A Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip from Sharm El Sheikh is, for many guests, the single best day they spend on the Red Sea. Ras Mohammed National Park sits at the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula, only a short boat ride south of Sharm, where two seas meet and the coral walls drop away into deep blue water. It is Egypt's first national park and one of the most protected stretches of reef in the world, which is exactly why the coral is so healthy and the fish so plentiful.
This is a full-day boat trip built around easy, relaxed snorkeling. You do not need experience, you do not need to be a strong swimmer, and you do not need your own equipment. The water is warm and clear, the coral gardens start in shallow water, and a guide stays close the whole time. Below you will find an honest picture of what the day looks like, what you are likely to see, and how to bring it together with Mo.
What the Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip is really like
The day runs as a boat trip rather than a beach swim. You are collected from your hotel, taken to the harbour, and boarded onto a comfortable snorkeling boat with shaded seating, a sun deck, and a flat platform or ladder for getting in and out of the water. From there the captain heads into the national park and anchors at a series of reef stops.
At each stop you slip into the water straight off the boat, snorkel over the reef for around forty-five minutes, then climb back on board to rest, dry off, and move to the next site. Most trips include several different stops, so you get a mix of shallow coral gardens and dramatic reef edges where the wall falls away beneath you. Between stops there is time to relax on deck, and a freshly prepared lunch is served on board along with drinking water and soft drinks through the day.
Because everything is run from the boat, the pace is calm. You are never rushed, and you can do as much or as little snorkeling as you like at each reef.
What you will see underwater
Ras Mohammed is famous for good reason. The park protects more than two hundred species of coral and well over a thousand species of fish, and on a snorkeling trip you float right above the busiest part of it all. The shallow coral gardens are alive with colour: clouds of orange anthias and silver glassfish, butterflyfish and angelfish, parrotfish nibbling at the coral, clownfish hiding in their anemones, and the occasional curious triggerfish.
The most celebrated reefs here are Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, where a vertical coral wall plunges into deep water and pinnacles rise like underwater towers. Nearby sites such as Jackfish Alley and the Shark Observatory area add caves, soft corals, and shoaling fish. Snorkelers regularly spot green sea turtles grazing on the reef and blue-spotted rays resting on the sand, and lucky groups sometimes see larger schools of fish gathering near the wall. Every reef is different, which is part of what makes the day feel generous rather than repetitive.
Is it suitable for beginners and families
Yes. This is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to experience the Red Sea. The coral gardens begin in shallow water, often less than a metre deep, so there is no need to dive down to see the best of it. Buoyancy life jackets are available for anyone who wants extra confidence, which means even nervous or non-swimming guests can relax and float while still seeing the reef clearly below them.
A guide goes in with the group, points out marine life, and keeps an eye on everyone in the water. Children who are comfortable in the sea usually love it, and the boat itself gives parents a safe, shaded base between stops. If you have never snorkeled before, a few minutes of practice near the boat is normally all it takes before you are happily exploring.
The one honest note: this is a boat trip in open sea, so if you are very prone to motion sickness, take a tablet before you leave. The waters inside the park are usually calm, but a little preparation makes the day more comfortable.
What to bring and what is included
Snorkeling equipment is provided, including mask, snorkel, and fins, along with life jackets, lunch on board, and drinking water. The boat has toilets and shaded areas. To make the most of the day, here is what we suggest you bring:
- Swimwear worn under your clothes, so you are ready as soon as the boat anchors.
- A towel and a light change of clothes for the ride home.
- Reef-safe sun cream, plus a hat and sunglasses for time on deck.
- A rash vest or t-shirt to wear in the water - the sun on your back is strong while you snorkel face down.
- Your own mask if you have one and prefer a familiar fit, though a clean set is provided.
- An underwater camera or phone case if you want to capture the reef.
- Some cash for the national park entry fee and any extras, and your ID or passport, which can be needed for park entry.
Leave valuables at the hotel and pack light. Everything you really need for the water is taken care of on the boat.
How long it takes and how to plan your day
Ras Mohammed is close to Sharm El Sheikh, roughly a short drive to the harbour and then a manageable boat ride into the park, so you spend your time on the reef rather than travelling. Plan for a full day out, from a morning pickup to a return in the afternoon. That gives the boat time to visit several reefs at an unhurried pace and for you to enjoy lunch on the water.
Snorkeling in the Red Sea is possible all year round thanks to the dry climate and warm, clear water, so there is no wrong time to go. Calm mornings often bring the clearest visibility, which is why trips set off early. If you are staying in Sharm for several days, this is an easy one to build the rest of your plans around, and it pairs naturally with quieter beach or desert days on either side.
Booking direct with Mo
Mo is a local guide based in Sharm El Sheikh, and booking the Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip goes straight through him rather than a large agency. That means you can ask real questions before you commit, tell him who is coming, and get honest advice about whether the day suits your group, including children, nervous swimmers, or anyone with mobility concerns.
The simplest way to arrange everything is a quick message on WhatsApp. Tell Mo your dates, your hotel area, and how many of you there are, and he will sort out the pickup, the boat, and a fair quote for the day. You can reach him on +20 114 778 9372 or message him directly here: chat with Mo on WhatsApp.
Ready to see Ras Mohammed for yourself
Send Mo a message on WhatsApp with your dates and group size, and he will arrange your Ras Mohammed snorkeling day with a fair, honest quote.
Ask Mo on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
Do I need to know how to swim to join the Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip
Strong swimming is not required. The coral gardens are shallow, and buoyancy life jackets are available so you can float comfortably while a guide stays close. If you are nervous in water, tell Mo in advance and the crew will look after you.
Is snorkeling equipment included or should I bring my own
Mask, snorkel, fins, and life jackets are provided on the boat. You are welcome to bring your own mask if you prefer a familiar fit, but everything you need for the water is supplied.
What marine life will I see at Ras Mohammed
Expect colourful coral gardens with reef fish such as anthias, butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish. Green turtles and blue-spotted rays are seen regularly, and the park protects hundreds of coral species and over a thousand fish species.
Is the trip good for children and families
Yes. The shallow reefs, calm water inside the park, and a shaded boat make it a comfortable family day. Children who are at ease in the sea usually enjoy it, and parents have a safe base on board between snorkeling stops.
How much does the Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip cost
Prices depend on your group size, hotel area, and the season, so the fairest thing is a quick quote. Message Mo on WhatsApp with your dates and number of people and he will give you a clear price with no surprises.
Will I get seasick on the boat
The water inside the national park is usually calm, but it is still open sea. If you are prone to motion sickness, take a tablet before departure and sit in the middle of the boat. Most guests have no trouble at all.
