From Sharm: Luxury Diving cruise to Ras Mohammed with Lunch

The Red Sea looks even better below the surface. This six-hour boat trip from Sharm El Sheikh takes you to Ras Mohammed National Park for underwater time, snorkeling, a buffet lunch, and a slow ride along the coast. I especially like the choice between one or two scuba sessions and the calm surface break with drinks and snacks. The biggest catch is that equipment and the marina entrance fee may cost extra, so the advertised $54 price needs a close look.

I also like the professional instructors and the option for non-divers to snorkel instead. The underwater staff received strong praise for being kind, patient, and attentive, especially with first-time participants. Still, you should confirm exactly what your selected package includes before boarding, as some guests had trouble getting the number of sessions they had paid for.

Key points to know before booking

• Two underwater sites: The standard plan includes a first site and a second site if you choose the two-session option.
• Beginners get a short introduction: First-time scuba participants usually spend up to 15 minutes underwater, while experienced participants average about 40 minutes.
• The $54 price may not cover everything: Equipment and the mandatory €5 marina fee can be add-ons.
• A long surface break: You get roughly 90 minutes for snacks, drinks, snorkeling, and rest between sessions.
• Food is included, but expectations should stay modest: Lunch is served on board, and comments about the food range from delicious to disappointing.
• Confirm the package on arrival: Take a screenshot of your booking and check the included sessions with staff before leaving the marina.

Getting from your hotel to the Red Sea

Your morning begins with shared pickup from your hotel reception in Sharm El Sheikh. The exact pickup time arrives by WhatsApp about 24 hours before departure, and the pickup is roughly one hour before the boat trip itself. That early message matters, since shared transport times can vary between hotel areas.

The drive to the diving center takes about 35 minutes. At the center, you complete paperwork, meet the staff, and get fitted for equipment if it is included in your package or purchased as an add-on.

I would arrive prepared to slow down here. This is not a quick walk from hotel lobby to boat. You need time for forms, equipment checks, and a clear conversation about your selected option. If you booked one session, two sessions, or added equipment separately, verify those details before departure.

The provider offers instruction in English, Russian, Italian, and German. That is useful for a technical activity where clear instructions matter. The instructors earned some of the strongest praise, with particular appreciation for their patience and close support during the underwater sessions.

The boat ride to Ras Mohammed

After leaving the marina, the boat spends about an hour and a half reaching Ras Mohammed National Park. You get coastal views on the way, with time to settle into the rhythm of the trip.

This journey is part of the experience, not just transport. You can sit on deck, watch the water, and enjoy drinks before your first session. The boat provides unlimited drinks, and light snacks are served during the break between underwater activities.

The trip is listed at six hours, though the separate transport from your hotel adds more time to your day. Plan on a full morning and afternoon commitment rather than treating it as a short boat outing.

Ras Mohammed is the reason to choose this trip over a simple beach snorkeling excursion. The park is known for clear water, coral formations, and a wide range of sea life. Conditions can change with weather and sea traffic, but the setting gives you a good chance to see colorful coral and underwater creatures in their natural environment.

One practical note: the park can become crowded with boats. A December rating specifically pointed out that the area gets busy with visitors. You may still have excellent water conditions, but you should not expect complete solitude at the popular sites.

Your first underwater session

At the first site, a professional instructor accompanies the scuba participants. Beginners receive an introduction lasting up to 15 minutes. That shorter format is designed to help you become comfortable with breathing equipment, basic movement, and the underwater setting without turning the first attempt into an endurance test.

If you already have experience, the session averages about 40 minutes. The exact time can depend on your certification, comfort, air supply, and the instructor’s assessment. You should not expect the same duration as an experienced participant if you are trying scuba for the first time.

This is where the quality of the instructor matters most. Several ratings praised the staff for guiding participants closely and helping when problems came up. One first-time participant described the instructor as holding their hands and providing constant guidance. That kind of supervision can make a big difference if you feel nervous in the water.

You must follow the basic marine-life rule: do not touch animals or coral. Apart from protecting the reef, keeping your hands to yourself helps you stay balanced and avoid stirring up the water around you.

The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, or for people with back, heart, or respiratory problems. The material also says non-divers can choose snorkeling, but snorkeling still requires that you can swim and manage yourself safely in the water.

The 90-minute break between sessions

After the first session, you return to the boat for about 90 minutes. This is an important part of the day because it gives your body time to rest before the second site.

You can have light snacks and unlimited drinks, sit on deck, or use the time for snorkeling. Non-divers can enjoy this part of the outing without taking part in scuba activities. If you prefer a relaxed boat day rather than repeated underwater sessions, the break keeps the schedule from feeling too intense.

The time also lets you enjoy the park from above. You may see people swimming, boats moving between sites, and clear water around the vessel. The setting is scenic, but the shared-boat format means you will be part of a larger group.

Bring sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear. A camera is also listed as a recommended item, though you should secure it carefully around the boat and water. Snacks are suggested too, which is sensible if you have dietary needs or do not want to rely entirely on the supplied food.

Choosing one or two sessions

The number of sessions is selected during booking. One session may suit beginners, people with limited time, or anyone who mainly wants a taste of scuba alongside snorkeling.

The two-session option gives you a second site and more time underwater. You may see different coral formations and sea life, which makes the upgrade worthwhile for confident swimmers and experienced scuba participants.

Some ratings praised completing two sessions at different places and also visiting White Island. White Island is not guaranteed in the stated itinerary, so treat it as a possible addition rather than a promised stop. If it matters to you, ask the operator before departure.

Here is the most important booking advice: check the exact wording of your package, then confirm it at the diving center. Two separate ratings described confusion over whether one or two sessions were included. In one case, the participants had to argue with staff before receiving the second session. A screenshot of your booking can help, but clear communication at the start is even better.

The second site and underwater scenery

If you choose two sessions, the boat moves to another site within Ras Mohammed. The second stop is intended to offer another look at the park’s coral and marine life, rather than simply repeating the first location.

The appeal is variety. One site may feel more interesting for coral, while another gives better conditions for spotting fish or enjoying a calm swim. The supplied information does not promise particular animals, so you should book for the reef setting and clear water rather than expecting a specific species.

Stay close to your group and instructor. One serious complaint described a swimmer being carried away from the group by the current near White Island and not being noticed immediately. The situation ended with another boat bringing the person back, but it is a useful warning: keep the boat, guide, and group in sight, even if you are filming.

That point matters for all participants, not just beginners. Currents can make a short swim away from the boat more demanding than it first appears. Do not let a camera distract you from the guide’s instructions.

Lunch on board before the return trip

Lunch is served on the boat before you return to the marina. It is generally presented as a buffet, with drinks available throughout the day.

Food quality seems less consistent than the instruction. One rating called the lunch delicious, while another described the food and drinks as poor. I would treat it as convenient included fuel, not as a main reason to book the trip.

If you have dietary restrictions, the supplied details do not specify special menus. Bringing a few snacks is sensible, especially if you are particular about food or tend to feel hungry after swimming.

The boat ride back takes about an hour. This gives you time to dry off, enjoy the coastal views, and rest after the water activities. You return to Sharm El Sheikh after the boat portion, followed by transport arrangements back toward your hotel.

What the $54 price really covers

At $54 per person, the trip can be good value if your chosen package includes the main activity, lunch, drinks, and hotel pickup. The combination of a national park boat trip, instructor support, reef time, and food is more useful than paying separately for a short shore session.

But do not judge the price from the headline alone. Diving equipment may be an add-on, snorkeling equipment may be an add-on, and the mandatory marina entrance fee is €5 per person unless prepaid. Check these costs before checkout.

Photography can also become expensive. One complaint described a very high price for underwater photos and video, with the participant unhappy about the quality and posed shots. You are not required to buy the images, so decide your budget before anyone offers them.

The current rating is 4.3 from 31 ratings, which suggests a generally positive experience with some important service problems. The most praised features are the friendly instructors, smooth timing, underwater scenery, and good overall organization. The main concerns are package confusion, food quality, photo prices, crowding, and one account of poor group control in the water.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to:

• First-time scuba participants who want close instructor support
• Certified or experienced participants seeking two reef sites
• Couples or families with mixed interests, since non-divers can snorkel
• Visitors who want a boat day with lunch rather than a shore-based activity
• People who value hotel pickup and a flexible pay-later booking option

I would be more cautious if you have never swum confidently in open water, need guaranteed quiet conditions, or dislike shared boats. The activity is also unsuitable for people with back, heart, or respiratory conditions, and for non-swimmers.

The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the water activity itself has physical limits. If you use a wheelchair, ask the provider exactly how boarding, equipment changes, and water access are handled before booking.

What to bring and how to avoid problems

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera if you want one, and personal snacks. Keep valuables limited, and protect any camera from splashes.

Save your booking confirmation on your phone. Before the boat leaves, confirm:

• How many sessions you purchased
• Whether equipment is included
• Whether snorkeling equipment is included
• Whether the €5 marina fee is prepaid
• What happens if you choose not to take part in the second session

Stay with the instructor and group in the water. Do not touch marine life, and do not swim away from the boat to get a better photo. These simple choices protect both your safety and the reef.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The exact starting time depends on availability, with hotel pickup information sent by WhatsApp the day before.

Should you book the Ras Mohammed trip?

Book it if you want an affordable introduction to the Red Sea, appreciate having an instructor close by, and are happy with a shared boat and simple buffet lunch. The scenery, coral, two-site option, and friendly staff make this a worthwhile day for many visitors.

I would not book without checking the final price and the exact inclusions. Confirm your session count, equipment, marina fee, and any optional photo charges. If you do that, the $54 starting price can represent solid value. If you want a private boat, quiet reef time, or guaranteed premium food, choose another type of excursion.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The boat activity lasts about six hours. Hotel pickup takes place roughly one hour before the trip, and the drive to the diving center takes about 35 minutes.

How many scuba sessions can I choose?

You can choose a one-session or two-session option. The number included is stated before checkout, and additional sessions may be available as add-ons.

How long is the first session for a beginner?

An introduction for a beginner usually lasts up to 15 minutes. Experienced participants have sessions lasting about 40 minutes on average.

Is snorkeling available for non-divers?

Yes. Snorkeling is offered for non-divers, and snorkeling equipment may be included or available as an add-on. Non-swimmers are not considered suitable for the activity.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board, along with unlimited drinks. Light snacks and drinks are also available during the surface break.

Is the marina fee included?

A mandatory marina entrance fee of €5 per person applies. It can be paid on arrival or prepaid through the available add-ons.

What languages does the instructor speak?

Instruction is available in English, Russian, Italian, and German.