White Island is one of the most recognizable stops on selected Red Sea boat trips from Sharm El Sheikh. Surrounded by clear turquoise water, its pale sandy appearance creates a completely different landscape from the coral reefs and rocky coastline usually associated with the Red Sea.

White Island is commonly visited as part of a full-day yacht excursion that also explores marine areas around Ras Mohammed National Park.

This guide explains White Island from Sharm El Sheikh, what the location actually is, how to visit it, what happens during the current Alfa boat trip, snorkeling and diving options, what to bring and how White Island compares with other Red Sea experiences.

You can view the current Boat Trip to Ras Mohammed & White Island or browse all Sea & Water Activities .

What Is White Island?

Despite its name, White Island is better understood as a pale sandbank rather than a conventional inhabited island.

It forms a striking patch of light sand surrounded by the blue and turquoise waters of the Red Sea and is normally reached as part of an organized marine excursion.

Its visible size and appearance can vary with sea and water conditions, so visitors should not expect it to look exactly the same every day.

Where Is White Island?

White Island is visited in connection with the Ras Mohammed marine area near the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula.

For travelers staying in Sharm El Sheikh, it is normally accessed by yacht rather than by driving directly to a conventional beach entrance.

You can learn more about the wider area on the Ras Mohammed destination page .

How Do You Visit White Island from Sharm El Sheikh?

The most straightforward way is an organized boat excursion that combines White Island with snorkeling or diving stops around Ras Mohammed.

Alfa Montazah Mobility currently offers:

Boat Trip to Ras Mohammed & White Island .

The currently published trip lasts approximately 9 hours.

Hotel pickup is normally around 8:00 AM, followed by transport to the marina and a yacht journey along the Sinai coast.

What Happens During the White Island Boat Trip?

The current Alfa program combines several different Red Sea experiences during the same day.

The yacht travels toward the Ras Mohammed marine area and currently includes two different locations for snorkeling or diving when the corresponding option is selected.

A buffet lunch is served on board before the program includes time at White Island.

After the marine experience, guests return to the marina and are transferred back to their hotels.

Current White Island Trip at a Glance

Feature	Current Program
Duration	Approximately 9 hours
Pickup	Around 8:00 AM
Marine stops	Two locations in the Ras Mohammed marine area
Activities	Snorkeling or selected introductory diving option
Meals	Buffet lunch and drinks
White Island	Included in the current itinerary

Snorkeling on a White Island Trip

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to choose this type of Red Sea excursion.

The current Alfa program includes marine stops in the Ras Mohammed area where guests can snorkel when the selected booking option allows it.

Exact visibility, currents and wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

If snorkeling is one of the main goals of your holiday, read our Snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh: Complete Guide .

Is Snorkeling Equipment Included?

Snorkeling equipment is currently available for an additional charge rather than automatically included in the standard package.

The current tour page offers different snorkeling options depending on whether you need equipment.

Because package conditions can change, always check the current booking option before confirming your trip.

Intro Diving during the White Island Trip

Travelers interested in trying scuba diving can currently add an introductory diving experience.

The published introductory dive lasts approximately 10 minutes underwater with a professional instructor.

It is designed as a short introduction rather than a full certified diving program.

For a detailed explanation of diving options and requirements, read Diving in Sharm El Sheikh: Complete Guide .

Can Children Scuba Dive on the Trip?

The current program states that scuba diving is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

This restriction applies to the diving activity rather than automatically defining whether a child can join the yacht excursion itself.

Parents should always check current participation conditions before booking any activity for a child.

For more ideas, see our Sharm El Sheikh with Kids guide.

Can Pregnant Travelers Scuba Dive?

The current Alfa program states that scuba diving is not suitable for pregnant women.

Anyone who is pregnant or has medical concerns should seek appropriate medical guidance before taking part in a boat or water activity.

White Island and Ras Mohammed

White Island is closely connected with Ras Mohammed boat excursions.

The trip is therefore more than a visit to a sandbank. Much of the experience is about cruising through the Red Sea and exploring the marine environment around Ras Mohammed.

For more information about the national park, see:

Ras Mohammed National Park: Complete Visitor Guide .

White Island vs Ras Mohammed by Land

These are very different experiences.

Experience	Main Focus
Ras Mohammed & White Island by Yacht	Sea, snorkeling or diving, yacht time and White Island
Ras Mohammed by Land	Earthquake Crack, mangroves, Allah Gate, Magic Lake and snorkeling

Travelers who want the natural landmarks inside the protected area should consider the Ras Mohammed – Nature Adventure & Legendary Wonders .

White Island or Tiran Island?

Both are full Red Sea boat-trip options, but they follow different routes.

White Island is normally combined with Ras Mohammed, while the Tiran Island trip explores the marine area toward the Straits of Tiran.

If your holiday is long enough, the two routes can provide different perspectives on the Red Sea.

Is White Island a Normal Beach?

No. It should not be approached like a resort beach in Naama Bay, Hadaba or another hotel area.

White Island is normally part of a scheduled marine excursion and does not offer the same type of permanent resort infrastructure.

If you want a conventional beach day, compare the options in our Best Beaches in Sharm El Sheikh guide.

Does White Island Always Look the Same?

No. White Island is a natural sandbank, and its appearance can vary with sea conditions and water level.

The visible sand area may therefore appear larger or smaller at different times.

This is part of experiencing a natural marine location rather than a constructed beach.

What Can You See in the Water?

The Ras Mohammed marine environment is associated with coral reefs and diverse Red Sea marine life.

However, individual fish, turtles or other animals cannot be guaranteed during a particular excursion.

Wildlife should always be observed without touching, chasing or feeding it.

When Is the Best Time to Visit White Island?

White Island boat trips can operate during different seasons, but daily conditions depend on weather, wind and the state of the sea.

Travelers who prefer warmer water often choose the warmer months, while spring and autumn can provide a comfortable balance between sea temperature and air temperature.

Read our Best Time to Visit Sharm El Sheikh guide for a seasonal comparison.

Sea Temperature for White Island Trips

The Red Sea is suitable for marine activities throughout the year, but water temperature changes by season.

Summer and early autumn offer the warmest average sea conditions, while winter is cooler.

See the full monthly table in our Sharm El Sheikh Sea Temperature Month-by-Month Guide .

What Is Included in the Current Alfa Trip?

The current published program includes:

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Air-conditioned transportation
Ras Mohammed National Park entrance fees
Professional diving instructor
Buffet lunch
Unlimited soft drinks
Hot drinks

Snorkeling equipment, photos and videos are currently not included in the standard package.

What Should You Bring?

The current tour recommends bringing:

Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Towel
Passport or ID card — a copy is currently accepted

You may also find the following useful:

Swimwear
Hat
Light clothing for sun protection
Waterproof phone case
Personal medication
Cash for optional expenses

White Island Safety Tips

Follow all instructions from the yacht crew and instructors.
Do not enter the water when staff advise against it.
Tell the crew if you are not a confident swimmer.
Use a life jacket where appropriate.
Do not stand on coral.
Do not touch marine animals.
Use sunscreen and drink enough water.
Be careful when walking on wet or uneven surfaces.
Respect changes to the itinerary caused by sea conditions.

Protecting White Island and the Red Sea

White Island and the surrounding marine environment should be treated as natural areas rather than permanent tourist facilities.

Visitors should avoid leaving any waste, disturbing wildlife or damaging coral.

Responsible tourism helps protect the Red Sea environment for future visitors.

Book White Island from Sharm El Sheikh

Alfa's current direct option is:

Boat Trip to Ras Mohammed & White Island .

It combines a full yacht day, marine stops, White Island, lunch and hotel transportation.

Browse all current options through Sea & Water Activities .

Continue Planning Your Red Sea Holiday

Frequently Asked Questions

What is White Island in Sharm El Sheikh?

White Island is a pale natural sandbank visited during selected boat excursions in the Ras Mohammed marine area.

How do you get to White Island?

Visitors normally reach it as part of an organized yacht excursion from Sharm El Sheikh rather than by driving directly to the location.

How long is the White Island excursion?

Alfa's current Ras Mohammed & White Island boat trip is published at approximately nine hours.

Can you snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The current itinerary includes marine locations where snorkeling is available according to the selected option.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Equipment is currently available for an additional charge rather than included automatically in the standard package.

Can you try scuba diving?

Yes. A short introductory diving option is currently available with a professional instructor for suitable participants.

How long is the intro dive?

The current introductory dive lasts approximately 10 minutes underwater.

Is White Island suitable for children?

Families can join marine excursions subject to the current tour conditions, but scuba diving on this program is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Is White Island the same as Ras Mohammed?

No. White Island is a separate sandbank visited as part of selected marine excursions associated with the Ras Mohammed area.

Does White Island always look the same?

No. Its appearance can vary naturally with water and sea conditions.

White Island from Sharm El Sheikh: Complete Guide