Sharm el-Sheikh: Ras Mohammed Elite VIP Cruise and BBQ Lunch

A Red Sea day with real comfort. This Elite VIP cruise from Sharm el-Sheikh is built for easy lounging, then hands-on snorkeling in Ras Mohammed National Park. You get a big boat with multiple decks, plus expert guide support so you are not just thrown in and left to figure it out.

What I like most is the top sun deck setup, with plenty of loungers and a place to settle in without feeling crowded. Another standout is the onboard service and food, including waiter delivery of hot and soft drinks straight to where you’re sitting, plus a proper meal at lunch.

One thing to consider up front: while the basics are included, you may still face small extras, like the mandatory marina entrance fee (unless prepaid via add-ons) and drinks beyond what’s covered. Plan your budget so nothing surprises you.

Key highlights you will care about

• Spacious boat layout with 4 floors, plenty of loungers, and shaded seating below
• Unwinlimited hot and soft drinks delivered to your sunspot all day
• Three snorkeling stops in Ras Mohammed National Park with guide support for all comfort levels
• BBQ-style lunch plus seafood options served buffet-style with salads, sides, and fruit
• Guides who stay with you so you can snorkel confidently, with names like Ahmed, Umar, Mohamed, and Islam showing up in feedback

A VIP Cruise That Feels Relaxed, Not Rushed

This trip is all about mixing two things you actually want in Sharm el-Sheikh: comfort on the boat and strong snorkeling. You start with hotel pickup in Sharm, then head out for a cruise that gives you time to settle in before you ever hit the water.

The “Elite VIP” label makes sense in the way the day is paced. Instead of a fast, grab-and-go style tour, you get multiple stops and time to snorkel, plus a lunch that is not an afterthought. Even if you are not the fastest swimmer, the boat setup and guide approach are designed to keep you involved.

The Boat: Sun Deck Comfort Plus Cool Indoor Breaks

If sun and shade matter to you, this is one of the reasons people choose this cruise. The top deck is made for soaking up the day, and reviews consistently mention clean loungers and a relaxed vibe up there. You can spread out, get comfortable, and actually enjoy the sea time.

When you want relief from heat, wind, or just a break, there are two air-conditioned salons. This matters more than you’d think. After snorkeling sessions, it is nice to be able to step into a cooler space, eat lunch, and recover without waiting for the next stop.

One detail that comes through in feedback is that the boat experience can feel more calm than some budget cruises. People specifically mention no loud music on board, which makes the day easier to enjoy.

Getting There: Pickup Time and Marina Fees

The trip runs every day, with the core cruise and site time set from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Pickup is roughly one hour before departure, and you should expect a WhatsApp message about your exact pickup time about 24 hours in advance.

This is also where the only “gotcha” cost often appears. There is a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 euros per person, paid upon arrival unless you chose to include it as an add-on. It is not a huge amount, but it is the kind of fee you want to handle calmly rather than at the dock with everything else going on.

Transport to and from the marina is part of the plan. The daytime portion includes a short bus or coach transfer (about 25 minutes), but a return ride may feel tighter for some people depending on how the group is handled that afternoon.

Ras Mohammed National Park: Three Snorkeling Sessions That Fit Real Life

Ras Mohammed is famous for coral and fish, but the bigger win here is the way the snorkeling is managed. You get three snorkeling stops in Ras Mohammed National Park, not just one quick moment in the water.

One scheduled snorkeling session is listed at about 45 minutes, and the day is structured around repeated opportunities to get in and out. The exact feel of each stop can vary with conditions, but the goal stays the same: you should see coral, sea life, and that packed-below-the-surface variety the Red Sea is known for.

Guides who manage nerves, not just safety

If you get anxious in open water, this is where the trip earns its praise. Reviews mention guides who actively check that people are okay and stay with them in the water. Names that come up include Ahmed, who was described as attentive and reassuring, especially for someone frightened in deeper water.

The tour also mentions life jackets for less-confident swimmers and a sea entry via a low platform at the back of the boat. There is even a note that guides may use a life buoy to help you during entry or when you need extra support. That kind of hands-on help is what turns snorkeling from a “maybe” into a “yes.”

What you are likely to see

The tour description lists an impressive range of possible sea life, including turtles, octopus, seahorses, and many species of fish. You can also come across larger animals like manta rays and dolphins, though those sightings are naturally not guaranteed every single trip.

The practical takeaway: go in ready to be flexible. Snorkeling success here is not about one specific creature. It is about coral structure and moving through a reef area where life keeps changing with currents and timing.

Water conditions matter

The description states that waters seldom drop below 20C even in winter. That is a helpful baseline, but one review still flags that the water can feel too cold for snorkeling on certain days. If you run cold easily, take it seriously. Bring what you need to stay comfortable, and plan for the possibility that you may spend more time on the boat between entries rather than doing back-to-back long sessions.

White Island: A Break in the Day Before the Final Return

Between snorkeling time and the lunch recovery, you get a White Island visit for about 45 minutes. This stop functions like a change of pace. If the water time feels intense, it is a breather where you can reset and take photos, look around, and stretch before heading back into the final phase of the trip.

You also tend to get better energy for the last part of the day this way, because you are not always going straight from one water stop into another without any land break.

Lunch and Drinks: A Real Meal at Sea

Lunch on board is not just bread and fruit. The menu is set as a buffet with a mix of soups, salads, and sides, then a main platter-style spread. You can expect:

• Seafood soup
• 3 types of fresh salad
• rice, pasta, and potatoes
• shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta
• seasonal fresh fruit

This is a big deal for value. Many “snorkeling day trips” treat lunch as filler, and you end up hungry or stuck with bland choices. Here, the variety is wide enough that most people can find something they like, even if you do not eat fish.

For drinks, you get waiter service for unlimited hot and soft drinks delivered to your sunspot. That means you do not need to keep walking back inside or hunt for a counter during the day, which helps you keep the rhythm.

A fair heads-up from one review: not every refreshment may be free beyond the small included cups. Some extras might cost extra, so if you have strong preferences for specific drinks, bring that expectation with you.

Snorkeling Gear: What’s Included and What You Might Need

Snorkeling gear is included only if you selected it as an add-on. If you did not choose it, you might still be able to hire gear at the port, with one review stating a charge of about $5 for a mask and goggles, and noting that flippers were not included.

If you are particular about fit, comfort, or hygiene, it is often worth packing your own mask and snorkel. If you are not picky, you can still get by, but plan ahead so you are not forced to scramble at the last minute.

Entry into the water

You enter from a low platform at the back of the boat. That is important for first-timers. A high, ladder-style entry can be intimidating. This setup is meant to feel more manageable.

If you need a life jacket, you will be offered one. And if you are anxious, the guide support model here is the kind that helps you get in without panic taking over.

Value for Around $80: Where It’s a Good Deal

At about $80 per person, this cruise can feel like a solid value because you are paying for the full day experience, not just a boat ride. Your money buys:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• a boat cruise with multiple snorkeling chances
• guide support throughout the snorkeling sessions
• a buffet lunch with real variety
• waiter-served hot and soft drinks

When snorkeling is the headline, the question becomes: are you paying extra for “VIP” comfort and a better system, or are you paying mostly for the name? Based on the feedback pattern, the VIP comfort parts are real, especially the top deck layout and the clean, well-kept boat.

Also, several reviews call the food “first class” or better than expected, and people specifically mention the service staying attentive, including frequent drink checks.

Small Risks: Choppy Seas, Wind, and Uneven Group Handling

Even great snorkeling days have weather variables. One review points out windy conditions on the return ride, and another mentions choppy seas. If the day feels rough, more people will likely choose life jackets and take it slower getting into the water.

Another practical caution is transportation flow. One review mentions the return transfer felt cramped in a single minivan for someone who expected separate transport. That kind of issue is not the tour’s core feature, but it is worth noting if you hate being squeezed into tight seats.

Finally, one review mentions a guide who did not interact much, though the rest of the experience stayed positive. You cannot control staff chemistry, but this cruise tends to do well when it comes to personal check-ins during water time.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This is a strong match if you:

• want a comfortable boat day with space to relax
• care about snorkeling with guide support rather than a free-for-all
• appreciate air-conditioned breaks and waiter-served drinks
• want a lunch that includes both seafood and meat options

It is also a good choice if you are traveling with kids, since at least one review mentions the guide taking extra care with a daughter, and the guide team is described as attentive to different experience levels.

You might consider a different option if:

• you know you get very cold in water and hate even short snorkeling sessions
• you want a tour with zero extra charges beyond the base price, because the marina entrance fee and possible paid extras can add up

Should You Book This Elite VIP Ras Mohammed Cruise?

Yes, if you want an efficient, comfortable day that prioritizes snorkeling in Ras Mohammed with a food and service setup that feels like more than a basic group outing. The repeated praise for deck comfort and the hands-on guide support for nervous snorkelers are the two reasons this stands out.

Before you go, do two things: confirm your exact pickup time via WhatsApp, and set aside the mandatory 5 euro marina entrance fee budget unless you already prepaid it through add-ons. If you pack smart for water comfort and bring (or plan to rent) snorkeling essentials, you’ll be set for a day that is mostly easy fun and big underwater variety.

FAQ

How long is the Ras Mohammed Elite VIP cruise?

The trip runs for about 7 hours, with the core day set from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You get three snorkeling stops in Ras Mohammed National Park.

Is lunch included, and what is on the menu?

Yes. Lunch is included and served buffet-style. The menu includes seafood soup, several fresh salads, rice, pasta, and potatoes, plus shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta, with seasonal fresh fruit.

What drinks are included during the trip?

You have waiter service for unlimited hot and soft drinks throughout the day, delivered to your sunspot.

Do I need to pay a marina entrance fee?

Yes, there is a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 euros per person. It is paid upon arrival unless you included it as a prepaid add-on.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Snorkeling gear is included only if you selected it as an add-on.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the trip is listed as wheelchair accessible.