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

Clear water, coral gardens, and lunch at sea. This seven-hour cruise from Sharm el-Sheikh combines three snorkeling stops, White Island, and a generous onboard meal with enough room to spread out. I especially like the spacious sun deck and the attentive water support from guides such as Ahmed, Umar, and Mohamed. The main catch is that snorkeling gear and the marina fee may cost extra, and some transfers have been less polished than the boat itself.

The boat is built for a full day on the Red Sea, not just a quick sightseeing run. You get four floors, air-conditioned salons, waiter service for hot and soft drinks, and sun loungers that several people found comfortable enough to make the ride itself part of the fun. The sea can be chilly in winter, and rough conditions can make the return trip windy, so pack more than swimwear and optimism.

Key points at a glance

• Three Ras Mohammed snorkeling areas: Expect guided water time around coral reefs and marine life, with life jackets available.
• White Island stop: A short visit to a bright sandbar area, with a tender boat used for access when needed.
• Four-level VIP boat: The top deck has loungers, while shaded tables and air-conditioned salons give you an escape from the sun.
• Freshly prepared buffet lunch: Shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, and fruit are served onboard.
• Helpful in-water supervision: Guides stay close to nervous swimmers and children, making this easier for mixed-ability groups.
• Seven hours for $80: A strong value if you use the snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and boat facilities, but check extra charges before paying.

The morning pickup and ride to the marina

Your day starts with hotel pickup in Sharm el-Sheikh, usually about one hour before departure. The drive to the marina takes roughly 25 minutes, but your exact pickup time is sent by WhatsApp around 24 hours before the trip. Keep your phone available, since the listed 9:00 a.m. boat departure is not necessarily your pickup time.

The transfer has been the weakest part of an otherwise polished day. One booking party found the afternoon minivan cramped, and another described the marina boarding process as confusing. If you have paid for separate transport for a small group, confirm exactly what that covers.

There is also a mandatory marina entrance fee of €5 per person. You can pay it on arrival or add it in advance. This is not a large charge, but it changes the real cost of the outing, so include it when comparing cruises.

Once you reach the boat, the mood improves. The vessel has four floors, two air-conditioned salons, shaded seating, and a broad upper deck lined with sunbeds. The design matters because seven hours on open water can feel long on a basic boat. Here, you can shift between sun, shade, cool indoor seating, and the railings when you want a better view.

The 2.5-hour cruise toward Ras Mohammed

The outward sailing lasts about two and a half hours. That is a sizeable part of the day, but the boat gives you room to enjoy it rather than simply endure it. I would claim a sunbed early if sunbathing is your priority, especially since the upper deck is one of the most praised features.

The top level is exposed and can be windy, particularly on the way back to Sharm el-Sheikh. The deck below offers shade, tables, and a more sheltered place to sit. The air-conditioned salons are useful during the hottest part of the day or when you want a quiet break from the glare.

The service is another strong point. Waiters bring unlimited hot and soft drinks to your chosen spot. Several people singled out the crew for checking on them often, and that kind of attention makes a difference on a long cruise. One important qualification: the drinks may not all be included in practice. A booking party reported that only small cups of generic cola and lemonade were free, with other refreshments charged separately. Ask the crew what is included before ordering.

The atmosphere is usually calm rather than party-focused. One person specifically appreciated the lack of loud music found on cheaper cruises. If you want dancing and a noisy boat party, this may feel too quiet. If you want to read, sunbathe, talk, or watch the Red Sea pass by, the tone is a better fit.

Snorkeling at Ras Mohammed National Park

The main reason to book this cruise is the water. Ras Mohammed National Park is known for coral reefs and a wide range of marine life, from tiny reef fish to larger species such as turtles, rays, dolphins, octopus, and seahorses. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the coral viewing is the reliable part of the experience.

The schedule includes three snorkeling stops at sites chosen by the crew. The advertised plan gives about 45 minutes for one stop, with additional water time later in the day. Some accounts describe two main snorkeling sessions plus White Island, while the operator presents three reef stops. Treat the exact number and timing as flexible, since sea conditions and the day’s route can affect the schedule.

Access to the water is through a low platform at the back of the boat. This is much easier than climbing down a tall ladder, especially if you are less steady on your feet. Life jackets are available, and the guides remain nearby in the water. That support is valuable if you are nervous, new to snorkeling, or traveling with a child.

Ahmed received particular praise for staying close to less-confident swimmers and reassuring them in deeper water. Umar and Mohamed were also singled out for their care and professional help in the water. A child received close attention from the snorkeling team as well. You should still be comfortable entering the sea, but you do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part.

The crew can attach a nervous swimmer to a life buoy and pull them along. That sounds unusual, but it shows the practical spirit of the service. You can see the reef without pretending to be a strong swimmer. Tell the guide your comfort level before entering the water, and use the life jacket if the sea is choppy.

Bring your own mask, or budget for equipment

Snorkeling equipment is listed as an optional add-on, not an automatic part of the base price. One person paid about $5 for a mask and goggles at the port and noted that flippers were not supplied. The safest plan is to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, or confirm the exact rental package before boarding.

Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A rash guard or light cover-up would also be useful for long periods in the sun, though it is not specifically required. You may spend more time on deck than expected, and the upper level offers little protection from the sun.

The water is often comfortable, but January conditions can feel cold for snorkeling. One January booking found the sea too cold, while other months received strong praise for the water time. If you are visiting in winter, bring realistic expectations and use the salon as a warm-up spot between stops.

White Island, the short scenic stop

White Island is scheduled as a 45-minute visit. This is a change of pace from the reef stops, giving you a chance to stand on a pale sandbar and enjoy the open-water setting without a mask on your face.

Access may involve a small tender boat. Families can find this especially fun, and children enjoyed the short ride during one outing. At the same time, do not expect a long island visit or a developed beach. The appeal is the brief setting and the contrast with the reef, not shops, facilities, or a full beach day.

The stop can be affected by water levels and sea conditions. It is best treated as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book the cruise. The coral sites are the heart of the day.

A seafood-heavy lunch on board

Lunch is served in the air-conditioned salon, usually after the main water activities. The menu includes seafood soup, three fresh salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fruit.

That is a broad spread for a boat excursion. It works well for mixed groups because you can choose seafood, meat, starches, or lighter salad dishes. Several people found the food excellent, and one person rated it better than the food at their hotel. Another felt it was good but not quite VIP quality, so expectations should stay sensible.

The important point is freshness and variety, not fine dining. The kitchen prepares the meal onboard using market-fresh ingredients, and the buffet format lets you go back for more. You can eat inside in the cool salon, which is a welcome break after snorkeling.

If you have dietary needs, ask before booking because the available details do not list vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or halal arrangements. Do not assume the buffet can be adjusted unless the operator confirms it.

The afternoon cruise and return to Sharm el-Sheikh

After lunch, you continue cruising, with more time for swimming, snorkeling, marine-life viewing, or relaxing on the deck. The full program returns to the marina at about 4:00 p.m., making the total outing close to seven hours.

The return journey can feel breezy on the top deck. Sit lower down if you are cold or prone to motion discomfort. The lower shaded areas and salons give you a calmer option, while the upper deck remains the place for wide views and sun.

The boat has enough room that you can create your own rhythm. You might spend the morning on a lounger, snorkel at the first stop, rest in the salon, visit White Island, eat lunch, and then choose only a short final swim. You do not have to treat every activity as compulsory.

Is $80 good value?

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest Red Sea cruise. It can still be good value if you want a comfortable boat, a full buffet lunch, guided snorkeling, drinks, and hotel transport in one package.

The price makes the most sense for people who will use the boat facilities. If you plan to snorkel at every stop, eat lunch onboard, use the shaded and air-conditioned areas, and spend time on the sun deck, the cost is reasonable. The large boat also helps prevent the day from feeling packed, although boarding and transport can be less organized than the cruise itself.

Before you book, add the €5 marina fee and confirm the cost of snorkeling equipment. Also ask which drinks are included. The word VIP suggests that everything is covered, but one booking party found that some refreshments cost extra.

Compared with a simple half-day boat trip, you are paying for comfort and length. Compared with a luxury yacht charter, this remains a shared excursion with a set schedule. That middle position is exactly where it works best.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it for families, couples, and mixed groups where some people want serious snorkeling while others mainly want sunshine and a comfortable boat. The guides are a real help for children and nervous swimmers, and the low rear platform makes sea access less intimidating.

It also suits anyone who dislikes loud party boats. The atmosphere is generally peaceful, with room to sit quietly and enjoy the sea.

Strong swimmers and experienced snorkelers may find the guided format a little structured, but you still get time to explore on your own. People who want a private boat, a guaranteed turtle sighting, or a fully all-inclusive drinks package should look carefully at the conditions before booking.

The experience is wheelchair accessible according to the activity information, but the details do not explain how wheelchair users move between the vehicle, boat decks, tender, and water platform. Confirm those arrangements directly if they matter to you.

Should you book the Ras Mohammed Elite VIP Cruise?

Yes, if you want a full Red Sea day with a comfortable boat, strong in-water support, and a proper lunch rather than a bare-bones snorkel trip. The reefs, three planned water stops, White Island, and roomy decks offer more variety than a quick outing.

I would book it especially for a nervous swimmer or a family with children, provided you confirm transport, gear, drink costs, and the €5 marina fee. I would hesitate only if you dislike long sailing periods, need guaranteed warm water in winter, or expect every VIP extra to be included.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps when sea conditions or family plans are uncertain. For most visitors staying in Sharm el-Sheikh, this is a solid way to spend one day on the Red Sea, with the crew and snorkeling support doing much of the hard work.

FAQ

How long is the Ras Mohammed VIP cruise?

The experience lasts about seven hours, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from the marina, with hotel pickup available in Sharm el-Sheikh.

How long does hotel pickup take?

Pickup usually takes place about one hour before the trip. Your exact time is sent by WhatsApp around 24 hours before departure.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The program advertises three snorkeling stops in Ras Mohammed National Park. The exact timing can vary with sea conditions and the day’s route.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is included only if selected as an add-on. You can also bring your own equipment or arrange rental at the port.

Is there a marina entrance fee?

Yes. The mandatory fee is €5 per person. You can pay it on arrival or prepay it through the available add-ons.

What food is served for lunch?

The buffet includes seafood soup, three salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited hot and soft drinks are advertised, but confirm the exact selection onboard because some refreshments may cost extra.

What languages are available?

Instruction and support are available in English, German, and Russian.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.