From Sharm: Luxury Diving cruise to Ras Mohammed with Lunch

Ras Mohammed is the star here: clear Red Sea water, coral gardens, and a chance to see marine life without planning a full expedition. I like the choice between one or two underwater sessions, and I like that non-swimmers can stay with snorkeling instead of sitting out the day.

The boat time is pleasant, with lunch, drinks, and a long surface break built in. The catch is that you must check your package carefully. Equipment and the €5 marina fee may cost extra, and a few bookings have had confusion over how many sessions were included.

Key points before you book

• Ras Mohammed National Park: The trip reaches one of South Sinai’s best-known marine areas, with clear water, coral reefs, and marine life viewing.
• One or two underwater sessions: Beginners receive introductions of up to 15 minutes, while experienced participants usually spend about 40 minutes underwater.
• A 90-minute surface break: Use the time for snacks, drinks, snorkeling, or simply resting on deck.
• Lunch is served onboard: A buffet meal is included, along with unlimited drinks, though food quality can vary.
• Pickup from your hotel: A shared bus collects you from reception, usually around one hour before departure.
• Check the extras: Equipment, snorkeling gear, and the mandatory €5 marina entrance fee may need to be added or paid separately.

What this six-hour Red Sea outing is really like

This is a boat day built around time in the water, not a luxury yacht charter in the private sense. You share the ride with other passengers, sail from Sharm El Sheikh, stop at Ras Mohammed, and return to the marina after lunch.

At $54 per person, it can be good value if your chosen package includes the underwater session, equipment, marina fee, lunch, and transport. It becomes less attractive if you add several extras at checkout or pay separately for photographs and videos. Read the option details before you pay. That small bit of homework matters here.

I also like the flexibility. You can choose a single or double session, and non-participants can snorkel. A professional instructor is present, and instruction is available in English, Russian, Italian, and German. That makes the trip workable for mixed groups, such as one person who wants scuba training and another who prefers to float above the reef.

From hotel reception to the Sharm marina

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. The transfer is by shared bus, and the exact collection time is sent by WhatsApp about 24 hours before departure. The pickup is roughly one hour before the boat leaves, so do not treat the start time as your hotel pickup time.

The road transfer takes about 35 minutes according to the schedule. At the diving center, you complete paperwork and get fitted with equipment if it is included in your package. This is the point to confirm exactly what you purchased: one or two underwater sessions, equipment, snorkeling gear, and marina entry.

The marina fee is mandatory and listed at €5 per person. It can be paid on arrival or prepaid as an add-on. I would rather settle it in advance if that option is clear, since surprise fees are rarely improved by a busy harbor and a group waiting to board.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the water activities themselves are not suitable for everyone. People with back, heart, or respiratory problems, as well as non-swimmers, should not book the scuba option. If you have doubts about your health, ask a medical professional before reserving.

Sailing toward Ras Mohammed National Park

Once the boat leaves the marina, you have roughly 90 minutes of sailing and scenic views before the main water activities. This is useful time to settle in, find a place on deck, and listen to the instructor.

Do not expect a private cruise atmosphere. The boat serves a full group, and the national park can become crowded with other boats, particularly at popular stops. One of the strongest practical points about this trip is the destination itself, but the setting is shared rather than secluded.

Ras Mohammed is valued for its clear water and coral reefs. Visibility depends on conditions, but the area is known for marine life viewing, colorful coral, and underwater formations. You may see fish and other sea life close to the reef, though no responsible operator can promise a specific animal on a given day.

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. A camera is welcome, but protect it properly around salt water. Snacks are also listed among the recommended items, even though light snacks and unlimited drinks are provided onboard.

The first underwater session, with an instructor nearby

The first stop is where the trip earns its keep. Beginners receive an introduction of up to 15 minutes, supported by a professional instructor. This is a short first taste, not a full certification course, and it suits someone who wants to find out how comfortable they feel below the surface.

The instructor’s role is especially important for beginners. You learn how to use the equipment, manage the basic underwater experience, and stay close to the guide. One particularly positive account describes an instructor guiding the participant by hand throughout the session, which gives you a useful idea of the level of support that may be offered.

Certified or experienced participants usually receive sessions of about 40 minutes. The actual time can depend on conditions, equipment, comfort, and the package selected. Check the wording before booking, especially if you are expecting two full-length sessions.

The main rule is simple: do not touch marine life. Coral is fragile, and animals need space. Keep your hands to yourself, listen to the instructor, and avoid treating the reef like an underwater playground.

The 90-minute break: snacks, snorkeling, and a chance to slow down

After the first session, the boat pauses for about 90 minutes. This is more than dead time. You can have light snacks and drinks, snorkel above the reef, or rest on deck while the crew prepares for the next stop.

I like this built-in pause because a day in the water can be tiring, especially for someone new to scuba. It gives you time to warm up, eat something small, and decide whether you want to continue with the second session.

Non-divers can join the snorkeling portion, provided snorkeling equipment is included or added to the booking. The package also lists snorkeling as an option for non-participants. Ask the crew where you may enter the water and how far you should swim from the boat. Stay with the group and follow the crew’s instructions, especially if there is current.

This is also the time to use a camera, but do not let filming distract you from staying with the group. One reported problem involved a participant being separated from the boat near White Island while using a camera. Even though that situation was eventually resolved, it is a strong reminder to keep the group and boat in sight.

The second stop and the choice that changes the day

If you choose the two-session option, the boat moves to a second site. Having two locations gives you a better chance to see different coral formations and marine life, rather than spending the whole day in one area.

The second stop is also where you need to manage your energy. A beginner who found the first session tiring may prefer snorkeling or resting. A confident participant may appreciate the extra time underwater. The trip allows that choice, but the number of sessions must be selected in advance, or added through the available options before checkout.

Some accounts describe two sessions at separate locations and an additional visit to White Island. White Island is included in some versions of the experience, but you should confirm that it appears in your selected package rather than assuming every option includes it.

The schedule gives around three and a half hours at Ras Mohammed for snorkeling, underwater activities, lunch, and marine life viewing. That sounds generous, but the time is shared between moving the boat, preparing equipment, eating, and getting people safely in and out of the water.

Lunch onboard, plus a realistic word about food

Lunch is served on the boat, generally as a buffet. Drinks are included and listed as unlimited, which is helpful in the hot South Sinai sun. Keep drinking water even if you do not feel thirsty.

Food is a useful convenience rather than the main reason to book. One account praised the meal, while another found both the food and drinks disappointing. I would set your expectations at simple boat catering. Bring a few snacks in case you have dietary needs or want something familiar between sessions.

The meal also gives you a proper break before the return journey. Eat lightly if you plan to snorkel again, and take care with the boat’s movement if you are prone to seasickness. The provided information does not specify whether special diets can be accommodated, so ask before booking if that matters to you.

Returning to Sharm and handling the photo sales

After the water activities and lunch, the boat sails back toward Sharm El Sheikh. The return cruise is listed at about one hour. It is a good time to dry off, enjoy the views, and keep your towel handy rather than packed away.

Photography can become an unexpected cost. Photographers may take underwater pictures or video, but the final price can be high. One booking reported a charge of £120 for images that did not meet expectations, with posed shots rather than natural moments.

You are not required to buy the photos. If you are interested, ask for the full price before agreeing, ask how many images or videos are included, and make sure you understand the quality and delivery method. Your own camera may be the better option, provided it is secure and you continue to follow the instructor.

What is included, and what may cost extra

The headline price is $54 per person. That is a reasonable starting point for a six-hour boat trip with hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, instruction, and access to Ras Mohammed, but the final value depends on the package.

Included items are normally:

• Hotel pickup from Sharm El Sheikh
• Professional instructor
• Lunch onboard
• Unlimited drinks
• Snorkeling access for non-divers
• Boat transport to Ras Mohammed

The listing also indicates that equipment, snorkeling equipment, and the marina entrance fee may be selected as add-ons. The €5 marina fee is mandatory, so budget for it unless you have already prepaid it.

Personal expenses are not included. That category can cover photographs, videos, and anything else you purchase during the day. Keep some money available, but do not feel pressured to buy extras.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to a first-time participant who wants a guided introduction without committing to a full training program. The short beginner session, instructor support, and snorkeling alternative make it easier to join as part of a mixed group.

It also suits certified participants who want a straightforward day at Ras Mohammed. Choose the two-session option if underwater time is your priority, and confirm the included duration and equipment before payment.

It is less suitable for someone seeking a private, quiet yacht experience. The boat is shared, popular park sites can be crowded, and the schedule is organized around a group. It is also a poor choice for non-swimmers who want to participate in scuba, or for anyone with the listed back, heart, or respiratory concerns.

The 4.3 rating from 31 bookings suggests a generally positive experience with some important exceptions. The most consistent strengths are friendly staff, professional instruction, smooth transfers, attractive underwater scenery, and enjoyable boat time. The main warnings concern package confusion, food quality, photography prices, and group safety near the water.

Is the Ras Mohammed boat trip worth $54?

Yes, if you confirm the details before departure. The combination of Ras Mohammed, a guided underwater session, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and hotel pickup offers solid value at the advertised price.

I would book the two-session option only after checking that both sessions are clearly written on your confirmation. I would also confirm whether equipment and the marina fee are included, then ask about any photo package before entering the water.

Book this trip if you want an easy, organized day on the Red Sea and you are comfortable sharing a boat. Skip it if you want privacy, guaranteed long underwater sessions, or a polished gourmet lunch. The destination is excellent, but your satisfaction will depend on choosing the correct package and staying alert to extra charges.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about six hours. The schedule includes hotel pickup, sailing to Ras Mohammed, water activities, lunch, and the return trip to Sharm El Sheikh.

Where is pickup provided?

Pickup is provided from your hotel reception in Sharm El Sheikh by shared bus. The exact pickup time is sent through WhatsApp about 24 hours before the trip.

How early is hotel pickup?

Pickup usually takes place roughly one hour before the trip begins. The exact time depends on your hotel and is confirmed by WhatsApp.

Can beginners participate?

Yes. Beginners can receive an introduction of up to 15 minutes with a professional instructor. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

How long are the sessions for experienced participants?

Professional sessions are around 40 minutes on average. The number of sessions depends on the option you select.

Can I choose one or two sessions?

Yes. You can select a single or double session option. Additional sessions may also be available as add-ons before checkout.

Is snorkeling available for non-participants?

Yes. Snorkeling is offered as an option for non-divers. Snorkeling equipment must be included in your package or selected as an add-on.

Is the marina entrance fee included?

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