Sharm El-Sheikh: Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkeling Trip

The best part of this trip is the mix of Ras Mohammed’s coral reefs and White Island, a bright sandbar where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet. You get two water stops, time to swim, and a relaxed boat ride instead of spending the whole day on land.

I like the simple hotel pickup and the helpful crew, especially for first-time snorkelers or anyone trying scuba for the first time. I also like the value: at about $25 per person, the package includes transport, lunch, drinks, park access in the applicable option, and the boat trip.

The main drawback is the long day. You can be away from your hotel for roughly 11 hours, with about eight hours at sea, and White Island may be crowded. If you get seasick, take suitable motion-sickness medicine before leaving.

Key points at a glance

• Two reef stops: You get separate chances to snorkel, with crew members helping you enter the water and stay with your group.
• White Island visit: Swim a short distance from the boat to a gleaming sandbar where two gulfs meet.
• Lunch on deck: The buffet includes chicken, rice, pasta, salads, fruit, and hot and cold drinks.
• Optional scuba: First-timers can arrange an introductory scuba experience with an instructor and equipment for an extra charge.
• Hotel-to-hotel service: Air-conditioned transport takes you from outside your hotel to the marina and back.
• A full sea day: Expect an early start, a long return, and plenty of time to relax on the boat between stops.

Why this Ras Mohammed day is worth your time

Ras Mohammed is the reason to choose this outing over a basic boat cruise. At the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula, the national park protects some of the Red Sea’s best-known underwater scenery. The real attraction is below the surface: coral formations, small tropical fish, and clear water that can make even a short swim feel like a proper wildlife encounter.

You do not need to be an experienced swimmer to enjoy the day. Life jackets are supplied, a snorkeling instructor is on hand, and the crew helps people who feel nervous. That support matters. Several people used the trip for a first scuba experience, and instructors such as Mustafa, Ahmed, Mohammed, and Bishoy were repeatedly praised for keeping beginners calm and safe.

The experience is also easy to fit into a Sharm El Sheikh holiday. Pickup and drop-off are included, and the boat provides toilets, showers, mineral water, soft drinks, and hot drinks. You can spend the day in the water, on the sundeck, or somewhere in between.

The morning pickup and boat transfer

Your day begins with pickup outside your hotel. The exact time depends on where you are staying, and the supplier sends the final time by email the day before. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, so do not plan a tight appointment immediately after pickup.

Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle to the marina. The condition of the minibus can vary. Some people had a comfortable ride, while one account described an older, crowded vehicle. That is worth keeping in mind if you are comparing this with a private transfer.

At the marina, you board the yacht and receive instructions about the day. The boats used for this trip have been described as clean and spacious, though not especially fast. That slower pace is part of the bargain: you spend more time at sea, but you also get open views, fresh air, and a chance to settle into the day.

Bring your passport copy, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. The passport copy is required, and you should keep your valuables limited. A dry bag is useful, though it is not listed as an included item.

White Island and the meeting of two gulfs

White Island is usually one of the most memorable stops because it feels different from the reef sites. The boat anchors near a white sandbar, and you swim a few meters to shore with crew members nearby. The water around it is clear, and the low strip of sand gives you a striking view back toward the boat and the surrounding sea.

The island is small. You are not visiting a large beach with shade, shops, or facilities. Its appeal comes from the unusual setting and the contrast between white sand and clear water. It is a good place for photographs, but bring patience. Several boats use the same area, so the sandbar can feel crowded.

The stop may come after lunch, though the exact order can vary with the day’s operation. Wear footwear you can manage in the water if you are sensitive to rough ground, but do not assume there will be a long walk or a developed beach. This is a short natural stop, not a resort island.

Two snorkeling stops at Ras Mohammed

The two reef stops form the heart of the trip. At each one, you have time in the water with masks, fins, and life jackets if included in your selected package. Check the booking option carefully, since snorkeling gear may be listed as an add-on rather than part of the basic fare.

The crew organizes the activity by groups, helping you get ready and guiding you toward the reef. This is particularly useful if you are new to snorkeling or unsure in open water. You can also stay on the boat if conditions do not suit you. One mother chose to remain aboard during a windy stop because she felt uncomfortable, even though the water itself looked calm.

The underwater scenery can be excellent, but conditions are not identical every day. Some people saw colorful fish and impressive coral, while one person felt the reefs were less striking than the reef near their hotel. That is a fair warning. You are visiting a protected marine area, not entering a guaranteed aquarium.

The boat’s schedule also means many vessels may use the same sites. You may share the water with other groups, especially at popular stops. Still, the chance to see the reefs from the water, with equipment and assistance supplied, makes this a strong choice for a first Red Sea snorkeling day.

If you want to try scuba, ask about the optional package before or during the booking process. Introductory scuba sessions were available with an instructor, equipment, weights, belts, and 12-liter tanks. One person with a back injury was still able to take part after equipment was fitted in the water. That kind of individual help is valuable, but you should always explain medical concerns before entering the water.

Lunch, drinks, and time on deck

The onboard barbecue lunch gives the day a useful break. Expect chicken, rice, pasta, salads, fruit, and other simple buffet dishes. Orange salad received a special mention, and the food was generally considered filling and well timed between water activities.

There are hot drinks, mineral water, and soft drinks, including cola and Fanta. The package says drinks are unlimited, but supplies may be shared from large bottles, and one person felt that the boat ran short. I would bring a small personal bottle if you prefer to drink often, while remembering that the listed package already includes water and soft drinks.

The boat has a sundeck where you can stretch out between stops. This is important because not everyone wants to snorkel all day. You can simply enjoy the breeze, watch the coast, and talk with the crew. If you eat upstairs, wind can make lunch less comfortable, so use the main serving area if the weather turns breezy.

There were no regular snacks available to buy, according to one account. Eat a good breakfast before pickup, especially if you know you will want food between lunch and the afternoon return.

The crew and safety arrangements

Crew service is one of the strongest parts of this trip. Guides including Bishoy, Ahmed, Shazly, Abanob, and Taimour were singled out for clear explanations, patience, and friendly help. Names can vary by departure, but you should expect an English-speaking team, with Italian, Russian, and Arabic also available.

The instructors are especially useful for nervous beginners. One first-time scuba participant panicked after taking on water, and the instructor reacted quickly and helped them regain confidence. That does not remove the normal risks of open-water activities, but it shows why staying with your assigned group and following instructions matters.

Life jackets are available, and the boat has two bathrooms and shower facilities. Keep in mind that the sea can still affect you even on a well-run boat. Seasickness was the biggest practical problem mentioned, so take your usual remedy before departure if you are prone to it. Sit where you feel most stable, avoid arriving on an empty stomach, and spend time on deck rather than below if you begin to feel unwell.

Photographs may be offered during the trip for an extra charge. Some people found the photography helpful, while others considered it expensive. Decide in advance how much you want to spend so you can enjoy the day without pressure.

How the $25 price compares

At around $25 per person, this is unusually good value if you want a full day on the Red Sea without arranging each part separately. The price covers hotel pickup and return, air-conditioned transport, the yacht, two snorkeling stops, White Island, lunch, drinks, and crew support. The Ras Mohammed entry fee is listed as €5 when the applicable option is selected, so check exactly which booking version you are choosing.

Scuba costs extra. One person reported paying around £90 for an hour of scuba at two sites with equipment and one-to-one guidance. Prices can change, so treat that figure as a useful example rather than a fixed rate.

The low base price also explains some limits. The boat may not be the fastest, the minibus may be basic, the main sites can be shared with other boats, and snacks are not a major feature. If you want a private yacht, quiet anchorages, or a small custom group, this is not the right product.

For a family, couple, or mixed group where some people snorkel and others prefer to rest, the value is stronger. The day gives everyone something to do without requiring a separate land excursion.

Timing, comfort, and who should book

Plan for an early morning pickup, a full day out, and a return around late afternoon or early evening. One schedule ran from about 7:30 in the morning until 6:30 in the evening. That includes hotel transport, so the time on the boat itself can still be close to eight hours.

You should book this if you want a straightforward introduction to Ras Mohammed, especially if you are staying in Sharm El Sheikh and do not want to organize transport, boat tickets, food, and equipment on your own. It suits families, first-time snorkelers, couples, and people who want the option of trying scuba without committing to a full certification course.

It may not suit you if you dislike long boat rides, get severe seasickness, or prefer peaceful nature sites with very few other boats. White Island is beautiful but small, and Ras Mohammed can be busy at popular stops. The day is about access and value, not solitude.

Booking is flexible, with payment later and full cancellation available up to 24 hours before departure. Confirm your pickup time the day before, and check whether masks and fins are included or need to be added.

Should you book this Ras Mohammed trip?

I would book it for the combination of price, access, and helpful instruction. The two reef stops give you a real chance to see Red Sea marine life, while White Island adds a memorable geographical stop and good photo opportunities. Lunch, drinks, transport, and the return transfer make the day simple to manage.

Choose it with realistic expectations. You may share the reefs with other boats, the sea may be rough, and the boat ride is long. If you accept those trade-offs, this FTS Travels excursion gives you a strong, low-cost day on the water, with enough support for beginners and enough free time for experienced swimmers to enjoy themselves.

FAQ

What is included in the Ras Mohammed and White Island trip?

The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a yacht tour, two snorkeling stops, one White Island stop, life jackets, a snorkeling instructor, buffet lunch, hot and cold drinks, soft drinks, mineral water, and boat bathroom and shower facilities.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $25 per person. The Ras Mohammed National Park entry fee is listed as €5 when option 2 is selected, so check the exact option and inclusions before booking.

Are snorkeling masks and fins included?

Snorkeling gear is listed as included when the add-on option is selected. Check your chosen package to confirm whether masks and fins are part of the price.

Can I try scuba on this trip?

Yes. Scuba is available as an extra option with an instructor, equipment, weights, belts, and 12-liter tanks. The scuba experience is suitable for people trying it for the first time, subject to the operator’s instructions and requirements.

How long does the excursion last?

It is an all-day excursion. The time away from your hotel can be about 11 hours, with roughly eight hours at sea, depending on your pickup location and the day’s schedule.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a copy of your passport. If you are prone to seasickness, bring your usual suitable medicine.

What languages are available?

The listed languages are English, Italian, Russian, and Arabic.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund. The reserve-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.