Sharm el-Sheikh: Ras Mohammed Elite VIP Cruise and BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Sharm el-Sheikh cruise is the combination of serious snorkeling time and proper onboard comfort. You get three stops in Ras Mohammed National Park, a visit to White Island, a cooked buffet, shaded salons, and sun loungers instead of a cramped day boat.

I especially like the attentive water support from guides such as Ahmed, Umar, Mohamed, and Mohammed, who have helped nervous swimmers feel secure. I also like the spacious top deck, which gives you room to stretch out between swims. The main drawback is that transport can be disorganized, and the advertised drink service may not always match what you expect from a VIP trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Three snorkeling stops: You get several chances to see coral and fish, rather than one rushed swim.
• White Island visit: The shallow, bright sandbar gives the day a change of pace between reef stops.
• Four-level boat: The top deck has loungers, while the air-conditioned salons provide shade and relief from the sun.
• Strong water supervision: Guides stay close to swimmers and can provide life jackets or buoy support.
• Freshly cooked buffet: Expect seafood, chicken, Egyptian kofta, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, and fruit.
• Extra costs and service details: The marina fee is 5 euros per person, and snorkeling equipment may cost extra.

Why this cruise feels different from a basic boat trip

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Red Sea reefs. It is priced as a comfort-focused cruise, and the boat is the main reason to consider it.

You are not simply being taken out, dropped into the water, and brought back. The vessel has four floors, two air-conditioned salons, a shaded dining area, and a large sun deck lined with padded loungers. That matters on a seven-hour outing. You can sit in the sun after snorkeling, find shade when you have had enough heat, or retreat indoors if the wind picks up.

The overall booking score is 4.4 out of 5, with particularly strong marks for the crew, the food, and the help given in the water. I would treat that as a useful sign, but not a guarantee that every guide or transfer will be equally good. One booking had a poor guide who offered little interaction, while several others praised the crew by name.

The boat itself tends to be the safer bet than the land arrangements. Some people had a smooth pickup, while others found the afternoon transfer cramped or confusing. If comfort on the boat matters more to you than a perfectly polished hotel transfer, this trip makes good sense.

The morning pickup and 25-minute ride to the marina

Pickup from Sharm el-Sheikh usually takes place about an hour before the cruise begins. The stated sailing schedule is 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with a roughly 25-minute coach ride to the marina before departure.

Your exact pickup time is sent by WhatsApp about 24 hours before the trip. Keep your phone available, especially if your hotel is outside the central resort area.

The transfer is the least consistent part of the day. One booking described the return ride as cramped in a single minivan, despite paying for separate transport for up to four people. Another described confusion before boarding. This does not ruin the cruise, but it is worth knowing before you choose this trip for a special occasion.

At the marina, you must pay a 5 euro entrance fee per person unless you add it in advance. I would handle that cost before the morning if the booking system allows it, since it removes one small delay at the port.

Settling into a four-level boat

Once aboard, take a few minutes to inspect all the decks before choosing your spot. The top sun deck is the obvious favorite if you want to lie in the sun, and the padded loungers are a major part of the boat’s appeal.

The deck below has large wooden tables and shade. It is the practical place to sit if you want fresh air without direct sun. The air-conditioned salons are useful during lunch and during the hottest part of the day, though air conditioning can feel chilly after swimming.

This layout gives the cruise a calmer feel than a small open boat. You can move around rather than spend the whole day in one seat. It also helps families and mixed groups, since one person can sunbathe while another stays in shade.

The boat is marketed as an Elite VIP experience, and the clean decks, cushions, salons, and dining setup support that description. Still, VIP does not mean private. You share the boat with other passengers, and the quality of the day depends partly on how busy the sailing is.

One positive feature is the quieter atmosphere. At least one booking specifically valued the lack of loud music, which makes a difference if you want to hear the sea, talk with family, or simply rest between swims.

The 2.5-hour cruise toward Ras Mohammed

The first sailing period is long, listed at about two and a half hours. That sounds like a lot of time before the first water stop, but it becomes part of the experience if you use the boat well.

You can settle into a lounger, order a drink, watch the coastline, and let the crew prepare lunch. The wide decks make this easier than on a narrow day boat. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a spot with a clear view and access to fresh air rather than staying inside for the entire crossing.

Wind can become a factor on the return to Sharm el-Sheikh. One booking found the upper deck windy on the way back. Bring a light layer if you plan to stay on top, even in warm weather.

The schedule includes sailing time, snorkeling, White Island, lunch, and the return cruise. It is a full day on the water, not a quick excursion with a short boat ride.

Ras Mohammed snorkeling: three chances to see the reef

The heart of the day is the snorkeling in Ras Mohammed National Park. You stop at three reef locations, giving you more than one chance to see the underwater scenery in different conditions.

The first listed water session lasts about 45 minutes. Other timing information describes two snorkeling sessions, so the exact division of the stops may vary on the day. The important point is that you get several water entries and enough time to look around rather than being rushed through one short swim.

The Red Sea is known for clear water, coral formations, and a wide range of fish. The listed possibilities include seahorses, octopus, turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and many types of colorful reef fish. These are possible sightings, not promised appearances. You might see a busy reef full of small fish, or you might find that the main reward is the coral itself.

The water is generally at least 20 degrees Celsius even in winter, but that does not mean it will feel warm to everyone. A January booking found the water too cold for comfortable snorkeling. If you feel the cold easily, ask about available protection before you go, and plan to use the life jacket if needed.

Access to the sea is through a low platform at the rear of the boat. This is easier than climbing down a high ladder, although the sea can still be choppy. Life jackets are available, and the guides can stay close to less confident swimmers. Some guides have supported people with a buoy and pulled them along, allowing nervous swimmers to see the reef without having to manage the full distance alone.

That support is one of the strongest reasons to choose this boat. Ahmed has been praised for checking on swimmers and staying beside people who felt nervous in deeper water. Umar and Mohamed have also been singled out for their care and professional approach. Your assigned guide may be different, but the crew’s role is clear: you are not expected to handle the water alone.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have equipment you trust. Snorkeling gear is listed as an optional add-on, and one booking paid $5 for a mask and goggles at the port, with no flippers included. Confirm exactly what your package contains before leaving your hotel.

White Island adds a bright, shallow-water break

White Island is scheduled as a 45-minute visit. It gives you a break from looking down at the reef and adds a simple beach-style stop to the day.

The island is known for its pale sand and shallow water. One family particularly enjoyed reaching it by speedboat tender, which can make the short transfer more fun for children. The stop is not a long cultural visit or a place with facilities to explore. Think of it as a scenic pause, a chance to wade, take photographs, and enjoy a different setting.

Conditions can affect the experience. If the sea is choppy, the tender transfer may feel less straightforward, and you should listen carefully to the crew. Keep your belongings secure, since you may move between the main boat and the tender.

Lunch with seafood, chicken, and Egyptian kofta

Lunch is served buffet-style in the air-conditioned salon and takes about an hour. The menu is more varied than the usual basic boat lunch.

You can expect seafood soup, three salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, seasonal fruit, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, and Egyptian kofta. The food is prepared onboard, and several bookings praised it as one of the best parts of the day. One person even rated it better than the food at their hotel.

I would set expectations at a good, plentiful boat buffet rather than restaurant dining. The menu sounds generous, but one booking felt the meal did not quite reach VIP quality. Food quality can also vary with timing and the number of people being served.

The crew serves drinks during the day, and the advertised package includes unlimited hot and soft drinks. Several people appreciated the regular waiter service, with staff checking on tables and loungers. However, one person felt that only small plastic cups of generic cola and lemonade were included, with other refreshments charged separately.

That difference matters at an $80 price point. Before booking, confirm what unlimited drinks means in practice. If you want bottled water, specialty coffee, or anything beyond basic soft drinks, ask whether it costs extra.

The afternoon return to Sharm el-Sheikh

After the final water time and lunch, the boat heads back toward the marina. The return sailing is listed at about two hours, so this is when the large deck becomes most useful.

You can dry off, find a lounger, and watch the water without another scheduled activity. The upper deck may be windy, so the shaded deck or indoor salon can be more comfortable. If you are traveling with children, keep towels and dry clothing easy to reach rather than buried in a bag.

The boat should reach the marina around 4:00 pm, followed by hotel drop-off. Because the return transfer has been the roughest part for some passengers, do not schedule an important evening activity too tightly afterward.

What the $80 price really covers

At $80 per person, the price is reasonable if you value space, food, and several hours on the water. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the cruise, crew, buffet lunch, and the guided snorkeling program.

The value is weaker if you only want a short reef swim. A cheaper boat may give you similar access to the sea, though likely with fewer comfort features. The Elite VIP boat earns its price through the sun deck, air-conditioned rooms, dining setup, and room to move around.

You should also budget for the 5 euro marina fee if it is not prepaid. Snorkeling equipment may be another cost, and flippers are not included in the port rental described above.

For families, couples, and people who want a full day rather than a quick excursion, the price is easier to justify. For a solo swimmer who already has gear and cares only about reef time, compare the schedule and inclusions carefully.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this cruise if you want:

• A comfortable boat with proper seating and shaded areas
• Several snorkeling opportunities in one day
• Close support from guides in the water
• A cooked seafood and BBQ buffet
• A quieter atmosphere without loud music
• A family-friendly outing with life jackets and crew assistance
• Time to relax between activities

You may want another option if you dislike long boat journeys, expect a private yacht, or want every drink included without checking the fine print. The transfer arrangements also deserve attention if you are particular about punctuality and personal space.

Wheelchair access is listed, which can make this outing possible for more people, but water entry is through the rear platform. Ask ahead about the practical details of boarding, moving between decks, and joining the snorkeling stops.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your South Sinai plans are still changing.

What to pack for a better day

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Dry clothing for the ride home
• Cash for the marina fee if it is not prepaid
• Your own mask and snorkel if preferred
• A light layer for the windy return cruise

Apply sunscreen before boarding and reapply after swimming. The sun deck encourages you to stay outside for hours, and the breeze can hide how much sun you are getting.

Should you book the Ras Mohammed Elite VIP cruise?

I would book it for the boat comfort, the three reef stops, and the crew support in the water. The strongest personal accounts describe attentive guides, excellent snorkeling, good food, and a boat that feels spacious rather than crowded.

I would not book it without checking two things first: the exact drink package and the transport arrangement. The advertised unlimited refreshments may mean only basic soft drinks, and the minivan transfer may not feel as polished as the boat itself.

For a nervous swimmer, a family, or anyone who wants a full Red Sea day with a comfortable place to sit, this is a strong choice. If you want a private cruise or the lowest possible price, keep looking. At $80, the trip earns its value through comfort and care, not simply through getting you to the reef.

FAQ

How long is the Ras Mohammed cruise?

The experience lasts seven hours, generally from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Pickup usually takes place about one hour before the cruise.

What is included in the price?

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat cruise, buffet lunch, and crew support. Snorkeling equipment and the mandatory marina entrance fee may require an add-on.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is available if selected as an add-on. One booking described a $5 rental for a mask and goggles at the port, with no flippers included, so confirm the exact equipment option before departure.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

The program includes three snorkeling stops at sites in Ras Mohammed National Park. The listed schedule also includes a 45-minute snorkeling session, while the exact timing can vary during the day.

What food is served for lunch?

The buffet includes seafood soup, three types of salad, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Is the cruise suitable for nervous swimmers?

Yes. Life jackets are available, and snorkeling guides accompany swimmers in the water. The rear platform provides access to the sea, and guides can offer close support to people who are less confident.

Is the marina fee included?

A mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 euros per person applies. You can pay it on arrival or prepay it through the available add-on.