Is the Ras Mohammed yacht excursion from Sharm El Sheikh worth it, and what should you know before booking?

For snorkeling, a Ras Mohammed trip by car in a small group may work better than a yacht: you can snorkel from shore with an instructor-photographer in a quiet spot away from other groups and visit several places in the reserve. Renting fins is worthwhile, and the instructor may carry a flotation ring for rests. This format worked for a 13-year-old, though the swim can be tiring.

One boat-trip option is the Ras Mohammed–White Island itinerary. Travelers enjoyed it even without diving, using their own mask and snorkel to swim.

Consider an individual car-and-guide tour to Ras Mohammed instead of the group bus excursion — same destination, but no time pressure, and you can swim at several beaches without the bus crowds. The reserve's scenery is described as stunning.

Not everyone is impressed: one traveler staying at a Grand hotel visited Ras Mohammed and was underwhelmed, saying the reef right at their own hotel was livelier.

On the way back from the Ras Mohammed sandbank the wind can get strong — you may end up cold and spend part of the trip below deck instead of sunbathing. Excursions to this particular spot are relatively new. Bring a warm layer even in hot weather.

An alternative option is an overnight desert trip near Ras Mohammed: campfire, dinner, staying at a Bedouin camp, stargazing. It's an unusual experience, but pricey if booked individually — try to find a group to split the tour cost.

Excursions are recommended through the Biblio-Globus travel agency — travelers were happy with the choice. The yacht "Elit II" was a favorite, and several yacht options are available. If you book the yacht tour, don't buy a separate Ras Mohammed excursion — the yacht stops there anyway.

A city tour of Sharm El Sheikh is also worth adding — it's rarely offered by default, but even travelers who normally skip churches and mosques enjoyed it. Ask your agency about it specifically.