Three decks, three swims, one smooth day. On the BELLA cruise out of Sharm El Sheikh, you’re set up for a comfort-first Red Sea snorkeling day with expert support and included lunch. It’s built around Ras Mohammed and three chances to see the reef.

I love the three-floor layout: an open sun deck with lounge chairs, plus shaded mid-deck seating, and air-conditioned salon/dining decks when you want a break from the sun. I also like that waiter service brings hot and cold drinks to your spot, so you can keep the day easy.

One possible drawback: the start at the marina can feel busy and a bit confusing, especially if you need clear English directions right away. Once you’re aboard, the pace calms down.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Three snorkeling stops in the Ras Mohammed area: Ras Mohamed, White Island, and Stingray Station
• Real onboard comfort with a large sun deck, shaded seating, and air-conditioned indoor decks
• Unlimited hot and cold drinks served all day, plus lunch and snacks
• Snorkeling gear included (mask, snorkel, fins) and life jackets available for all comfort levels
• Hotel transport and Ras Mohamed entry fees included, so you skip extra planning

Bella Boat: a three-deck floating base for the whole day

This trip lives or dies by how you spend the hours on the water. The BELLA cruise is set up for long days, not quick in-and-out hops. You get a large sun deck with lounge chairs for when you want sun and sea views, and you’re not stuck standing around. If you need a break, there are shaded areas mid-boat, plus air-conditioned salons where you can cool off and eat comfortably.

What I like about this setup for your day is simple: it helps you pace yourself. With three snorkeling stops planned, you’ll usually want a bit of quiet time between swims. You’re also not committed to one spot. The day feels structured, but not cramped.

Another comfort win is the service style. Waiters bring drinks right to your sunspot, and you can keep moving between chill and reef without constantly finding staff. That matters when the boat is doing multiple stops and you’re trying to manage your gear, sunscreen, and towel setup without turning the day into a production.

The day plan from 8:30 am: relaxing cruise time included

The timing is straightforward. Departing from the marina at 8:30 am, you cruise first, then move into the snorkeling portion of the day. This matters because you’re not immediately thrown into the water. You have time to get settled, grab a drink, and find a deck spot before the reef sessions begin.

Because hotel pickup is included from any hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, you’re not juggling taxis, meeting points, or finding your way through traffic before you even reach the marina. I’d still plan to arrive with a little buffer, because the marina start can be hectic.

Before you leave, pack the practical stuff that’s actually required:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Passport (a copy is accepted)

On a cruise like this, you’ll be in direct sun even when you’re not snorkeling. If you bring waterproof layers or a hat, you’ll likely appreciate them, even though the essentials above are what you must have.

Ras Mohammed snorkeling: reef time with guides keeping you close

Ras Mohammed is the big reason many people come to the Sharm area for snorkeling. For this cruise, Ras Mohamed entry fees are included, and you’re scheduled for multiple reef stops within Ras Mohammed National Park.

What changes the experience here is the “help is there, not just posted” approach. Snorkeling experts stay with you and check on everyone throughout the snorkeling sessions. That’s a comfort factor if you’re not a confident swimmer or if you just want someone watching your spacing and safety.

Also, you get a low access point at the back of the boat to reach the sea. That reduces hassle compared with boats that require awkward stepping down or climbing. You’ll still want to keep your routine simple: rinse gear if needed (where allowed), settle your mask before you head out, and keep an eye on your guide if you’re holding onto a life buoy.

Life jackets are available for those who want them, and the boat also provides support gear. The overall feel is that the guides want you in the water seeing corals, not stuck worrying about staying afloat.

White Island stop: a longer swim with life-ring support

White Island is one of the stops that can take more endurance than you’d expect. Instead of using a tender boat to drop you right at the swim spot, the swim is done from the main boat. That means it can be a fairly long swim for some people.

Here’s the good part: a guide supports you with a life ring and can tow or help if needed. Life jackets are available at the stop as well, which makes this more approachable for less-confident swimmers than it would be on a trip with zero support.

If you’re the kind of person who hates surprises in the water, this is the one to think about before you book. If your comfort level is on the lower side, choose a calmer snorkel pace, keep close to the ring, and don’t treat it like a race. If you’re comfortable swimming steadily, it can be a rewarding change of pace from reef-only sessions.

Stingray Station: marine life focus where the reef does the talking

The cruise includes a stop at Stingray Station, and the theme of the whole day stays consistent: corals and marine life close to the surface. This is where you’ll usually want to slow down. Fast fin kicks scare off the calm and careful behavior the reef rewards.

The support approach doesn’t disappear here. You can expect life jackets, and the guides’ job is to keep you oriented and safe while you swim around the reef. That help is especially useful if you’re nervous about staying with the group or if you’re still learning how to navigate underwater while breathing smoothly.

For many people, this is the practical payoff of the “VIP” part. It’s not just a boat ride with an optional swim. The cruise is built around structured snorkel sessions, with staff positioned so you’re not out there solo.

Lunch, drinks, and snacks: what’s included and what to watch

This trip includes lunch & beverages and snacks on board, with unlimited hot and cold drinks during the day. Waiter service means you can grab food or drinks without leaving the deck area you’re using.

The lunch menu is fairly wide-ranging and includes:

• Shrimp and calamari
• Fish
• Chicken and kofta
• Salads and sides (rice, pasta, potatoes)
• Seasonal fresh fruit

So yes, seafood is on the menu plan. At the same time, one important reality check: there can be day-to-day variation in what’s actually served on the plate, even if fish is advertised. If you’re pescatarian and fish is a must-have, I’d come prepared to eat from the rest of the lunch spread (salads, sides, shrimp/calamari if available) and be ready to adjust if the fish option isn’t offered that day.

The bigger value here is that lunch is included and you don’t have to plan a meal stop in Sharm after swimming all morning. That keeps the whole day from turning into a logistics puzzle. It also helps you recover between snorkeling sessions.

Snorkeling gear and support: built for different comfort levels

Snorkeling gear is included: mask, snorkel, fins, plus a life jacket. Even better, the cruise provides equipment so you’re not relying on packing your own. If you’ve brought your own gear, that’s fine too, but the included set means you can travel lighter.

If you struggle with floating or you’re unsure about your swimming, this trip is set up with assistance in mind:

• Life jackets are offered at snorkeling stops
• Guides stay close and check on everyone
• Guides use life rings and holding points to help you stay oriented

One helpful mindset: treat snorkeling here like a guided experience, not a free-for-all. If you keep your pace steady and follow the guide’s rhythm, you’ll get more out of the reef—and you’ll likely feel calmer in the water.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, which is another factor to consider for your planning. Still, as with any boat day, I’d expect there to be stairs/steps and deck movement. If accessibility is a major concern, it’s smart to contact the operator before booking to confirm how boarding and water access work for your specific needs.

The photographer: a fun extra with a price tag

There may be a photographer on board. If you like having edited photos as a souvenir, you might find it a friendly way to get reef-and-boat shots without worrying about your camera settings.

The catch: photos can be expensive. If that’s not your thing, you can still capture your own moments with a phone in a waterproof case or a camera you trust in saltwater conditions. Just know that reef days tend to fly by, so plan simple: take a few photos early, then focus on the water.

Transport and timing: why pickup matters on an 8-hour day

This is an 8-hour cruise and hotel pickup is included from Sharm El Sheikh. That’s not a small perk. When you’re heading out for snorkeling, the last thing you want is extra waiting at a meeting point or a scramble to find the correct booth at the marina.

Pickup also makes it easier to plan your day around the cruise. If you’re staying in Sharm, you can treat this like a full, self-contained day. You’ll return after the final snorkeling segment with lunch and drinks already sorted.

Still, the marina start can be a little chaotic. One review described confusion at the start because explanations weren’t always in English. My practical advice: arrive with a clear plan for your own check-in (confirm your name, have your confirmation handy, and give yourself time). Then once you’re aboard, expect the trip to feel more organized.

Price and value: is $117 a premium or a fair deal?

At $117 per person, this is priced as a premium snorkeling day. You’re paying for comfort and structure: a three-deck boat, included hotel transport, included Ras Mohamed entry fees, three snorkeling stops, lunch, snacks, drinks, and full snorkeling gear.

For value, the math looks solid if:

• You want a guided reef day rather than DIY planning
• You care about onboard comfort during long hours
• You’re happy with a set menu for lunch
• You want multiple snorkeling chances in one day

But here’s the balanced part. Not every “VIP” label means the same thing every day. One account felt the boat was older than expected and said food items advertised didn’t appear the way they expected. Another mentioned waiting at points while other divers finished, plus less freedom to snorkel beyond what the guide allowed.

So how do you decide? Think of this as a premium option that’s still a real-world operation. It should be well-run once you’re on board, but conditions and service consistency can shift. The best move is to manage expectations: you’re buying comfort + structure, not a guarantee that everything will go exactly your way.

Who should book this Bella VIP cruise?

I’d point you toward this cruise if you:

• Want guided snorkeling with staff staying close
• Prefer comfort during a full day on the water (not just a quick splash)
• Appreciate a three-deck layout and air-conditioned downtime
• Like the idea of three different reef experiences (Ras Mohamed + White Island + Stingray Station) in one outing

It may not be the best fit if:

• You want a completely tender-assisted, short swim at every stop (White Island includes a longer swim)
• You need a very specific food item every day (fish expectations may vary)
• You strongly dislike any waiting between activities

If you’re generally flexible and you want an easy day that runs on a clear schedule, it’s a strong choice.

Should you book it?

If your goal is a comfortable, guided Red Sea snorkeling day with hotel pickup, three reef-focused stops, included gear, and lunch taken care of, I’d book this. The biggest reasons are the onboard comfort and the “guides stay with you” approach, which helps you enjoy the water without turning the day into stress.

Just go in with two smart expectations: the marina start may be a bit messy, and menu items can vary in practice. If that’s fine with you, the overall value and support level make this an excellent way to spend a day in the Ras Mohammed area.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart from the marina?

The cruise departs from the marina at 8:30 am.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

There are three snorkeling visits/stops included: Ras Mohamed, White Island, and Stingray Station.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. The package includes snorkeling gear: mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket.

What’s included for lunch and drinks?

Lunch is included along with beverages and snacks on board. Lunch includes items like shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, rice/pasta/potatoes, and seasonal fresh fruit, plus unlimited hot and cold drinks.

Do you get hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes. Pickup is included from any hotel in Sharm El Sheikh.

Do they provide life jackets for less confident swimmers?

Yes. Life jackets are offered at the snorkeling stops, and guides provide support in the water.

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