REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH
Sharm El-Sheikh: Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkeling Trip
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by FTS Travels · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Red Sea snorkeling beats sitting in Sharm. This trip is built around Ras Mohammed National Park scenery and two swim-and-snorkel stops, plus a laid-back break at White Island. I really like that you get both reefs and scenery, not just one quick swim. The main catch is timing: pickup depends on your hotel and can run up to 10 minutes late, so start the day early.
Once you’re on the yacht, the pace stays calm and practical. There’s a snorkeling instructor on board, and the guide name Emad comes up in feedback as a highlight. If you’re expecting a super-tight schedule with zero waiting, adjust your expectations a bit.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- South Sinai by Sea: Why Ras Mohammed and White Island Hit the Sweet Spot
- Hotel Pickup, Timing, and What to Bring
- On the Yacht: Facilities, Crew, and the Real Day-Flow
- Ras Mohammed National Park: Two Snorkeling Stops You Can Actually Use
- White Island Stop: Where the Views Change and the Water Feels Different
- Barbecue Lunch on Board: The Food That Makes Long Sea Days Work
- Price and Value at Around $35: What You’re Getting for the Money
- Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want to Adjust Expectations)
- Practical Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Red Sea Stops
- Final Call: Should You Book This Ras Mohammed and White Island Trip?
- FAQ
- How much does the Ras Mohamed & White Island snorkeling trip cost?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- How many snorkeling stops are included?
- Do you stop at White Island?
- Is lunch included on the boat?
- What snorkeling gear is provided?
- Are Ras Mohammed National Park entry fees included?
- What should I bring for the trip?
- What do I need to do about pickup time?
- Do I need to bring my passport?
Key Things to Know Before You Go
- Two Ras Mohammed snorkeling stops mean more time in the water and more chances to spot fish and coral.
- White Island is a real change of scenery, with the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meeting in one area.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off lowers friction, especially if you don’t want to manage taxis and timing.
- Onboard barbecue lunch keeps hunger under control between sea stops.
- Snorkeling gear may be an add-on, so check what’s included for your booking.
- Facilities on board include showers and toilets, which makes the day feel more comfortable.
South Sinai by Sea: Why Ras Mohammed and White Island Hit the Sweet Spot
If you want a Red Sea day that feels active but not stressful, this is a solid format. You drive out of Sharm, set sail into the southern waters, and build the day around two water stops plus a scenic island pause. It’s the kind of trip that works even if you’re not a “serious snorkeler,” because the boat setup and instruction help you get comfortable fast.
Ras Mohammed is the main draw for the water. It’s known for colorful marine life right off the shorelines, and the trip gives you two chances to experience it. White Island then flips the mood from reef focus to open-water views and a different shoreline feel.
One more thing I appreciate: the trip isn’t only about swimming. You also get a warm, human rhythm to the day—breaks, food, and time to look around. That matters when you’re spending hours on the move.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Sharm El Sheikh
Hotel Pickup, Timing, and What to Bring
Your day starts with hotel pickup and ends with drop-off back at your hotel. That’s a big value point because you don’t have to coordinate transport to the marina. Just be aware that pickup timing depends on where you stay, and you’ll need to confirm the exact pickup time one day before the trip. Suppliers email the details ahead of time, and a delay of up to 10 minutes can happen.
Pickup location is outside your hotel, not at the front desk door. You’ll also need a copy of your passport. That’s not glamorous, but it’s common for tours in this region and it’s worth preparing in advance.
What you should bring is straightforward:
- Sunglasses (bright sun hits fast over the water)
- Swimwear
- A towel
If you tend to get cold after swimming, consider bringing a light cover-up too. It isn’t listed, but it can make the ride back feel nicer.
On the Yacht: Facilities, Crew, and the Real Day-Flow
This is not a tiny speedboat with no comfort. It’s described as a small boat / yacht style tour, and it includes practical onboard perks that make the day easier. You get life jackets, and the boat has two bathroom and shower facilities. That sounds like a small detail until you’ve finished a couple of swims and want to refresh before you get back in the air-conditioned transport.
You’ll also have hot and cold drinks on board, plus unlimited soft drinks and mineral water. That’s helpful because staying hydrated is not optional in South Sinai sun.
For the crew, the big functional role is the snorkeling instructor. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, it’s comforting to have someone on hand who can help you manage mask fit, where to swim, and how to handle the experience safely in the water.
You may notice the tour runs in multiple languages—English, Italian, Russian, and Arabic—so there’s usually someone who can translate key safety and activity instructions.
Ras Mohammed National Park: Two Snorkeling Stops You Can Actually Use
Ras Mohammed is where the day earns its name. You’ll sail out from the marine toward the park, then get your first snorkeling stop, followed by a second stop later. The trip’s format gives you enough time to explore rather than rushing you in and out.
Here’s what you’re aiming for: coral reefs with colorful fish just off the shore. The description focuses on snorkeling right near the coastline, which is ideal if you’d rather not swim far to find marine life. The two-stop structure matters because conditions can change. If one spot is a little choppy or visibility isn’t perfect, the second stop gives you another shot.
What I like about the way this tour handles Ras Mohammed is that it’s not only “go in, go out.” You’ll have time for photos and casual exploring between swims. That makes it more satisfying if you’re traveling with someone who wants to look around too, not only focus on breathing through a snorkel.
A small practical note: bring your energy management brain. Two snorkeling sessions can be tiring if you overdo it right away. I’d suggest going slow during the first stop so you can enjoy the second one just as much.
White Island Stop: Where the Views Change and the Water Feels Different
White Island is the day’s scene-shifter. Instead of staying in the reef zone the whole time, you pause at an island area where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba converge. That’s a neat geographic detail because it hints at why the water and horizon can feel so different from the park area.
You’ll stop at White Island and then have time for swimming and snorkeling around the island. That means the experience is less about one single shoreline reef and more about exploring the edges where fish activity tends to gather. Even if you don’t see huge surprises, the visual payoff is often the horizon line and the open-water feel.
What to expect practically: the island stop is a breather. You’ll likely spend time in the water, then take a moment to relax and soak in the breeze. If you’re the kind of person who likes taking photos without panicking about timing, this part of the day is a good fit.
Barbecue Lunch on Board: The Food That Makes Long Sea Days Work
If there’s one thing that can make or break a sea trip, it’s lunch. This one is included and it’s more than a sad sandwich. You’ll enjoy an onboard buffet style lunch with rice, pasta, salads, and chicken. There’s also a barbecue lunch mentioned as part of the experience, and in either case the key is that you get a proper meal while you’re still out enjoying the sea.
Between snorkeling legs, you don’t want to be thinking about where you’ll eat or whether you’ll find something decent. Having food on the boat keeps the day flowing. It also lets you refuel without losing your place in the schedule.
After lunch, you can relax on the sundeck during the sail back to Sharm. This is when the trip shifts from active to scenic. You’ll get warm air, sun on your face, and time to talk about what you saw in the water.
Price and Value at Around $35: What You’re Getting for the Money
The price listed for this tour is $35 per person, and that’s where the value math gets interesting. On paper, it includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle transport
- Yacht tour
- Life jackets
- Two snorkeling stops at Ras Mohammed
- White Island stop
- A snorkeling instructor
- Buffet lunch plus hot and cold drinks
- Unlimited soft drinks and mineral water
- Two bathroom and shower facilities
That’s a lot of “day trip logistics” bundled into one number. Many snorkel tours in popular beach areas charge extra for transport, meals, and park access. Here, most of those basics are already covered.
One possible extra cost to watch for: Ras Mohammed National Park entry fees of €5 if a specific option is selected. That doesn’t erase the value, but it can affect the final total. Also check whether snorkeling gear is included for your booking. Snorkeling gear, masks, and fins are listed as available if you choose the add-on.
There’s also an optional diving gear add-on listed (weights, belts, and 12-litre tanks). This trip is clearly built around snorkeling, so if you’re thinking about switching activities, make sure your booking matches what you want.
If you like the idea of seeing coral and fish without doing a full-on multi-day commitment, this is the kind of price point that lets you do it comfortably.
Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want to Adjust Expectations)
This experience is best for:
- People who want a straightforward day trip with hotel pickup and no “figure it out” transport stress
- Snorkelers who want two chances at marine life rather than one short session
- Anyone who likes a balance of water time and relaxing time on a boat
- Families or groups where not everyone needs to swim nonstop
It might not be ideal if:
- You hate any schedule looseness. Pickup can be up to 10 minutes late depending on hotel location.
- You’re counting on snorkeling gear being included automatically. It’s available, but your booking choice matters.
- You need everything written in one language. The tour is multilingual, but translation quality can vary by guide and group mix.
As for the tone of the day: it’s active, but it’s not rough. The included showers and toilets on board are a quiet sign that the organizers expect you’ll want to actually enjoy the whole day.
Practical Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Red Sea Stops
A few small habits can upgrade your experience fast:
- Start the first snorkeling stop patient. If you rush and tire out, the second stop won’t feel as good.
- Keep your towel ready for after swimming. The boat has shower facilities, so use them if you want to reset.
- Take photos at both snorkeling stops and during the island pause. Conditions can shift, and you’ll be glad you captured both vibes.
- If Emad is your guide, you’re in good company. The name came up specifically in feedback as a standout tour guide, and that kind of local care often makes the trip feel smoother.
Final Call: Should You Book This Ras Mohammed and White Island Trip?
If you’re in Sharm El-Sheikh and you want a day that feels like it was built for real snorkeling—two stops, a knowledgeable instructor, and lunch waiting on board—this one is easy to recommend. The price structure also helps: for around $35, you’re getting transport, food, and the main Red Sea experience in one go.
I’d book it if:
- you want value and convenience (pickup, meal, and onboard comfort included)
- you enjoy seeing different marine zones in one day (Ras Mohammed plus White Island)
- you’re okay with a pickup time that depends on your hotel and may run up to 10 minutes late
I’d hold off if:
- you need your day to run like a clockwork military parade
- you’re unsure about snorkeling gear being included and don’t want add-on costs
If you’re flexible, pack a towel and swimwear, and show up ready to enjoy the sea, this trip is one of the most practical ways to experience the Red Sea from Sharm.
FAQ
How much does the Ras Mohamed & White Island snorkeling trip cost?
The price is listed as $35 per person.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
How many snorkeling stops are included?
There are 2 snorkeling stops included.
Do you stop at White Island?
Yes. The tour includes 1 stop at White Island.
Is lunch included on the boat?
Yes. There is a buffet lunch on board, plus hot and cold drinks and unlimited soft drinks and mineral water.
What snorkeling gear is provided?
Snorkeling gear, masks, and fins are available if you select the add-on. Life jackets are included.
Are Ras Mohammed National Park entry fees included?
Ras Mohammed National park entry fees (€5) are included if option 2 is selected.
What should I bring for the trip?
You should bring sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel.
What do I need to do about pickup time?
Pickup time depends on your hotel location, and you should confirm the exact pickup time one day before the trip. Pickup may be delayed by up to 10 minutes.
Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes. A copy of your passport is required.



























