Sharm: Vip Snorkeling Cruise with international lunch

The best part of this Sharm cruise is the boat itself. Bella gives you three floors of space, including a broad sun deck, shaded seating, and air-conditioned dining salons. You are not packed onto a small craft for eight hours, and that matters when the Red Sea sun is strong.

I like the careful snorkeling support and the easy access at the back of the boat. I also like having lunch, drinks, and snacks included, so the day feels like a proper outing rather than a bare transfer to a reef. The main caution is the price: at $117, you are paying for comfort and service, and one past departure found the boat less polished than the VIP description suggested.

Key points at a glance

• Three stops in Ras Mohammed: Snorkel at Ras Mohammed National Park, White Island, and Stingray Station.
• A spacious Bella boat: Use the open sun deck, shaded middle deck, or air-conditioned dining salons.
• Support for nervous swimmers: Life jackets, flotation rings, a low rear deck, and guides in the water make the reef more approachable.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Expect seafood, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, kofta, seasonal fruit, drinks, and snacks.
• Hotel pickup is included: Transport is provided from hotels in Sharm El Sheikh, with departure from the marina at 8:30 am.
• A premium day at sea: The $117 cost makes the most sense if you value space, food, shade, and service over the cheapest possible boat trip.

Why the Bella boat matters after eight hours at sea

Many Red Sea excursions are really transportation with a swim stop attached. This one is designed more like a full day on the water. Bella has three levels, and each serves a different purpose.

The upper sun deck has lounge chairs for stretching out during the cruise. It is the place to enjoy the breeze and open views, though you will want sunscreen and a towel because shade is limited there. The middle deck offers more shelter, useful when the sun becomes tiring or you want to sit quietly between stops.

Two air-conditioned salon and dining decks provide the most relief. They are also where the boat feels most comfortable during lunch. I would not assume every seat will be available exactly when you want it, but having indoor space is a real advantage on an eight-hour trip.

The boat is described as clean and well maintained, and most of the feedback supports that. One departure, however, found the vessel older and more worn than expected from a VIP product. That is worth keeping in mind. A premium price does not guarantee that every sailing will feel brand new.

From your Sharm hotel to the marina

Hotel pickup is included from any hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. The boat departs the marina at 8:30 am, so expect an early start and have your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and passport or a copy ready.

The marina can be confusing at first. One account describes a crowded, poorly explained start with little English information. Once on board, the day became much calmer and better organized. My practical advice is simple: allow extra attention at the marina, follow the pickup instructions closely, and do not judge the whole outing by the first few minutes.

The total duration is eight hours. That includes the marina process, cruising, lunch, and three water stops, so the time spent snorkeling at any single place may vary. The schedule also has to work around other water activities. On one trip, the snorkeling group had to wait while the scuba group finished, and the guide did not allow people to continue swimming during that pause.

First stop: Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed is the main reason to book this outing. The national park protects some of the Red Sea’s finest coral areas, and the water around its reefs can be full of fish and bright coral formations.

You receive a safety briefing before entering the water. Snorkeling guides remain with the group, check on swimmers, and help you stay close to the reef without putting yourself at risk. That support is especially useful if you are not a strong swimmer or if you have never snorkeled in open water.

The equipment is included: mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket. You can bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer a familiar fit, but you do not need to buy or rent a set before the trip.

The rear of Bella has a low deck that makes getting into the water easier. You do not need to jump from a high side rail. Life jackets are available at every stop, and the guide carries or uses a life ring for anyone who needs extra help. The support is not just for children. Nervous adults can hold the ring, and a guide can tow or steady you if needed.

The key thing to understand is that this is guided group snorkeling, not an entirely free swim. The guide may limit where you go, pause the group, or bring everyone back together. That is a sensible safety tradeoff, though it can feel restrictive if you want to explore at your own pace.

White Island and the long swim ashore

White Island is a different kind of stop. The attraction is not only what lies below the surface, but also the chance to swim toward a pale strip of land surrounded by clear Red Sea water.

There is no tender boat to carry you over. You swim from Bella, and the distance can feel long, especially in warm conditions or when the sea has movement. A guide accompanies the group with a life ring and can tow or support you. Life jackets are available, so you do not have to attempt the swim unaided.

I would treat this stop honestly: it is best for people who are comfortable spending time in the water, but it remains accessible to less confident swimmers when the guide support is used. If you are unsure, tell the crew before entering rather than trying to prove anything. The whole point of the assistance is to let you enjoy the stop without exhausting yourself.

White Island can also be the most tiring part of the day. Pace yourself, drink water, and do not spend every minute in the sun before this swim. The boat has drinks available throughout the day, and using the shaded or air-conditioned areas between stops will help.

Stingray Station and the third water stop

Stingray Station is the third planned snorkeling area. The name points to the chance of seeing rays, but marine sightings are never guaranteed. You may see stingrays along with the small fish, coral, and other Red Sea life found around the reef.

This stop adds variety to the itinerary. Instead of spending the whole day at one location, you get three chances to enter the water. Conditions, visibility, and the exact time available at each site can change, so think of the stops as three opportunities rather than a promise of a particular animal encounter.

The guides are a major part of the value here. They know where to take the group and stay involved in the water. One particularly useful feature is that the guides keep an eye on people who are less confident, rather than assuming everyone can swim strongly.

Still, group timing can affect your freedom. If scuba participants are using the same site, you might have a waiting period. The crew may also stop snorkeling while another activity finishes. That is not a flaw unique to this trip, but it matters if your main goal is uninterrupted time in the water.

Lunch, drinks, and the food question

Lunch is served on board, which saves you from another transfer and gives the day a pleasant break. The stated menu includes shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, and seasonal fresh fruit. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are also included.

The food is intended to be freshly cooked under onboard hygiene rules. The seafood is a natural fit for a Red Sea cruise, and the combination of meat, starches, salads, and fruit gives you options if you do not want a seafood-heavy meal.

There is one important qualification. Fish was not offered on at least one departure despite being part of the advertised menu. If you are pescatarian and relying on fish as your main meal, ask the crew what is available that day. Shrimp and calamari may still be served, but you should not assume the complete menu will appear every time.

The drinks service is another comfort feature. Hot and cold beverages are available through the day, and waiter service can bring them to your place on the boat. That is a small luxury, but it changes the rhythm of the outing. You can stay on a sun lounger instead of lining up for every drink.

How much value do you get for $117?

At $117 per person, this is not the bargain choice for Ras Mohammed. The price makes sense if you want a roomy boat, indoor air conditioning, a proper lunch, hotel transport, all snorkeling gear, drinks, and structured support in the water.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay extra for comfort. A large sun deck gives you room to relax, while the salons provide shade and cooling. The meal reduces the need to buy food during the day, and the included equipment removes another cost.

The price is less convincing if you only care about reef time. The trip includes cruising, lunch, waiting periods, and boat-based relaxation, not eight straight hours in the water. A past departure also found the boat too tired for a VIP experience, which shows why your expectations should be sensible.

I would call this a premium comfort package rather than a guaranteed luxury yacht experience. Most of the service feedback is strong, with praise for the crew, cleanliness, safety briefings, and general care. But the vessel condition and exact lunch menu may vary.

Safety, equipment, and comfort in the water

The safety setup is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. You receive a briefing before snorkeling, and the guides stay nearby to monitor the group. A life jacket is available at every stop, even if you are a confident swimmer.

The low rear deck is useful for entering and leaving the water. You avoid the awkward climb over a tall side rail, and the arrangement should help people who are less agile. The boat is also listed as wheelchair accessible, though the information does not explain which parts of the swimming setup can be used by a wheelchair user. If that is important for you, confirm the practical details before booking.

Bring your own towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen. Your passport or a copy is also required. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day, particularly after snorkeling, when water can make the sun feel less intense than it is.

You should also expect a shared schedule. The guides may ask everyone to remain together, and the timing may be affected by scuba groups. That structure helps with safety, but it will not suit someone seeking a private, self-directed reef session.

Who will enjoy this Sharm cruise most?

I would recommend Bella to you if you want a full Red Sea day without giving up comfort. It suits couples, families, and mixed groups where some people want to snorkel while others prefer shade, food, and a comfortable seat.

It is particularly useful for nervous swimmers. The guides, rings, life jackets, and low rear deck make the water less intimidating. You can enjoy the coral without pretending to be an expert swimmer.

It also works well for people who like their excursions organized. Pickup, national park entry, equipment, lunch, beverages, and the three stops are arranged in one package. You do not need to build the day yourself.

I would hesitate if your definition of VIP means a flawless, brand-new boat and completely private service. I would also hesitate if fish is essential to your lunch or if you want unlimited independent snorkeling. In those cases, confirm the day’s menu and schedule before you commit.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour operates with support in Arabic, English, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian, which is helpful for an international group.

Should you book the Bella snorkeling cruise?

Book it if you want comfort, food, and steady safety support wrapped around a day at Ras Mohammed. The boat’s three levels, air-conditioned rooms, included gear, and attentive water guides make this more than a simple ride to a reef.

Go in with realistic expectations. The marina may be confusing, the boat may show some age, fish may not appear on the lunch table, and waiting for the scuba schedule can reduce snorkeling time. At $117, those details matter.

For a first Red Sea snorkeling day, especially if you are not fully confident in the water, Bella is a sensible choice. For a serious snorkeler who wants long, uninterrupted sessions at the lowest price, it may feel too structured and too expensive.

FAQ

How long is the Bella snorkeling cruise?

The activity lasts eight hours, with departure from the marina at 8:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Transport to and from hotels in Sharm El Sheikh is included.

Which snorkeling locations are included?

The itinerary includes three stops in Ras Mohammed National Park: Ras Mohammed, White Island, and Stingray Station.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Can a nervous swimmer join?

Yes. Guides stay with the group, life jackets are available at each stop, and a low rear deck helps with entering the water. A life ring is also used to support people who need help.

What food is served for lunch?

The stated menu includes seafood, shrimp, calamari, fish, chicken, kofta, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, and seasonal fresh fruit. Fish availability may vary by departure.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Lunch, beverages, and snacks are included. Hot and cold drinks are available during the day.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your passport or a copy.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.