Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkeling Trip

Summary

Snorkeling vibrant reefs & diving at Ras Mohamed with a local guide

You’ll float over Ras Mohamed’s wild coral reefs, try diving with a local instructor guiding you every step (or fin), relax over lunch on deck as waves slap gently below, then wander across White Island’s surreal sandbar where two seas meet. Expect laughter, salty hair, and small moments that stay with you long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water around Ras Mohamed to look so unreal — it’s almost too clear, like someone cranked up the color on the world. When we first hopped off the boat, I could smell salt and sunscreen mixing with something floral from someone’s towel (jasmine maybe?). Our guide, Ahmed, kept grinning at us like he’d seen this all before but still got a kick out of it. He handed me my mask and said, “Just relax — the fish here don’t bite.” I laughed but still checked my toes anyway.

The coral gardens were wild — colors everywhere, little flashes of blue and orange darting past. I tried not to kick up too much sand but probably failed. There was this moment when I floated above a big brain coral and everything went quiet except for my own breathing through the snorkel. It’s weirdly peaceful under there. The diving stop was next level; I’m not an expert diver or anything, but with Ahmed right there (and a lot of hand signals), it felt safe enough that I actually enjoyed it instead of panicking about my ears popping.

Lunch on the boat was simple but good — grilled chicken, rice, some kind of spicy salad that made my nose run in the breeze. Everyone just sat around in damp swimsuits swapping stories about what they’d seen underwater. Then we headed toward White Island. That place is just... odd in a cool way: pure white sand surrounded by turquoise water where two seas meet. People were taking goofy photos pretending to walk on water. The sun was hot enough to make you squint but nobody cared because you could just jump back in again.

I still think about that silence underwater sometimes — how different everything feels when you’re floating above Ras Mohamed’s reefs or standing barefoot on White Island’s sandbar with nothing around but sea and sky. If you want a day trip from Sharm El Sheikh that’s more than just ticking boxes, this one really sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Ras Mohamed and White Island trip

• Set sail from Sharm El Sheikh
• Cruise across coral gardens
• Enjoy supervised scuba diving
• Snorkel among vibrant reefs
• Relax on deck under sun
• Have buffet lunch on board
• Explore Ras Mohamed National Park
• Visit White Island sandbar
• Admire panoramic sea views

Top questions

How long is the snorkeling trip from Sharm El Sheikh to Ras Mohamed?

The full-day boat trip lasts about 8 hours including stops at Ras Mohamed and White Island.

Is hotel pickup included for the Ras Mohamed snorkeling tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are included.

Can beginners try scuba diving on this tour?

Yes, one supervised diving stop with professional instruction is included and suitable for beginners.

What meals are provided during the trip?

A freshly prepared buffet lunch is served onboard along with soft drinks, coffee or tea, soda/pop and water.

Are snorkeling equipment and scuba gear provided?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling equipment and scuba gear are included in your tour package.

Do you visit both Ras Mohamed and White Island?

Yes, both destinations are included as main stops during the trip.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle from Sharm El Sheikh, use of snorkeling equipment plus one supervised diving stop with all SCUBA gear provided by your instructor. You’ll enjoy an eight-hour boat trip featuring two snorkeling stops at Ras Mohamed and time at White Island’s sandbar. Lunch is freshly prepared onboard along with coffee or tea, soft drinks, soda/pop and water before returning in comfort later that afternoon.