Reefs, a first scuba try, and BBQ afloat. This tour is built around Ras Muhammad National Park plus a BBQ buffet at White Island, and it is one of the easiest ways to see the Red Sea up close from Sharm El Sheikh. The main catch is that the day runs long, and you may want to budget extra for optional photo packages and longer scuba time.

What I really like is how much attention the crew gives to comfort and safety, especially for first-timers. Names that pop up in the crew roll call include Bishoy, Emad, Abanoub, Ziad, and Arabi, and the common theme is clear instruction before you get in the water.

Value is strong for the price, because hotel pickup, the yacht, guides, and most key gear are handled for you. Just know that snorkel equipment is not included in the listing, so you might need a rental unless you bring your own.

Key points before you go

• Ras Muhammad swim stops plus White Island lunch in one yacht trip
• Included intro scuba session for beginners, typically 10 to 15 minutes
• Professional guides and rules that keep you with the group at each stop
• Soft drinks and mineral water onboard, plus a BBQ buffet at White Island
• Optional extra costs can add up, mainly for extra scuba time, underwater photos, and rented snorkel gear

Why Ras Muhammad and White Island works so well for a Sharm day

Ras Muhammad is one of the best-known reef areas from Sharm El Sheikh, and this itinerary makes sense for a day trip. You are not just staring at the horizon from the beach. You are actually in the water, with multiple chances to swim, snorkel, and try scuba.

The White Island stop adds a nice rhythm change. After time at the reefs, you switch gears to an island swim break and lunch onboard. If you like variety, this is a solid combo.

Getting to the yacht: pickup timing and what to prep

Pickup is from the main gates of your hotel, not the reception entrance. They confirm your room number to avoid name mix-ups, and it helps if you keep your booking details handy.

Departure usually starts between 9:00 and 9:30 am, but it depends on local authorization and wind conditions. Plan for that uncertainty. One of the themes in the experience is that the schedule is flexible because the sea decides a lot.

A practical tip that matters on the morning of your trip: bring a passport copy on your phone so you can board the yacht. You might be able to travel without thinking about it, but this one is worth doing in advance so you do not scramble at the harbor.

The yacht plan: what the crew does after boarding

Once you are on the boat, the crew walks you through the day. You get the program explanation, then you settle in for the first reef area.

From there, the number of swim stops can be 2 or 3, depending on weather and wind direction. Even when the plan calls for 3 swim stops, the sea can compress timing, so keep a flexible mindset. The upside is that you still get multiple water opportunities, not a single quick rinse-and-go moment.

The guides lead you in the water. At each stop, they expect you to follow the snorkeling guide. This is not the kind of day where you freestyle your route far away from the group.

Stop 1: first reef water time and how the snorkeling support works

Your first water stop sets the tone. Even if you only snorkel, the guide’s job is to keep you swimming in the right zone and oriented toward marine life and coral areas.

What tends to work best is going slow and staying close to the guide. You will see more when you are not constantly drifting off to where the group cannot help you. If you are a nervous swimmer, this structure helps, because the crew stays focused on keeping you calm and moving safely.

Onboard, the day also feels well organized. People repeatedly mention how smoothly the harbor side coordination runs, and that matters because this is a long outing.

Intro scuba for beginners: what that included session really means

Scuba is offered as part of the experience, and the included option is an intro session for beginners, typically around 10 to 15 minutes. The big benefit is that you do not have to start from zero by yourself.

The tone from multiple first-timers is reassuring: clear guidance, professional instructors, and support that helps you feel in control underwater. One common detail is the pairing structure, where you get close attention from an instructor, which is especially helpful if you are anxious at the surface or new to scuba breathing.

Here is a practical expectation to set with yourself: the included scuba time is short by design. If you want a longer underwater session, you may be offered additional paid time. Some people say the add-on is worth it, while others are happy with the included try and prefer snorkeling afterward.

If your main goal is to feel comfortable enough to do scuba again in the future, this intro option can be a smart low-risk start.

White Island: BBQ lunch, island swimming, and the quick island moment

White Island is where the schedule becomes more relaxed. The BBQ buffet is served onboard at this stop, and you typically get soft drinks and mineral water available throughout the boat day.

Food details from people who have done it: it is a buffet style meal, and it often includes a couple of meat options, a few salads, and several carb sides like pasta or rice. It is not gourmet cuisine, but it is filling, and it is timed well so you are not starving between water sessions.

As for the island itself, you may only get a short window on land. Some people describe it as about 20 minutes, while others mention a longer feel based on how the water stops line up that day. Either way, treat White Island as a swim break plus lunch, not a full beach day.

If you want photos near the island, it helps to wear or keep easy-to-reach swimwear because you will be moving between boat, water, and lunch areas.

Food, drinks, and comfort on a long boat day

This is a full day outing. Some people describe leaving around 7:30 am and returning close to 7:00 pm, which means you should pack your energy like it is a travel day, not a quick half-day snack stop.

The boat experience includes:

• Soft drinks and mineral water available onboard
• A BBQ buffet lunch at White Island
• Time built around multiple swim stops

Comfort tips that show up for good reason:

• Bring strong sun protection. You are out on open water for hours.
• Bring a light layer for wind. A lot of time on the boat can feel cooler than you expect.
• Remember that towel and swimwear are not included, so bring your own or plan to rent/borrow locally.

Some people mention enjoying the flexibility of taking seconds at the buffet, which is a nice perk when the day is active.

Extras and budgeting: snorkel gear, longer scuba time, and photos

This trip is good value, but you should go in with a budget mindset. The included package covers core parts, and the add-ons are optional.

Here are the extras that come up most often:

• Snorkel equipment rental: snorkel gear is not included, and at least one rider reports a rental cost around 200 EGP per person.
• Longer scuba time: the included intro session is around 10 to 15 minutes, and you may be able to pay for additional time. Some people cite about $20 for an extension.
• Underwater photos and videos: a photographer is often present, and photo packages are extra. One person mentions a price around £45 for 15 to 20 photos plus 2 videos. Another notes underwater photo and video pricing as a frequent add-on decision.

My advice is simple: decide your “extras ceiling” before you board. If you love photos, it can be worth paying once for a bundle. If you are budget-minded, you might prefer to skip the photo pack and just use your own phone in water-safe ways.

Also, if you only care about the included intro scuba and you want to snorkel more, you can plan your day that way. Several people describe being happy to stick with what is included.

Who this suits best, and who might want a different plan

This is a great fit if you want:

• A short intro to scuba without needing experience
• Multiple opportunities to snorkel and see marine life
• A single-day trip that includes lunch and drinks onboard

It is also a good choice if you are nervous about the water, because the crew’s approach emphasizes instruction and keeping you safe with the group. Many first-timers highlight how they felt comfortable after the briefing.

It might not be your best match if:

• You hate long boat days and want a compact experience
• You dislike optional upsells for photos or extra scuba time
• You only want lots of time on land, because White Island time can be relatively brief

Should you book Ras Muhammad and White Island with FTS Travels?

Yes, if your priority is a well-run reef day with a beginner-friendly scuba try, guided snorkel time, and a real lunch onboard. For many people, the best part is the combination of structure plus freedom: you get instruction, then you get water time.

Before you book, do three things:

1. Bring your own towel and swimwear, since they are not included.
2. Pack sun protection and a light layer for wind on the boat.
3. Set a clear budget for optional items like snorkel rentals, extra scuba time, and photo packages.

If you want a simple value play that covers the main Reef Sea highlights from Sharm in one day, this is the kind of tour that usually lands well.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, plus an air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer to the port area.

What activities are included in the ticket price?

The plan includes a yacht tour with 3 swim stops and 1 intro scuba session. You also get a professional snorkeling guide and buffet lunch onboard.

Do I need to rent snorkel equipment?

Snorkel equipment is not included. You may need to rent it on site unless you bring your own.

How long is the intro scuba session for beginners?

The intro scuba option is described as a 10 to 15 minute session with assistance from the scuba divers.

Is there lunch, and where is it served?

Yes. Lunch is served on the boat at the White Island stop, and it is a BBQ buffet.

What should I bring for boarding the yacht?

You should have a copy of your passport on your phone for boarding in the morning.

Are there extra costs during the trip?

Potential extra costs include underwater pictures and videos, and you may be able to purchase additional scuba time. Soft drinks and mineral water are included on the boat.

What languages are offered?

The tour is available in English, Italian, Russian, and Arabic.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.