Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed Cruise with Snorkeling & Lunch

Ras Mohamed is the star here: a protected stretch of Red Sea where the boat stops for clear water, coral, and fish before continuing to White Island, a low sandbar reached only when the tide allows. I like the mix of water time and easy boat lounging, plus the chance to add an introductory scuba session without booking a separate trip. The $31 price is strong value, though marina fees, equipment, and hotel transfers can add to the final cost.

I also like the friendly, hands-on crew. Guests have singled out Mido, Omar, Islam, Ali, and Mohammed for patient help in the water, including support for a child trying scuba for the first time. The main caution is that this is a full shared-boat day, and the pickup can begin well before departure, so it is not a quick half-day outing.

Key points at a glance

• Two Ras Mohamed water stops: You get separate chances to snorkel and see marine life rather than rushing through one short swim.
• White Island depends on the tide: The sandbar is a memorable photo stop, but it is not guaranteed in every condition.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, fish, and soft drinks while the boat is underway or anchored.
• Optional introductory scuba sessions: You can add one or two sessions, with a listed underwater activity time of about 35 minutes.
• Pickup is optional: Hotel transport is available with the relevant option, while independent visitors can meet at Watanya Marina.
• A $5 marina fee may apply: Pay it on arrival or add it in advance, depending on your booking choice.

Why Ras Mohamed makes a good boat day

Ras Mohamed National Park sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. From Sharm El Sheikh, the journey gives you a pleasant change from poolside resort time: open sea, warm air, and long views across the Red Sea.

The real reason to go is below the surface. The park is known for clear water and coral reef scenery, and this trip gives you several ways to enjoy it. You can stay in the shallows with a mask and snorkel, spend time swimming, or add a beginner-friendly scuba option.

I would not book this as a sightseeing cruise alone. The views from the boat are pleasant, but the heart of the day is getting into the water. If you are happy swimming and curious about Red Sea marine life, the schedule gives you enough time to make the boat ride worthwhile.

Leaving Sharm El Sheikh Marina

The meeting point is Egypt Sun Marine Fleet at Watanya Marina in Sharm El Sheikh. On arrival, look for an operations team member, usually wearing a yellow shirt, and show your ticket.

If you select hotel pickup, transport takes place in a shared bus. The stated pickup window is roughly one to one and a half hours before the trip, depending on your hotel location. You should receive the exact time through WhatsApp about 24 hours before departure.

That early collection is worth factoring into your day. A hotel near the marina may have a shorter wait than one farther away, and shared transport rarely runs with the precision of a private taxi. If you prefer more control, meeting at the marina yourself avoids the hotel circuit.

There is also a mandatory marina entrance fee of €5 per person unless you have prepaid it through an add-on. Check this carefully before setting out. It is a small charge, but surprise fees are less pleasant when you are standing at the dock with swim gear in hand.

The 2.5-hour cruise to Ras Mohamed

The listed sailing time to Ras Mohamed is about two and a half hours. That sounds long, but it is part of the experience rather than dead time. You can settle into the boat, watch the coast recede, and enjoy the Red Sea from above before putting on your mask.

Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and beachwear. The sun can feel strong on open water, even when the breeze keeps you comfortable. A towel is especially useful after the first swim, when you may want to sit on deck before the next stop.

The boat ride also gives the crew time to explain the day. Snorkeling support is provided by a professional guide, and instruction is available in English, Russian, German, and Kazakh. That language range is useful for mixed groups, though the trip may include people with different swimming abilities and expectations.

The listing does not give a fixed boat size or group limit, so I would not expect a private yacht experience. Think of this as a social day on a shared excursion boat, with a crew managing several activities at once.

First water stop: coral and marine life

The first major stop lasts about an hour and a half for snorkeling and marine life viewing. This is where you should expect the most focused look at Ras Mohamed’s underwater scenery.

You may rent snorkeling equipment if it is not included in your selected option. If you already own a mask and snorkel that fit well, bringing them can make the first few minutes easier, but the available equipment is described as high quality.

A guide accompanies the snorkeling activity. That matters if you are not used to reading the water or spotting fish among the coral. It also gives less confident swimmers someone to follow. Staff members including Mido and Islam have been praised for staying close and helping people feel safe in the sea, while one guest specifically suggested that life jackets would be useful for anyone uneasy in the water.

That is good practical advice. You should be comfortable entering open water, but you do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the stop. Ask about flotation support before entering if you are nervous. Do not treat a national park reef as a swimming pool: listen to the guide, avoid standing on coral, and keep your movements calm.

The water is the main attraction, but conditions can affect visibility and enjoyment. A clear day can reveal a wonderful range of color and fish life. Choppy water, crowded entry points, or less confident swimming can make the same stop feel more demanding.

Optional introductory scuba sessions

The schedule includes about 35 minutes for scuba, with the option to add one or two introductory sessions. This is a useful upgrade if you want more than surface snorkeling but do not have a full scuba plan already arranged.

You should see this as an introduction rather than a complete certification course. The available information does not promise a particular depth, certification, or private instructor ratio. What it does show is that the crew supports first-time participants, and Ali received special thanks for helping a child enjoy a first Red Sea scuba experience.

If you are deciding between snorkeling and the scuba add-on, consider your comfort in the water first. Snorkeling lets you control your pace and stay near the surface. An introductory session asks you to follow instructions closely and may feel more exciting, but also more structured.

Families should check the age and participation requirements directly before booking, since those details are not provided here. The tour is wheelchair accessible according to the activity information, but water-entry arrangements can vary, so anyone needing specific assistance should confirm how the boat handles that need.

White Island and its shallow water

White Island is scheduled for about an hour. It is a sandbar with soft white sand and shallow surrounding water, making it the most relaxed stop on the route.

This is the place for photos, a short walk, and a break from wearing a mask. The contrast between pale sand and bright Red Sea water is the visual payoff. You can snorkel around the island, but the appeal is also simply standing on a small patch of sand surrounded by sea.

There is one important condition: White Island is subject to the tide. If water levels do not allow a safe visit, the stop may change or be skipped. Do not book the trip solely for the sandbar. Book it for Ras Mohamed, with White Island as a special extra when conditions cooperate.

The shallow water can make this stop more comfortable for people who prefer not to swim far from shore, but the boat trip remains the backbone of the day. You still need swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel, and you should be ready for sun exposure with little shade.

Lunch on the boat

Lunch is an open buffet served onboard. The spread includes rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish, with soft drinks available.

That menu gives you familiar choices after a morning in the water. It is not a fine-dining cruise, and you should not expect restaurant-style service. The value is convenience: you do not lose time leaving the boat to find food, and you can eat while enjoying the sea views.

Food quality has been one of the most praised parts of the trip. Guests have called the lunch tasty and decent, and one person who works as a chef gave particular credit to the cook. That is encouraging, especially for a budget boat excursion where meals can sometimes feel like an afterthought.

If you have a serious allergy or dietary restriction, ask the operator in advance. The provided information lists the dishes but does not confirm special diets. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, so bring only what you need for a straightforward day on the water.

The second swim and the ride back

After White Island, the schedule includes another hour of snorkeling in Ras Mohamed. I like this structure because you get a second chance to enter the water after lunch and after the calmer sandbar stop.

The second swim also helps if the first entry felt rushed or if you needed time to adjust to the equipment. You may find different water conditions or notice marine life you missed earlier. As always, the guide’s instructions and the condition of the sea should determine how far you go.

The final sailing period is about 50 minutes before returning to Watanya Marina. The total activity is advertised at roughly 390 minutes to seven hours, although hotel pickup and drop-off add time around the main cruise. It is long enough to feel like a full day without being an overnight-style outing.

Several people have appreciated that the trip does not feel stretched out. That seems fair: the long crossing is balanced by two snorkeling periods, a sandbar visit, lunch, and the option of scuba. Still, if you dislike spending time on a boat between stops, this route may feel slow.

What the $31 price really includes

At $31 per person, this is a good-value introduction to Ras Mohamed. The price covers the boat cruise, national park entry, White Island visit when the tide permits, and open-buffet lunch. You are paying for a full marine day rather than a short transfer to one swimming point.

The value becomes stronger if you want several activities in one booking. A single trip combines sightseeing from the deck, guided snorkeling, two swim stops, lunch, and optional introductory scuba. You do not have to arrange each piece separately.

Pay attention to what is optional. Hotel pickup and drop-off depend on the selected option. Snorkeling gear is included only when selected from the available add-ons, and the marina entrance fee may be prepaid or collected separately. Scuba also requires an upgrade.

In practical terms, compare the final checkout price rather than the headline figure alone. Even with the extra marina fee or equipment cost, the outing can still be good value, but knowing the total helps you compare it fairly with other Sharm El Sheikh boat trips.

The crew and level of support

The crew has received especially strong praise for friendliness, organization, and help in the water. Names that have come up repeatedly include Mido, Omar, Islam, Ali, Mohammed, Nada, and Eslam. Staff roles can change by departure, so treat these as examples rather than a promise of who will be onboard.

The useful point is the style of service: the team appears to be active during water entries, snorkeling, and beginner scuba. That support can make a large difference when you are managing fins, a mask, a boat ladder, and open water all at once.

The trip is also described as safe and professional by people who enjoyed it. That does not remove the need for your own judgment. Tell the guide if you are uncomfortable, use the available safety equipment, and do not enter the water if conditions or your health make it unwise.

Who should book this cruise

This trip suits you if you want a broad Red Sea experience in one day. It is a good match for couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and people who want to try an introductory scuba session without committing to a longer course.

It also works well for visitors staying in Sharm El Sheikh who want a change from resort facilities. The White Island stop adds variety, while lunch and soft drinks keep the day simple.

You may want another option if you want a private boat, a quiet luxury atmosphere, a very small group, or a trip built around advanced scuba. The boat size and group limit are not specified, and the schedule includes a fairly long sailing period.

Booking and packing advice

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Use plenty of sun protection, since you will spend time both in the water and on an exposed deck.

Confirm three details before paying:

• The exact pickup time and whether hotel transport is included
• The €5 marina fee and any snorkeling equipment charge
• Whether White Island is expected to be accessible with the tide

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but confirm any specific water-access needs before departure.

Should you book the Ras Mohamed cruise?

I would book it if your priority is good-value Red Sea time with plenty of variety. The combination of two snorkeling stops, a possible White Island visit, lunch, and optional beginner scuba gives you more than a simple boat ride, while the crew’s hands-on support is a real advantage for first-timers.

I would skip it only if you want a private or highly specialized outing, or if several hours on a shared boat sounds tiring. Check the add-ons, prepare for an early pickup, and keep your plans flexible around the tide. For most Sharm El Sheikh visitors who want to see Ras Mohamed without spending heavily, this is a sensible and enjoyable choice.

FAQ

How long does the Ras Mohamed cruise last?

The activity lasts about 390 minutes to seven hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off can make your total day longer.

Where does the cruise begin?

The meeting point is Egypt Sun Marine Fleet at Watanya Marina in Sharm El Sheikh.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only with the relevant selected option. Pickup is shared, and the exact time depends on your hotel location.

When will I know my pickup time?

You should be contacted through WhatsApp about 24 hours before the trip with the exact pickup time.

Is the marina entrance fee included?

A mandatory marina entrance fee of €5 per person may be paid on arrival or prepaid through an add-on.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is included only if you select it through the available add-ons.

What food is served for lunch?

The onboard buffet includes rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish. Soft drinks are also served.

Can I visit White Island on every trip?

The White Island visit depends on tide conditions, so it is not guaranteed on every departure.

Can I add scuba to the cruise?

You can upgrade the experience with one or two introductory scuba sessions. The scheduled scuba activity lasts about 35 minutes.

What languages are available?

Instruction and tour support are available in English, Russian, German, and Kazakh.