Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed & White Island Cruise with BBQ

Summary

Red Sea boat cruise to Ras Mohamed reefs and White Island sands

You’ll glide across clear Red Sea waters from Sharm El Sheikh to Ras Mohamed’s reefs for guided snorkeling among wild colors, then wade onto White Island’s soft sands before sharing a barbecue lunch onboard with new friends. With hotel pickup and local guides handling every detail, you’ll find yourself lost in the moment—just you and the sea.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat at Sharm El Sheikh marina just as the sun was getting serious about the day — you could already smell the salt in the air, and there was this quiet hum from the crew as they untied ropes. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned and handed out fins. He asked where we were from and somehow remembered everyone’s name by the first snorkeling stop (I still don’t know how he does that). The sea was glassy blue, broken only by our laughter and a couple of shouts when someone spotted their first parrotfish. I kept fogging up my mask because I couldn’t stop smiling.

The first jump into Ras Mohamed’s reefs is sort of a shock — not cold, but like being dropped into another world. Colors everywhere; I remember seeing a clownfish dart between coral that looked almost fake, it was so bright. Ahmed pointed out some spiky thing (lionfish? I nodded like I knew), then showed us how to float without kicking up sand. There was this moment where everything went quiet underwater except for my own breathing — kind of peaceful, kind of weirdly emotional too. On deck later, someone passed around slices of watermelon while we dried off in the sun. My towel smelled like sunscreen and seaweed.

White Island came next — honestly, it’s more sandbar than island, but wow. The sand squeaks under your feet and you can see both sides of the sea at once if you stand just right. A couple of us tried to pronounce its Arabic name (Li laughed when I tried to say it — probably butchered it). Lunch back on board was simple but perfect: grilled fish, chicken, rice, pasta, big bowls of salad. The crew kept pouring cold drinks and joking with us in half-English, half-Arabic. There was something about eating outside with wet hair and salty skin that made everything taste better.

The ride back felt slower — maybe because nobody wanted it to end yet. Some people napped in patches of shade; others watched for dolphins (no luck this time). We got dropped off back at our hotels sunburned and sandy but happy. I still think about that moment underwater when all you hear is your own breath and there’s nothing else on your mind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Red Sea boat tour and snorkeling

• Hotel pick-up to marina
• Board yacht at Sharm El Sheikh Marina
• Snorkel at Ras Mohamed National Park
• Visit White Island for snorkeling and relaxation
• Enjoy barbecue lunch onboard
• Cruise back to marina at sunset

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Ras Mohamed & White Island cruise?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfers are included from Sharm El Sheikh hotels.

What meals are provided during the cruise?

A buffet-style lunch is served onboard with grilled chicken or fish, rice, pasta, salads, fruit, plus unlimited soft drinks.

Are snorkeling guides available on this tour?

Yes, certified instructors guide all snorkeling activities at Ras Mohamed reefs.

Can beginners join the snorkeling part?

Yes, all fitness levels are welcome; guides assist both beginners and experienced snorkelers.

How long does the day trip last?

The full cruise lasts most of the day including transfers—expect several hours on board plus stops at two main sites.

Are diving options available?

Diving packages are available if selected; full diving sets are included only with those options.

Is entry to Ras Mohamed included?

Yes, entry fees are covered if you book either snorkeling or diving packages.

What should I bring for this trip?

You’ll want swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses—a towel is handy but gear like masks and fins are provided if you choose those packages.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh, all entry fees for Ras Mohamed if you select snorkeling or diving packages, use of masks and fins (and full diving set if diving), unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise plus bathrooms onboard for comfort. A freshly prepared buffet lunch—grilled chicken or fish with rice, pasta, salads—is served on deck before returning in the afternoon sun.