Reef time, served like a floating hotel. The BELLA boat turns Sharm’s Red Sea day into a comfortable ride with three decks, air-conditioned lounges, and waiter service that comes right to your spot.

I love that the whole plan is built around snorkelling, with mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket provided so you can spend your energy on the reef, not logistics.

One possible drawback to know upfront: the marina start can feel hectic and confusing, and on-board food choices (especially fish) may not match every expectation every day.

Key things to know before you go

• Three-deck comfort: open sun deck lounge chairs, shaded mid-deck seating, plus air-conditioned salon/dining areas
• Real snorkelling support: staff with you at the water and life jackets available at every stop
• Three Red Sea locations: Ras Mohamed, White Island, and Stingray Station
• All-day drink service: unlimited hot and cold drinks, plus snacks throughout the day
• Onboard lunch: seafood-focused menu with salads, sides, and fruit (fish availability can vary)
• White Island access: a longer swim, with a guide using a life ring to support if needed

Luxury on Water: How the BELLA boat changes the day

If you’re picturing a crowded speedboat and a rushed snorkeling scramble, this isn’t that. The BELLA cruise is set up like a small floating hotel: open space for sun time, plus shaded and air-conditioned rooms when the heat gets too much.

What you’ll likely appreciate fast is the layout. There’s the large sun deck with lounge chairs, then a mid deck with more protected seating, and finally salon/dining decks that feel like a break from the sea air. If you want to hop between relaxing and snorkelling without “living” on the deck, this helps.

Also, the day runs with waiter service. Instead of you hunting for drinks, staff bring hot and cold drinks to where you’re sitting, and that’s a small thing that makes the whole trip feel more VIP.

Price and what you really get for $117 per person

At $117 for an 8-hour outing, you’re paying for two things: time on the water and comfort between snorkel stops. You also get round-trip transportation within Sharm El Sheikh via hotel pickup and drop-off.

Value-wise, the biggest win is that the price bundles several costs you’d otherwise pay separately: Ras Mohamed entry fees, a full lunch, and snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket). Add the fact that the boat has three floors and ongoing drink service, and it’s clear the “premium” is aimed at keeping you comfortable even if you’re not spending every minute in the water.

There is one caution: the experience can still vary from day to day. One example is food specifics like fish availability, so if you’re picky or have a dietary plan, it helps to be flexible or ask questions on the day.

Morning logistics: the 8:30 marina start in Sharm

The day trip departs from the marina at 8:30 am. That means an early start, and it also means the marina environment can be busy. Some people find the beginning confusing, especially if you don’t speak the local language, because directions aren’t always clearly explained right away.

My practical advice: arrive a little earlier than you think you need. Give yourself time to find your group and settle in before boarding. Once you’re on the boat, the mood usually shifts. Staff tend to bring order to the day and you get into a steady rhythm: cruise, refreshments, then snorkeling.

You’ll cruise out and then start the sequence of snorkelling stops inside Ras Mohamed area spots.

Stop 1: Ras Mohamed for reef time and guided confidence

Ras Mohamed is the first anchor of the day: you get Ras Mohamed entry fees included, and you snorkel at top reef locations in the national park area. This is where the “why Sharm” part comes in—getting close to coral and the marine life that lives right off the surface.

The key for your experience is the support system. Guides are with you at all times during snorkeling, and safety briefings are clear before you get in the water. If you’re a confident swimmer, you can focus on seeing fish and coral textures. If you’re less confident, the life jacket and the way the staff manage the group helps you feel less exposed.

Access matters too. There’s a low deck at the back of the boat, giving a practical way to get into the sea. That makes a difference if you’re wearing fins and trying to stay balanced in waves.

Stop 2: White Island, a longer swim with backup

White Island is one of the signature swim moments, but it comes with a detail you should plan for: the swim can feel long because there’s no tender boat shuttle. Instead, you swim from the main boat stop and reach the area by water.

The good news is that there’s a guide system built for support. A guide uses a life ring and can tow or assist if you need help. Life jackets are available at the stop, so you don’t have to guess how you’ll handle distance.

If you’re on the fence about your stamina, think of it like this: this is the stop where “comfort in the water” matters most. Bring your best snorkel rhythm, take breaks when offered, and don’t rush the first minute just to prove you can do it.

Stop 3: Stingray Station for a third shot at marine life

Stingray Station is the final snorkelling stop on this cruise. It’s part of the three-stop plan designed to spread your snorkel time across different reef and sand-ridge environments rather than repeating the same spot over and over.

In practical terms, this is your second chance to find the kinds of sightings you cared about most. If you had one great moment at Ras Mohamed but want more, this third stop can deliver. If you’re newer, the third stop is often where you feel more relaxed, because you’ve learned how the gear feels on your face and how the current behaves around the boat.

As always, staff stay with you and check on everyone, so you’re not left floating on your own while others move ahead.

Lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks: more than a break

Your lunch is served onboard as part of the 8-hour experience. The menu includes a seafood set (shrimp, calamari, fish), plus salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, and options like chicken and kofta. There’s also seasonal fresh fruit.

Two things to keep in mind. First, the boat has both open and indoor spaces, so you can eat in a comfortable setting instead of balancing lunch on a hot deck. Second, on some days the fish component may not show up exactly as expected. If fish is a must for you, have a backup in mind.

Snack and beverage service runs through the day. You’ll have unlimited hot and cold drinks, and that keeps the “vacation feeling” even when the boat is cruising between stops.

Snorkelling gear and safety that work for different swimmers

This cruise provides snorkeling gear: mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket. If you don’t own gear, you’re covered. If you do own it, you can use yours, though the boat equipment is there if you prefer not to travel with bulky items.

Life jackets are offered for those who want extra confidence, and you’ll see them used as part of the routine. There’s also a strong emphasis on safety briefings, with guides staying close and checking on everyone throughout the day.

One detail that’s worth filing away: guides will manage how long you can keep snorkeling at certain moments. That can frustrate people who want to keep going without interruption, but it’s also part of keeping the group safe and moving on schedule between stops.

Crew service, and the photo upsell reality

The overall service tone is what you’d hope for on a premium day. Staff are friendly, and there’s a real effort to keep things clean and organized once you’re aboard.

There may also be a photographer on board. You can usually get photos taken during the day, but they can be expensive. If you like the idea of a few action shots, decide your budget beforehand. If not, you can keep it simple and focus on your own phone or GoPro.

Who this VIP cruise is best for

This is a strong fit for people who want the best of the Red Sea without turning the day into a full-time logistics project. If you value comfort between snorkel stops—air-conditioned seating, shade, and an easy drink routine—this cruise is built for you.

It also works well for nervous or less confident swimmers because the staff support is active, and life jackets are available at each stop. White Island in particular is where you’ll feel the difference between “I can swim” and “I’m okay if I need help,” and the life ring support gives reassurance.

If you’re a strict pescatarian, you should treat lunch as flexible. The menu includes seafood options, but fish offerings may not appear every day exactly as advertised, so be prepared to adjust.

Getting the most out of your day (without extra stress)

A few practical moves can make the day feel smoother:

• Bring sunscreen and reapply if you’re on the sun deck for long periods.
• Pack a towel so you’re comfortable after the swims.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes to cut down on hassle after getting back on board.
• Bring your passport (a copy is accepted) since it’s specifically listed as needed.

On the water itself, keep it simple: breathe normally, keep your snorkel steady, and don’t “chase” every fish. The reef is close, and the guides will help keep you pointed toward coral areas worth seeing.

Should you book this Sharm BELLA VIP cruise?

Book it if you want a Red Sea day that feels comfortable from start to finish: three decks, air-conditioned rooms, waiter service for drinks, and a guided snorkeling plan at Ras Mohamed, White Island, and Stingray Station. At $117, the value is best when you’ll actually use the onboard comfort and you care more about an easy experience than squeezing in every second of water time.

Skip or think carefully if you’re extremely picky about lunch specifics like fish being available every day, or if you’re the type who gets annoyed by pacing (snorkelling can be managed to keep the group safe and on schedule). If that’s you, ask questions about meal options when you board and set your expectations for a guided, structured day.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Sharm VIP snorkeling cruise?

The cruise runs for 8 hours.

What time does the boat depart?

It departs from the marina at 8:30 am.

Which snorkeling stops are included?

You’ll snorkel at three stops: Ras Mohamed, White Island, and Stingray Station.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The gear provided includes a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket.

Does the price include hotel pickup and entry fees?

Yes. Pickup from any hotel in Sharm El Sheikh is included, and Ras Mohamed entry fees are included too.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your passport (a copy is accepted).

Is the tour refundable if plans change?

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