Ras Mohamed and White Island Snorkelling with Try Dive Sharm El Sheikh

Ras Mohamed National Park

Ras Mohamed sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba meet. Egypt declared it a national park in 1983, and its reefs became some of the most protected in the Red Sea. Strong currents carry plankton past the coral walls, which is why the reef fish here are so numerous and the corals so healthy.

If you wonder whether Ras Mohamed is worth visiting, the answer is yes, and a boat trip is the best way to see the underwater side of the park. The boat stops at selected snorkelling sites along the coast, and the crew and guides keep an eye on the group while you swim, so first-time snorkellers feel safe.

Snorkelling at the reef sites

The trip includes two snorkelling stops at reef sites chosen by the captain according to the wind and the current, often including areas near Yolanda Reef and Shark Reef. The coral drops from the shallows into deep blue water, and in the clear water you can see butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, Napoleon wrasse, schools of fusiliers and sometimes a hawksbill turtle.

Snorkelling equipment is included in the main option, so you do not need to bring your own. A life jacket is available if you prefer it, and the guide gives a short briefing on how to use the mask and fins. Sunscreen is best kept for after the swim, and a rash vest is useful for the midday sun.

The introductory dive

Beginners in the default option can try scuba diving with a certified instructor, for guests aged ten to fifty. After a short safety briefing you dive for about ten to fifteen minutes to a depth of up to seven metres, with the instructor holding you or staying within reach throughout. No previous experience is needed, but you should be comfortable in the water and healthy enough to dive.

The try dive is a gentle way to see the reef from underneath, among the fish rather than above them. Photography and video by professionals can be arranged as an extra. If you are a certified diver, ask us about the diving option, which includes the equipment and dives at Ras Mohamed.

White Island

White Island, known locally as Gezirat el Bayda, is a pale sandbar that forms a small island in the sea. The water around it is turquoise and calm, with white sand under your feet, so it is a favourite spot for swimming, taking photographs and relaxing. The shape of the sandbank can shift with the tide and the weather.

The stay is a break between snorkelling stops. Bring a hat and use sunscreen, because there is very little shade on the sand, and the sun deck on the yacht gives you a cooler place to sit when you return. Walk slowly in the shallows, because the sand bottom is soft and the sun reflects strongly off the white surface, so sunglasses help.

Life on board and lunch

The yacht has a sun deck, shaded seating and a lower area where lunch is served. A buffet lunch is prepared on board and includes dishes such as pasta, rice, fresh salads, chicken, meatballs and bread. Soft drinks, tea, coffee and water are included and available throughout the day.

The day is relaxed: you sail along the coast, stop to swim, eat, rest and sail back. Our team confirms your pickup time by WhatsApp before the trip, and passport details are required in advance for the boat permit, so have them ready when you book. Vegetarian guests can tell our team in advance, and the crew will do their best to prepare a suitable plate for lunch.