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ExcursionSharm

Ras Mohammed Snorkeling by Yacht from Sharm el-Sheikh

Full-day yacht excursion, hotel pickup from Sharm, snorkel gear and guide, visits to Shark and Yolanda reefs and Ras Mohammed marine park fees

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Ras Mohammed Snorkelling by Yacht is a 1-day excursion covering Ras Mohammed Marine National Park and selected reef sites from Sharm, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Diving & snorkelling
  • Adventure

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Full day
Travel style
Yacht Snorkelling Excursion
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Ras Mohammed National Marine Park
Includes
Lunch on board · Soft drinks · Mask, snorkel and fins · Ras Mohammed marine park fees · Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Sharm resort area · Qualified crew · Safety briefing
Best for
Confident snorkellers · Marine-life enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children
Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Best time to go

The main season for Red Sea snorkelling is usually March to May and September to November, when air temperatures are often around 24-32°C and sea conditions are generally comfortable. June to August can be hotter, while December to February is cooler but still suitable with a light layer for the return transfer. During Ramadan and major public holidays, departure times and marina operations may be slightly adjusted.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The excursion includes a safety briefing from the qualified crew.
  • Marine park fees are paid in advance and included.
  • Masks, snorkels and fins are supplied for the excursion.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided within the Sharm resort area.

02Overview

A first look

By 08:00 the low sun picks out the coral heads at Ras Mohammed, the reef tops flashing through water that smells faintly of iodine and sea grass. From the yacht deck you will hear only gulls and the soft slap of waves as crew prepare masks and fins for the first swim, and our marine guide stays in the water to help with currents and buoyancy.

We keep groups small so snorkel sites feel less crowded; unlike larger speedboat day trips, the yacht provides a more spacious platform for gear and surface rests. We arrange hotel pickup, lunch, snorkel kit and marine fees, so the day is focused on the reef rather than logistics.

Background

The facts

Ras Mohammed Marine National Park lies at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, about 25 km south-west of Sharm el Sheikh by road and boat-accessible reef sites are selected according to sea conditions and visibility. The park was established in 1983 and protects coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and coastal waters where Red Sea marine life is commonly observed.

A full-day yacht excursion from Sharm typically uses two or three snorkelling stops inside the protected area, with the exact reef locations chosen on the day. The yacht provides a stable base for kit storage, shade and surface breaks between snorkelling sessions, which can be useful for visitors who prefer a more relaxed pace than smaller craft.

Standard logistics usually include hotel pickup from the Sharm resort area, transfer to the marina, a safety briefing and guided snorkelling with crew support. Lunch and soft drinks are normally served on board after the morning snorkelling stops, and guests return to Sharm the same afternoon.

Marine park entry fees are commonly paid in advance on this type of excursion, while snorkel equipment such as mask, snorkel and fins is supplied. The itinerary is weather-dependent, and reef access may be adjusted for sea state, currents and marine conservation rules.

Named in this entry

Ras Mohammed National Marine Park·Sharm El Sheikh·Sinai Peninsula·Gulf of Suez·Gulf of Aqaba·Red Sea·South Sinai·Ras Mohammed

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits adults and teenagers who can swim and want a structured snorkelling day with multiple reef stops rather than a fast transfer. It is also suitable for first-time visitors to Sharm who prefer hotel pickup, included equipment and a managed schedule with crew assistance.

Maybe not, if

  • It is not a good choice for anyone unable to manage boat boarding and access to the sea by steps or ladder. Travellers who want a land-based visit to Ras Mohammed should choose a different excursion.

What lingers

  • 01Full day yacht from Sharm Marina (about seven hours), snorkelling Ras Mohammed National Park's Shark and Yolanda Reefs.
  • 02Park entrance and snorkel equipment are included; our marine guide gives reef briefings onboard.
  • 03We schedule the first snorkel at Shark Reef before midday when visibility is usually better.
  • 04Lunch and soft drinks served aboard; the yacht anchors in protected bays for relaxed surface intervals.
  • 05Unlike speedboat excursions, our yacht gives longer swims at two reefs rather than brief stopovers at many sites.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • Snorkel at protected reef sites in Ras Mohammed Marine National Park.
  • Two or three reef stops are selected for conditions on the day.
  • A yacht gives more space for gear and surface rests.
  • Masks, snorkels, fins and marine park fees are included.
  • Lunch and soft drinks are served on board.

Things to Consider

  • Getting into the sea may involve steps or a ladder.
  • Summer sun can make time on deck hot.
  • Winter water may feel cool despite pleasant air temperatures.
  • Crew gratuities and extra drinks or snacks cost extra.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most larger speedboat excursions offer a smaller platform between swims. We arrange a yacht trip with more deck space for managing equipment and resting between snorkelling sessions.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Lunch served on board
  • Soft drinks
  • Snorkelling equipment: mask, snorkel and fins
  • Marine park fees
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Sharm resort area
  • Qualified crew and a safety briefing

Not included

  • Crew gratuities
  • Your own travel insurance
  • Additional drinks or snacks not listed
  • Transfers beyond the Sharm resort pickup area
  • Optional upgrades to a private guide or yacht

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Ask the crew which reef site is scheduled first; visibility and sea conditions guide the choice.

  2. 02

    Keep your mask, snorkel and fins together on deck between swims to make each water entry simpler.

  3. 03

    Bring personal travel insurance; it is not included in the excursion.

  4. 04

    Check whether your hotel falls within the Sharm resort pickup zone before confirming arrangements.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Optional private guide and private yacht upgrades are available at extra cost. Transfers outside the Sharm resort pickup zone are not included, so ask about arrangements if your accommodation is beyond that area.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

This full-day outing fits into a Sharm holiday between beach days or alongside visits to the Old Market and Naama Bay. It is a sea-focused alternative to land excursions around the Sinai Peninsula.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Minimum age is five years for this excursion. Children aged five to 11 pay the child rate when available and must remain under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian while in the water. Infants under five may be accepted at the captain's discretion and should be declared at booking. Strollers are not practical for boarding the yacht; families should bring a baby carrier if they anticipate moving between shore and vessel. The crew supply child-sized life jackets where available, but specialised equipment such as high chairs or babysitting is not provided on board.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Hotel pickup within Sharm resort areaMap

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Ras Mohammed National ParkRight here
  • Shark Observatory, Ras Mohammed National ParkRight here
  • Old Market, Sharm El SheikhRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Choose two or three reef stops based on the day's conditions

  2. 02

    Use a yacht platform for rests between snorkelling sessions

  3. 03

    Marine park fees are paid in advance and included

·In summary

Ras Mohammed became a national park in 1983, protecting reef habitats at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. This Sharm-based yacht excursion visits two or three snorkelling sites, chosen according to visibility and sea conditions.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What time does the Ras Mohammed yacht trip leave from Sharm?
    Departures typically run in the morning and return mid‑afternoon. We operate this trip from Sharm Marina on small private yachts rather than large tour ferries, which reduces crowding. Exact pick‑up and drop‑off times depend on your hotel and are confirmed on booking. Expect a boat transfer to the snorkel sites and a shore stop at Ras Mohammed National Park.
  2. 02Is snorkeling equipment provided on the yacht?
    Yes – masks, snorkels and fins are provided on board. Wetsuit hire is usually available; tell us your size when you book so we can reserve one. We also carry life jackets and basic first aid, but personal gear (mask fit, prescription masks) is often preferred for comfort.
  3. 03Do I need to be a strong swimmer for Ras Mohammed snorkeling?
    You should be comfortable swimming in open water and able to tread water. If you cannot swim we recommend staying with a life jacket and close to the boat; guided surface-snorkel spots are easier than exposed reefs. Sea conditions can change; we brief everyone before entering and the crew remain nearby.
  4. 04Are park entrance fees and transfers included?
    Park entrance fees and standard Sharm transfers are normally included; we will confirm at booking. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we state inclusions clearly on your quote so there are no surprises. Any optional extras (private transfers, wetsuit hire, gratuities) are charged separately.
  5. 05Can children join the Ras Mohammed yacht trip?
    Children are welcome but must be supervised and able to follow basic safety instructions. Tell us ages when you enquire so we can advise on suitability and life‑jacket availability. Note that toddlers and non‑swimmers may find open‑water snorkelling uncomfortable; a short boat‑only option can be arranged in some departures.
  6. 06What should I bring for Ras Mohammed snorkel by yacht?
    Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, sun hat and a light cover‑up for transfers. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before departure and bring a small dry bag for valuables. Also bring cash for park souvenirs, a waterproof camera, and footwear for boarding on uneven docks; shade on deck is limited at midday.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: EXC-SHM-930059