REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH
Snorkeling Day Trip To White Island And Ras Mohammed By VIP Boat
Book on Viator →Operated by Sun Tours Egypt · Bookable on Viator
The Red Sea turns the day into a postcard. I like this trip because you get Ras Mohammed reefs plus White Island in one long, easy day—hotel pickup, onboard snorkeling guidance, then time on the sand. The two biggest wins for me are the fish-and-coral snorkeling sites and the chance to actually walk around on White Island’s beaches. One thing to keep in mind: you’ll need to pay the National Park fee (5€ per person) in cash on the boat.
You’re out for about 8 hours starting at 8:00am. The boat ride is part of the fun, with drinks available all day and a cooked lunch onboard that keeps the day moving without the stress of finding food.
One more practical note: snorkeling quality depends on conditions and equipment. If you care about comfort in the water, check what gear you’re using before the first snorkel stop, and listen closely to the guide about where it’s safe to go.
In This Review
- Key highlights I’d book for
- From your hotel to the port: how the day starts
- Ras Mohammed National Park snorkeling: safe stops, big reef energy
- White Island: the beach break that turns snorkeling into a full day
- Lunch onboard and all-day drinks: the comfort side of VIP boat time
- Gear and currents: how to prevent the common snorkeling letdown
- What you’ll pay beyond the ticket (and why it’s common here)
- Boat comfort and group size: small details that affect the mood
- Who this trip suits best (and who should skip it)
- Should you book the White Island and Ras Mohammed VIP boat trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the snorkeling day trip?
- What time does the tour start?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Are there extra costs?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Are photos or videos included?
- Can I cancel for free?
Key highlights I’d book for

- Two major Red Sea stops in one day: Ras Mohammed reefs for snorkeling, then White Island for beach time.
- Snorkeling guide support: you’re not just dropped in; guidance helps you make the most of the water.
- White Island walking breaks up the day: sand, views, and a different kind of Red Sea moment.
- BBQ lunch onboard + all-day drinks: soft and hot drinks plus mineral water, with meals served during the cruise.
- Small-group feel (max 30): you’ll spend less time waiting on crowded logistics.
- National Park fee is extra: plan on 5€ cash per person for the protected area.
From your hotel to the port: how the day starts

This is set up as a classic Sharm el Sheikh boat day with an air-conditioned vehicle. You get picked up from your hotel, then head to the port where the boat is already waiting. From there, the schedule is simple: out to the national park zone, snorkeling stops, onboard food and drinks, then you’re back for drop-off.
Why I like the setup: it reduces the usual hassle of figuring out transport, timing, and meeting points. You don’t have to rent anything or negotiate with strangers at the dock. You just show up, get on the boat, and follow the plan.
The tradeoff is time. The trip is listed at around 8 hours, and at least some departures run longer than expected due to transport. If you’re the type who hates delays, I’d plan your day with a little buffer before and after.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sharm el Sheikh.
Ras Mohammed National Park snorkeling: safe stops, big reef energy

Ras Mohammed is the main reason most people sign up. The reef here is known for colorful fish and coral, and this tour keeps you on it with professional snorkeling guidance. You’ll snorkel with the guide during the Ras Mohammed portion, and you also get time later after lunch for more underwater time.
What you can realistically expect:
- Multiple opportunities to see fish around coral areas
- A guided approach to snorkeling spots, not random wandering
- Time to actually look, not just hover and rush
Safety matters here. One downside that shows up in unhappy feedback is when gear doesn’t fit well or when currents feel stronger than expected. That’s a reminder to do two things early: confirm what equipment you’re using, and don’t ignore the guide’s instructions about where it’s safe and allowed to snorkel. Even the best day can feel bad if you’re fighting the water or trying to swim in areas the crew doesn’t want you in.
If you want to maximize your view, go slow. Let your eyes do the work. Coral and fish won’t line up on command, but the guides’ job is to get you to the right places and keep you within the safe zones.
White Island: the beach break that turns snorkeling into a full day

White Island is not just a sightseeing stop. You get time to explore the island and its beaches, which gives your body a break from the water and gives your eyes a totally different view.
This is the part I find most memorable because it’s a contrast. One moment you’re in the Red Sea seeing coral and fish. The next you’re standing on sand while the sea color does its thing—clean, bright, and almost unreal.
A couple of practical benefits:
- You get a land break, which helps if you snorkel more than once.
- You can take your time without feeling pressured to stay in the water every minute.
- It adds variety to the day, so you’re not repeating the same underwater session over and over.
Just remember: White Island time is still part of a boat-day schedule. The crew will keep you moving, and you’ll be back aboard for lunch and the return trip.
Lunch onboard and all-day drinks: the comfort side of VIP boat time

Food on these trips can be hit-or-miss, so I’m glad this one is built around a cooked onboard lunch. The itinerary includes a barbecue lunch, served after the first snorkeling stop. On top of that, you’ve got drinks available all day long, including unlimited soft drinks, hot drinks, and mineral water.
Why that matters: snorkeling makes you hungry fast. A mid-day meal on the boat means you don’t lose time waiting for restaurant service or guessing what you’ll get. It also keeps the day from feeling like snack-only survival.
That said, a couple of reviews flag that the food could be better. So expect good and filling rather than gourmet. If you’re picky, bring your expectations down a notch, then enjoy what you get.
One small detail to watch: drinks are provided throughout the day, but service and organization can vary by how the crew manages the galley during busy periods. If you’re the type who likes to manage everything yourself, you’ll feel more comfortable once you know where drinks are set out and how the flow works.
Gear and currents: how to prevent the common snorkeling letdown
Snorkeling sounds simple, but it’s actually gear-and-conditions dependent. Equipment use is not listed as included, which means you should expect to either rent it or handle it another way. In one case described in feedback, a guest felt equipment wasn’t ideal and mentioned fin needs with stronger current.
Here’s how you protect yourself from that kind of frustration:
- Ask for your snorkeling setup before you get too far into the day.
- Check fit and comfort right away, not after you’re already in the water.
- If fins matter to you, don’t assume the boat has exactly what you need—confirm what’s available.
Also, don’t treat this as freeform swimming. Snorkeling is done with a guide at the sites, and the crew can steer you away from spots that are unsafe or not permitted. If someone pressures you to go off on your own, stay with the group. You’ll see more, and you’ll stay within the rules that keep the day running smoothly.
Bottom line: if you get good equipment and follow the guide, this trip can be a standout. If you skip the gear check, you can lose a lot of enjoyment fast.
What you’ll pay beyond the ticket (and why it’s common here)
At $35.00 per person, this trip is priced like a value play compared with longer excursions. But the ticket price doesn’t cover everything. You should plan for:
- National Park fees: 5€ per person, paid cash on the boat
That park fee is a normal part of protected marine-area access, and it’s worth factoring in so you don’t get surprised at the dock. Even with that extra cost, the day can still feel like good value because you’re getting hotel transport, guided snorkeling time, and a full onboard meal with drinks.
If you also want to add scuba, there’s some mention of extra payment in euros and professional divers offering a try experience. That isn’t part of the standard snorkeling plan, so treat it as optional.
Boat comfort and group size: small details that affect the mood
This tour caps at 30 travelers, which helps. Fewer people usually means easier movement on board and less time waiting around for equipment or instructions.
Some positive feedback calls out the boat as clean and comfortable, with room to move and sunbathe. Even if your specific boat is busier on your day, smaller-group operations usually improve the vibe. The opposite is also true: if the boat is packed, it can feel cramped during the transition between snorkeling and lunch.
Transfers matter too. One piece of negative feedback mentions longer transport time and seating issues on the return minibus for some guests. That doesn’t mean your experience will match that—just plan to be flexible. If you’re sensitive to timing or crowded vehicles, I’d set expectations accordingly.
Who this trip suits best (and who should skip it)
This is a strong match if you want:
- A full-day Red Sea outing that mixes snorkeling with beach time
- Hotel pickup and drop-off instead of DIY transport
- Onboard BBQ lunch plus drinks so you don’t manage meals yourself
- A guided experience at major sites rather than a free-lancer approach
It may be less ideal if:
- You’re expecting all snorkeling gear to be automatically perfect and included without questions
- You’re very timing-sensitive and hate any chance of transport running long
- You need a super-structured experience with zero downtime (this is a boat schedule, not a classroom)
Should you book the White Island and Ras Mohammed VIP boat trip?
Yes, I think you should book it if your priorities are the two big ones: seeing coral and fish around Ras Mohammed, then getting real time on White Island’s beaches. The combination is exactly what makes this kind of day trip work—variety, not just repeated water time.
Before you hit confirm, do these quick checks in your head:
- Bring cash euros for the 5€ National Park fee.
- Plan to handle snorkeling equipment needs since equipment use isn’t listed as included.
- If you care about comfort in strong water or with fins, check your gear early and trust the guide about safe spots.
If those points fit you, this trip is a practical way to get one of the Red Sea’s best-known areas into a single day without turning your vacation into logistics.
FAQ
How long is the snorkeling day trip?
The tour duration is listed at about 8 hours.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 8:00am.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
What’s included in the tour price?
The tour includes guided snorkeling at Ras Mohammed and White Island, a cruise experience, unlimited soft and hot drinks plus mineral water, and lunch onboard. You also receive a mobile ticket.
Are there extra costs?
Yes. National Park fees are 5€ per person and are paid in cash on the boat.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
No. Use of snorkeling equipment is not included.
Are photos or videos included?
No. Photos and videos are not included, and the photographer does not work for the company.
Can I cancel for free?
Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time.










