Compare Ras Mohammed Tours from Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Mohammed National Park sits roughly 20–30 km south of central Sharm El Sheikh, making it the closest world-class snorkeling destination for anyone staying in the resort. Two main tour formats run daily: full-day boat trips and half-day overland (bus/van) excursions. Both depart with hotel pickup from Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, Hadaba, Old Market, and Nabq.
Full-day Ras Mohammed boat trip cruises typically last 8–9 hours hotel-to-hotel, departing around 8:00 AM and returning by 5:00 PM. They sail from Sharm El Maya marina or nearby jetties and include two or three snorkeling stops at offshore reefs plus an onboard buffet lunch. Half-day bus tours cover the park's shore-access sites in about 4–5 hours and cost less, though reef access is more limited.
| Feature | Full-Day Boat Trip | Half-Day Bus Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8–9 hours | 4–5 hours |
| Snorkeling sites | Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef, White Island | Marsa Bareika, shore reefs |
| Lunch | Buffet onboard | Not typically included |
| Price range (adult) | $25–$55 | $18–$35 |
| Best for | Serious snorkelers, families wanting a full day on the water | Short stays, non-swimmers who want park scenery |
Ras Mohammed Boat Trips vs Bus Tours: Which to Choose
The boat trip is the better option for snorkeling quality. It reaches offshore reefs like Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef that are inaccessible from land, where visibility regularly exceeds 20 metres and coral walls drop into deep blue. You also get more time in the water — typically two to three stops of 30–45 minutes each.
The bus tour suits travellers short on time or those who want to see the park's land features: the Earthquake Crack, Magic Lake, mangrove channels, and Allah's Gate viewpoint. Snorkeling is limited to shore-entry bays such as Marsa Bareika, which still offer good coral but less dramatic topography than the offshore walls.
If your priority is underwater life, choose the boat. If you want a mix of desert landscape and a quick swim, the bus tour delivers that in half the time.
Prices, Inclusions, and What Affects Cost
Boat snorkeling trips from Sharm El Sheikh start around $25–$55 per adult depending on the vessel type and group size. Budget shared boats sit at the lower end; VIP or smaller-group boats charge more. Half-day bus tours range from $18–$35 per adult.
Most tour prices include hotel transfers, snorkeling equipment, and a guide. The Ras Mohammed National Park marine fee is approximately €7 per person — some suppliers include this in the quoted price while others collect it separately on the day. Always confirm at booking.
Factors that push the price up or down:
- Boat class (standard vs VIP/luxury yacht)
- Group size (private charters cost significantly more)
- Optional intro dive add-on (usually $10–$15 extra)
- Season (summer peak vs winter shoulder)
- Whether the park fee is bundled or separate
Typical Itinerary from Sharm: Marina, Reefs, Stops, Return
A standard full-day boat trip follows this schedule:
- 07:30–08:30 — Hotel pickup from Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, Hadaba, or Nabq by minivan
- 09:00 — Board the boat at Sharm El Maya marina
- 10:00–10:45 — First snorkeling stop (often Shark Reef or a coral garden near the park entrance)
- 11:00–11:45 — Second snorkeling stop at Yolanda Reef, where the wreck cargo of toilets and bathtubs sits among coral
- 12:00–13:00 — Buffet lunch onboard while sailing toward White Island
- 13:30–14:15 — Third stop at or near White Island for shallow snorkeling and swimming on the sandbar
- 15:00–16:00 — Return sail to the marina
- 16:30–17:00 — Hotel drop-off
Best Snorkeling Spots in Ras Mohammed National Park
Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef — The park's signature dive and snorkel site. A sheer coral wall drops from just below the surface to over 700 metres. Expect schools of barracuda, jackfish, Napoleon wrasse, and occasional reef sharks. Accessible only by boat. White Island — A sandy spit that emerges at low tide between Ras Mohammed and Tiran. The surrounding shallows have scattered coral heads and calm water ideal for beginners. Many full-day cruises include this as a combined stop; for a dedicated route, check the White Island cruise option. Marsa Bareika — A sheltered bay on the park's western shore, reachable by bus tour. Gentle entry, resident turtles, and dense table coral make it suitable for families and first-time snorkelers. South Bereika and Marsa Ghozlani — Quieter shore-access bays with healthy hard coral and less boat traffic. Typically visited on bus tours or private overland trips.
What to Bring, Pickup Areas, and Booking Tips
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen (the park enforces environmental rules)
- Towel and dry clothes for the return transfer
- Underwater camera or waterproof phone case
- Cash for optional extras (intro dive, park fee if not included, tips for crew)
- Hat and sunglasses for time on deck
Pickup areas
Most suppliers collect from hotels in Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, Hadaba, Old Market, and Nabq. Hotels in far-north Nabq may have an earlier pickup (around 07:00). Confirm your exact pickup time the evening before.
Booking tips
- Book at least one day ahead in peak season (July–September, Christmas/New Year) to secure a spot on smaller boats.
- Morning departures offer calmer seas and better visibility than afternoon options.
- Check whether the listed price includes the national park fee — this single detail is the most common source of confusion in reviews.
