REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH
Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed, White Island, Snorkel and Diving
Book on Viator →Operated by Egyptra Travel Services · Bookable on Viator
Red Sea dreams start with one boat ride. This tour pairs Ras Mohammed National Park reef country with the famous sand-and-sun stop at White Island, plus onboard lunch and hotel transfer. You spend about 7 hours on the water with swim and snorkeling stops, and you can add 1–2 scuba sessions depending on the option you choose.
I really like how straightforward the plan is: pick-up from your hotel, a cruise out from the Sharm El Sheikh marina, and then clear time blocks for both snorkeling and sightseeing. I also like the human touch—crew members like Saaid, Ali, and Alex get praised for being friendly and staying attentive while you’re on the boat and in the water.
One consideration before you book: Ras Mohammed National Park entrance fees aren’t included, so budget a little extra on top of the $37.05 price if you’re checking your totals tightly.
In This Review
- Key Highlights to Know Before You Go
- Why Ras Mohammed and White Island Fit Together So Well
- Getting to the Marina: Hotel Pickup and a Smooth Start
- Ras Mohammed National Park: Reefs, Marine Life, and Your First Water Time
- White Island: The Beach Stop That Makes the Day Feel Like a Reward
- Onboard Lunch and Drinks: When Comfort Actually Matters
- Scuba or Snorkeling: How to Choose Without Second-Guessing
- Duration and Group Size: What “7 Hours” Really Means in Your Day Plan
- Price and Value: Is $37.05 a Fair Deal?
- Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Not Love It)
- Should You Book This Ras Mohammed and White Island Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Ras Mohamed, White Island, snorkeling and scuba tour?
- Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
- Are snorkeling stops included?
- Is scuba included, and how many sessions do you get?
- What about children who are not old enough for scuba?
- Is lunch included?
- Do you need to pay for Ras Mohammed National Park entrance fees?
- How large is the group?
- What’s the cancellation window?
Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

- Ras Mohammed National Park + White Island in one day, so you get reefs and that postcard sandbar feeling
- Two swim/snorkeling stops plus optional 1–2 scuba sessions with a professional scuba instructor
- Onboard buffet lunch and unlimited drinks, which makes the day feel like less of a scramble
- Hotel pickup and drop-off using air-conditioned transport (hands-down helpful in Sharm)
- Small-group feel (max 25 travelers) compared with big cattle-call tours
Why Ras Mohammed and White Island Fit Together So Well

If you want one day that hits both the underwater and the wow-factor, this combo works. Ras Mohammed gives you reef scenery and marine life habitat in the southern Sinai setting, while White Island delivers that soft sand, warm-water hangout that’s hard to replicate anywhere else from shore.
What makes this itinerary feel good is the pacing. You’re not stuck only on the boat for long stretches, and you’re not stuck only in the water either. You get a cruise, a couple of water stops for snorkeling/swimming, and then time to relax on the beach at White Island.
The other big plus: this is built for both snorkelers and scuba participants. Even if you choose snorkeling only, you still get the same main landmarks, plus the onboard lunch and the two swim/snorkeling moments.
You can also read our reviews of more scuba diving tours in Sharm el Sheikh
Getting to the Marina: Hotel Pickup and a Smooth Start
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off plus air-conditioned transport. That matters in Sharm El Sheikh, where even a short ride can eat your morning if you’re trying to self-organize taxis and find the right harbor entry point.
Once you reach the marina, you’ll board a yacht and get moving on the Red Sea. Expect a “day-trip rhythm” right away: settle in, get your gear if you’re doing scuba or snorkeling, and then work through the stops in a planned sequence.
A small heads-up from real-world experience: pick-up issues and timing can sometimes be the weak link on any shared transfer system. One negative report described a driver who was rude and drove aggressively when stopping to collect guests—so if you’re sensitive to that kind of stress, I’d treat the start of the day as something to monitor calmly. If anything feels off, stay firm and get clarity quickly.
Ras Mohammed National Park: Reefs, Marine Life, and Your First Water Time

Ras Mohammed National Park sits on the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and the tour uses that location for what you actually came for: sea views and reef exploration. The plan typically includes an initial scuba option (for those selecting it) and additional swim and snorkeling stops.
This is where you benefit from having a professional scuba instructor on the water. If you’ve never done scuba before, having a guide who can explain gear and procedures is a big deal. People also mention first-timer comfort—so if you’re new to scuba, this setup is likely to feel less intimidating than a rushed, no-frills experience.
Even if you’re staying with snorkeling, Ras Mohammed is still the “serious reef” part of the day. The tour description emphasizes coral reefs and a vibrant underwater world, and the snorkeling stop structure is designed to let you see enough without feeling like you’re sprinting between platforms.
One practical note: the tour does charge a detail you should plan for—park entrance fees are not included. If Ras Mohammed is your must-see, it’s worth factoring that cost in early so you don’t get surprised at the end of the day.
White Island: The Beach Stop That Makes the Day Feel Like a Reward

Then you go onward to White Island, and this is the part many people remember most. The tour calls it a stunning spot for relaxing on soft sand and warm waters, with surrounding shallow water that’s ideal for snorkeling and easy viewing.
This stop is not just about swimming. It’s also about photos, posture-changing break time, and simply being on a beach that feels like a special occasion. The boat schedule gives you enough time to enjoy that sand-and-sea contrast after time over the reefs.
If you’re traveling with kids or you prefer low-effort fun, White Island is a strong match. The tour structure includes time for people who want to snorkel plus time for people who just want the view, the sun, and a swim at a comfortable pace.
Also, a fun detail from real conversations: some people mention seeing caretta caretta turtles while snorkeling in the area. You can’t treat that as guaranteed, but it’s a good sign that the marine environment here can be exciting beyond just fish-and-coral.
Onboard Lunch and Drinks: When Comfort Actually Matters
You’ll get a buffet lunch on board. The menu is described as rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish—plus hot drinks, soft drinks, and mineral water all included. That unlimited drinks piece is underrated value. When you’re on the water for several hours, staying hydrated helps you enjoy the stops more and makes the day feel less like “survive until dinner.”
Food quality on boat tours can be hit-or-miss, but the tone of the feedback is consistently positive: people describe lunch as tasty and filling. And since this is a yacht setting rather than a tiny skiff, you’ll usually have a more comfortable space to eat, rest, and reset between water times.
One practical comfort detail: a couple of people mention the boat having two toilets and being clean. You’ll still want to use common sense—bring sunscreen, a towel, and a dry bag if you have one—but having real bathroom access reduces the stress that can come with long days at sea.
Scuba or Snorkeling: How to Choose Without Second-Guessing
The tour offers scuba sessions as an option (either one or two, depending on what you select). You also get snorkeling equipment and scuba equipment included as part of the package, plus a scuba instructor and two swim/snorkeling stops.
Here’s how to think about your choice:
- If you want the full underwater experience, pick the scuba option. The inclusion of a professional instructor is a big part of the value, especially if you’re new.
- If you’re focused on convenience and light effort, snorkeling-only can still be a strong day. You still visit Ras Mohammed and White Island, with two snorkeling/swim moments and the beach time.
Age matters too. Children under 10 years old can’t do scuba, but they can snorkel. If you’re traveling as a family, this is the kind of rule that makes planning easier because you can set expectations early.
Also, bring your gear mindset: if you’re not doing scuba, you may still need to handle wet gear changes and waiting while the scuba group is set up. That’s normal on a structured boat day. The only caution I’d keep in mind is that one negative report described a lack of flexibility at the first water point. If you care about switching activities midstream, ask staff right away how your exact option is being handled that day.
Duration and Group Size: What “7 Hours” Really Means in Your Day Plan
The tour runs about 7 hours. That’s a sweet spot: long enough to see more than one underwater area and enjoy White Island, but not so long that you feel stranded from the rest of your trip.
Group size is capped at 25 travelers, which usually translates to a calmer vibe than mega-tours. It also helps the crew manage gear and spacing during snorkeling or scuba checks.
Because it’s a day on the water, start thinking like a sailor, not like a museum visitor. You’ll be moving, sun exposure is real, and weather can affect timing. The tour plan still holds the same big blocks—Ras Mohammed, then White Island, then returning—but you should expect the day to feel “sea-clocked.”
Price and Value: Is $37.05 a Fair Deal?

At around $37.05 per person, this tour pricing is very aggressive for what you get. You’re not just paying for the boat ride. The package includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Buffet lunch
- Unlimited hot drinks, soft drinks, and mineral water
- Snorkeling equipment (and scuba equipment if you choose scuba)
- A scuba instructor (for scuba options)
- Two swim/snorkeling stops
- Cruise to White Island
- 1–2 scuba sessions depending on option
The main cost you might add is the Ras Mohammed National Park entrance fee, which isn’t included. So the best way to judge value is to look at your personal plan: if you’ll snack on the lunch, use the included equipment, and either snorkel multiple times or do scuba, the base price is hard to beat.
Even if you only snorkel, you still get the land-and-sea contrast: reef time plus White Island beach time. That combination, plus the transport and lunch, is where the value lands.
If you’re comparing against tours that only do one snorkeling stop or skip scuba instruction, this one tends to feel more complete for the money. It’s also relatively low-commitment in time, which can matter if you’re only in Sharm for a couple of days.
Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Not Love It)
This tour is a great fit if you want:
- A classic Red Sea day with both reef time and a beach stop
- A plan that includes pickup, lunch, and equipment, so you don’t spend your day juggling logistics
- A scuba option with instruction, especially if you’re a first-timer
- A family-friendly setup where kids under 10 can snorkel even if they can’t do scuba
You might want to reconsider if:
- You hate any schedule pressure at all. On-water activities require setup time and sometimes group coordination.
- You’re very particular about switching activities at the last minute. The day is structured, and at least one person reported a mismatch between expectations and what happened at the first water point.
- You’re trying to keep every cent accounted for, since park entrance fees are extra.
If your goal is a smooth, affordable day that gives you big scenery and real water time, you’re in the right place.
Should You Book This Ras Mohammed and White Island Tour?
I’d book it if you want a one-day “greatest hits” itinerary—Ras Mohammed for reef viewing and White Island for that beach reset—without needing to arrange transport or meals. The included buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and snorkeling setup make the price feel practical rather than gimmicky.
Before you go, do two things:
- Budget for Ras Mohammed National Park entrance fees since they’re not included.
- Confirm your exact option details (snorkel-only versus 1 or 2 scuba sessions) so the day matches what you paid for.
If that lines up with how you like to travel—structured, efficient, and focused on real marine time—this is a strong Sharm excursion.
FAQ
How long is the Ras Mohamed, White Island, snorkeling and scuba tour?
It lasts about 7 hours.
Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with air-conditioned transportation.
Are snorkeling stops included?
Yes. The tour includes two swim and snorkeling stops.
Is scuba included, and how many sessions do you get?
Scuba is included depending on the selected option: one or two dives/scuba sessions. A professional scuba instructor is provided.
What about children who are not old enough for scuba?
Children under 10 years old are prohibited from scuba, but they can snorkel.
Is lunch included?
Yes. There is a buffet lunch served on board, along with unlimited hot drinks, soft drinks, and mineral water.
Do you need to pay for Ras Mohammed National Park entrance fees?
Yes. Entrance fees for Ras Mohammed National Park are not included.
How large is the group?
The maximum group size is 25 travelers.
What’s the cancellation window?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. After that point, the amount paid is not refundable. Free cancellation is available.
If you want, tell me your group size and whether you’re doing scuba or snorkeling only, and I’ll help you decide which option is the better match.

























