Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkeling Day

Summary

Snorkeling Ras Mohamed reefs White Island swim with pickup

You’ll snorkel two vibrant Red Sea reefs near Ras Mohamed & White Island with a local guide, enjoy a fresh buffet lunch on board, and relax as hotel pickup makes everything easy. Expect laughter with fellow travelers, moments of quiet underwater awe, and maybe even a wish made at Lake of Desires.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that crack? That’s where the earth split,” our guide Ahmed said, pointing at a jagged line in the sand just outside Sharm El Sheikh. I was still shaking off the early morning sleepiness when we reached Ras Mohamed, but his grin woke me up better than coffee. The wind smelled salty and sharp, mixed with something almost sweet from the mangroves. There were families already laughing by the water, kids running barefoot—one little girl waved at us with both hands.

I’d read about snorkeling here, but nothing really prepared me for how clear the water was. When I slipped in, it felt like falling into a different world—schools of fish darting everywhere, sunlight flickering over coral. At one point my mask fogged up and I got distracted watching a parrotfish nibble at something bright purple (Ahmed later told me it was fire coral—definitely don’t touch). We stopped twice for snorkeling, each time about 45 minutes, and honestly I lost track of time both times. The second spot near White Island was quieter; you could hear your own breathing and not much else.

Lunch was on the boat—a buffet with chicken, rice, pasta, and these salads that tasted way fresher than I expected out at sea. Someone spilled their drink and everyone laughed; it felt like we were all old friends by then. Ahmed joked that if we swam fast enough after lunch we might catch up with the dolphins (we didn’t). On White Island itself, the sand is so pale it almost glows against the blue water. I tried to say “shukran” to one of the crew and probably butchered it—he just smiled bigger.

On the way back to the marina around 5pm, sunburned and tired in that good way, I watched Sharm El Sheikh fade into gold light behind us. There’s this place called Lake of Desires where people make wishes—I made one too but I’m not telling what it was. Sometimes trips are just nice days out; sometimes they stick with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and island visit

• Depart from marina
• Snorkel at first reef for 45 minutes
• Snorkel at second reef for 45 minutes
• Visit White Island
• Enjoy buffet lunch
• Return to marina around 5 pm

Top questions

How long is the Ras Mohamed & White Island snorkeling tour?

The full day tour returns to Sharm El Sheikh marina around 5 pm.

Are there age restrictions for snorkeling at Ras Mohamed?

No age restrictions—children can join if they tolerate short trips well.

Is hotel pickup included in this snorkeling day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What’s included for lunch during the tour?

A buffet lunch is served on board with chicken, salads, rice, pasta, and potatoes.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler?

No experience needed—a professional instructor guides you throughout.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes—all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What sights are visited besides snorkeling?

You’ll see the Gate of Allah, mangroves, earthquake fracture site, and Lake of Desires (half-day option).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, two guided snorkeling stops at Ras Mohamed and White Island (about 45 minutes each), entry to unique sites like the Gate of Allah or Lake of Desires depending on your option chosen, unlimited soft drinks on board during the full day tour, a fresh buffet lunch featuring local dishes like chicken and salads plus all necessary equipment provided by a professional instructor before returning to Sharm El Sheikh marina in the evening.