Four decks of sun and sea views. This Sharm el-Sheikh cruise is built for an easy Red Sea day: plenty of room to relax, air-conditioned indoor spots when the sun gets strong, and guided snorkeling designed for all comfort levels.

I like the top-deck sun loungers and the calm, spacious feel. I also like that you get proper food service onboard, with hot and soft drinks delivered to where you’re sitting, and a lunch menu that goes way beyond basic buffet fare.

One thing to consider: in winter, the water can feel cold to some people, and the afternoon can get windy on the return. If you get chilled easily, plan for that.

Key things that make this trip special

• Unlimited hot and soft drinks served to your sun spot, so you’re not constantly queuing
• Two air-conditioned salons for lunch and for escaping the heat
• Multiple guided snorkel chances in Ras Mohammed, including support for first-timers
• Life jacket access and a low platform entry, so you can choose your comfort level
• White Island stop for a change of scenery during the day
• Seafood-focused lunch (soups, salads, shrimp, calamari, fish, plus chicken and kofta)

What You Really Get for the $80 Price

At $80 per person for about 7 hours, the value here comes from how much is included—not just the boat ride. You’re paying for hotel pickup and drop-off, a full cruise day, guided snorkeling at major Red Sea sites, and a proper onboard meal.

The biggest practical win is that lunch and drinks aren’t an afterthought. You get waiter service with unlimited hot and soft drinks, and the lunch spread is seafood-forward with soups, multiple salad types, carbs on the menu (rice, pasta, potatoes), and a mix of seafood plus chicken and kofta.

The one extra cost to watch is the mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 Euros per person, which may be paid on arrival or prepaid via add-ons. It’s small, but it’s the kind of fee that can surprise you if you’re only budgeting for the headline price.

Getting to the Boat: Pickup Time and the Marina Fee

Your day starts with pickup from Sharm El-Sheikh. The coach transfer is short—about 25 minutes—but the pickup timing is usually earlier than the departure. You’ll be contacted about 24 hours before the trip via WhatsApp with your exact pickup time, roughly 1 hour before the scheduled start.

Plan to be ready for a smooth morning. The cruise itself runs on a tight, day-tour clock: departure is at 9:00 am and you’re back by 4:00 pm. That means once you’re collected, you’ll move fairly steadily through transport, boarding, and sailing.

Before you board, factor in the marina entrance fee (5 Euros per person). If you’re the type who likes clean budgeting, choose the option where you can prepay from add-ons—otherwise just keep cash/card ready for the day-of payment.

The Elite VIP Boat: Four Floors, Space to Breathe

This is the kind of boat where you feel the difference between “day trip” and “VIP day out.” With four floors, you have multiple places to sit, not just one crowded deck. The sun deck has loungers, and people tend to love it because it’s simple: find a spot, watch the coast drift by, and keep your eyes on the water.

Two air-conditioned salons add a lot of comfort. That matters because Red Sea sun can turn lunch-hour into a sweat session fast. If you get heat fatigue, those indoor spaces give you real recovery time.

One more comfort point: access to the water is via a low platform at the back of the boat. That’s easier than jumping or climbing over railings, especially if you’re bringing a friend who’s nervous about being in the water.

Cruising to Ras Mohammed: What the 9-to-4 Day Feels Like

You sail out early and spend part of the morning on the water before the first snorkeling time. The schedule is built so you’re not stuck doing one thing for hours on end. After the boat heads toward Ras Mohammed National Park, you get a snorkeling stop, then break time and lunch, then more sea time on the way back.

Also, the water temperature is typically comfortable for snorkeling. The trip info notes that water seldom dips below 20°C even in winter. Still, don’t ignore personal comfort—one traveler note called out chilly water during a winter period. If you know you’re sensitive to cold water, plan for that reality.

If you like a day that mixes movement with long lounging, the pace here hits a nice middle ground: enough sailing to enjoy the day, but not so many transitions that it feels stressful.

Snorkeling Around Ras Mohammed: Three Stops and Real Safety Support

Ras Mohammed National Park is the star of the show. You get three snorkeling stops at some of the best coral and marine-life areas in the park, and you’re not just tossed in with a basic instruction sheet.

The guides stay with you in the water to keep things safe and to help you get the most out of what you’re seeing. If you’re less confident, you can use a life jacket, and entry is set up to be manageable via the low platform.

What makes this feel worth doing is the level of hands-on reassurance described by multiple guides by name. For example, Ahmed is described as attentive and experienced with keeping snorkelers comfortable in the water. Umar and Mohamed are credited with guiding people from the moment they step onboard to the final moments, and with showing the underwater world in a way that makes first-timers feel calm.

In terms of marine life, the promise isn’t about one animal—it’s about variety. You might see seahorses, octopus, turtles, lots of colorful fish, and sometimes larger creatures like manta rays and dolphins. The trip also emphasizes that sightings shift constantly, so the goal is exploration rather than checking a fixed list.

A practical note from real-world experience: the sea can get choppy. If the water’s rough, expect many swimmers to rely on life jackets and go slow. That’s not a problem—it’s part of how you keep snorkeling fun instead of stressful.

White Island: A Short Visit That Breaks Up the Day

After the first main snorkeling period, there’s a stop at White Island. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, which is enough time to take photos, enjoy the change of scenery, and reset before lunch and the next sea segment.

One small perk for families and active kids: some people report that the landing uses a speedboat tender, so it feels like part of the adventure rather than a boring bus stop. Even if you’re not traveling with kids, tender rides can be a nice break from waiting onboard.

Because the time here is short, keep your pace focused. Use it for quick land views and then get back onboard ready for the next water session.

Lunch Onboard: Seafood Soups, Salads, and BBQ-Style Choices

Lunch is served onboard in an air-conditioned salon, which is a big deal on a hot day. The menu is also genuinely substantial, not just a few lukewarm plates.

You can expect:

• Sea food soup
• Three types of fresh salad
• Rice, pasta, and potatoes
• Shrimp, calamari, fish, plus chicken and kofta
• Seasonal fresh fruit

So yes, you’re eating well. And because it’s served in a restaurant-like setting inside, you’re not trying to eat while balancing on a deck that’s rocking.

This is also where the VIP label starts to make sense. You’re not just getting food—you’re getting service. Waiters handle drinks, and you can stay seated on the boat without losing your spot to repeated trips for refills.

If you’re someone who cares about food quality on tours, this is one of the better lunches I’ve seen for a day trip in Sharm.

Return Cruise to Sharm: Time for One More Look

On the way back, the schedule keeps you on the water for additional sea time. You’ll have boat cruise time plus swimming and marine-life viewing, then a return sailing segment that brings you back around 4:00 pm.

This part of the day is where wind can matter. One traveler noted it was windy during the return, and that pushed some people toward staying sheltered. Bring sunscreen and consider planning where you’ll sit for the final leg—some spots are more protected than others.

If your camera battery always dies on vacation, this is a good time to slow down and shoot. You’ll likely have a second chance to watch marine life below when you get another water session.

What to Bring (and How to Stay Comfortable)

For the basics, stick to what the trip asks for:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

If you’re snorkeling, gear depends on what you choose. Snorkeling gear can be included if you select it as an add-on. If you don’t, one traveler noted that mask and goggles can be hired at the port for about $5, and that flippers may not be included with that hire. If you already own your own mask, bring it. It fits better and saves time.

Also, remember that even though the water often stays around or above 20°C, you might still feel cold with wind, choppy conditions, or long surface time. Dress for the weather you’ll actually face, not only the expected sea temperature.

Who This VIP Cruise Works Best For

This is a strong pick if you want a Red Sea day that balances comfort and real snorkeling time.

It’s especially good for:

• People who want guided snorkeling support, not just a ticket and a float
• Travelers who like a calm onboard vibe and space to move around
• Families and mixed groups, because life jackets and simple entry help
• Anyone who cares about food quality and service, not just the boat

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re extremely sensitive to cold water and don’t cope well with windy returns
• You dislike sharing transport logistics (pickup can be earlier than you expect, and transfers can vary by day)

Should You Book This Ras Mohammed Elite VIP Cruise?

I’d book it if you want the best mix of snorkeling time, comfort on board, and a lunch that doesn’t feel like an apology. The combination of top-deck relaxation, air-conditioned shelter, multiple Ras Mohammed snorkeling stops, and attentive guides like Ahmed (plus the well-regarded onboard care from Umar and Mohamed) makes it feel like a genuinely upgraded day out.

If you’re on a tight budget, compare carefully once you add the marina entrance fee. And if you’re visiting in the colder months, mentally prepare for the possibility of chilly water and plan your comfort accordingly.

If those points fit your style, this VIP cruise is one of the more satisfying ways to experience Ras Mohammed without turning your day into a stressful scramble.

FAQ

How long is the Ras Mohammed Elite VIP cruise?

The trip runs for about 7 hours.

When does the boat depart and return?

It departs at 9:00 am and arrives back in Sharm el-Sheikh at 4:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

Are drinks included during the day?

Yes. You get waiter service with unlimited hot and soft drinks throughout the day.

What does lunch include?

Lunch includes sea food soup, three types of fresh salad, rice/pasta/potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Snorkeling gear is provided if you select it as an add-on. If you don’t, you might need to hire mask and goggles at the port.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. Life jackets are available, and sea access is via a low platform. Guides accompany you and can help you stay comfortable in the water.

What is the marina entrance fee?

There’s a mandatory marina entrance fee of 5 Euros per person. It’s paid upon arrival or can be prepaid from add-ons.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.