Sharm el-Sheikh: Ras Mohammed Elite VIP Cruise and BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Ras Mohammed cruise is the combination of serious snorkeling time and a comfortable boat. You get three sea stops, a low rear platform for entering the water, guides nearby, and plenty of room to dry off on the sun deck or sit in an air-conditioned salon.

I like the comfortable loungers and the attentive drink service, which make the long ride easier. I also like the food: freshly cooked shrimp, fish, chicken, Egyptian kofta, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, and fruit. The main drawback is that the VIP label does not cover every extra. Marina entry costs 5 euros, and snorkeling equipment may cost more if you do not bring or select it in advance.

Key points to know before booking

• Three sea stops: Expect guided snorkeling in Ras Mohammed National Park, plus a visit to White Island.
• Four-floor boat: The upper deck has cushioned loungers, while the lower decks provide shade and indoor air conditioning.
• Strong water support: Guides such as Ahmed, Mohammed, Umar, and Islam have been praised for staying close to nervous swimmers and children.
• Fresh buffet lunch: The meal includes seafood, BBQ chicken, kofta, salads, starches, soup, and seasonal fruit.
• Quiet VIP feel: The boat is designed for space and comfort, with less emphasis on loud music than cheaper cruises.
• Budget for extras: The mandatory marina fee is 5 euros per person. Snorkeling gear may be an add-on.

Why this cruise works better than a basic boat day

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Red Sea. It is priced as a comfort-focused day out, with a large boat, sun loungers, indoor salons, lunch, crew service, and guided water time.

That difference matters if you want more than a quick boat ride and a basic lunch. You can spend the morning moving between open sea and coral sites, then return to a proper seat, a shaded table, or a cushioned lounger. For a seven-hour outing, that extra space is useful.

The boat has four floors and two air-conditioned salons. The upper deck is the place to sunbathe and watch the coast recede. The deck below offers shade and large wooden tables. The salon is where lunch is served, and it gives you a cooler place to sit when the sun becomes too strong.

I would not book this trip purely for the word VIP. The experience depends on the condition of the sea, the exact boat assigned, the transfer, and the guide on your departure. One departure involved confusion before boarding, and some passengers found the return transfer cramped. The boat itself was praised as clean and well maintained, but the land arrangements may feel less polished.

From Sharm El Sheikh to the marina

Hotel pickup is included, and collection usually takes place about one hour before the boat leaves. The stated cruise program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with roughly 25 minutes of road transfer listed between Sharm El Sheikh and the marina.

Your exact pickup time is sent by WhatsApp about 24 hours before departure. Keep your phone available, especially if your hotel is outside the central resort area.

The marina process deserves a little patience. The 5 euro entrance fee is mandatory unless you prepay it through the available add-on. It is not part of the basic $80 price. The boarding area can be confusing, so arrive ready for a bit of waiting and checking before you find the right boat.

This is also where you should confirm your snorkeling equipment. The activity information lists gear as an optional add-on, and one passenger paid $5 for a mask and goggles at the port but found that flippers were not included. If snorkeling is central to your day, bring your own equipment or confirm exactly what your booking includes.

Two and a half hours on the water

The first sailing period is long, listed at about two and a half hours before the main snorkeling stop. That sounds like a lot, but the boat is set up to make the ride part of the day rather than dead time.

Choose your spot early. The top deck loungers are the most popular feature, especially for anyone who wants a quiet place to read, sunbathe, or simply watch the water. The upper deck can be windy on the return, so keep a towel or light cover nearby.

If you prefer shade, the lower deck and air-conditioned salons are better choices. The salon also helps if you are traveling with children, do not want constant sun, or feel tired after swimming.

Waiter service is provided for hot and soft drinks during the day. This is a pleasant touch because you can stay in your seat rather than lining up each time. Still, check what is covered. One passenger felt that only small cups of generic cola and lemonade were included, with other refreshments costing extra. That is an important point for a package marketed as VIP.

Snorkeling at Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed National Park is the main reason to book this trip. The sea stops take you to coral areas where fish and other marine life can be seen just below the surface.

The exact animals cannot be promised. You might see small reef fish, larger fish, turtles, octopus, seahorses, manta rays, or dolphins, but wildlife changes from day to day. The reliable part is the coral and the clear Red Sea water, not a particular animal sighting.

The first snorkeling session is listed at about 45 minutes. That gives you enough time to move around a defined area rather than taking a hurried dip. The water may be cooler in winter, and one January departure found it too cold for comfortable snorkeling. The information states that the sea seldom falls below 20 degrees Celsius even in winter, but your comfort will depend on wind, sun, and how long you stay in the water.

The boat has a low platform at the rear, making entry simpler than climbing down a tall ladder. Life jackets are available, and guides accompany swimmers. This is especially useful if you are not a confident swimmer or have avoided snorkeling because deep water makes you nervous.

Ahmed was praised for staying close, checking on swimmers, and offering reassurance to someone who felt frightened in deep water. Other departures singled out Mohammed, Umar, and a guide named Islam for attentive help. A child was also given close care by the boat’s guide.

That support does not remove the need for sensible judgment. Sea conditions can be choppy, and many swimmers may choose a life jacket even if they normally swim well. Tell the guide about your comfort level before entering the water. You can enjoy the coral without trying to swim farther than feels right.

White Island, the bright pause between swims

White Island is included as a 45-minute visit. It breaks up the snorkeling and gives you a chance to stand on a sandbar, take photographs, and enjoy a different setting from the coral sites.

The stop is short, so do not expect a long walk or a full beach afternoon. Conditions can affect how the stop feels, and the island visit depends on the sea and the boat’s operating plan.

Families may particularly like this part of the trip because it offers a change from swimming. One family found the speedboat tender enjoyable, which suggests that the transfer from the main boat can be part of the fun for children. You should still follow crew instructions carefully during any tender ride.

White Island is best treated as a scenic interlude, not the main attraction. The coral stops provide the more substantial activity.

A seafood-heavy lunch on board

Lunch is served after the water activities and lasts about one hour. The menu includes seafood soup, three fresh salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

This is more substantial than the usual basic sandwich or boxed lunch found on lower-cost boat trips. The meal is prepared on board, and several departures found the food tasty, plentiful, and better than expected. The shrimp, fish, and Egyptian kofta give the meal a local and seafood-focused character.

I would describe it as a good buffet rather than a fine-dining meal. One passenger felt it did not match the VIP label, while others considered it a highlight. Expectations matter here. You are paying for a full day at sea with a broad buffet, not a restaurant meal with table-side choices.

The one-hour lunch period also gives you a useful rest. After swimming, drying off, and sitting in the sun, you may appreciate the cooler salon more than another hour on a lounger.

The return cruise and the practical comfort test

After lunch, the trip continues with more sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing before returning to Sharm El Sheikh. The total activity lasts seven hours, from about 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The return is where boat comfort really matters. You may be tired, damp, and ready for a quiet seat. The sun deck remains a good choice if the wind is mild, while the shaded deck or salon is more comfortable if the breeze picks up.

One departure found the return ride windy, and another reported a cramped minivan transfer after disembarking. These issues do not change the sea portion, but they are worth keeping in mind if you dislike long transfers after a full day outdoors.

The boat itself received stronger praise than the transport. Clean loungers, comfortable cushions, shaded tables, and a cool salon all help make the return manageable.

Service, guides, and the feel on board

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. You can expect regular offers of drinks and help getting ready for the water. The best guides do more than point toward the coral. They keep an eye on swimmers, help nervous people stay calm, and adjust their support to different abilities.

Ahmed is especially useful if you are uneasy in deep water. He is an experienced diver and has been praised for staying with swimmers. Umar and Mohammed were also recognized for careful service and for helping people discover what is below the surface.

There is some inconsistency. One passenger found the assigned guide distant and uninvolved, even though the boat crew remained helpful. That means I would judge the crew and guide separately. The onboard staff may be attentive even if your particular guide is not especially communicative.

The atmosphere is calmer than on many lower-priced cruises. One departure specifically appreciated the lack of loud music. If you want a party boat, this may feel too quiet. If you want to hear the sea, rest between swims, and enjoy the view, that is a benefit.

What to pack for a better day

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Those are the basics, but a few choices can make the outing easier.

Pack sun protection you can reapply after swimming. Bring a dry layer for the ride back, when wind can make the deck feel cool even in warm weather. If you have a preferred mask, snorkel, or fins, bring them, or confirm the equipment add-on before departure.

Keep valuables to a minimum. You will be moving between decks, lunch, and the water, and the activity information does not describe a dedicated storage system.

If you are worried about swimming, use the available life jacket and speak to the guide before the first stop. The crew has supported nervous swimmers, but you still need to be honest about your ability.

Who should book this Ras Mohammed cruise?

I recommend it most strongly to you if you want a full Red Sea day without giving up comfort. It suits couples, families, older visitors, and mixed-ability groups because you can snorkel, rest, sit in shade, or stay inside for part of the trip.

It is also a good match if you want a quieter boat with proper loungers rather than loud music and constant entertainment. The large boat gives you space to spread out, though individual departures may vary in crowding.

Confident snorkelers will enjoy the three sea stops and the chance to explore at their own pace. Beginners can benefit from the guides and flotation support. You should not book it expecting guaranteed turtles, dolphins, or manta rays, since marine life is unpredictable.

The trip is less suitable if you want a short outing, dislike a long day at sea, or need every drink and piece of equipment included in the advertised price. It is also worth reconsidering if cold water makes winter swimming unpleasant for you.

Is $80 good value?

At $80, the price is reasonable if you use the main inclusions: hotel transport, a full boat day, three sea stops, crew assistance, lunch, and onboard drinks. The spacious boat is the strongest value point. You are not simply paying to reach the reef, you are paying for somewhere comfortable to spend the hours between swims.

The value falls if you add several extras or expect luxury service in every detail. Add the 5 euro marina charge, possible snorkeling equipment costs, and any paid refreshments. Check these items before committing.

For a basic snorkeling trip, a cheaper boat may be enough. For a more relaxed day with sun loungers, air conditioning, a broad buffet, and experienced water support, the higher price makes sense.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if Ras Mohammed snorkeling is a priority, you want room to rest, and you value guides who take water safety seriously. It is especially well suited to families and nervous swimmers, provided you accept that sea conditions and guide quality can vary.

I would book it after confirming three details: the exact pickup arrangement, the marina fee, and what snorkeling equipment is included. With those costs clear, the boat, food, service, and water time offer a solid full-day experience at a fair price.

FAQ

How long does the Ras Mohammed cruise last?

The activity lasts seven hours, with the regular program running from about 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh are included. The pickup usually takes place about one hour before the trip, and the exact time is sent by WhatsApp about 24 hours beforehand.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The program includes three stops at snorkeling sites in Ras Mohammed National Park. The itinerary also includes a visit to White Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is available when selected as an add-on. A passenger also reported paying $5 for a mask and goggles at the port, with no flippers included. Confirm the exact equipment arrangement before departure.

Is there a marina entrance fee?

Yes. The mandatory marina entrance fee is 5 euros per person. You can pay it on arrival or prepay it through the available add-on.

What food is served for lunch?

The buffet includes seafood soup, three types of fresh salad, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Are life jackets available?

Yes. Life jackets are available for swimmers who are less confident or who prefer extra support in the water. Snorkeling guides accompany participants.

Which languages are available?

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