Ras Mohammed is hard to top. This Elite VIP cruise from Sharm el-Sheikh mixes a comfortable, multi-deck boat ride with guided snorkeling at some of the Red Sea’s best coral spots. I love the combination of sun-deck comfort (space to stretch out, sun loungers up top) and the hands-on feel of the guides, including names like Ahmed, Umar, Mohamed, and Islam who stay close in the water. One thing to consider: the day can feel chilly in cooler seasons, and you may want to be honest about your comfort with open water and cold mornings.

What you’ll notice quickly is how the boat experience is set up for relaxation. There are two air-conditioned salons for breaks, waiter service for unlimited hot and soft drinks, and a planned rhythm of sailing, snorkeling, a White Island stop, and an on-board lunch spread. The drawback is simple: it’s a full day on the water, and the schedule leaves less time for wandering independently than you’d get with a shore-based plan.

Here’s the real promise: you get multiple chances to see coral and fish, not just a single, rushed swim. And the food is clearly part of the point, with a BBQ lunch and seafood options prepared to an onboard hygiene standard. If you’re the type who hates paying extra once you’re already there, read the details on refreshments and marina fees—small extras can matter.

Key things to know before you go

• 4 floors, lots of deck space, and loungers up top for real downtime between swims
• Two air-conditioned salons so you’re not stuck sweating in the sun all day
• Three snorkeling stops in Ras Mohammed with guides staying with you in the water
• Easy sea access via a low platform at the back of the boat, plus life jackets for those who want them
• BBQ lunch plus seafood served as a full buffet-style meal onboard
• A White Island visit that breaks up the day and gives you another change of scenery

VIP Boat Comfort Starts Before You Even Snorkel

This is a day trip built around comfort, and it starts the moment you find your spot on the boat. You’ll move from Sharm el-Sheikh to Ras Mohammed by coach, then settle into a ride that keeps you out on the Red Sea instead of bouncing between activities. The boat itself is the kind of setup you want when you’re daydreaming about coral, not about logistics.

On board, the layout matters. There’s a sun deck with plenty of loungers, and below that you’ve got shade and the option to cool down inside the air-conditioned salons. Several people noted the boat felt clean and not over-packed, with a quieter vibe than some lower-cost cruises.

If you’re sensitive to rougher water, take note: one review mentioned choppy sea conditions, and many swimmers used life jackets. That doesn’t automatically mean you’ll struggle, but it’s a good reminder that a “VIP” day doesn’t stop the ocean from being the ocean.

Getting From Sharm el-Sheikh: Smooth Pickup, One Main Caveat

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a coach ride of about 25 minutes. Pickup happens roughly one hour before departure, and you’ll be contacted the day before by WhatsApp to confirm the exact time. That last part is important because Sharm logistics can vary, and you don’t want to miss your window.

Once you’re on the water, you’re on the day’s rhythm. The trip runs from about 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with the big sailing stretch happening before the first snorkeling session. If you hate early starts, this isn’t the slow-living, sleep-in kind of excursion, but it does pay you back with more time at the reefs.

One practical caveat: even though the cruise experience is smooth, transportation in the afternoon can be tight on some days (one review mentioned a cramped return ride). It’s not guaranteed, but it’s a risk worth flagging if you’re traveling with mobility limits or big comfort needs after a long day.

The Sail Into Ras Mohammed: Why the Ride Feels Like Part of the Deal

The cruise day doesn’t begin with a jump in the water. You sail for roughly 2.5 hours toward Ras Mohammed National Park, which is a smart way to avoid burning your best energy right away. During that stretch, you can find your routine: sun top, shade middle, cool down inside when the heat builds.

This boat is designed for “stay here” tourism. You’re not constantly herded around, and waiter service brings unlimited hot and soft drinks straight to your sun spot. That detail matters more than it sounds. When drinks arrive without you having to go inside, the day stays relaxing instead of turning into repeated little chores.

If you’re hoping for nonstop action, you may find the sailing time a quiet breather. If you want a balanced day—some movement, some calm—this is the right structure.

Three Snorkeling Stops at Ras Mohammed: The Real Star

The heart of the day is snorkeling at Ras Mohammed, with three snorkeling sessions. The whole idea is to give you multiple looks at the coral and the marine life, because the Red Sea changes constantly. In real terms, that means you’re less likely to feel like your one swim was either perfect or ruined by timing.

Guides play a huge role here. Your snorkeling guides accompany you at all times and help you with safety and enjoyment. Life jackets are available, and the boat gives sea access via a low platform at the back, which is easier than climbing down into deeper, steeper steps.

Safety isn’t treated as a checkbox. One review described a guide physically helping manage comfort and confidence in the water—attaching someone to a life buoy and pulling them if needed. That’s not scary for the right kind of person; it’s a sign they’re attentive and not leaving you on your own.

What you’ll likely see is the big reef mix: coral gardens and fish ranging from very small to large, plus animals like turtles, octopus, and other surprises. People also pointed out the guides were experienced divers and stayed close, with Ahmed specifically praised for reassurance for someone who felt frightened in deeper water. Umar and Mohamed were mentioned with extra warmth for making people feel confident and showing the underwater world with patience.

The one downside to watch for is water comfort. The trip notes that waters seldom dip below 20°C even in winter, but one January review still said the water felt too cold for snorkeling. In other words: if you’re ultra-sensitive to cold, consider your personal tolerance before you commit.

White Island Stop: A Scenic Break From the Reef Routine

Between reef time, you get a White Island visit for about 45 minutes. This is a useful break because it changes the feel of the day. Instead of being in water gear again and again, you get a chance to reset, breathe, and take in a different shoreline look.

It’s also an opportunity to stretch your legs without losing the “one-day adventure” vibe. One review noted the kids liked the quick tender ride to the island, which hints that this stop isn’t just a slow walk—it’s a mini transport moment too.

Keep your expectations reasonable: it’s a visit, not a long shore tour. If you’re hoping for hours of hiking or exploring, you’ll likely feel the time is limited. If you want a pause that keeps you energized for later snorkeling and lunch, it works well.

Lunch That Actually Beats Hotel Food Expectations

On paper, boat lunch can be bland. Here, it’s clearly part of the value pitch. The BBQ lunch includes a spread such as seafood soup, several fresh salads, rice/pasta/potatoes, and main dishes including shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and Egyptian kofta, plus seasonal fresh fruit.

Multiple reviews called the food fantastic and praised it as better than hotel meals. That lines up with the promise of an onboard kitchen working to hygiene standards and using market-fresh ingredients for soups, salads, sides, and the hot mains.

You also get waiter service for drinks, which helps lunch feel like a real meal rather than grabbing a quick plate and heading back to the deck. One reviewer said the staff repeatedly checked if they wanted more drinks, which is the kind of service that makes a day feel smoother.

One consideration: a review noted that the VIP expectation can clash with extra charges for drinks beyond what’s included (mentioning that generic small cups of soft drinks were provided). So if you drink a lot, plan your spending accordingly and don’t assume everything beyond hot/soft beverages is free.

What the Sun Deck Changes: Comfort, Shade, and a Better Rhythm

If you’re choosing between similar cruises, pay attention to the boat design. This one earns points for a spacious sun deck with many loungers and a clean layout across decks. One review specifically called out the top-deck loungers as the highlight, especially when the sea was windy on the way back.

Shade matters too. Below the sun deck there are large wooden tables and an indoor space where lunch is served. During strong sun or breezy conditions, having options keeps you from spending the day “enduring” the weather.

There’s also a comfort vibe in the way people described the trip: peaceful, not full of loud music. If you’ve ever been stuck on a boat where the soundtrack is trying to beat your attention span, this kind of calm can feel like a luxury.

Value and Price: How $80 Stacks Up for a Full Reef Day

At around $80 per person for a roughly 7-hour experience, the value comes from how much you actually get: pickup/drop-off, multiple reef stops, guided snorkeling support, and a full lunch with substantial food options. Many budget tours focus on transport and one swim. This one sells the day as a complete package—comfort on the boat, time in the water, and a meal that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

What makes the pricing more believable is the inclusion of unlimited hot and soft drinks brought to you, plus the fact that guides stick with you. That level of supervision is one reason people mentioned feeling safe, especially those who were nervous in deeper water.

Then there are the two “watch-outs” that can affect how your final spend feels:

• A mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 Euros per person, paid on arrival or can be prepaid as an add-on.
• Depending on what you order, some refreshments beyond the basic included ones may cost extra (notably flagged in a review about expectations for included drinks).

So I’d treat $80 as the base price for the main experience, and then budget a little extra for marina fees and any drink upgrades you want.

Who This Cruise Is Best For (and Who Should Think Twice)

This tour fits best if you want Red Sea reef time without scrambling for details. You’ll like it if you:

• care about guided snorkeling and prefer safety support over solo exploring
• want comfort onboard (loungers, air-conditioned breaks)
• enjoy a real meal at midday, not just snack food
• travel with kids or mixed comfort levels and want a plan that accommodates it

It may be less ideal if you:

• get cold easily and snorkeling might feel uncomfortable for you (even with water often above 20°C, conditions can still vary)
• hate any extra charges once you arrive, since marina fees and potential drink add-ons can add up

If you’re an experienced snorkeler and want complete independence, you might find the guided structure a little limiting. But if you want maximum coral time with fewer mistakes, the guide support is the point.

Should You Book the Ras Mohammed Elite VIP Cruise and BBQ Lunch?

Book it if your priorities are simple: comfort on the boat, real snorkeling time at Ras Mohammed, and a lunch that feels like a proper meal. The repeated praise for guides like Ahmed (safety and reassurance), plus the friendly service from Umar and Mohamed, makes the “value + experience” combo feel consistent.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you’re mainly chasing the cheapest cruise deal, because the VIP comfort and food quality come with built-in inclusions—and then a few extras like marina fees and possible drink add-ons. And if cold water is a dealbreaker for you, plan carefully for season timing and your own comfort level.

If you want my practical takeaway: this is a strong pick for a one-day Red Sea reef fix from Sharm el-Sheikh—especially when you’d rather relax on loungers and let the guides handle the underwater “where to go” part.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the cruise?

The experience runs for about 7 hours, from around 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

What stops are included besides snorkeling?

You’ll visit Ras Mohammed for snorkeling and marine life viewing, plus there’s a White Island stop.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard as a buffet, including seafood soup, salads, rice/pasta/potatoes, BBQ-style chicken and kofta, shrimp, calamari, fish, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Are drinks included during the day?

You get waiter service for unlimited hot and soft drinks throughout the day, delivered to your sun spot.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear is included only if you select it as an add-on. If you didn’t choose gear, you may need to rent items at the port.

How do you get into the water from the boat?

Access is via a low platform at the back of the boat. Life jackets are available, including for less-confident swimmers.

Is there a marina entrance fee?

Yes. There is a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 Euros per person, paid upon arrival or possibly prepaid from add-ons.

What languages do the instructors/guides speak?

The instructor/guides are listed as English, German, and Russian.

Is the water cold in winter?

The trip information says the Red Sea waters seldom dip below 20°C even in winter, but at least one January booking still found the water too cold for snorkeling. If you’re sensitive to cooler water, plan accordingly.