REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH
Sharm: Luxury Private Yacht with optional Lunch & Drinks
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Egypt Sun Marine Fleet · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Sailing the Red Sea from Sharm feels like a shortcut to better snorkeling. You’ll get two guided reef stops with a private snorkeling guide, plus the option of an onboard BBQ-style lunch prepared by your own chef. The main thing to watch is timing and add-ons: the schedule is 4 hours, but you’ll want to confirm what fees and equipment you’re covering so surprises don’t spoil the day.
I particularly like the mix of comfort and structure. The yacht is set up for lounging in the sun and cooling off below in an air-conditioned salon, and the day includes soft drinks when you’re aboard. One possible drawback: you’re picked up first on a shared bus and there’s a mandatory marina entrance fee for the private boat, so the trip isn’t purely private from door to boat.
If you want a smooth, guided reef outing with family-friendly pacing, this can be a great fit. If your priority is maximum time in the water with zero waiting, keep your expectations realistic and build in a little flexibility.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- A private yacht day from Sharm: why this outing works
- Timing and the real flow of your day
- Your yacht comfort: sun deck above, air-conditioned salon below
- The snorkeling plan: two reef stops with a guide
- Ras Mohammad Marine National Park: what you’re aiming for
- Optional lunch onboard: BBQ style and hearty comfort
- Drinks and what’s included (and what might not be)
- The marina entrance fee: plan for the extra line item
- Price and value: $570 for up to 8 people
- What to bring for an easy Red Sea day
- Who this trip suits best (and who should think twice)
- Should you book this Sharm yacht snorkel day?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the yacht trip?
- What’s the price for this private yacht experience?
- Is lunch included?
- Are drinks included?
- How many snorkeling stops are there?
- Do I need to rent snorkeling gear?
- What are the pickup details?
- Is there an extra marina fee?
- What languages are the guides?
- What should I bring?
Key things to know before you go

- Two snorkeling stops around Ras Mohammad: you’re not just doing one quick swim stop.
- Private chef on board (when lunch is selected): you can eat without disembarking or hunting food later.
- Air-conditioned salon + sun deck: you get a comfortable place to reset between swims.
- Soft drinks included: you won’t be scrambling for water during the ride.
- Snorkeling gear is optional: rental is available, but it’s not automatically part of every booking.
- Mandatory marina entrance fee: expect an additional cost tied to the private boat.
A private yacht day from Sharm: why this outing works

This is one of those trips where the “private” part actually matters. Instead of squeezing into a crowd and scanning for a free edge on the boat rail, you’re on your own yacht setup, with a snorkeling guide focused on your group. That changes how the day feels—less negotiating space, more time doing what you came for.
The star area is Ras Mohammad Marine National Park, famous for coral reefs and lots of marine life. What makes it especially appealing is accessibility. From Sharm, you can be on the water quickly enough to actually enjoy the day, rather than losing half of it to long transfers.
You’re also not forced into one single activity. You can swim, snorkel, and simply relax. And if you choose the lunch option, you’ll eat onboard, which keeps your schedule under control.
That said, Egypt’s Red Sea days can be affected by wind, sea conditions, and how the marina operations run. Even if the plan lists 4 hours, the real question is how much of that time you’ll spend actively floating and snorkeling versus waiting around. If you’re the type who hates idle time, you’ll want to be mentally flexible.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sharm El Sheikh.
Timing and the real flow of your day

The trip runs about 4 hours total, built around a morning departure.
Here’s the general rhythm:
- Pickup begins in Sharm El-Sheikh, then you travel to the marina on a shared bus (about 30 minutes).
- You sail out for roughly 45 minutes to the first snorkeling stop, where you’ll spend about 40 minutes.
- Then you head to the second snorkeling stop, another roughly 40 minutes of snorkeling time.
- After that, you return to the marina and get back to your hotel about 4 hours after departure.
What that means for you: the day is designed so snorkeling isn’t an afterthought. You get two reef windows, and the guide is there during the swim time. For a family trip, that’s a big deal—two shorter, guided experiences are usually easier for kids (and adults who get tired) than one long stretch.
One small practical point: pickup timing is roughly 1 hour before the trip starts, and you’ll get the exact pickup time via WhatsApp the day before. That’s helpful, but it also means you should have your phone ready and your day organized around messages.
Your yacht comfort: sun deck above, air-conditioned salon below

This yacht style is built for day comfort. Up top you’ll have space to lie back and watch the water. Down below, the salon is air-conditioned, which is valuable when the sun is strong or if you want a calm break between snorkeling sessions.
This matters more than it sounds. Snorkeling trips can get tiring fast—head covering, saltwater rinse needs, sun exposure, and breathing calmly while floating. Having a shaded, cooled-down space onboard makes it easier to recover and enjoy the next stop.
Also, the yacht is described as modern and well maintained, and it’s crewed. That’s a quality signal, because it affects safety and how smoothly the day runs when the sea is active.
The snorkeling plan: two reef stops with a guide

You’re not just handed gear and sent off on your own. The day includes a private snorkeling guide who accompanies you at all times.
The outing is set up for practical reef viewing:
- Two snorkeling stops are planned at some of the finest snorkeling sites in the Red Sea.
- You get about 40 minutes at each stop, which is long enough to actually look around rather than just dip in and out.
What I like about this structure: it gives you two chances for a good look. If one stop has slightly less visibility or your group needs extra time to get comfortable, you still have another reef window.
Bring swimwear and a towel, and consider sunscreen early. The Red Sea sun can bite even when the water feels cool.
Ras Mohammad Marine National Park: what you’re aiming for

This trip is centered on Ras Mohammad, and the goal is coral reef systems plus marine life. Even if you’re not a hardcore reef hunter, the area is known for rewarding snorkeling—fish activity, coral coverage, and a sense that you’re watching a living system rather than a plain underwater wall.
For first-timers, two short guided stops are often the best approach. You can learn how to float and breathe steadily, then you’re not stuck repeating the same routine for hours.
For experienced snorkelers, the value is that you’re in the right zone without needing to plan a full DIY logistics day. You show up, you sail, and you’re guided to reef time.
Optional lunch onboard: BBQ style and hearty comfort

If you select the lunch option, you can eat on board during the trip instead of breaking your day for restaurant stops. That’s a big convenience win in Sharm, where meal timing can be tricky during tours.
The food is described as BBQ-style with a buffet approach. The menu choices include freshly cut salads and items like rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, and Egyptian kofta.
A few practical notes:
- Lunch is optional, so if you love eating on a schedule, choose it.
- The chef is onboard, and hygiene standards are described as a priority, which is reassuring for peace of mind when you’re eating at sea.
- Soft drinks are included, so you’re not paying extra for basic drinks during the lunch window.
If you’re traveling with kids or people who get hungry before they’re ready to snorkel, onboard lunch is one of the biggest value adds.
Drinks and what’s included (and what might not be)

Soft drinks are included. That’s straightforward, and it helps keep the day from turning into a constant expense.
Snorkeling gear is described as available as an add-on. So if you don’t plan to bring your own mask/snorkel, you should verify what rental includes and whether you’ll need anything beyond the standard kit.
Also watch for anything you might need for comfort in the water, like swim footwear. While the booking information lists gear as optional, your experience can change depending on what you pre-arrange versus what you end up paying for at the marina.
The marina entrance fee: plan for the extra line item

There’s a mandatory marina entrance fee tied to the private boat. The info provided says it’s 200 Euros per private boat, paid upon arrival or can be prepaid from add-ons.
This is one of those costs that doesn’t feel like part of the advertised total, even though it’s unavoidable if you want marina access. To keep the day smooth, I’d treat it as part of the real budget before you go.
One more note for clarity: this is per private boat, not per person. That can make the trip better value for groups than it is for a solo traveler who’s paying the same fixed boat-related fee.
Price and value: $570 for up to 8 people

At $570 per group up to 8, the price can be excellent value if you fill the yacht for your family or small friend group. Yacht days often charge per person, so a flat group rate can feel like a steal—especially once you add the guided snorkeling and the option of lunch.
But value depends on two things you control:
- Are you actually using the inclusions? If you skip lunch and don’t rent gear, your “value bundle” shrinks.
- Are there extra costs you didn’t plan for? The marina fee is one. Any paid add-ons for equipment are another.
Also keep in mind that snorkeling time is the heart of the experience. If your group is hoping for long, uninterrupted time in the water, you’ll want to be realistic about how travel time and reef-stops are paced.
What to bring for an easy Red Sea day
Keep it simple and practical:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
If you’re prone to sunburn, consider packing extra protection (hat, rash guard), even though it’s not listed. The water reflects light, and the sun can feel stronger than you expect.
If you know you’re sensitive to cold or you hate feeling uncomfortable once you’re wet, bring that into your planning. Cooler days can make snorkeling less pleasant.
Who this trip suits best (and who should think twice)
This private yacht format is a strong match if you want:
- A guided reef day with two snorkeling stops
- Family-friendly pacing
- The convenience of optional lunch on board
- A comfortable place to relax between swims
It’s also a good fit for groups that want a calmer, more controlled experience rather than jumping between crowded boats.
Think twice if your top priority is maximum time in the water with zero downtime. The trip is structured around sailing and set stop durations, and sea conditions or marina operations can change how your actual time feels.
Should you book this Sharm yacht snorkel day?
I’d book it if you’re traveling as a group (or family) and you’re choosing this for the combination of private guided snorkeling plus the option of onboard lunch. The $570 group rate can be a smart value when you factor in the guide, the planned reef stops, and the onboard comfort.
I would not book it without a quick reality check if:
- You hate paying marina-related fees on arrival.
- You want snorkeling but you’re unsure about equipment and swim footwear costs.
- You’re very sensitive to schedule slippage and want everything to feel perfectly timed.
If you do book, take control of the details that affect comfort: confirm whether snorkeling gear rental is included or an add-on for your booking, and treat the marina entrance fee as part of your budget from the start.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the yacht trip?
It runs for about 4 hours total.
What’s the price for this private yacht experience?
The price is listed as $570 per group up to 8.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is optional. If you choose it, you’ll have a BBQ lunch onboard.
Are drinks included?
Soft drinks are included.
How many snorkeling stops are there?
There are two snorkeling stops.
Do I need to rent snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling gear is available as an optional add-on. The info provided says rental can be selected (or brought by you).
What are the pickup details?
Pickup is included, and pickup is done from your hotel area using a shared bus. Private transfers are available as an add-on.
Is there an extra marina fee?
Yes. There is a mandatory marina entrance fee of 200 Euros per private boat, paid upon arrival or prepaid from add-ons.
What languages are the guides?
The live tour guide is listed as English and Russian.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.










