Sharm el-Sheikh: Ras Mohammed Elite VIP Cruise and BBQ Lunch

Ras Mohammed is the star here, but the boat makes the day. You get a spacious four-deck vessel, shaded air-conditioned salons, cushioned loungers, and three chances to see Red Sea coral and fish. The best part is the attentive water support. Guides such as Ahmed, Umar, and Mohamed have helped nervous swimmers feel secure without making confident swimmers feel held back.

I like the quiet tone, too. This is not built around loud music or a party crowd. I also like the food: shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, and fruit make this a proper lunch rather than a token buffet. The main consideration is that the VIP label does not make every extra free. Snorkel equipment and the €5 marina entrance fee may cost more, and one passenger found the afternoon transfer cramped.

Key points before you book

• Three Red Sea stops: Expect guided swimming and snorkeling around Ras Mohammed National Park, plus time at White Island.
• A large, comfortable boat: Four decks include a spacious sun deck, shaded seating, and two air-conditioned salons.
• Strong water support: Guides stay close to less-confident swimmers, with life jackets and a low rear platform for sea access.
• A serious lunch: Fresh shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, sides, soup, and seasonal fruit are prepared aboard.
• A calm atmosphere: The cruise suits you if you want sun loungers and conversation instead of loud music.
• Check the extras: Snorkel gear is an add-on, and the marina fee is €5 per person unless prepaid.

Why this cruise works better than a basic boat day

At $80 per person, this cruise sits above the cheapest Sharm el-Sheikh boat trips. That price makes sense if you care about space, shade, food, and service rather than simply reaching the water.

The boat has four floors, including a top deck lined with sun loungers. Below, you have shaded seating and two air-conditioned salons. That matters in South Sinai, where a full day in direct sun can become tiring long before the boat returns to port.

You also get waiter service for hot and soft drinks during the day. The crew regularly comes around to check on passengers, which is a small but useful touch when you are wet, sunbaked, or settled into a good lounger.

The word VIP can be overused in Sharm el-Sheikh. Here, it mainly means a larger, cleaner, more comfortable boat with a quieter feel and better food. It does not necessarily mean a private cruise or a completely hassle-free morning. Boarding can be confusing, and the transfer arrangements deserve a little patience.

The early pickup and 9:00 am departure

Hotel pickup is included from Sharm el-Sheikh. Your exact pickup time is sent by WhatsApp roughly 24 hours before the trip, and the pickup usually happens about an hour before departure. The listed road transfer takes about 25 minutes, but allow extra time for collection from several hotels.

The boat leaves the marina at 9:00 am and returns around 4:00 pm. That gives you seven hours on the water, with about two and a half hours of sailing included in the schedule.

I would keep your morning simple. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a little patience for the marina. The €5 entrance fee is mandatory unless you have prepaid it as an add-on. Snorkel equipment can also be arranged as an add-on, but one passenger reported paying $5 for a mask and snorkel at the port and finding that flippers were not included. Check the exact equipment package before boarding.

The boat: sun loungers, shade, and quiet corners

The vessel is the main reason to pay more than the cheapest cruise fare. The top deck has cushioned loungers, and the lower decks provide shade. You can sunbathe when the weather is mild, move under cover when the heat rises, or sit inside the air-conditioned salons during lunch.

One particularly useful detail is the calm atmosphere. This is not presented as a party boat, and the available feedback points to little or no loud music. That makes it a better match for couples, families, and anyone who wants to hear the sea and talk with the people around them.

The boat is large enough to spread out, but the group is not necessarily tiny. One passenger described a small group using a very large boat, while another reported confusion getting onto Elite VIP 2. In practical terms, expect a roomy vessel rather than a private yacht.

Wind can pick up on the return to Sharm el-Sheikh, especially on the upper deck. If you are prone to feeling cold or uncomfortable in a breeze, keep a towel or light cover nearby and use the indoor salon when needed.

Ras Mohammed: the first water stop

After the outward sailing, the boat reaches Ras Mohammed National Park, one of the main marine areas near Sharm el-Sheikh. The appeal is below the surface: coral formations and many kinds of Red Sea fish in clear, warm water.

The first water session lasts about 45 minutes in the listed schedule. Guides accompany the group and point out suitable places to look. The exact animals change from day to day, so you might see small reef fish, larger fish, turtles, an octopus, a seahorse, rays, or other marine life, but no specific sighting is guaranteed.

This is where the crew’s support matters most. Life jackets are available, and access to the sea is through a low platform at the back of the boat. That is easier than a tall ladder for many swimmers.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part. The guides can stay beside you, support you with a buoy, and help you remain comfortable in the water. Several named guides, including Ahmed, Umar, and Mohamed, received particular praise for staying with nervous swimmers and checking that children and less-confident participants were safe.

The sea can be choppy. One June passenger said many people chose life jackets because of the conditions. If you are not a strong swimmer, use one from the start. It will help you relax and spend more time looking at the reef instead of worrying about staying afloat.

White Island and the second look at the reef

White Island is the memorable break in the water program. It gives you a chance to leave the boat, walk or wade around the pale sand, and see a very different setting from the coral sites.

The stop is scheduled for about 45 minutes. One family found the tender ride enjoyable, especially for children. Conditions affect the visit, so the appearance and ease of access can vary with tide, wind, and sea movement.

The island is not a full-day beach stay. You will have enough time for photographs, a short wander, and a swim if conditions allow, but the main reason to book this cruise remains the Red Sea snorkeling rather than a long stay on land.

The rest of the water program includes another snorkeling session or swimming stop around Ras Mohammed. The supplied schedule describes three stops in total, while the detailed timing lists Ras Mohammed water time, White Island, and a later Ras Mohammed session. Think of it as several water opportunities, with the island providing a change of pace between reef visits.

That arrangement is useful because each stop can feel different. One area may offer coral close to the boat, while another gives you more open swimming space or a better chance to spot larger fish. The guides know where to take the group on the day, but sea conditions always shape the result.

Lunch is a real part of the value

Lunch is served aboard in the air-conditioned salon, usually after the water activities. The menu is much more substantial than a basic sandwich or plate of rice.

You can expect:

• Seafood soup
• Three types of fresh salad
• Rice, pasta, and potatoes
• Shrimp, calamari, and fish
• Chicken and Egyptian kofta
• Seasonal fresh fruit

The seafood and BBQ dishes are cooked on board, while salads and side dishes round out the meal. The advantage is timing: you eat while the crew is already handling the boat day, rather than losing time at a shore restaurant.

Food quality is one of the strongest parts of the package. Several passengers described it as excellent, and one went as far as saying it was better than the food at their hotel. That is enthusiastic praise, but the menu does explain why lunch gets such attention. You have several main dishes and enough choice for people who do not want seafood.

The term VIP does not guarantee a restaurant-style meal. One person found the food good but not quite at VIP level. I would set your expectations at a generous, tasty boat buffet, not fine dining.

The same practical caution applies to refreshments. The package information describes unlimited hot and soft drinks with waiter service. Yet one passenger reported that only small plastic cups of generic cola and lemonade were included, with other refreshments charged separately. Ask the crew exactly what is covered before ordering anything beyond the standard drinks.

Guides make the biggest difference in the water

The boat and lunch may attract the booking, but the guide team can shape your whole day. The strongest pattern in the feedback is attentive water supervision.

Ahmed was praised for staying close to a nervous swimmer and offering calm reassurance. Umar and Mohamed were singled out for their professional care and for showing people the underwater sights. Another guide took special care of a child. These details matter because a beautiful reef is not much use if you are too tense to look around.

The guides speak English, German, and Russian. Their role is not just to point toward fish. They help with entry and exit, keep an eye on the group, and direct you toward better viewing areas.

Service is not guaranteed to feel identical on every departure. One passenger found the guide distant and said he did not interact much. The boat crew, however, still provided attentive service. That is a useful distinction: the onboard staff and snorkeling guide may create different parts of your day.

Transfers and small points that can affect the day

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but the road transfer is the least polished part of the operation. Some passengers found the morning transfer fine, while others experienced confusion or a cramped minivan on the way back.

If you have paid for separate transport for up to four people, confirm how the return arrangement will work. A seven-hour cruise can feel much longer if the final ride is crowded after a full day in the sun.

The marina boarding process may also feel disorganized. Keep your booking details available, follow staff directions, and do not expect the smooth, formal check-in of a luxury hotel.

The boat itself is wheelchair accessible, though the water entry point and snorkeling participation may still require personal assistance. The available information confirms accessibility for the activity, but it does not describe the exact equipment or transfer method for every mobility need. If this is important to you, contact the provider before booking.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is helpful if your Sharm el-Sheikh plans may change.

Who should book this $80 cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a full Red Sea day without giving up comfort. The upper-deck loungers, indoor seating, large boat, meal, drinks, and crew service justify the extra cost for many people.

It suits families because guides pay close attention to children and nervous swimmers. It also works well for mixed groups, since strong swimmers can explore while less-confident swimmers use a life jacket and stay near the guide.

You should also consider it if you prefer a quiet cruise. The lack of loud music is a real advantage when cheaper boats turn the trip into a floating party.

This is less suitable if you want a private boat, a tiny group, or a strict luxury standard from pickup to return. The marina can be confusing, the transfer may be cramped, equipment and fees may be extra, and not every guide will be equally communicative.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, confirm drink inclusions, and treat the €5 marina charge as part of the real cost unless you prepay it.

Should you book the Elite VIP Ras Mohammed cruise?

Yes, if your priorities are comfortable boat space, strong snorkeling support, and a generous lunch. The reefs and White Island provide the scenery, but the attentive guides make this a good choice for people who feel unsure in open water.

At $80, it is not the bargain option. Still, the price includes hotel transport, a full boat day, onboard lunch, crew service, air-conditioned areas, and several water stops. For a seven-hour outing, that is solid value if the transfer and extra charges are clear before departure.

I would book it for families, couples, and mixed-ability groups. I would skip it only if you want a private charter or expect every part of the VIP experience, including drinks, gear, and transfers, to be included without question.

FAQ

How long does the Ras Mohammed cruise last?

The activity lasts seven hours, departing around 9:00 am and returning to the marina at about 4:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sharm el-Sheikh are included. Your exact pickup time is usually sent by WhatsApp about 24 hours before the trip.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The program includes three stops in the Ras Mohammed area, with guided swimming and snorkeling as well as a visit to White Island. The detailed schedule includes an initial Ras Mohammed water stop, White Island, and another water session later in the day.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is available as an add-on. The marina may also have equipment for hire, so check the package you select before departure.

Is the marina entrance fee included?

The mandatory marina entrance fee is €5 per person. You can pay it on arrival or prepay it through the available add-ons.

What food is served for lunch?

The buffet includes seafood soup, three salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, Egyptian kofta, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Can nervous swimmers join the snorkeling stops?

Yes. Life jackets are available, the boat has a low rear platform for entering the water, and snorkeling guides accompany the group. The activity is also listed as wheelchair accessible, though the information does not specify every mobility arrangement.