Sharm El Sheikh: Luxury boat Cruise with Snorkeling & Lunch

Ras Muhammad is the star here: a protected Red Sea park where you can swim above coral reefs and schools of fish from a comfortable yacht. I like the two water stops and the chance to add a first scuba session without booking a separate course. I also like the simple onboard lunch, which saves you from planning food for a long day at sea.

The catch is crowding. Several boats can gather near the reefs, and strong wind may make the water choppy. The reef can also look less colorful than expected in busy areas, so this is best for an easy, affordable day on the water, not a quiet private charter.

Key points to know before you book

• Ras Muhammad by yacht: Spend much of the day sailing toward one of South Sinai’s best-known marine areas.
• Two chances to swim: Snorkel near coral reefs, then swim again during the return portion of the trip.
• White Island depends on the tide: The sandbar stop is included when conditions allow, with shallow water and time for photographs.
• Lunch is included: Expect rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, fish, and soft drinks.
• Scuba is optional: Add one introductory scuba session, or choose an option with two.
• Budget carefully: The advertised price is $35 per person, but the mandatory €5 marina entrance fee may be extra, along with selected gear and transfer add-ons.

A full Red Sea day from Sharm El Sheikh

This is a seven-hour outing built around the sea rather than sightseeing on land. You leave Sharm El Sheikh by shared bus or make your own way to Watanya Marina, board the yacht, and spend the day moving between Ras Muhammad, White Island, and open water.

I see the tour as a good middle ground. It costs far less than a private boat, yet gives you a proper boat day, food, a guide, park access, and the option to try scuba. You should not expect a small, quiet vessel or a personal marine guide just for your group. The experience works best if you are happy sharing the boat and following a set schedule.

The trip is offered with English, German, and Russian-speaking guides. At the marina, look for the Egypt Sunmarine Fleet operations team, usually wearing yellow shirts, and show your ticket. If you book hotel pickup, contact usually comes through WhatsApp within 24 hours with the exact collection time.

Getting from your hotel to Watanya Marina

Hotel pickup is optional, depending on the package you select. The shared bus ride takes about 35 minutes once you are on the road, but the pickup window can be much longer because the bus serves different hotels.

The stated collection time is roughly one hour before departure, with some hotel locations requiring pickup about 90 minutes early. Keep your morning open and watch for the WhatsApp message with the final time. This is one place where a low-cost group tour takes more patience than a private transfer.

If you go directly to the marina, the meeting point is Egypt Sunmarine Fleet at Watanya Marina in Sharm El Sheikh. You will still need to account for the €5 marina entrance fee unless you have prepaid it as an add-on. That fee is separate from the advertised $35 price, so include it when comparing the total cost with other boat trips.

Sailing south toward Ras Muhammad

Once aboard, the boat heads toward Ras Muhammad National Park at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The cruise itself is part of the appeal. You get open Red Sea views, time in the sun, and a change from Sharm El Sheikh’s hotels and beach clubs.

The yacht is described as comfortable, but the exact boat setup can vary by departure. Bring a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and beachwear. A passport or copy is required, so do not leave it at the hotel unless the operator has confirmed that another form of identification is accepted.

The sea may not be calm. Wind made conditions choppy on one reported trip, but the crew still provided attention and help in the water. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the staff before entering the sea and stay close to the guide. You are not required to take part in every swim, so it is fine to enjoy the boat instead.

Snorkeling above Ras Muhammad’s coral reefs

Ras Muhammad is the main reason to choose this trip. A professional snorkeling guide takes you toward the reef, where you can look for coral and fish in clear Red Sea water.

Snorkeling gear is included only if you choose the relevant add-on, so check the booking option carefully. You may also rent snorkeling or scuba equipment, but the supplied details do not specify the rental price. If you already own a well-fitting mask and fins, bringing them can make the morning easier.

The first water stop is the most important for underwater viewing. You can expect time to swim over reef areas and look down at fish, but the number of boats matters. At busy sites, swimmers can be close together, and propeller traffic is a reason to follow the guide and remain inside the designated swimming area.

The reef is not guaranteed to look like a private aquarium. At heavily visited spots, fish may stay farther away, and the coral colors can seem muted. One person found the number of boats chaotic enough to avoid entering the water. That is a serious warning for anyone booking mainly for a peaceful snorkeling session.

Still, conditions vary by day. If you get calm water, good visibility, and a less crowded section of reef, the stop can be the strongest part of the outing. I would choose an early departure when possible, although the activity details do not promise a specific crowd level or time at the site.

White Island and the tide-dependent sandbar

The boat continues to White Island, a low, sandy area surrounded by shallow Red Sea water. It is a useful change of pace after the first reef stop. You can swim, snorkel near the shore, sit on the sand, and take photographs with the bright water behind you.

White Island is subject to tide conditions. That means the stop is not guaranteed in exactly the same form every day. If the tide does not allow the visit, the crew may need to adjust the route or water time, so do not treat the sandbar as a fixed promise.

The listed schedule gives this part of the day about three hours, including swimming, snorkeling, and welcome refreshments. That is a generous block compared with many short boat excursions. It also means you should bring enough sunscreen and be ready for a long period outdoors.

The island is best for simple pleasures rather than facilities. There is soft sand, shallow water, and a good setting for photos. You should not expect shops or a developed beach service. Keep your personal items secure on the boat and follow instructions about entering and leaving the water.

Optional introductory scuba sessions

If snorkeling feels too limited, you can select an option with one introductory scuba session, or choose two sessions where offered. This is meant for beginners, not certified divers seeking a technical or independent underwater itinerary.

The scuba option adds value if you want more time below the surface and are comfortable following direct instruction. It can also make the day feel more varied, since the standard trip already includes swimming and snorkeling. Check exactly what equipment and instruction are included in your selected package before paying.

Do not choose the scuba add-on simply because the reef looks impressive in the advertising material. Sea conditions, crowding, and visibility can change. If you are unsure in the water, start with snorkeling and speak with the staff before taking the scuba option.

Lunch on the yacht

After the water activities, you return to the yacht for an open buffet. The meal includes rice, pasta, salads, barbecue chicken, fish, and soft drinks. It is practical food for a full day outside, with enough variety for a mixed group.

I like having lunch onboard because it keeps the day moving. You do not have to return to shore hungry or search for a restaurant between stops. Eating while looking across the Red Sea also gives you a welcome rest from the sun.

Do not expect a restaurant-style meal or unlimited premium drinks. The included information lists soft drinks, and one disappointing experience involved refreshments not being supplied as expected. I would confirm exactly which drinks are included and treat any promised extras as something to check with the crew before departure.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Feeding fish or other animals is also prohibited, and that rule protects the reef and keeps the wildlife from becoming dependent on visitors.

The second swim and the trip back

The schedule allows another swimming period at Ras Muhammad, listed at about 90 minutes. This gives you a second chance if wind, crowding, or nerves made the first water stop less enjoyable.

You can use this time for a gentler swim, more snorkeling, or a rest on the boat. The crew’s attention matters here. A guide named Mohammed received particular praise for looking after people in choppy water, but staffing can vary by departure. Stay within the marked area and follow the guide’s instructions.

The return sail to Sharm El Sheikh takes about an hour. This final stretch is not just transport. It gives you time to dry off, eat anything left from lunch, and sit in the sun before reaching Watanya Marina. The full day can feel long because hotel transfers add time around the seven-hour boat schedule. One reported reaction was that the outing involved a long day for relatively short periods of actual snorkeling.

That is a fair point. You are buying a boat excursion, not seven hours in the water. If you want constant underwater time, a specialist snorkeling or scuba trip may suit you better. If you enjoy sailing, meals, sun, and several water opportunities in one package, the balance is more appealing.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, this is an attractive price for a full boat day in Sharm El Sheikh. The core value comes from the yacht trip, access to Ras Muhammad, White Island when the tide permits, two swimming opportunities, lunch, and a guide.

The final cost may be higher. The €5 national park entry fee is listed as included, but the mandatory marina entrance fee of €5 is described separately and may be paid on arrival or prepaid through add-ons. Pickup, snorkeling gear, and the introductory scuba session also depend on the option you select.

Read the package details before checkout. A low starting price can look less impressive once you add hotel transfer, equipment, marina access, and scuba. Even then, the trip can be good value for someone who wants several activities in one day and does not need a private boat.

The published rating is 4 out of 5 from 22 ratings, which fits the experience described here: strong staff service and good food on many departures, but uneven water conditions and crowding at the reefs. The people side receives the warmest praise. Staff members are described as friendly and professional, with particular appreciation for help in windy conditions.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want to see Ras Muhammad without arranging several separate bookings. It suits couples, families with older children, and mixed groups where some people want to snorkel while others prefer to sit on the boat.

It is also useful for a beginner considering scuba. The introductory option gives you a way to try it during a broader day rather than committing to a full course.

You may want another type of outing if you dislike shared buses, crowded reefs, or set schedules. Strong swimmers who want long, quiet periods underwater could find the boat traffic frustrating. People with limited mobility should note that the activity is described as wheelchair accessible, but the details do not explain how boarding, transfers to the water, or beach access are handled. Ask the operator before booking if those points are important.

Cancellation is flexible, with a full refund available when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Sharm El Sheikh plans are still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an affordable, full-day Red Sea outing with lunch, two swims, and several route highlights in one package. The staff service, especially during rougher water, is a real plus, and the optional scuba session gives the day extra appeal.

I would book with realistic expectations. White Island depends on the tide, snorkeling conditions depend on wind and boat traffic, and the $35 headline price may not include every extra you need. Pack carefully, confirm the marina fee and equipment costs, and allow plenty of time for hotel pickup.

For the right person, this is a convenient introduction to Ras Muhammad and the Red Sea. It is not a private reef adventure, but it offers a lot for the money when the sea is calm and the group is well managed.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about seven hours, not counting the time needed to reach your hotel pickup point. The route includes sailing, snorkeling, swimming, lunch, and the return to Sharm El Sheikh.

What is the price?

The listed price is $35 per person. Extra charges may apply for the mandatory marina entrance fee, hotel transfer, snorkeling equipment, and scuba options.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only with the relevant package option. If you do not select a transfer, the meeting point is Egypt Sunmarine Fleet at Watanya Marina in Sharm El Sheikh.

How early is hotel pickup?

Pickup usually takes place about one hour before the trip, but some hotels may require collection about 90 minutes early. The exact time is sent by WhatsApp around 24 hours before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is included only if you select the appropriate add-on. You can also rent snorkeling or scuba equipment, depending on availability and the option chosen.

Can I visit White Island every time?

White Island is subject to tide conditions. The stop may be adjusted if the tide does not allow the planned visit.

Is scuba included?

Scuba is optional. You can select an option with one introductory scuba session, and some options offer two sessions.

What languages are available?

Guiding is available in English, German, and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and your passport or a copy. Alcohol, drugs, and feeding animals are not allowed.