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

Ras Mohammed’s coral reefs are the real reason to book this cruise, but the boat makes the day unusually comfortable. You get three snorkeling stops, a visit to White Island, and access to a large sun deck with padded loungers, rather than spending the whole day shoulder to shoulder on a small boat.

I like the steady attention in the water, especially for nervous swimmers, and the freshly cooked lunch, which includes shrimp, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, and fruit. Guides named Ahmed, Umar, and Mohammed have been singled out for staying close and offering calm help. My main caution is that the transfer and extra charges can be less polished than the boat itself, so confirm the marina fee, snorkeling gear, and drinks before departure.

Key points at a glance

• Three snorkeling stops in Ras Mohammed: Expect coral reefs, colorful fish, and guides in the water with you.
• White Island visit: A short stop with time to go ashore and enjoy one of the park’s best-known sights.
• Four-level VIP boat: Choose the sunny top deck, shaded deck seating, or one of two air-conditioned salons.
• Fresh barbecue buffet: Shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, sides, soup, and fruit are served during the cruise.
• Good support for cautious swimmers: Life jackets, a low rear platform, and attentive snorkeling guides make the water more approachable.
• Check the extras: The marina entry fee is 5 euros per person, and snorkeling equipment may cost extra.

Why this Ras Mohammed cruise works

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip from Sharm el-Sheikh. It is aimed at people who want more room, a calmer setting, proper lunch, and staff support instead of a basic party boat.

The vessel has four floors, two air-conditioned salons, shaded seating, and a spacious upper deck filled with sun loungers. That matters on a seven-hour outing. You can sit in the sun after snorkeling, move into the shade when the heat catches up, or cool off indoors at lunch.

The atmosphere also appears quieter than the loud music often associated with lower-cost boat trips. That is a real advantage if you want to hear the sea, talk with your family, or simply rest between water stops.

The boat is the strongest part of the package. The weak point is the ground operation. Morning pickup can take place about an hour before sailing, and the exact time is sent through WhatsApp 24 hours before the trip. One booking had a cramped return transfer, so if transport matters greatly to you, confirm how many people will share the vehicle.

From Sharm el-Sheikh to the marina

Pickup is included from Sharm el-Sheikh hotels, followed by a bus or coach ride of about 25 minutes. The exact pickup time is not fixed in the information provided, so keep your morning free and watch for the WhatsApp message.

At the marina, allow time for boarding and the mandatory entrance payment. The fee is 5 euros per person, payable on arrival or available as a prepaid add-on. This is easy to miss when comparing the advertised prices, so add it to your budget.

Snorkeling equipment may also be selected as an add-on. One passenger paid about $5 for a mask and goggles at the port and noted that flippers were not included. If you already own a good mask, bringing it can save hassle and give you a better fit.

The boat is described as wheelchair accessible, but the information does not explain every transfer point between the marina, deck, and water. If you use a wheelchair, ask the operator how boarding and access to the snorkeling platform work before paying.

The two-and-a-half-hour sail to Ras Mohammed

After departure at about 9 a.m., the boat spends a long stretch sailing toward Ras Mohammed National Park. The stated sailing time is roughly two and a half hours, followed by water activities and the return cruise.

That long ride is easier because the boat gives you several places to settle. The top deck is best for sun and views, though it can be windy, especially on the way back. The second deck offers wooden tables and shade. The air-conditioned salons are useful if you need a break from the heat or motion.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. A light cover-up is also practical for moving between the sun deck, salon, and lunch area, though it is not listed as a required item.

Unlimited hot and soft drinks are advertised with waiter service delivered to your lounger. However, one booking reported that only small cups of generic cola and lemonade were included, with other refreshments costing extra. This is the clearest point to settle before you board: ask exactly which drinks are covered by the $80 price.

Snorkeling in Ras Mohammed National Park

The main program includes three stops at snorkeling sites around Ras Mohammed. The reefs here are the focus of the day, with clear water, coral formations, and many types of fish.

You enter the sea through a low platform at the rear of the boat. Life jackets are available, and the guides stay in the water to help with direction and safety. This setup suits beginners better than a high jump from the side of a boat.

The water can be choppy. One June outing had many swimmers using life jackets, even though the guide supported all levels of experience. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the guide before entering the water, stay close, and use the buoyancy aid without embarrassment.

The trip description lists possible sightings including seahorses, octopus, turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and many types of fish. These are possibilities, not promises. Sea life changes from one stop to the next, and no guide can guarantee a particular animal.

What you can reasonably expect is a coral setting with plenty to look at below the surface. Each site may show a different section of reef, so keep your eyes open rather than racing from one landmark to another.

A good guide can make a major difference here. Ahmed was praised for checking on swimmers and staying close to a nervous snorkeler. Umar and Mohammed were also singled out for patient support in the water. Staff names can change, but the service standard described for this boat is a useful reason to choose it over a cheaper, less supervised cruise.

White Island, the short shore stop

White Island receives about 45 minutes in the schedule. The boat may use a smaller tender to bring you across, and children have enjoyed that short ride.

This is a quick scenic stop, not a full beach day. Keep your expectations in check. You will have time to get off the boat, look around, and enjoy the bright setting, but the day remains centered on snorkeling.

The stop also breaks up the long hours at sea. After spending time in the water and aboard the boat, a short visit ashore gives you a chance to stretch your legs and see a different side of Ras Mohammed.

A barbecue lunch prepared on board

Lunch is served in the air-conditioned salon and takes about an hour. The menu is broader than the usual basic boat buffet:

• Seafood soup
• Three fresh salads
• Rice, pasta, and potatoes
• Shrimp and calamari
• Fresh fish
• Barbecue chicken and Egyptian kofta
• Seasonal fruit

The kitchen prepares the food while the cruise is under way. That means you are not simply receiving boxed food brought from shore. Several bookings praised the flavor and quantity, with one person saying it was better than the food at their hotel.

I would call the meal a strong part of the value, but not assume luxury dining. One passenger felt the food did not fully match the VIP label, while most descriptions were positive. The sensible view is that you should expect a generous, tasty buffet, not a restaurant tasting menu.

If you need a special diet, the supplied information does not confirm vegetarian, allergy-friendly, or halal arrangements. Ask before booking rather than relying on the standard menu.

The boat’s real VIP advantages

VIP can mean different things on Red Sea excursions. Here, it mainly means more physical space and a better-equipped boat.

The top sun deck has loungers with cushions. This is where you can read, dry off, or spend the final sailing stretch in the sun. It is also exposed, so the wind can be strong on the return journey.

The shaded deck below has large wooden tables. It is a better choice for families, people who burn easily, or anyone who wants to sit together during the cruise.

The two air-conditioned salons give you an escape from sun, wind, and sea spray. Lunch is served in one of these indoor areas, which makes the meal more comfortable than eating outside in full heat.

Waiter service is another useful touch. Staff are expected to bring hot and soft drinks to your sun lounger, and attentive service has been one of the most consistently praised parts of the day. Still, clarify the drink policy so the word unlimited does not lead to a surprise bill.

Timing, transfers, and the small points that matter

The advertised schedule is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for seven hours. Pickup usually happens roughly one hour before the boat leaves.

The route includes about 25 minutes by road, two and a half hours sailing to the national park, a 45-minute snorkeling stop, a 45-minute White Island visit, one hour for lunch, and about two hours of further cruising and water activities.

The time at each stop can change with sea conditions and the operator’s running order. A choppy sea may slow the boat, and one outing took longer than expected for health-related reasons. Keep your evening flexible instead of scheduling a tight dinner reservation.

The cruise is offered daily. Instruction and assistance are available in English, German, and Russian. The operator is Egypt Sun Marine Fleet.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. These terms help if your Sharm el-Sheikh plans are still moving, but they do not remove the need to check the extra marina charge and equipment costs.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this trip if you want snorkeling with a comfortable base and do not mind spending most of a day at sea. It suits families, couples, first-time snorkelers, and people who value calm support more than a low headline price.

It is especially useful for nervous swimmers. The rear platform is low, life jackets are available, and guides can stay close. You should still be comfortable entering the sea from the boat, or be ready to explain your limits clearly to the crew.

It also suits people who want a peaceful cruise. One booking specifically liked the lack of loud music and the quiet sun deck.

I would think twice if you only want a short snorkeling session, dislike boat motion, or expect every VIP extra to be included. The total cost can rise with the 5-euro marina fee, equipment rental, and possibly drinks. Cold winter water can also reduce your time in the sea, even though the water is generally said to stay above 20C.

Should you book the Elite VIP cruise?

Book it if the boat itself matters as much as the reef. You get a spacious vessel, padded loungers, indoor cooling, a substantial lunch, three snorkeling opportunities, and guides who appear serious about helping less-confident swimmers.

Skip it if you are looking for the absolute cheapest way to reach Ras Mohammed, or if you want a guaranteed sighting of turtles, dolphins, or manta rays. Also confirm the transfer setup and extras before booking.

For most people, the best value is the combination of excellent snorkeling access and a comfortable boat. The reefs provide the real magic, while the staff, food, and generous deck space make the long day easier.

FAQ

How long is the Ras Mohammed VIP cruise?

The activity lasts seven hours, with the main program running from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hotel pickup usually takes place roughly one hour before departure.

How much does the cruise cost?

The stated price is $80 per person. A mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 euros per person is paid separately unless you prepay it as an add-on.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Sharm el-Sheikh are included.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The program includes three snorkeling stops at sites in Ras Mohammed National Park.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is available if selected as an add-on. You can also ask about renting equipment at the port. One booking reported paying $5 for a mask and goggles, with no flippers included.

What food is served for lunch?

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

Are drinks included?

Unlimited hot and soft drinks with waiter service are advertised. One booking reported that only small cups of generic cola and lemonade were included, so confirm the exact drink policy before sailing.

Is the cruise suitable for nervous swimmers?

Yes. Life jackets are available, the boat has a low rear platform for entering the water, and snorkeling guides accompany swimmers. Guides including Ahmed, Umar, and Mohammed have been praised for giving close support.

What languages are available?

Instruction is available in English, German, and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also check whether snorkeling equipment is included in your booking or arrange your own mask and goggles.