Snorkeling Day Trip To White Island And Ras Mohammed By VIP Boat

The best part of this Sharm el Sheikh boat trip is the pair of stops: Ras Mohammed National Park for Red Sea coral and fish, followed by White Island for shallow water, sand, and wide-open sea views. It gives you two different kinds of sea time in one day.

I like the low price of $35 and the fact that hotel pickup, a boat cruise, lunch, and drinks are bundled together. I also like the roomy boat, friendly crew, and one-on-one attention available from the water guides for those who want extra help.

The main catch is that snorkeling equipment is not included, and the 5 EUR national park charge must be paid in cash. Transport can also take longer than expected, while lunch is filling but not always a highlight.

Key points to know before you book

• Ras Mohammed and White Island in one day: You get reef time and a sandy island stop rather than only one snorkeling location.
• About eight hours door to door: Pickup begins around 8:00 am, followed by the port transfer, boat trip, stops, lunch, and return.
• Up to 30 people: The boat may feel spacious, especially when it is not full, but this is not a private cruise.
• Snorkeling gear costs extra: Masks, fins, and other equipment are not included, so confirm the arrangement before leaving the port.
• Bring 5 EUR in cash: This is the separate Ras Mohammed National Park fee, payable on the boat.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect a fresh-cooked or barbecue-style lunch, unlimited soft drinks, hot drinks, and mineral water.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, this is a strong-value day on paper. You are paying for hotel pickup and drop-off, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, the boat cruise, guided snorkeling, lunch, and drinks. A full day on the Red Sea can quickly cost more when each part is sold separately.

The price is especially useful if you want a simple package rather than arranging a taxi to the port, finding a boat, and sorting out lunch yourself. I also like that the tour includes both Ras Mohammed and White Island, since the two stops offer different scenery.

Still, $35 does not cover everything. The 5 EUR park fee is extra, and snorkeling equipment is listed separately. Photos and videos also cost extra if you choose to buy them from the photographer working on the boat. That photographer is not part of Sun Tours Egypt, so ask about prices before agreeing to anything.

The word VIP should be treated sensibly here. The trip allows a maximum of 30 people, which is smaller than some large excursion boats, but it is not a private charter. On a half-full departure, you might have plenty of room for sunbathing and walking around. A full boat will feel more communal.

Getting from your hotel to the Red Sea

Pickup is offered from your hotel, with an advertised start time of around 8:00 am. You will travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the port, where the boat is waiting.

This sounds simple, but transport is one area where timing can be loose. The port transfer has been described as longer than expected, even when there were no serious problems. I would avoid booking anything immediately after the stated eight-hour finish, especially an airport transfer or another fixed-time tour.

The return vehicle is supposed to meet you at the port and take you back to your hotel. Before leaving the boat, make sure you know where your driver is waiting. It is also sensible to check that everyone in your group has a proper seat for the return journey.

Once aboard, the boat provides the more relaxed part of the day. The vessel has been described as large, clean, and comfortable, with room to move and space for sunbathing. That matters on a long outing. You will spend plenty of time sailing between stops, so a decent upper deck and places to sit out of the water make a real difference.

Ras Mohammed National Park: the main underwater stop

Ras Mohammed is the serious snorkeling portion of the trip. The boat takes you into a protected marine area where you can look for coral formations and Red Sea fish, including angelfish and butterflyfish.

The guides lead the water activities and explain where it is safe to swim. That guidance is important because conditions can change, and some areas are not open for independent snorkeling. You should follow the guide’s route, especially if there is current or if you are not a confident swimmer.

The underwater sights can be excellent. The trip is aimed at people who want to see colorful fish and coral without committing to a full scuba course. If conditions are clear and the sea is calm, this stop can be the day’s biggest reward.

There is a practical wrinkle with the gear. The tour does not include snorkeling equipment, and one unhappy customer found the available equipment unsuitable and wished for fins in stronger current. The operator’s response said equipment was available and that the participant had selected only a mask before asking for more items later.

The lesson is clear: do not wait until you are offshore to sort out equipment. Ask at the port exactly what is available, what it costs, and whether you will receive a mask, snorkel, fins, and any other needed items. If you own comfortable gear, bringing it removes one uncertainty.

The water rules also deserve respect. Guides may restrict access to certain areas for safety or because local coast protection rules prohibit swimming there. That can be frustrating if you see a tempting reef nearby, but ignoring instructions is not worth the risk.

White Island: sand, shallow water, and photographs

White Island provides a welcome change from reef viewing. Instead of spending the whole day in the water, you can walk on the sandy shore, enjoy the clear sea, and take in the surrounding views.

The island is known for its striking beach appearance. From the boat, seeing people walking across the pale sand with blue water around them is part of the appeal. It is also a good place to slow down after the first snorkeling stop.

I would keep expectations realistic. White Island is not a large cultural attraction with buildings, shops, or a long list of things to do. Its appeal is simple: sand, sea, open views, and a short break from the boat. If you want dramatic scenery and an easy place to take photographs, it fits well. If you want a full island excursion, it may feel brief.

The timing of the stop can vary with sea conditions and the day’s schedule. Wear footwear that can handle a wet boat deck and sandy shore, and protect your phone if you plan to carry it ashore. The tour includes a photographer, but photos and videos are not part of the basic price.

Lunch, drinks, and the pace of the day

Lunch is served aboard the boat after the first snorkeling and island portion. The description presents it as a fresh-cooked barbecue-style meal, with seasonal fruit afterward. Unlimited soft drinks, hot drinks, and mineral water are included throughout the day.

The food seems best viewed as practical fuel rather than a reason to book the tour. Some people find it good and plentiful. Others think the meal could be improved or describe it as merely regular. That is a fair expectation for a budget boat excursion.

Drinks are available all day, but one comment raised a simple cleanliness concern about where beverages were placed. Keep your own water bottle and personal items away from busy serving areas, and use care on wet decks. It is a small point, but comfort often depends on these small habits.

The schedule has a pleasant rhythm: travel, water time, a beach stop, lunch, and another chance to see the underwater scenery before sailing back. The crew may also create a lively atmosphere with music or dancing. If you want a quiet nature trip, the social mood may be more than you expected. If you enjoy a cheerful boat day, it can add to the fun.

The crew and water guides

Crew service is one of the strongest parts of this outing. The staff are described as friendly, attentive, funny, and helpful, with particular praise for the professional guides in the water.

That support is valuable for beginners. The guides can help you get comfortable, stay with you during the activity, and explain the safe areas. Some people also book an optional introductory scuba session on the boat, but that is not part of the advertised snorkeling price and should be treated as a separate extra.

Do not confuse friendly service with a private guide assigned to your group. The boat carries up to 30 people, and attention will be shared. Still, the one-on-one help described by several participants suggests that beginners may receive more reassurance than they would on an entirely unguided trip.

For the best experience, listen carefully to the safety briefing. Tell the guide if you are nervous, inexperienced, or uncomfortable in current. You will get more useful help if you explain what you need before entering the water.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a budget-friendly full-day boat trip from Sharm el Sheikh and your main interests are coral, fish, swimming, and sea views. It works well for couples, families with older children, and first-time snorkelers who prefer a guide nearby.

It is also a good fit if you want some relaxation built into the day. The boat gives you a place to sit in the sun, enjoy drinks, and watch the coast pass by between stops.

I would be more cautious if snorkeling quality is your only reason for booking. Conditions, currents, equipment, and the exact reef location all affect what you see. Some people have found the underwater portion excellent, while another found the reef area too limited and the equipment poor.

Strong swimmers should still follow the guide’s instructions. Non-swimmers and people with serious mobility or medical concerns should ask the operator for more details before booking, since the information provided only says that most people can participate.

What to pack for a better day

Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light cover-up for the ride back. The sun can feel strong on an open boat, even when the breeze makes the air seem mild.

Pack cash for the 5 EUR park fee. Keep a little extra if you might buy photos or pay for optional activities. Euros are specifically mentioned for optional scuba, but the available information does not give a full list of accepted currencies for every purchase.

If you have your own snorkeling mask and fins, bring them. Otherwise, confirm the rental situation before boarding. A waterproof phone pouch is useful for White Island and the boat, though no personal electronic equipment is supplied.

Booking, cancellation, and final value

This activity is normally booked about 24 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible during busy periods. Confirmation is provided when you book, and mobile tickets are accepted.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Sharm el Sheikh time.

At $35, I see this as a good-value introduction to Sharm el Sheikh’s Red Sea coast. The strongest reasons to book are the two-stop route, comfortable boat, helpful crew, included meal and drinks, and the chance to see protected reef areas without arranging separate transport.

The main reasons to hesitate are equally clear: gear is extra, the park fee is extra, transport may run slowly, lunch is not universally praised, and the quality of the snorkeling depends on conditions and equipment. I would book it if you want an affordable, sociable boat day and are prepared to confirm the gear. I would choose a more specialized snorkeling trip if you need premium equipment, smaller numbers, or guaranteed access to a particular reef.

FAQ

How long does the White Island and Ras Mohammed boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours, including hotel pickup, the port transfer, boat travel, snorkeling stops, lunch, and the return journey.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 am. Pickup timing can depend on your hotel and transfer arrangements.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are included.

Is the Ras Mohammed entrance fee included?

No. The national park fee is 5 EUR per person and must be paid in cash on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included. Confirm rental availability and pricing before leaving the port.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is served onboard, described as a fresh-cooked or barbecue-style meal with seasonal fruit. Unlimited soft drinks, hot drinks, and mineral water are included.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 30 people. It is not a private boat charter.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photos and videos are not included. A photographer works on the boat but is not employed by the tour company.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.