White Island Sharm El Sheikh: Snorkel two coral reefs

Two coral reefs, one sandbank, lunch floating on the Red Sea

You get picked up from your hotel, spend the morning and early afternoon snorkeling two coral reefs in Ras Mohammed National Park, float around White Island's white sand and turquoise shallows, eat lunch on the boat, and return to your hotel by late afternoon. Hotel pickup, guide, lunch, and soft drinks are all included. Snorkeling equipment is there if you need it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day snorkeling and island visit

• Hotel pickup and transfer to marina
• Boat cruise to Ras Mohammed National Park
• Snorkel at first coral reef
• Snorkel at second coral reef
• Relax on White Island sandbank
• Enjoy freshly prepared lunch on board
• Return boat cruise to marina
• Transfer back to hotel

The experience

"Is the water really that clear?" That's what most people ask before stepping onto the boat, and yeah, it is. The boat leaves from the marina in Sharm El Sheikh around 8am after hotel pickup, and within an hour you're anchored over Ras Mohammed's first reef. The water is so transparent you can see the coral formations from the deck: brain corals the size of cars, staghorn branches reaching up, and fish moving through it all like they own the place. Your snorkeling guide goes in first and stays with the group, which matters if you're not confident underwater. The reef stop lasts about an hour, then you motor to the second site, which is shallower and packed with smaller fish and anemones.

White Island comes next, and it's exactly what the photos suggest: a thin strip of white sand in turquoise water, no buildings, no crowds. You get maybe forty minutes to wade around, float, take pictures, or just sit on the sand and let your eyes adjust to how bright everything is. The boat crew sets up lunch while you're on the island: grilled fish or chicken, rice, salad, fresh fruit, and soft drinks throughout the day. It's not fancy, but it's hot and it tastes better when you've been in the water for three hours. The whole trip is a full day. You're back at your hotel by late afternoon, tired and salt-dried and already thinking about going back.

The boat itself is the kind of thing that matters more than it sounds. It's not a speedboat packed with thirty people. It's comfortable enough that you can actually rest between snorkeling stops instead of just standing in the sun. The guide carries snorkeling equipment if you don't have your own, and professional photos are available if you want them (extra cost). Beginners and experienced swimmers both go on the same trip, so there's no pressure to be faster or braver than you are. The reef is protected, Ras Mohammed National Park, so the coral is still intact and the fish populations are healthy. You notice that difference when you compare it to other snorkeling spots in the area.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh, boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park and White Island, two snorkeling stops at coral reefs, professional snorkeling guide, freshly prepared lunch on board, soft drinks and seasonal fruit throughout the day, and snorkeling equipment if needed.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to8h before

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian and Ukrainian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 11.46

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tourex Egypt

Is this one for you?A solid choice if you want a full Red Sea snorkeling day without arranging your own boat, guide, or transport: hotel pickup handles the logistics, and the fixed itinerary means you hit the best reefs and White Island in one trip. Plan for a full day out of your hotel, which is exactly what makes two reef stops and island time fit into one departure.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian and Ukrainian.

What time does the boat leave and when do you get back?

Hotel pickup is around 8am, and you return to your hotel in late afternoon. It's a full day on the water.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Equipment is available on board. If you don't have your own, the guide can provide it.

Can beginners snorkel on this trip?

Yes. The trip is designed for both beginners and experienced swimmers, and a professional guide stays with the group in the water.

What's included in the lunch?

Freshly prepared lunch (grilled fish or chicken with rice and salad), soft drinks, and seasonal fruit throughout the day.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

Two stops at coral reefs in Ras Mohammed National Park, plus time on White Island sandbank.

Is this trip suitable for children?

Yes, for children who can swim or be comfortable in the water. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. It's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular concerns.

How many people are on the boat?

The reference doesn't specify exact group size, but it's described as a comfortable boat with multiple snorkeling stops, suggesting smaller groups than large tour boats.

Can you take photos underwater?

Professional photos are available on board for an additional cost. You can also bring your own underwater camera.