This is the trip most visitors mean when they say they are going snorkeling from Sharm el-Sheikh. A yacht takes you along the coast to the reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park and on to White Island, a sandbank beach with shallow turquoise water, with two snorkeling stops, a buffet lunch and soft drinks, coffee and tea on board. The trip runs about eight hours with hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the operator includes snorkeling gear and a guide or instructor. A short intro dive can be added as an option. Groups are large, up to about a hundred travellers, so it is a sociable day with music and plenty of fellow guests rather than a quiet one. Government fees are charged as a separate cost, and coast guards require passport details, so have your passport number ready when you confirm pickup.
A typical day
Pickup comes early, usually around eight in the morning, and you confirm the exact time with the operator once you give your hotel name. A drive takes you to the marina, where you board the yacht and sail towards Ras Mohammed. The first snorkeling stop is usually on the reef, with the second at White Island, where a sandbank sits in clear shallow water. Lunch is served on board, and the boat returns to the marina in the afternoon before the transfer back to your hotel.
Managing expectations
This is a very popular trip and boats can feel crowded at busy times. Some reviewers mention that the itinerary was adjusted on the day because of sea conditions or park rules, so treat the plan as a guide and ask the crew what is possible. If you want a calmer day, choose the earliest departure you can and spend the first part of each stop in the water while the beaches are quiet. Weak swimmers should use a life vest, which is included.
What to bring
Reef-safe sunscreen, a rash vest or T-shirt, a hat, a towel, a dry bag, cash for tips and for any fee not in the ticket, and your passport details. Motion-sickness tablets are sensible if you are sensitive, because a breeze can raise a chop in the afternoon. Never stand on or touch coral, as the reefs here are protected and rangers enforce the rules. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip is commonly offered, so check the terms when you book and plan around the weather.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day yacht trip with hotel pickup, two snorkeling stops at Ras Mohammed and White Island, a buffet lunch and drinks on board.
Best time
Spring to autumn offers the warmest water; winter mornings can be cool on deck, so bring a layer.
How long
About eight hours door to door, including transfers to and from the marina.
Tips
Keep your passport details handy, carry cash for tips and any separate fee, and choose the earliest departure for calmer water.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want a ready-made day on the water with snorkeling, lunch and no planning.
- Families
- Good for children who can swim with a life vest, though the boat is large and busy; bring shade and snacks.
- Couples
- Fun and social rather than romantic; the sandbank at White Island is the prettiest part of the day.
- Pair with
- A semi-submarine ride or the desert dinner on another day, so you see reef and dunes.
- Time needed
- One full day.
Good questions
Do I need to be a good swimmer?+
Not strongly, because life vests and snorkeling gear are provided and the crew supervises. Non-swimmers can enjoy the boat and the shallow sandbank at White Island.
Are park fees included?+
Government fees are charged as a separate cost, so confirm the amount and bring cash. Fees change, so check the current figure when you book.
Why do they need my passport details?+
Coast guards require passport information for boat departures from Sharm. Give the operator your passport number when you confirm pickup.
Can I add a dive?+
A short intro dive is available as an optional extra. Tell the operator when you book, and expect an extra charge and a brief safety talk.
What happens if the sea is rough?+
Operators can adjust the route or cancel for safety, and offered free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Ask the operator what their policy is on the day.
