Sharm: Elite VIP Cruise Ras Mohammed & White Island with Lunch

Traveller rating 4.5 (34)Price from$77.99Operated byEgypt Sunmarine FleetBook viaViator

A Red Sea day with built-in snorkeling support. This Elite VIP Cruise outing takes you from Sharm el Sheikh to Ras Mohammed National Park and then on to the famous White Island sandbar. I really like the door-to-door setup that keeps logistics simple, and I like that you get three guided snorkeling stops instead of a quick, rushed swim. The one consideration: snorkeling gear isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan for that before you go.

You’ll spend roughly six hours out on the water, starting at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport. The boat is set up for real access to the sea (a low platform at the back, plus life jackets), and the crew focuses on keeping different comfort levels moving safely. I also appreciate that the day is built around more than one highlight: coral reef time at Ras Mohammed, then White Island as a change of pace with lunch onboard.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

  • Three snorkeling stops with guides in the water so you can find the best spots and stay safe
  • White Island sandbar stop where the scenery changes from reef to open sea and coastline views
  • Life jackets and low-platform entry make the water access less intimidating
  • Guides assist with confidence-building support including helping you hold position if needed
  • Lunch is proper, not just a snack with soup, salad, grilled items, sides, and fruit
  • Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so check what you’ll bring or rent separately

Elite VIP Cruise in Sharm el Sheikh: how the day runs

This trip is designed to feel easy from the moment you’re picked up. You start with air-conditioned vehicle transport from your Sharm el Sheikh hotel area to the marina. The tour uses a mobile ticket, and you’ll get confirmation at booking, so you’re not stuck guessing where to be.

Once you’re at the boat, the pace is straightforward. A typical day like this runs on the rhythm of travel time out to the sites, snorkeling blocks, and a midday meal. You’ll be looking at about a half-day total, with an official start time of 9:00 am, but in practice the pickup window can be earlier (one past departure noted hotel pickup around 7:30 am).

The boat itself matters more than people think. Elite VIP Cruise vessels are described as brand new, and the experience is capped at a max of 35 people, which generally helps keep things organized when you’re changing locations. If you hate crowds and long waits, this group size is one of the quieter wins here.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sharm el Sheikh.

Ras Mohammed National Park: your three guided snorkeling stops

Ras Mohammed National Park is the headline for a reason: the Red Sea ecosystem here is known for reef life and colorful underwater scenery. What I like about this tour is that it’s structured as three snorkeling stops, not one “hit-and-hope” swim.

Here’s what that means for you on the water:

  • You get multiple chances to see reef wildlife and corals, even if one spot is choppier or visibility isn’t perfect.
  • You also get variety. Each stop functions like a different section of the park, so you’re not staring at the same view for hours.
  • The guides help you stay oriented and comfortable so you can focus on looking, not on figuring out the setup.

Snorkeling support is a major part of this experience. Life jackets are available for people who want them, and you can access the water via a low platform at the back of the boat. The key point: you’re not just thrown in and told good luck. The snorkeling guides stay with you at all times and know the best places to bring you, which can make a huge difference if you’re not a strong swimmer.

One practical detail worth taking seriously: even if you’re less confident, the guides can assist you in the water, including helping you attach to a life buoy and supporting you as needed. That sort of hands-on attention is the difference between an exhausting day and a relaxed one.

A realistic consideration

The quality of any snorkeling day depends on conditions. This experience specifically says it requires good weather. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider planning ahead, since you’ll be on the water for multiple legs and transfers.

White Island sandbar: switching from reef to pure scenery

After the Ras Mohammed time, the day shifts to one of Sharm’s most Instagram-friendly moments: White Island, a pristine sandbar. Instead of being a second round of reef snorkeling, it’s a change of pace. You’re essentially going from underwater focus to wide-open views and that bright, sandy contrast that makes the Red Sea look extra unreal.

Why this stop works for most people:

  • It’s a visual payoff after you’ve spent time scanning coral and fish.
  • It offers a different kind of memory than the snorkeling photos alone.
  • It helps break up the day so you’re not just doing one long continuous activity block.

If you’re worried about whether you’ll feel stuck underwater all day, White Island is the built-in relief. And because the tour includes lunch onboard (more on that next), the day is paced so you don’t have to hunt for food between locations.

One thing I suggest: bring something that keeps you comfortable on sand and in sun—there’s no substitute for shade if you burn easily. The data doesn’t spell out shade structures on the island, so assume you’ll rely on hats, sunscreen, and your own plan.

Lunch onboard: what’s included and how it fits the day

Lunch is a big value piece here because it’s not an afterthought. You’ll be served a full meal that includes soup, salad, grilled meat and seafood, sides, and fruit.

From a “make the day easier” standpoint, that matters. On a boat day with multiple snorkeling stops, finding food later can turn annoying fast. With lunch handled, you can focus on the water and the scenery without timing stress.

What to eat for a snorkeling day

I usually aim for balanced fuel on a trip like this:

  • Start with soup or salad to settle your stomach.
  • Choose grilled items if you get hungry quickly after time in the water.
  • Leave room for fruit, especially if you’ll still be active afterward.

Also, because this is a sea-focused day, I recommend keeping an eye on how your body feels in waves. Heavy, greasy meals can be rough when you’re back on the water. You’ll still have options here, but if you know you get queasy, go lighter.

Safety and comfort: the boat setup for real snorkeling ability

This is where the Elite VIP format clearly tries to include more people, not just confident swimmers.

What’s explicitly built in:

  • Life jackets are available for less-confident snorkelers.
  • Access to the water is via a low platform at the back of the boat.
  • Guides stay with you at all times.
  • You can receive assistance such as support with life buoy positioning when needed.

That combination reduces the two biggest anxieties people have on snorkeling tours: getting in safely and not knowing what to do once you’re in.

How the boat feels from the practical side is also a point in the experience record. It’s described as large and comfortable, and it’s considered secure while you’re underway. Cleanliness is noted too, which is always a quiet but important detail on a day trip where you’ll be spending time indoors and on deck.

One consideration you should plan for

Since snorkeling equipment isn’t included, you’ll need to decide whether you want to bring your own or arrange rental elsewhere before the day. If you wait until the last minute, it’s easy to end up with mismatched gear that doesn’t fit well. Snorkel comfort is not a small thing; it affects how long you’ll enjoy each stop.

Price and value: is $77.99 worth it for this itinerary?

At $77.99 per person, this sits in the “solid value” range for a Sharm el Sheikh water day that combines multiple snorkeling stops, guided support, and a proper lunch. The key is what you’re getting for the money, not just the headline price.

Here’s what drives value in the way this trip is packaged:

  • Hotel-area door-to-door transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Three snorkeling stops with guides staying with you.
  • Lunch that includes both seafood and meat options plus soup, sides, and fruit.
  • All fees and taxes included.

And here’s what affects your overall real cost:

  • Snorkeling equipment is not included, so add any rental or bring-your-own expense to your math.
  • If you need additional items (like reef-safe sunscreen, anti-fog measures, or motion sickness support), those aren’t listed as included.

The pricing also makes sense for planning. Average booking timing is about 27 days in advance, which suggests this isn’t a last-minute gamble for many people. For you, it can mean better availability and fewer schedule compromises.

If your priority is three guided snorkeling experiences plus White Island scenery, this is priced like a structured day rather than a simple boat ride.

Who should book this Ras Mohammed and White Island cruise?

This one fits well if you want a guided day that balances reef time with a scenery payoff.

Best matches:

  • You want snorkeling help and prefer not to wing it alone in the water.
  • You’d like hotel pickup and minimal coordination on your end.
  • You care about lunch being included and substantial.
  • You’re traveling with people who have different confidence levels in the water.

It’s also a good pick if you like a group that isn’t too big. With a cap of 35 people, the day should feel more controlled than bigger cattle-car style tours.

Less ideal if:

  • You strongly rely on having snorkeling gear included in the price.
  • You’re sensitive to weather and wave conditions and don’t handle rougher sea days well.

Should you book this Elite VIP Cruise?

If you’re aiming for a guided, multi-stop snorkeling day with a real lunch and a break at White Island, this is an easy recommendation. The biggest strengths are the structure (three snorkeling stops), the support (guides in the water with life jackets and safe access), and the convenience (door-to-door pickup plus lunch onboard).

Before you book, do two quick checks:

  • Plan for snorkeling equipment since it’s not included.
  • Be ready for the fact that this trip requires good weather, and it can be rescheduled or refunded if conditions don’t work.

If that fits your style, you’ll likely come away with two kinds of memories: reef-life moments from Ras Mohammed, and that bright sandbar scenery at White Island.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Sharm Elite VIP Cruise to Ras Mohammed and White Island?

The trip runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Two-way transfers are included from Sharm el Sheikh hotel areas.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You’ll make three snorkeling stops during the day.

Are snorkeling guides provided?

Yes. Snorkeling guides accompany you at all times.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No, the use of snorkeling equipment is not included.

What food is included for lunch?

Lunch includes soup, salad, grilled meat and seafood, sides, and fruit.

What is the group size limit?

The maximum group size is 35 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there free cancellation?

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

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