REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH
White Island & Ras Mohamed Boat Trip & Diving , lunch from Sharm
Clear water, bright reefs, and a full day at sea. This Sharm el Sheikh boat trip combines Ras Mohammed National Park with White Island, giving you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy lunch onboard. I like the clean boat, helpful crew, and air-conditioned transport, plus the chance for a supervised scuba session if you select that option.
The price is a major draw. At about $17.42 per person, the package includes transport, a 10-hour boat trip, lunch, water, and soft drinks. I also like that the group is limited to 30 people. The main drawback is that the advertised timing may be loose, and you should budget extra for the park entrance fee and snorkeling equipment.
Key points to know before booking

- Ras Mohammed comes first: You visit one of the Red Sea’s best-known protected areas, with time for swimming and snorkeling above coral reefs.
- White Island adds a change of scene: The stop gives you another place to swim and enjoy the open water during a long day on the boat.
- Scuba is optional: Choose the scuba option if you want a guided underwater session. First-timers can receive patient instruction.
- Lunch is included onboard: Expect an open buffet with unlimited water and soft drinks.
- The price is low, but not all-inclusive: Add EUR 10 for the Ras Mohammed entrance fee and EUR 5 for each rented piece of snorkeling gear.
- Plan for a flexible return: The trip is listed at about 10 hours, but one reported outing returned around 6:30 pm instead of 3:00 pm.
Why Ras Mohammed makes this boat trip worthwhile

Ras Mohammed National Park sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Its appeal is simple: you get protected coastal scenery above the water and some of the Red Sea’s best-known coral areas below it.
The boat takes you out to selected snorkeling spots rather than keeping you near shore. That matters because clear water and reef life are the main reason to choose this excursion. You can expect to swim above coral formations and look for tropical fish. Sea turtles and dolphins are possible, but they are lucky sightings, not promised features.
I like the way this stop gives the day a clear purpose. You are not only cruising for photographs. You have time in the water, then time to dry off, rest, and enjoy the boat before the next stop.
The water can be the star of the day, but conditions affect visibility and comfort. Bring patience if the boat needs to adjust its position or if the sea is choppy. The operator requires good weather, and a poor-weather cancellation comes with either another date or a full refund.
The park also carries an extra cost. The entrance fee is listed as EUR 10 per person, separate from the advertised tour price. It is a small but important detail when you are comparing this trip with other Sharm excursions.
A few more dives around Sharm el Sheikh worth comparing
- Discover Scuba Diving
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White Island gives the day a second highlight

After Ras Mohammed, the boat continues to White Island. The supplied schedule gives fewer details about the stop, but its role is clear: it adds another swim and snorkeling location to the day.
That variety is useful. Spending the entire day at one reef can feel repetitive, especially for anyone who is new to snorkeling. White Island breaks up the schedule and gives you another stretch of open water, another chance to see marine life, and more time to relax on the boat.
The stop also helps explain the 10-hour duration. This is not a quick morning outing with one short swim. You are spending most of the day moving between sites, getting in the water, eating onboard, and resting on the sun deck.
I would keep your expectations practical. White Island is part of a sea day, not a long land visit with shops, monuments, or a detailed cultural program. If you want reefs, swimming, and coastal views, it fits well. If you prefer museums or desert scenery, choose a different Sharm excursion.
Snorkeling, swimming, and the optional scuba session

Snorkeling is included in the core experience, while the scuba stop is available only if you select that option. This makes the trip suitable for mixed groups. One person can snorkel and swim while another tries a supervised scuba session.
The underwater scenery is the main attraction. The Red Sea is known for clear water, coral formations, and many types of tropical fish. The trip description also notes the possibility of turtles and dolphins, though wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
If this is your first scuba experience, the staff support is important. One first-time participant described the instructor as patient and helpful, including assistance with calming down before getting into the water. That suggests the session can work for beginners, provided you are comfortable following instructions and entering the water with an instructor.
Experienced scuba enthusiasts should view the optional session in context. This is a day trip with one scuba stop if selected, not a dedicated multi-session scuba program. The value is convenience: you can sample the underwater world while also enjoying snorkeling and White Island.
Ask about any photo or video charges before agreeing to them. One specific complaint concerned the cost of scuba videos. Underwater pictures can be a nice souvenir, but they are not part of the listed package, so confirm the price first.
A boat day built around comfort and simple service

The boat is described as clean and well equipped, and several comments highlight the friendly, helpful crew. That matters on a long day at sea. You want staff who can explain the schedule, help with equipment, and keep the change between swimming, lunch, and cruising orderly.
There is a sun deck for sitting in the sun while the boat is underway. You can also retreat from the sun between water stops, though the supplied information does not specify the exact shaded seating or cabin arrangements. If you burn easily, bring your own sun protection and use the time between activities wisely.
The group limit is 30 people. That is not a private charter, but it is more manageable than a very large boat with hundreds of people. A group of this size should also make boarding, equipment distribution, and safety instructions easier to organize.
The land transfer is by air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup is offered from most hotels, but the meeting point is usually the main road entrance rather than your hotel lobby. Confirm the exact pickup instructions before the morning of the trip. This small detail can prevent a long wait at the wrong gate.
The transport received good marks for cleanliness and punctuality on several outings. Still, the schedule is not perfectly predictable. One report described a delayed departure and a return around 6:30 pm rather than the expected 3:00 pm. I would not plan a flight, dinner reservation, or paid evening show immediately after the excursion.
Same coastline, a very different dive:
- From Sharm: Ras Muhammed & White Island By Boat & intro Dive
★ 4.7 · 493 reviews - PADI Scuba Diver (PSD)
★ 5.0 · 116 reviews - Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkel or Dive
★ 4.4 · 112 reviews - Discover Scuba Diving Sharm El Sheikh
★ 4.5 · 92 reviews
Lunch, drinks, and what the low price really covers

An open buffet lunch is included, along with unlimited water and soft drinks. For a 10-hour trip, this is more than a minor convenience. You do not need to leave the boat searching for food, and you can refuel after swimming.
The food received positive comments, with one account describing it as tasty and another noting that a full chef prepared the meal. The exact menu is not provided, so do not book this expecting a particular dish or special dietary setup. If you have dietary needs, ask the operator before booking.
At $17.42 per person, the package offers strong basic value. It covers the air-conditioned transfer, boat, Ras Mohammed and White Island visits, snorkeling, guide assistance, buffet lunch, water, and soft drinks.
The headline price does not cover everything. Allow for:
- EUR 10 per person for the Ras Mohammed entrance fee
- EUR 5 for each rented snorkeling item, such as fins, mask, or life jacket
- Any optional scuba-related photo or video purchases
You may also want to budget for personal snacks, sun protection, or a tip, though no tip amount is specified. Even after the required extras, this remains a budget-friendly way to spend a full day on the Red Sea.
The crew and guide support

The strongest part of the service is the crew. The staff are repeatedly described as friendly, welcoming, and willing to help. Specific names appearing in the feedback include Ziad, Taher, Saiko, and the captain, with Taher receiving especially warm praise for his care during the day.
The company also appears to work with multilingual guides. Italian and other languages are mentioned, which can make safety instructions and equipment help easier for international groups. Language availability may depend on the departure date, so confirm your preferred language if it matters.
The scuba staff receive particularly good comments. One account describes one instructor per participant during the scuba session, while another praises the patience shown to a beginner. Those details are encouraging, but you should still listen closely to the safety briefing and tell the staff honestly about your comfort level.
Good service is not guaranteed every minute. One complaint described rude staff and a major delay. That does not erase the many positive comments, but it is a useful reminder that a shared boat trip can be affected by traffic, weather, loading time, and the pace of the group.
Who will enjoy this Red Sea excursion

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a low-cost, full-day introduction to Sharm’s marine attractions. It works especially well for:
- First-time snorkelers who want staff assistance
- Couples or families who want swimming, lunch, and open-water scenery
- Mixed groups where some people want scuba and others prefer snorkeling
- Visitors who value hotel-area transport and included food
- Anyone looking for a budget alternative to a private boat
The trip may not suit you if you dislike early starts, long days in the sun, or schedules that can run late. It is also not the right choice if you want a private guide, a quiet luxury yacht, or several dedicated scuba sessions.
Most people can participate, but you should assess your own comfort in the water. Bring your original passport and two photocopies, as specifically requested by the operator. That requirement is easy to overlook and could complicate the morning if you arrive without the correct documents.
How to prepare for the 8:00 am start

The listed start time is 8:00 am. Have your swimwear on under your clothes and keep your essential items in a small waterproof bag. You will want easy access to your passport documents, sun protection, towel, and phone.
Use the main road entrance pickup point if that is what your hotel requires. Do not assume the vehicle will come inside the hotel grounds. A quick confirmation with the operator can save you from missing the transfer.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a cover-up for the boat. The sun deck is part of the appeal, but ten hours outside can be tiring. Take breaks from direct sun, drink water throughout the day, and be careful on wet steps around the boat.
If you need equipment, remember that each rented item costs EUR 5. The listed examples are fins, masks, and life jackets. Ask what is supplied and what costs extra before boarding.
The free cancellation rule is useful if your plans change. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and weather-related cancellations offer a new date or full refund.
Should you book this boat trip?
Book it if you want an affordable day of snorkeling, swimming, and optional scuba around Ras Mohammed and White Island. The clean boat, air-conditioned transport, included lunch, helpful staff, and small group cap make the package unusually good value at its listed price.
Go in with realistic expectations. Add the entrance fee and equipment costs, expect a shared boat rather than a private experience, and leave your evening schedule open in case the return is late. If you can handle that flexibility, Bella Trips offers a practical and enjoyable way to see Sharm el Sheikh from the water.
FAQ
What time does the trip start?
The listed start time is 8:00 am.
How long is the boat trip?
The experience lasts about 10 hours.
What places does the excursion visit?
The trip visits Ras Mohammed National Park and White Island, with snorkeling and swimming during the outing.
Is lunch included?
Yes. An open buffet lunch, unlimited water, and soft drinks are included.
Is scuba included in the basic price?
One scuba stop is included only if you select the scuba option when booking.
How much does snorkeling equipment cost?
Fins, masks, and life jackets are listed at EUR 5 per piece.
Is the Ras Mohammed entrance fee included?
No. The entrance fee is listed separately at EUR 10 per person.
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