White Island & Ras Mohamed Boat Trip & Diving , lunch from Sharm

Ras Mohammed and White Island make a strong one-day pairing: one stop gives you access to some of the Red Sea’s best-known coral sites, while the other offers a bright, open-water swim in a striking setting. I like the long time on the water and the chance to choose between snorkeling and an optional scuba session.

I also like the practical touches: an air-conditioned transfer, buffet lunch, unlimited water and soft drinks, and a boat with a sun deck. The main drawback is timing. The day is advertised at about 10 hours, but one account describes returning as late as 6:30 pm instead of 3 pm, so keep your evening open.

Key points to know before booking

• Ras Mohammed and White Island in one day: You get two very different Red Sea settings rather than a single swim stop.
• A long boat day: The trip begins at 8:00 am and lasts about 10 hours, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Optional first-time scuba: The instructor can work with beginners, and one account specifically praised the patience shown to a nervous new participant.
• Lunch and drinks are covered: An open buffet, unlimited water, and soft drinks help keep the day simple.
• Extra charges matter: Ras Mohammed entry costs EUR 10 per person, and each rented snorkeling item costs EUR 5.
• Small enough to feel manageable: The group limit is 30 people, though the boat may still feel lively at busy times.

Two Red Sea highlights in one long day

This excursion is aimed at people who want to see the underwater side of Sharm el Sheikh without arranging a separate snorkel trip, park visit, and boat transfer. It combines transport, a full boat outing, food, guides, and several water stops in one booking.

The setting is the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula, where Ras Mohammed National Park protects a celebrated stretch of Red Sea coast. The appeal is simple: clear water, coral formations, and plenty of fish close to shore and around the boat stops. You are not just looking at the sea from a deck. Much of the day is built around getting into it.

The trip also includes White Island, a low, pale island or sandbar area reached by boat. Conditions can change its exact appearance, but the attraction is the contrast with the coral sites. Here, the open water and bright surroundings make a good place to swim, float, and take photographs.

I like this format because it gives you variety without making you change operators or organize another transfer. You get a full day on the Red Sea, not a short add-on squeezed between hotel activities.

The 8:00 am pickup and boat transfer

Pickup is offered from most hotels, but the stated meeting point is the main road entrance rather than necessarily your hotel lobby. Check the exact meeting instructions before the morning of the trip. An air-conditioned vehicle takes you toward the boat, which is a welcome start in Sharm’s heat.

The transfer is one of the less glamorous parts of the day, but it matters. A reliable vehicle means you do not have to arrange a taxi to the marina, and several accounts describe the shuttle as comfortable and punctual. One account specifically praised being collected on time and returned safely.

The start time is 8:00 am. That is early enough to make the most of the water, but it also means you should have breakfast before pickup or confirm what your hotel can provide. Lunch comes later on the boat, so do not count on it to cover the first part of the morning.

Bring your original passport and two photocopies. This is an easy detail to miss, and the instructions make it clear that the documents are required. Keep them dry and secure during the boat ride.

Ras Mohammed: the main reason to go

Ras Mohammed is the heart of the outing. The park sits at the southern tip of Sinai and is known for its coral reefs and marine life. The boat takes you to selected water sites, where you can swim and snorkel over coral and among tropical fish.

The water clarity is the major reward. On a good day, you can look down from the surface and see coral shapes and fish below without needing specialist skills. You may also encounter sea turtles or dolphins, but these are possibilities rather than promised sightings. It is best to enjoy the reef itself and treat larger animals as luck.

The snorkeling time appears to be generous. Several accounts describe the trip as nearly 10 hours, with plenty of time in the water and several attractive stops. That makes a real difference compared with short boat rides where you spend more time getting ready than swimming.

The park entry fee is not included. Budget EUR 10 per person for admission. This is an important part of the real price, especially if you are comparing this excursion with other Sharm boat trips.

You also need to check what equipment you have. A mask, fins, or life jacket costs EUR 5 per piece if rented. The wording suggests individual items are charged separately, so ask the crew about the full equipment cost before taking gear. If you already have a comfortable mask and fins, bringing them may be worthwhile.

White Island and the open-water pause

After Ras Mohammed, the boat heads to White Island. This stop changes the pace. The reefs are the focus at Ras Mohammed, while White Island is more about the setting, swimming, and the feeling of being surrounded by open sea.

The island is a memorable photo stop, but you should keep expectations practical. It is not a developed attraction with facilities, shops, or a long walking route. Think of it as a natural stop reached by boat, where water conditions determine how much time you spend in the area.

For swimmers, this can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. For less confident swimmers, ask about the life jacket before entering the water. The trip includes a life jacket option for an extra equipment charge, and using one can make the stop much more relaxed.

The exact order and length of the stops can vary with weather, sea conditions, and the boat’s schedule. That flexibility is normal on a Red Sea trip, but it is another reason not to arrange a tight evening plan afterward.

Snorkeling, swimming, and the optional scuba session

Snorkeling is included in the core trip. You can stay at the surface and inspect the reef at your own pace, or simply swim in the clear water if you are more interested in the scenery than identifying fish.

The optional scuba activity is for people who want a closer look below the surface. It is not included in every booking, so select the appropriate option when you reserve. First-time participants can take part, and the instructor is described as patient and helpful, including with someone who needed time to settle down in the water.

That is useful context if you have never tried scuba before. You should still tell the instructor clearly about your experience and comfort level. Do not feel pressured to continue if you are uneasy. A good first session should feel controlled, calm, and properly explained.

The underwater sites are praised for their coral color and fish life. If you choose the scuba option, confirm what is included in the price and what may cost extra. Underwater photographs and videos are available, but the price of scuba videos has been criticized as high. Decide in advance if you want media, and ask for the cost before agreeing.

The trip also appears to use photographers on some departures. That can be convenient if you want underwater pictures, but it is not the same as having photography included. Treat it as an optional purchase.

Lunch on board and time between swims

An open buffet lunch is included, along with unlimited water and soft drinks. That is a useful feature on a full-day boat outing, since you do not have to pack a complete meal or return to shore at midday.

The food is described positively, and one account specifically praised the taste. Still, buffet meals on boats are best viewed as practical fuel rather than a restaurant visit. Eat a sensible breakfast, bring any snacks you personally need, and drink water through the day.

Between water stops, the boat gives you time to rest. The sun deck is a good place to sit during the cruise, but sun exposure builds quickly on open water. Bring sun protection, a hat, and a cover-up. These are general day-at-sea essentials, not luxury extras.

Boat comfort seems to be one of the stronger parts of the outing. It has been described as clean, well equipped, and uncrowded on some departures. The maximum group size is 30, which is more manageable than a very large public boat, although the actual feel depends on the number booked and the boat used that day.

Crew support and the people who make a difference

The crew’s friendliness is a recurring strength of this outing. Several named staff members receive positive attention, including Ziad, Taher, Saiko, and the captain. Taher is singled out for making a particularly strong impression, while Saiko and the captain are described as modest and helpful.

The guide team is also reported to speak multiple languages, including Italian. That can make instructions easier to follow, especially before snorkeling or the optional scuba session.

Good staff support matters more here than on a sightseeing bus. You need clear directions when entering the water, help with equipment, and someone willing to slow down for a nervous beginner. The strongest accounts describe staff who are attentive and reassuring.

There is one important counterpoint. A complaint describes a significant delay and rude staff, with the return much later than expected. I would not ignore that. Most of the available feedback is very favorable, with a published rating of 4.9 out of 5 and a 100 percent recommendation, but boat operations can still run behind schedule. Ask about the expected return time and keep your plans flexible.

Is $17.42 a good value?

At $17.42 per person, the advertised price is unusually low for a 10-hour boat trip with transport, lunch, drinks, and two major Red Sea stops. On paper, it is excellent value.

The real cost is higher once you add the EUR 10 Ras Mohammed entrance fee. Equipment can add another EUR 5 for each rented item, and the optional scuba session costs extra if selected. Photography and video may also be sold separately.

Even with those additions, the package can make financial sense if you want a full day at sea. Transport, a boat, lunch, soft drinks, and guide assistance would cost more if arranged separately. The value is strongest for someone who wants several hours of snorkeling rather than a quick scenic cruise.

Before booking, ask for a clear breakdown of:

• Park admission
• Snorkeling equipment
• Optional scuba
• Underwater photographs or video
• Any hotel pickup conditions

That small check prevents a low headline price from becoming a surprise at the marina.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to snorkelers who want a full day on the water, first-time scuba participants who prefer an instructor-led introduction, and couples or families looking for a simple all-in-one outing from Sharm.

It also suits people who value convenience. The air-conditioned transfer, boat lunch, drinks, and guide assistance remove much of the planning work. A group limit of 30 keeps the outing from becoming a massive excursion, at least in principle.

You may want a different option if you dislike long boat days, need a guaranteed afternoon return, or want a quiet private trip. Ten hours is a substantial commitment. The sea can also be tiring, and the sun deck is not the place to hide from the heat.

This is not a land-based visit to Ras Mohammed. The focus is the water, the reefs, and the boat ride. If you want hiking, geology, or a detailed national park tour on foot, this is not the right format.

Practical details that can save you trouble

The booking confirmation is issued at the time of reservation, and the activity accepts most participants. The stated maximum is 30 people. Pickup is available, but most hotel collections take place at the main road entrance.

The trip requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, so check the local cutoff time carefully.

Pack lightly but sensibly:

• Original passport and two photocopies
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection and a cover-up
• Cash or payment method for park and equipment charges
• Any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer to use

Do not assume the listed price covers every item you need. The park fee and equipment charges are clearly separate, and scuba media may cost more than expected.

Should you book the Ras Mohammed and White Island trip?

Book it if you want strong Red Sea snorkeling, a long boat day, and simple logistics at a low starting price. The combination of Ras Mohammed, White Island, lunch, drinks, and optional scuba gives you a lot for one day, and the staff support appears to be a genuine strength.

I would book with two conditions: confirm the extra fees and leave your evening free. If you can accept a flexible return time and the possibility of a busy group boat, this is a practical way to see Sharm’s best-known marine areas without complicated planning.

FAQ

What time does the trip start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the excursion last?

The planned duration is approximately 10 hours. The actual return can be later, so keep evening plans flexible.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered using an air-conditioned vehicle. For most hotels, the pickup point is the main road entrance.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An open buffet lunch, unlimited water, and soft drinks are included.

Are the Ras Mohammed entrance fee and snorkeling equipment included?

No. The park entrance fee is EUR 10 per person. Each rented snorkeling item, such as fins, a mask, or a life jacket, costs EUR 5.

Can a beginner try the scuba activity?

Yes. An optional scuba session is available, and most people can participate. The activity description and feedback specifically indicate that beginners can receive patient instruction.