Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohammed Cruise & White Island Lunch

Snorkeling Ras Mohammed’s reefs then drifting over White Island’s sandbanks with lunch and laughter on the Red Sea

You’ll sail from Sharm El Sheikh across the Red Sea to snorkel vibrant reefs at Ras Mohammed with a local guide, then wade onto White Island’s soft sands before sharing lunch on deck. Expect laughter, fresh air, colorful fish, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve dried off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Yacht cruise and snorkeling tour

• Hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh
• Transfer to marina and board yacht
• Cruise to Ras Mohammed National Park
• Snorkel at vibrant coral reefs
• Sail to White Island for relaxation
• Swim and take photos on White Island
• Enjoy buffet lunch on yacht
• Sail back to marina
• Return to hotel in Sharm El Sheikh

The experience

Ever wondered what the Red Sea actually smells like? It hit me right as we left the marina in Sharm El Sheikh. This mix of salt and something almost sweet, maybe sunscreen or just the sun itself. The boat was bigger than I’d pictured (and honestly, fancier), with a couple of Egyptian crew joking around as we found seats up top. Our guide, Ahmed, handed out masks and kept calling everyone “my friend,” which made it feel less like a group tour and more like a weird family outing. I didn’t expect to laugh so much before even seeing Ras Mohammed.

The first snorkeling stop was all color: parrotfish darting past my legs, coral that looked like someone had painted it while half-asleep. Ahmed pointed out a lionfish but I was too busy trying not to swallow seawater. There’s this moment when you come up for air and everything is quiet except for people catching their breath and the slap of water against the hull. Lunch was ready by then: rice, chicken, some kind of salad with lemon that I kept going back for. Eating outside with wet hair and salty skin just hits different.

White Island isn’t really an island: more like a sandbank pretending to be famous. Still, standing there barefoot in powdery sand surrounded by turquoise water felt unreal. Some Russian kids were building a sandcastle. Their dad tried to explain something about the “Egyptian Maldives” but gave up and just shrugged at me. On the way back, sunburned and tired in that good way, I watched Sinai’s coastline blur past and thought about how easy it is to forget time out here. You know?

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh by air-conditioned vehicle.
• two guided snorkeling stops at Ras Mohammed’s most colorful reefs.
• use of onboard bathrooms and showers.
• unlimited soft drinks and mineral water.
• fresh buffet lunch with plenty of choices (including vegan dishes).
• plus time to relax or swim at White Island before heading back in the afternoon.

Options for this experience

3 options

Without Equipment (Budget Choice)Guide in 4 languages · 09:00Boat trip with hotel transfers, onboard lunch and unlimited soft drinks; snorkeling gear is not included. Pickup is included.

Including Equipment (Most Popular)Guide in 4 languages · 09:00Boat trip with hotel transfers, onboard lunch, unlimited soft drinks and complete snorkeling gear. Pickup is included.

Snorkeling and Diving (Premium Option)Guide in 4 languages · 09:00Complete package with diving: boat trip with hotel transfers, lunch, unlimited soft drinks, snorkeling equipment and one introductory dive with equipment. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish, Italian, Arabic and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 11.30

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by NASS TOURS

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Italian, Arabic and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

How long is the cruise from Sharm El Sheikh to Ras Mohammed?

The cruise from Sharm El Sheikh to Ras Mohammed takes about 1–1.5 hours each way by yacht.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh are included.

What do you see while snorkeling at Ras Mohammed?

You’ll see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish (sometimes lionfish or parrotfish) guided by certified instructors.

Do you get lunch on board during the cruise?

Yes, a buffet lunch is served on board featuring chicken, rice, pasta, vegetables, salads, and vegan options.

Can beginners join this snorkeling tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and includes help from certified instructors if needed.

Is there an option to try diving instead of snorkeling?

If you select the option when booking, you can do an introductory 15-minute dive with an instructor.

Are bathrooms available on the yacht?

Yes, there are bathrooms and showers available for comfort during the cruise.

What should I bring for White Island?

A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe a hat for shade on the sandbank.