bring some money or a card for park admission and optional extras. Most important, read the booking name carefully. One person expected a Tiran Island cruise and only realized later that the reservation was for Ras Mohamed and White Island.

Should you book the Ras Mohamed cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, organized Red Sea day with strong guide support. The coral sites can be beautiful, the boat is comfortable, and the team often does an excellent job helping nervous swimmers. The included lunch, transfers, and drinks make the basic package convenient.

I would not book it blindly. Confirm the equipment option, park fee, group size, likely departure time, White Island conditions, and prices for scuba and photographs. If you accept that White Island may be short or submerged and that reef sites can be crowded, this is a good-value introduction to Sharm El Sheikh’s sea life. If you want long, quiet snorkeling sessions on a small boat, pay more for a private or smaller-group trip instead.

FAQ

How long does the Sharm El Sheikh cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours, including hotel transfers, the boat trip, water stops, lunch, and the return journey.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Sharm El Sheikh are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is the Ras Mohamed entrance fee included?

No. The Ras Mohammed National Park entrance fee is excluded from the tour price. One account reported paying $5, or 250 Egyptian pounds.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Masks, fins, and life jackets are included only if you select the equipment option. A discounted rate is available if you bring your own snorkeling gear.

Can I try scuba on this experience?

Yes. The cruise offers scuba opportunities with instructors, but you should confirm whether the session is included in your chosen package or costs extra.

What food and drinks are provided?

Lunch includes rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish. Mineral water and soft drinks are included, and tea and coffee have also been available onboard.

Is White Island always above water?

No. White Island is a tide-dependent sandbar and may be partly or fully submerged. Reaching it can also require swimming from the boat.

How many people can join the cruise?

The stated maximum is 25 participants. Since one departure reportedly carried more people, confirm the expected group size if this is important to you.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded, while poor weather may result in a new date or a full refund.