Snorkeling and Diving to Ras Mohamed And White Island by VIP Boat

REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH

Snorkeling and Diving to Ras Mohamed And White Island by VIP Boat

  • 4.533 reviews
  • From $50.19
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Operated by Tourex Egypt · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 4.5 (33)Price from$50.19Operated byTourex EgyptBook viaViator

Red Sea beauty with a built-in plan. This is a full day from Sharm el Sheikh out to Ras Mohamed and White Island, with warm-water snorkeling and a short scuba try plus food on board. You get that classic Red Sea combo: coral reefs, lots of fish, and time to enjoy the islands themselves.

I love how the trip keeps things simple: hotel pickup to the marina, a guided snorkeling setup, and lunch that’s handled for you on the water. I also like that you’re not stuck only at one spot—you get snorkeling at Ras Mohamed and then more water time around White Island.

One thing to consider: the start can feel a bit slow or chaotic at the port, with some waiting before the boat is fully ready. If you hate uncertainty in the morning, you’ll want to build in patience.

Key things I think you’ll care about

Snorkeling and Diving to Ras Mohamed And White Island by VIP Boat - Key things I think you’ll care about

  • Ras Mohamed National Park + White Island in the same day, so you get two very different water experiences.
  • Small-group feel with a maximum of 30 travelers.
  • Guided snorkeling and a short scuba try with equipment included for the scuba part.
  • 15 minutes of scuba time rather than a long commitment—good if you want to try it without a full program.
  • Lunch plus drinks on board, including soft drinks, coffee or tea, water, and fruit after lunch.
  • Extra costs to plan for: snorkeling equipment and entrance fees aren’t included, and photos cost extra.

Ras Mohamed and White Island: the Red Sea day that actually makes sense

Snorkeling and Diving to Ras Mohamed And White Island by VIP Boat - Ras Mohamed and White Island: the Red Sea day that actually makes sense
If you like your vacation days with a clear plan, this one fits the bill. You leave Sharm el Sheikh on a boat, spend your time at Ras Mohamed National Park and White Island, and return after a full stretch on the water—about 8 hours on the boat.

What makes this itinerary especially appealing is the pairing. Ras Mohamed is all about reef snorkeling in a protected marine area, while White Island adds a more “island day” feel, with beaches you can walk and look around rather than only watching fish swim by. It’s a nice balance when you want both underwater and above-water time.

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

Pickup, start time, and that port wait reality

The day starts at 8:00 am, with pickup offered from your hotel and transport by air-conditioned vehicle. After that, you head to the port where the boat is docked and waiting.

There’s one practical wrinkle: the morning can involve waiting or a slightly disorganized feel at the marina before things click into gear. This doesn’t sound like it ruins the day—people still rave about the water time—but it’s worth knowing so you don’t assume everything runs like a Swiss train schedule.

A tip that helps: once you’re in Sharm el Sheikh, keep an eye on your phone. One review mentioned quick contact after booking via WhatsApp, so you may get updates there that help you line up with pickup and timing.

Your first water stop: snorkeling in Ras Mohamed National Park

Snorkeling and Diving to Ras Mohamed And White Island by VIP Boat - Your first water stop: snorkeling in Ras Mohamed National Park
Ras Mohamed is the part of the day most people picture when they think of Red Sea snorkeling. You’ll sail there and spend time snorkeling with a snorkeling guide, which matters more than you might think. A guide helps you stay oriented, choose where to float, and get the most out of what’s in front of you—especially if you’re not a confident swimmer or you’re new to reef snorkeling.

In plain terms, you’re going for two things: colorful fish and coral reef areas you can see clearly in the warm water. The tour description also emphasizes the chance to see lots of different fish types, so you’re not limited to a single “pretty spot” and then moving on.

One money detail that matters: entrance fees for Ras Mohamed aren’t included. So budget a bit extra for park access. If you forget, it can turn a smooth day into a pay-at-the-door moment.

White Island time: beaches, exploration, and more snorkeling

After Ras Mohamed, the trip shifts to White Island, which is where the day changes pace a little. You get a stop on the island itself, meaning you can explore the shoreline and take in views from the beach rather than only being in the water.

Then there’s more snorkeling time in the surrounding area. White Island’s snorkel reputation comes from the fact that it sits in a zone where you can see fish and reef scenery close to where you’re spending the day. In other words, you’re not playing a guessing game—you’re in a known snorkeling area and you’re doing it with guides.

Since entrance fees for White Island also aren’t included, it’s smart to confirm in advance what you’ll need to pay on arrival. This tour bundles a lot together, but it doesn’t cover those specific access charges.

The short scuba stop: what you’re actually signing up for

Snorkeling and Diving to Ras Mohamed And White Island by VIP Boat - The short scuba stop: what you’re actually signing up for
This is a great option if you’re curious about scuba but don’t want a full, long certification-style program. The tour includes one scuba stop of about 15 minutes, plus use of scuba equipment.

On board, you’ll get an induction with your instructor before the underwater time. The description frames it as one guided scuba stop, and that lines up with the real value here: you get a taste with support, not a half-day of formal training.

A realistic expectation helps. Fifteen minutes isn’t about mastering skills. It’s about experiencing what it feels like underwater with guidance and equipment, in a controlled, time-boxed format. If you’re hoping to spend a long, slow session exploring every corner, you’ll likely want a dedicated scuba course later. If you want a first try, this can be a very efficient use of a beach day.

One more practical note: the tour includes scuba gear, but snorkeling equipment isn’t included. That’s separate. If you don’t own a mask or snorkel, you may want to sort out gear ahead of time or be ready to borrow/arrange it where offered (since it’s not part of the included list).

Lunch buffet on board: staying fed without breaking the flow

A big quality-of-life part of this trip is that lunch is included on the boat. You’ll also get coffee or tea, water, soft drinks, and you can expect fruit after lunch.

This matters because it keeps your day from turning into a scramble. Instead of hunting for food between stops, you eat while you’re still in vacation mode and keep your energy up for the next snorkeling window.

One caution from a review perspective: food needs aren’t always automatically handled unless they’re clearly communicated. A review complained that a fish-only dietary note wasn’t acted on. I’d treat that as a signal, not a guarantee: if you have a strict diet (or allergies), message the operator when booking and again close to departure, and keep your request simple and explicit.

Photos and videos: decide early, or you may regret it

Snorkeling and Diving to Ras Mohamed And White Island by VIP Boat - Photos and videos: decide early, or you may regret it
Photos are a common add-on on boat tours, and this one follows that pattern. Photos and videos are not included, and photographers may be present as an optional purchase.

At least one review called out that photo costs can be high and that the photos didn’t look great. The response also clarified that photographers are freelancers, not part of the tour provider’s team, which affects how much control you’ll have if you don’t like the results.

So here’s the smart approach: if you care about photos, watch what’s being sold before you commit. If you’re the type who just wants to enjoy the day, you might skip the whole photo upsell and rely on your own phone shots.

VIP boat value: how the $50.19 price stacks up

Snorkeling and Diving to Ras Mohamed And White Island by VIP Boat - VIP boat value: how the $50.19 price stacks up
The price is listed at $50.19 per person, and it’s often booked about 20 days in advance. That timing suggests this is one of the popular ways to do the Red Sea without planning too much yourself.

So, what are you paying for? You’re getting:

  • Hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport to the port
  • An 8-hour boat day tied to Ras Mohamed and White Island
  • Snorkeling guide help and a scuba instructor for the scuba portion
  • Lunch buffet plus coffee/tea, water, and soft drinks
  • Use of scuba equipment for the included short scuba stop

What you’re not getting:

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Entrance fees for Ras Mohamed and White Island
  • Photos/videos

That means the real “cost” isn’t just the ticket price. It’s the combined day budget: ticket + park access + any gear you still need + optional photo purchases. If you already own snorkel gear and you’re comfortable paying park access, this is a pretty good deal for a full-day water outing with both reef time and a scuba try.

If you expect everything to be included with no extra payments, you’ll want to double-check the entrance fee situation so you’re not surprised.

Who this trip fits best (and who should look elsewhere)

This is a strong match for you if:

  • You want reef snorkeling with guide support at well-known sites
  • You’d like time on White Island for beach exploration, not only being in the water
  • You’re interested in scuba but only want a short, guided 15-minute try
  • You prefer a day built around food on board and minimal meal planning

It may not be the best match if:

  • You dislike a morning that might include waiting or a less organized feel at the port
  • You expect food preferences to be handled automatically without clear communication
  • You don’t want to deal with optional photo sales during the day

Should you book this Ras Mohamed and White Island VIP boat trip?

I’d book it if your priority is a smooth, full day of Red Sea sightseeing with guided snorkeling at Ras Mohamed plus a classic island stop at White Island. The value is strongest when you’re fine handling the extras you’re told about—snorkeling gear and park entrance fees—and you’re not overly focused on buying professional photos.

If your day is built around avoiding any uncertainty, or you need guaranteed dietary handling, message ahead early and in writing. With that small bit of prep, this can be a very satisfying way to spend your time in Sharm el Sheikh.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The boat trip is about 8 hours (Ras Mohamed to White Island).

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is offered, with transport by air-conditioned vehicle.

What snorkeling stops are included?

You’ll have a snorkeling stop at Ras Mohamed National Park and a stop at White Island.

Is scuba included, or is it only snorkeling?

Scuba is included as one 15-minute scuba stop, with use of scuba equipment included.

What meals and drinks are included?

The tour includes lunch plus coffee/tea, water, and soft drinks, and you’ll also have the chance to taste seasonal fruit after lunch.

Are snorkeling equipment and park entrance fees included?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, and entrance fees for Ras Mohamed and White Island are not included.

Can I cancel for free, and what happens in bad weather?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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