White Island or Tiran — which to choose for a sea excursion in Sharm El Sheikh? Both routes let you spend a day on a yacht, snorkel at the corals and have lunch on board. But the main impression of the trip will be different.
White Island attracts with the combination of the Ras Mohammed reefs and a sandy spit. Tiran is a boat trip to the reefs of the Strait of Tiran without landing on the island itself. We compare the programs, prices and conditions for children.
Short answer: if you want to combine snorkeling with going onto a sandy spit and photos, choose White Island. If you would rather spend the day at the reefs of the Strait of Tiran, consider Tiran. An adult ticket for each program is $33. Going onto White Island depends on conditions; there is no landing on Tiran.
White Island and Ras Mohammed: the sea and a sandy spit
The route passes through the area of the Ras Mohammed National Park. During the boat trip there are stops at coral reefs where you can snorkel and watch the underwater world. It is a full sea excursion, not just a trip for a single photo on the sand.
The main feature of the program is the stop near White Island. In suitable conditions you can step onto the sandy spit for about thirty minutes, walk around and take photos. The light sand and the surrounding water create a very different impression from relaxing only on the deck.
However, going ashore cannot be considered unconditionally guaranteed. The possibility of visiting the spit is determined by the actual conditions on the spot. If this stop matters more than anything else, check how it is carried out when booking and keep in mind that the decision on the day of the trip depends on the sea.
The program includes the transfer, a yacht ride, snorkeling, lunch and drinks. Diving can be added separately. The total duration including the road is approximately nine hours: it is a departure for most of the day, not a short outing after breakfast. Details and booking: the excursion "White Island and Ras Mohammed".
Tiran: a trip to coral reefs
The yacht heads to the area of the Strait of Tiran. This program focuses on the boat trip and snorkeling: there are usually two stops at reefs of about an hour each. The specific points and duration are chosen taking into account the weather, sea conditions and permits.
There is no landing directly on Tiran Island. The name of the excursion denotes the direction of the route, not a promise of a walk on land. The day is spent aboard the yacht and in the water at the coral reefs.
This format will appeal to those who want to watch fish and look at corals, returning to the deck between stops. At the same time it cannot be promised in advance that there will be more fish, the water will be clearer or the swim will last longer than on any other route.
The price also includes the transfer, lunch and drinks, and diving is available as an additional service. The whole trip lasts about nine hours. Daily departures are announced, but the availability of a group and the possibility of departure on a specific date are confirmed before booking. Description and booking: the excursion "Tiran Island by yacht".
White Island or Tiran: comparison of programs
| Condition | White Island + Ras Mohammed | Tiran |
|---|---|---|
| Main destination | Ras Mohammed area | Reefs of the Strait of Tiran |
| Going ashore | Sandy spit, if conditions allow | No landing on the island |
| Snorkeling | Stops at coral reefs | Usually two stops of about an hour |
| Lunch and drinks | Included | Included |
| Transfer | Included | Included |
| Diving | Optional, for an extra fee | Optional, for an extra fee |
| Duration | About 9 hours | About 9 hours |
| Adult ticket | 33 $ | 33 $ |
With the same adult price, the decision depends first of all on your expectations. For some an unusual sandy location matters, for others a yacht and stops at reefs are enough. Neither name in itself guarantees calmer seas or better swimming conditions.
Cost of excursions and children's tickets
White Island + Ras Mohammed
- Adult — 33 $.
- Child 5–11 years — 17 $.
- Up to 4 years inclusive — free.
Tiran Island
- Adult — 33 $.
- Child 6–11 years — 17 $.
- Up to 5 years inclusive — free.
The age limits differ: for a five-year-old child a children's ticket applies on White Island, while on Tiran participation is free under the stated conditions. When booking, give the exact age of each child on the day of the excursion.
For two adults the base cost of either of these programs will be $66. If a five-year-old child goes with them, it comes to $83 for White Island or $66 for Tiran. This is a calculation without diving, equipment rental and other additional services.
Before paying, check the contents of the chosen package. Being able to snorkel does not always mean all equipment is provided free: it is better to discuss in advance whether you have your own mask and the rental conditions.
White Island or Tiran: what to choose with kids
Go not only by the children's rate but also by how your child tolerates boat trips. Both programs take most of the day and involve time on the yacht. Going onto the spit does not turn White Island into an ordinary beach holiday with constant access to the shore.
If the child is interested in photos and an unusual stop on the sand, consider White Island. If the child feels confident in the water and likes watching fish, either route may suit. Tiran should be chosen with the understanding that there will be no walk on the island itself.
Check that a suitable life jacket is available and how children take part in snorkeling. In the water follow the crew's instructions and accompany your child. If someone in the family does not plan to swim, find out in advance the conditions for relaxing on board during the stops.
Can you add diving
Diving is offered on both programs as an additional service. If you want to dive separately from the sea program, take a look at shore diving. Tell us at booking that you want to dive, to confirm the cost, format and instructor availability. The base price of $33 does not mean the dive is already included.
If you are trying it for the first time, state that you have no experience. If you have a certificate, say so separately: the format for a certified diver may differ from an introductory dive. The instructor confirms the admission conditions and the possibility of taking part.
Do not choose between routes only by the promise of seeing a particular fish or reaching a specific reef. A sea program depends on conditions, and encounters with animals are not guaranteed. For a first acquaintance, a clear briefing and a suitable difficulty level matter more.
What to check and bring
Before departure, confirm the transfer time, the hotel name and the contents of the order. Check which documents need to be provided in advance and what to take on the excursion itself. Save the organizer's contact to get in touch quickly in case of changes.
Prepare swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, a hat and sun protection. If you have your own mask and snorkel, check whether you can use them on the route. For windy weather an extra layer of clothing after swimming will come in handy.
Protect the corals: do not stand on reefs or touch marine animals. Follow the escort's instructions and return to the yacht at the indicated time. The exact stops and their duration may change, so plan your day with a margin.
Choose a sea excursion from Sharm El Sheikh
If the question "White Island or Tiran?" is still undecided, open the full programs. Compare the conditions, give the date, hotel, number of participants and children's ages — this will help confirm a suitable option.
All options are collected in the section sea excursions in Sharm El Sheikh section. More from the sea: Ras Mohammed Nature Reserve by bus, the glass-bottom boat, submarine and an evening yacht ride. For convenient access to the programs you can install the GoTravel24 app, and find memos before the trip in the "Guide to Egypt".
Going to Sharm El Sheikh for the first time? What to arrange in advance
If the trip is not yet bought or you are putting it together yourself, settle these questions in advance.
Travel insurance
It is better to arrange medical insurance in advance. Compare offers and check whether it covers sea excursions and diving.
Tour with flight
The search shows offers from tour operators in Moscow: dates, meals and hotel are chosen in one place.
Hotel only in Sharm
Suitable if you have already bought tickets or are planning the trip yourself. Sharm El Sheikh hotels can be filtered by price, area and reviews.
Questions and answers
White Island or Tiran — which is better for photos?
If you want photos on the sandy spit, choose White Island, taking into account that going ashore depends on conditions. On Tiran you can photograph the sea and relaxing on the yacht, but there is no landing on the island.
How much is an adult ticket?
An adult ticket for each of the two programs costs $33. Diving and other additional services are confirmed separately.
Is there a landing on Tiran Island?
No. The excursion takes place on a yacht and at the coral reefs of the Strait of Tiran. A walk directly on the island is not included in the program.
Is going onto White Island guaranteed?
No, the possibility depends on actual conditions. The program includes a stop at the sandy spit for approximately thirty minutes, if a visit is possible.
Do the excursions run every day?
Daily departures are announced, but departure on the chosen date is confirmed taking into account the weather, permits and group formation. If the route changes, an alternative must be agreed before the trip.
Prices are given according to GoTravel24 data as of October 10, 2026. Before booking, confirm the cost of the chosen package, age rates and departure availability.
