Sharm El Sheikh: Luxury boat Cruise with Snorkeling & Lunch

When it comes to exploring Egypt’s Red Sea coast, few experiences compare to a boat cruise around Ras Mohamed National Park. This tour offers a chance to see some of the most vibrant underwater life you’ll find anywhere, coupled with relaxing beach stops and delicious local food. We’ve looked into this trip to give you a clear picture of what to expect, so you can decide if it fits your travel style.

What we love about this experience is its combination of adventure and relaxation—snorkeling amid colorful coral reefs and fish, plus lounging on White Island’s soft sands. The value is notable, considering the included lunch and gear rentals, making it a worthwhile outing for those seeking both fun and comfort.

However, some reviews hint at moments of chaos and overcrowding, especially at popular snorkeling spots, so if you prefer quiet, this might not be your ideal day. Still, for travelers eager to see the marine world without heavy equipment or long drives, this tour is a solid choice.

This experience is best suited for families, snorkelers, and first-time visitors to Sharm El Sheikh who want a relaxed yet engaging day on the water, with plenty of opportunities for photos, good food, and underwater exploration.

Key Points

• Vibrant Underwater World: Snorkel at Ras Mohamed’s coral reefs, home to colorful fish and marine life.
• White Island Relaxation: Enjoy soft sands and shallow waters ideal for snorkeling and unwinding.
• Flexible Options: Upgrade to include 1 or 2 introductory scuba dives—perfect for beginners.
• All-Inclusive Lunch: Savor a buffet featuring rice, pasta, salads, seafood, and grilled chicken with sea views.
• Comfortable Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected) streamline your day.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers cite overcrowding and long waiting times, but many praise the professionalism and friendly staff.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

The journey starts with a hotel pickup (if you choose the transfer option), whisking you away from the busy streets of Sharm El Sheikh to the Egypt Sunmarine Fleet marina. Here, you’ll board a comfortable yacht, ready for a day of discovery. From the start, the relaxed vibe and professional crew set the tone for what’s to come.

Setting Sail for Ras Mohamed National Park

Once aboard, you’ll cruise towards the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, heading to Ras Mohamed, a protected marine area famous for its coral reefs and vibrant marine life. The roughly 1 to 1.5-hour voyage gives you time to soak in the sea breeze and enjoy the scenic views. The boat’s environment varies from lively to tranquil, depending on the wind and sea conditions—something noted positively in reviews that mention helpful staff during windier days.

Snorkeling and Marine Exploration

When you arrive, a professional snorkeling guide will assist you in exploring the coral reefs teeming with fish and other sea creatures. For those who prefer, snorkel gear is available to rent, making it easy to stay in the water longer or try out different spots. The reefs are generally praised for their visual splendor, though some visitors mention that crowding can be an issue at popular sites, which might limit your personal space and underwater freedom.

One traveler noted, “Love 99% Just a long day for short time driving / snorkeling,” pointing out that the trip might feel a bit rushed if you’re eager to spend hours in the water. Still, the chance to see pristine reefs and colorful fish is often highlighted as a key highlight.

White Island: Sun, Sand, and Snorkeling

Next, the yacht takes you to White Island, a small sandbank surrounded by shallow waters. Here, you’ll find the perfect spot for relaxing on the soft sand, swimming in calm waters, or snapping photos. Many visitors appreciate this break because it offers a peaceful contrast to the busy reefs, and it’s ideal for families or anyone wanting a laid-back pause.

Reviews mention that timing can be affected by tide conditions, so the visit might be shorter or longer depending on the day. Some comments describe White Island as a popular Instagram spot, but others noted that it can feel crowded with travelers eager for photos. This is something to keep in mind if you prefer quieter, less touristy environments.

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Lunch and Sailing Back

After your underwater adventures, you’ll return to the yacht for a delicious buffet lunch. The menu typically includes rice, pasta, salads, grilled chicken, and fish—an impressive spread considering the tour price. Soft drinks are included, allowing you to sip and relax while cruising back towards Sharm El Sheikh.

The return journey offers scenic views of the Red Sea and a chance to unwind. Many travelers say the food and friendly crew made the day memorable, with some calling it “very professional” and “highly recommended.”

Deep Dive into the Details

Duration and Group Size

This tour lasts around 6-7 hours, including pickup, transit, snorkeling, beach stop, lunch, and return. Group sizes tend to be moderate, but some reviews hint at overcrowding, especially at snorkel sites. Be prepared for multiple boats heading to the same spots, which can sometimes affect the tranquility of your experience.

Cost and Value

At a modest $35 per person, this experience offers good value, especially with the included lunch and gear rentals. For travelers on a budget, it’s an accessible way to explore Ras Mohamed’s underwater world without renting expensive equipment or booking separate tours.

Equipment and Safety

Snorkeling gear is available as an add-on, costing around $4 per item. If you opt for the scuba upgrade, you’ll get one or two introductory dives, which must be booked in advance. The tour emphasizes safety, with trained guides present, but some reviews mention long waits or crowded conditions that can detract from the feeling of personal space.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

Bring essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear. You’ll need a passport or copy for park entry. Note that alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and feeding animals is prohibited.

What Travelers Say

• One person shared, “Love 99% Just a long day for short time driving / snorkeling,” highlighting that the day can feel a bit rushed if you’re eager to stay in the water longer.
• Another commented, “It went very well… we had a lot of wind, but they helped us and took good care of us,” showing that the staff are attentive even when weather conditions challenge the day.
• On the downside, a traveler described the experience as “confusing and chaotic,” citing too many boats at the reef which made the water feel crowded—and less enjoyable for some.

Despite mixed reviews, many agree that professional guides, good food, and stunning views make this a worthwhile trip, especially for first-timers or those seeking a balanced day of adventure and relaxation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise appeals most to families, first-time snorkelers, and budget-conscious travelers wanting a safe, organized day on the water. It’s ideal for those interested in seeing vibrant coral reefs and relaxing on a beautiful island beach. If you’re looking for solitude or a very long underwater experience, you might find this tour a bit crowded or rushed.

For travelers who value good food, scenic cruising, and a straightforward, well-organized outing, this tour hits many marks. Just be prepared for the possibility of crowding and some waiting.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you select the transfer option, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, making the day more convenient.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and your passport or a copy for park entry.

Can I rent snorkeling gear?
Yes, snorkeling gear is available to rent onsite for around $4 per item.

Is it suitable for children?
Most likely yes, especially since the tour is relaxed and includes beach stops, but check with the provider regarding specific age restrictions.

What’s the food like?
The lunch is a buffet offering rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, and fish, appreciated by many for its quality and variety.

How long is the cruise?
Expect about 6 to 7 hours, including transportation, snorkeling, beach time, and lunch.

Are scuba dives included?
You can upgrade to include 1 or 2 introductory scuba dives, but these must be booked as an add-on.

Final Thoughts

This luxury boat cruise from Sharm El Sheikh offers a balanced mix of underwater adventure, scenic cruising, and relaxing beach time—all at an affordable price. The inclusion of a buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and optional scuba upgrades makes it practical for a variety of travelers.

While some reviews note crowding and waiting at popular spots, most guests agree that the friendly staff, beautiful reef views, and delicious food make this a worthwhile day trip. It’s especially well-suited to those who want a well-organized tour with easy access to the underwater world without heavy equipment or long drives.

If you’re looking for a moderate-paced, scenic, and value-packed day on the Red Sea, this tour deserves a spot on your list. Just keep your expectations balanced and be ready for some lively boat action!

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby