From Sharm: Ras Muhammed & White Island By Boat & intro Dive

Ras Muhammad’s clear Red Sea water is the star here. You’ll reach reef sites by yacht, swim among coral and fish, and visit the pale sands of White Island. I like the calm one-to-one support for first-time scuba guests, especially from instructors such as Mohamed and Arabi. The boat also serves lunch, water, and soft drinks, so you can spend the day focused on the sea rather than carrying food around.

The price is strong at $43 per person, considering hotel pickup, a yacht trip, three swim stops, lunch, and an introductory scuba session. The main catch is the fine print: snorkeling equipment is listed as extra, and underwater photos, longer scuba sessions, and additional sessions cost more. The day can also be long, with early pickup and a return around evening.

Key points at a glance

• A beginner-friendly scuba session: Expect about 10 to 15 minutes underwater with an instructor beside you.
• Three water stops: The exact order depends on wind and weather, but Ras Muhammad and White Island are the main attractions.
• White Island by boat: Lunch is served at this stop, with time to swim and enjoy the pale sand and shallow water.
• Personal support in the water: Guides such as Abanoub, Emad, Ziad, Arabi, and Mohamed are named often in guest feedback.
• Extras need planning: Snorkeling gear, underwater photographs, and longer scuba time may not be included in the $43 price.
• A full day on the water: Pickup may be around 7:30 am, with return close to 7 pm depending on the hotel and sea conditions.

What the $43 Ras Muhammad trip actually gives you

This is a value-focused boat day from Sharm El Sheikh to the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. For $43, you get hotel transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle to the port, a yacht outing, three swim stops, a buffet lunch, soft drinks, mineral water, and diving gear for the included scuba session.

The package is aimed at mixed groups. You can snorkel, swim, relax on deck, or try scuba for the first time. You do not need to be a certified diver for the introductory session, but you should be comfortable following the instructor’s directions in the water.

The strongest value comes if you want several activities in one day. A dedicated boat trip, a national park visit, lunch, and a beginner scuba experience would often cost more when booked separately. If you only want a short swim and a quiet boat ride, this may feel like a long commitment.

There is one important equipment point to check before booking. The inclusions list says diving gear is provided, while snorkeling equipment is listed as not included. Several guests paid about 200 Egyptian pounds per person to rent a mask and snorkel. Confirm the current arrangement when you book, especially if you already own suitable equipment.

Pickup from your hotel and the morning at Sharm’s port

Your exact pickup time depends on your hotel. The operator confirms it the day before and asks for your room number to prevent confusion between passengers with similar names. Pickup is from the main gate or outside the hotel, not the reception entrance.

Allow for a delay of up to 10 minutes. One reported schedule began with a 7:30 am hotel pickup, although timings vary by location. Bring a copy of your passport on your phone, since it may be needed to board the yacht.

At the port, you collect or arrange your water equipment and learn which yacht you are joining. The boat usually leaves between 9 and 9:30 am, subject to approval from the Army. That wording matters: the departure is not entirely controlled by the tour company, so do not plan a tight afternoon appointment.

The journey to the first site can take time. One account described roughly 90 minutes on the boat before reaching the first swim area. You may enjoy the ride, but bring a light layer because wind can make the open deck cool, even on a sunny day.

Ras Muhammad’s reef stops and clear Red Sea water

The main appeal is below the surface. Ras Muhammad is known for clear water, coral formations, and many fish species. At the first site, you may have up to two hours in the area, though the timing and stop order can change with weather and wind direction.

Snorkelers are expected to stay with the snorkeling guide in the water. This is good practice at a reef site, where currents, boat traffic, and distance from the yacht can make wandering off a poor idea. You can also choose to remain on the boat if you prefer a quieter break.

The water activities are the heart of the day. You may see schools of fish and colorful coral, and some people also spot dolphins from the boat on the return journey. Dolphin sightings are not promised, so treat them as a lucky extra rather than part of the booking.

The second location can be only a short boat ride from the first. One schedule allowed about 30 minutes there before lunch and the White Island stop. This gives you a useful mix: a longer first swim followed by a shorter chance to see another section of reef.

The guides receive especially strong praise for keeping an eye on people in the water. Abanoub is repeatedly singled out for being attentive and friendly, while Ziad is noted for guiding snorkelers. Emad is also praised for explaining the day and answering questions. The names may change with the boat assignment, but the pattern is clear: expect an active crew presence rather than being left to manage everything alone.

The included introductory scuba session

The standard introductory session lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Before entering the water, an instructor explains the equipment, safety rules, and basic signals. First-time guests are paired with an experienced instructor in the water, according to the information provided for this trip.

That support is particularly useful if you feel nervous. Several people arrived unsure about breathing underwater or managing the equipment, then found the instructors patient and reassuring. Mohamed, Mohamed Arabi, and Arabi are among the instructors praised for clear explanations and calm support.

You are not required to scuba if you would rather snorkel. The snorkeling and scuba activities run as separate choices, so a non-diver can still enjoy the reef stops and the boat day.

The included session is short. That is enough to give you a taste of underwater breathing and reef viewing, but it may feel brief once you become comfortable. Longer 20 or 30-minute sessions and extra scuba sessions are offered for an additional charge. Some people consider the extra time worthwhile because the first few minutes are spent getting used to the equipment.

Ask for the full price before agreeing to extra time. Different comments mention different amounts, including an additional $20 and higher total spending for several extras. The exact price can vary, so do not assume the amount you hear from another passenger is current.

White Island, lunch, and time to slow down

White Island is the most unusual stop on the route. It is a low, pale sandbank surrounded by clear water, and reaching it usually involves swimming from the boat. The stop is brief for some schedules, around 20 minutes, so keep an eye on the guide and return time.

The island is best viewed as a scenic pause, not a full beach afternoon. Its beauty comes from the contrast between white sand and open Red Sea water. Bring a phone in a waterproof case if you want your own pictures, since the professional photographer’s package costs extra.

Lunch is served as a buffet on the boat around the White Island stop. The meal commonly includes meat, salads, pasta, potatoes, rice, and other simple side dishes. Most people find there is enough food to have seconds, and some describe the meal as better than expected.

Do not expect a restaurant menu or a large barbecue spread. One person found the food adequate but suggested a more varied barbecue. If you have dietary needs, ask the operator in advance, since the available information does not give a full list of alternatives.

Water and soft drinks are available throughout the trip. That is a practical benefit on a hot day, especially after swimming. Still, bring sun protection. Strong sunscreen, a hat, and a cover-up are sensible choices, and reapply after every swim.

Photos and extra charges on the boat

A photographer may take underwater and surface photographs during the scuba session and at White Island. This can be a good way to record your first underwater experience, but the cost is not included.

The quoted prices in guest accounts are high enough to deserve attention. One person reported paying about £45 for 15 to 20 photographs and two videos. Others found the photo packages reasonable, so the value depends on how much you care about having professional images and what package is offered that day.

Longer scuba sessions are also optional extras. The staff are described as offering them without pressure, but you should still decide your budget before boarding. If you want only the included experience, say so clearly and you can continue with snorkeling and swimming.

The listed $43 price should therefore be viewed as the base cost. It is still good value if you use the included activities, but the final amount can rise quickly if you add rental equipment, photos, and extra underwater time.

How long the day feels in practice

This is not a quick half-day outing. Pickup can begin around 7:30 am, the yacht may leave after 9 am, and return to your hotel can be near 7 pm. The trip includes long periods on the boat, which some people enjoy and others find tiring.

Plan your energy. You may spend hours in the sun, swim at several stops, eat on board, and wait while other people complete their activities. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, pack a towel, and carry a warmer layer for the windy ride home.

The schedule changes with conditions. Guides may make two or three stops, and the order can change according to wind direction and weather. That flexibility helps the crew choose safer water, but it means the exact timetable is not fixed.

The boat atmosphere is active and social. You will share the yacht with other people, hear instructions in several languages, and wait your turn for some water activities. English, Italian, Russian, and Arabic are listed as available languages.

Who will get the most from this boat day

I would recommend this trip to you if you want to combine reef snorkeling, a first scuba experience, White Island, and lunch without arranging each part separately. It suits couples, families with suitable swimmers, and beginners who want an instructor nearby.

It is also a good choice if you are nervous about scuba. The introductory session is short, and the instructors can guide you through the process. You can stop at snorkeling instead if scuba does not feel right.

You may want a different outing if you dislike long boat journeys, prefer a quiet private trip, or want a full scuba course rather than an introduction. Certified scuba enthusiasts may find the included underwater time too short, although extra sessions are available.

This is also not the best match if you expect every piece of equipment and every photograph to be included. Check the snorkeling rental arrangement and photo prices before you leave the hotel.

Should you book the Ras Muhammad and White Island trip?

At $43, I think this is a strong choice for an active day from Sharm El Sheikh. The reef stops, supportive instructors, White Island, lunch, drinks, and hotel transfers give you plenty for the price.

Book it if you want a first taste of scuba and are happy spending most of a day on a shared yacht. Bring your own towel and snorkeling gear if you have them, carry a passport copy on your phone, and confirm the pickup time the day before.

Skip it if you want a short outing or dislike optional-cost sales around photographs and extra underwater time. For most people who want to see the Red Sea from above and below, though, this trip offers a useful mix of adventure, guidance, and simple holiday value.

FAQ

What is included in the $43 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, the yacht trip, three swim stops, one introductory scuba session, a professional snorkeling guide, buffet lunch, soft drinks, mineral water, and diving gear.

How long is the introductory scuba session?

The included session lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Longer 20 or 30-minute sessions may be available for an added charge.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The information provided lists snorkeling equipment as not included. Some people rented it for about 200 Egyptian pounds per person, so confirm the current charge before the trip.

How many water stops are there?

The trip generally includes three swim stops. The exact number and order can change with weather and wind direction.

Is White Island included?

Yes. White Island is one of the planned stops, with lunch served on the boat in that area. The time on the island can be brief, and swimming to it may be part of the visit.

Are underwater photographs included?

No. Underwater photographs and videos are extra. A reported package cost about £45 for 15 to 20 photos and two videos, but confirm the current price on the boat.

Where will hotel pickup take place?

Pickup takes place outside the hotel, at the main gate rather than the reception entrance. The operator confirms the time and asks for your room number the day before.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, strong sunscreen, a copy of your passport on your phone, and a light layer for the windy boat ride. If you have your own snorkeling equipment, bring it because rental arrangements may cost extra.