From Sharm: Ras Mohammed Cruise with Island Visit and Lunch

That Red Sea snorkeling hits fast. This Ras Mohamed cruise combines protected reefs, a comfy yacht, and a real chance to see fish up close. You’ll also get hotel pickup (optional), buffet lunch on board, and the option to add intro scuba dives.

I like how the day is built around water time, not just sailing, with multiple snorkeling stops such as Yolanda Reef and Shark Reef. I also like the human touch, many guides including Mustafa, Mohammed, and Salem are known for keeping swimmers calm and moving safely through the water.

The main thing to consider is that conditions can change. White Island depends on tides, and wind can affect how easy it is to snorkel, so pack for comfort more than perfect weather.

Key things I’d bank on before you go

• Two swim sessions in Ras Mohamed at reef sites like Yolanda Reef, Shark Reef, South Bereika Bay, Marsa Ghozlani, and Old Quay
• Snorkeling support from guides who help both confident swimmers and first-timers feel safer
• White Island visit is tide-dependent, so it might be reduced or skipped depending on the day
• Buffet lunch on the yacht plus unlimited drinks, with food built around lots of crowd-pleasing choices
• Optional intro scuba dives if you want more than snorkeling, with medical requirements to meet
• Time on the water plus time to relax on the sun deck and in the lower salon

Why this Ras Mohamed cruise feels like the right kind of Sharm day

Ras Mohamed National Park is the headline because it is protected, which helps preserve the reefs and fish life you’re coming for. From Sharm El Sheikh, this is one of the most straightforward ways to get there without dealing with the stress of driving, parking, and coordinating everything yourself.

What makes this cruise especially appealing is the rhythm. You’re not just being transported, you’re using the day for real water time, then refueling on board with a proper lunch. The combination of guided snorkeling, multiple stop options, and time at White Island keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

Getting from Sharm to the yacht at Watanya Marina

Most people start with pickup from their Sharm El Sheikh hotel, if you select that option. Pickup generally happens around 1 to 1.5 hours before departure, and the exact time depends on where your hotel is. You are contacted about 24 hours before via WhatsApp with the pickup details.

After pickup, you’ll head to the marina area where the operator is based at Egypt Sunmarine Fleet in Watanya Marina Sharm El Sheikh. When you arrive, you go to the operations team near the entrance, typically wearing a yellow T-shirt, and show your ticket.

One practical note, the transfer can include waiting time before the boat sets off. If you’re traveling with kids or you hate standing around, bring a bottle of water and something small to keep everyone calm before boarding.

Boarding experience: modern yacht, sun deck time, and a comfortable rest break

Once you’re on board, this cruise aims for easy comfort. You get a clean, well-maintained yacht with a spacious sun deck and a lower-deck salon that feels like a real break from the sun. There are plenty of places to sit or lie down, so you can treat the cruise part as part of the vacation, not just transit.

Some days you may sail on a different boat depending on operations, but the consistent theme is comfort and cleanliness. Either way, the vibe is practical: sunscreen up, gear ready, then you’ll move to the water when the crew calls it.

If you’re sensitive to wind, you’ll feel it more on the open deck during the crossing. A light layer can make the sea breeze much more tolerable, especially if you’re going in cooler months.

Snorkeling in Ras Mohamed: what you’ll actually do in the water

This is the core of the day. You’ll rent snorkeling gear if you choose that option, and you’ll snorkel at popular spots inside Ras Mohamed National Park. The reef sites listed for this trip include Yolanda Reef, Shark Reef, South Bereika Bay, Marsa Ghozlani, and Old Quay, which matters because you’re not seeing the same stretch of water twice.

You’ll typically get help from snorkeling guides in the water. Names like Mustafa, Mohammed, Ali, and Shamz show up in the kind of feedback that matters: patience, clear direction, and support for nervous swimmers. If you want the simple version, go with the guide instructions and you’ll increase your chances of seeing coral and fish without stressing yourself out.

One thing to watch, coral can sting. Move carefully, don’t kick coral, and keep your hands off the reef even if it looks like something you want to touch. Also, even in calm moments, saltwater makes everything slick, so stay focused on your footing when getting in and out.

White Island: the best bonus stop, when tides allow

White Island is the fun side quest, a small sand-and-sea stop that many people describe as a highlight. The plan includes swimming near or around White Island, plus time that feels like a mini break from snorkeling.

Here’s the reality check: the White Island visit is subject to tide conditions. On days when the tide is too high, the island can be covered, and you may see less of it than expected. Wind can also limit how long you’ll want to be in the water, so bring clothes that are easier to layer and dry off in.

If your group includes kids, non-swimmers, or anyone who wants more gentle water, this stop can still be worthwhile. One of the strongest practical takeaways from the feedback is that the crew makes an effort to support people at different comfort levels, including moving someone calm and close to safer areas rather than forcing deep-water confidence.

Buffet lunch on the yacht: what to expect and how to time it

Lunch is a buffet on board, served after you’ve built up an appetite with the swims. The food listed includes freshly-cut salads and a mix of hot options like rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, and Egyptian kofta. You’ll also have unlimited water, soft drinks, and hot drinks during the trip.

The lunch part is not gourmet dining, but it’s designed for a large mixed group. A couple of guests noted they wanted different options, and one family comment suggested more variety in seafood would be nice. Still, for a day trip where your day revolves around snorkeling, this is a solid setup.

Practical tip: eat before you’re completely chilled or exhausted. If you wait too long after snorkeling, you can end up feeling cold while trying to decide what to eat.

Intro scuba diving add-on: for curious first-timers

If you want more than snorkeling, you can add introductory dives, either 1 or 2. This option is great for people who want a closer look at the reef, but don’t have advanced scuba experience.

Important detail: you need to meet the medical requirements to dive. One guest reported they failed medical requirements and expected a refund, so if you have any health concerns, handle that before you show up at the boat.

Also, even if you do not plan to dive, you can use intro diving as a confidence benchmark for yourself. If you see the crew coaching people through breath control and safety checks, it gives you a sense that you’re in the hands of professionals.

Timing, comfort, and the real rhythm of a 6 to 7 hour day

This tour runs about 6 to 7 hours, and the schedule is built around multiple activities rather than one long stretch. You’ll start with hotel pickup (if selected), then get to the marina, board, cruise to reef areas, snorkel at several sites, and then get the White Island opportunity when tides allow.

The day usually includes:

• sea crossing time to reach the snorkeling areas
• snorkeling at reef sites, often with guides helping you get in and out smoothly
• buffet lunch with drinks on board
• cruise back and hotel transfer at the end

If you’re the type who likes a clean, predictable plan, the most important variable is weather and tide. One guest even noted how windy conditions required the crew to adjust snorkeling plans and find calmer areas, which is a good sign that they respond rather than forcing the original plan.

For comfort, treat it like a beach day plus boat day. Sunscreen is essential. Bring a towel, swimwear, and ideally something warm to put on after your final swim, especially if the breeze is strong.

Price and value: is $30 per person a good deal?

At around $30 per person, this cruise is often great value because so much is wrapped into the price. You’re paying for the yacht cruise, national park entry fees, a buffet lunch, and the overall logistics. Plus, snorkeling support is a big part of why it’s worth paying instead of trying to DIY reef hopping from Sharm.

Two extra costs to factor in:

• A mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 Euros per person, paid on arrival or prepaid via add-ons
• Any snorkeling gear rental or snorkeling-related add-ons, depending on what you select

If you want a simple decision rule, this tour is a good buy when you want a single day that covers multiple reef experiences plus lunch, with hotel pickup optional. It becomes less ideal if you only care about White Island and you are extremely weather-sensitive, because tides and wind can change how much time you spend there.

Who should book this cruise, and who might reconsider

I think this tour is perfect for:

• first-time snorkelers who want guides and support
• families who want a structured day with breaks for sitting and eating
• people who want to see Ras Mohamed reefs without the hassle of arranging transport and sites
• anyone interested in trying intro scuba dives as an upgrade

You might want to reconsider if:

• you hate waiting around before departure and you’re traveling with very impatient kids
• you have realistic expectations about White Island, knowing it is tide-dependent
• you cannot tolerate wind on open decks, because sea breeze can feel stronger during the crossing

Should you book this Ras Mohamed cruise?

Book it if you want a practical, good-value Red Sea day with real snorkeling time, a comfortable yacht, and a lunch that keeps you fueled. If you add intro diving, it gives you a step up from snorkeling without needing to plan scuba logistics yourself.

Just pack smart for wind and changing conditions, and keep White Island as a bonus rather than a guarantee. Do that, and you’ll be set up for a very memorable day in the waters of Ras Mohamed.

FAQ

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

The duration is about 6 to 7 hours. Starting times vary based on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional. If you select it, pickup happens roughly 90 minutes before the trip time in a shared bus, and it depends on your hotel location.

Will you always visit White Island?

White Island is included subject to tide conditions. That means it can be affected by tides on the day.

Do you get snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear is included if you select it from the add-ons. The tour also includes snorkeling guides to assist you in the water.

What is the mandatory marina entrance fee?

There is a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 Euros per person. It is paid upon arrival, or you can choose to pay it via add-ons.

What meals and drinks are included?

An open buffet lunch is included, plus unlimited water, soft drinks, and hot drinks during the trip.

Can I add introductory scuba diving?

Yes. You can add 1 or 2 introductory dives as an upgrade, but you must meet medical requirements to dive.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.