Tiran Island Snorkeling Excursion from Sharm el sheikh

Morning: Pickup & Departure:

07:15 – 08:15 | Hotel Pickup

Your day begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh. An air-conditioned vehicle will collect you from the main security gate of your accommodation (drivers cannot enter most hotel grounds for security reasons). The exact pickup time depends on your hotel's location – those in Nabq and Sharks Bay are collected earlier, while Naama Bay and Hadaba have later windows.

???? Pro tip: Be ready at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Minibuses often run early.

08:30 – 09:00 | Arrival at Marina & Boarding:

You'll arrive at the Sharm el Sheikh marina, where your boat for the day is docked. After a quick check-in, you'll board a spacious, well-equipped vessel. Most boats feature:

Sun deck with loungers

Shaded lower deck with seating

Freshwater showers and restrooms

Snorkeling gear storage area

09:00 – 09:30 |Safety Briefing & Departure:

The captain and guide welcome you aboard. A safety briefing covers:

Location of life jackets and emergency equipment

Snorkeling entry and exit procedures

Hand signals and communication while in the water

Rules for protecting coral and marine life

The boat then departs, heading southeast toward the Straits of Tiran.

10:00 – 10:15 | Arrival at Ras Nasrani (Coastal Reef) Mid-Morning: First Snorkeling Stop:

Before reaching the open sea, the boat stops at Ras Nasrani – a fringing reef located on the coast near Sharm. This site serves as a warm-up: the water is calm, shallow, and home to abundant small fish, starfish, and soft corals.

10:15 – 11:00 | Snorkeling at Ras Nasrani (approx. 45 minutes)

Water depth: 2–8 meters

Current: Mild to none

Marine life: Angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, starfish, clownfish

Difficulty: Easy – suitable for beginners and children

Your guide will lead a small group, pointing out interesting species and ensuring everyone is comfortable.

11:00 – 11:30 | Cruise to Tiran Island:

After the first stop, the boat continues toward Tiran Island. This crossing takes approximately 30 minutes. Keep your eyes on the water – dolphins are occasionally spotted during this stretch.

Late Morning: Tiran Island Reefs
 

11:30 – 11:45 | Arrival at Tiran Island Waters:

You'll arrive in the protected waters surrounding Tiran Island (the island itself is a military zone – landing is prohibited). The boat anchors near one of the four famous reefs: Jackson, Gordon, Woodhouse, or Thomas, depending on conditions.
 

11:45 – 12:45 | Snorkeling at Jackson Reef or Gordon Reef (approx. 60 minutes)

Jackson Reef:

Water depth: 5–30+ meters (dramatic drop-off)

Current: Moderate to strong

Marine life: Sea turtles, reef sharks, barracuda, massive coral formations

Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced – strong swimming ability recommended

Unique feature: The wreck of a cargo ship at the northern tip

Gordon Reef:

Water depth: 3–15 meters

Current: Mild to moderate

Marine life: Coral grouper, rays, lionfish, schooling fish

Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate

Unique feature: The wreck of the Louilla (Cypriot cargo ship, grounded 1981)

The choice of reef depends on weather, current, and the swimming ability of the group. Your guide will select the safest and most rewarding option.

Afternoon: Lunch & Second Tiran Reef

13:00 – 13:45 | Buffet Lunch on Board:

Lunch is served as the boat relocates to the next snorkeling site. The buffet typically includes:

• Course    Typical Offerings
• Salads    Tabbouleh, fattoush, Greek salad
• Rice & pasta    Plain rice, spaghetti with tomato sauce
• Protein    Grilled chicken, kofta (Egyptian meatballs)
• Bread    Fresh pita or baladi bread
• Dessert    Fresh fruit (watermelon, oranges)
• Drinks    Bottled water, soda (Pepsi, Sprite), tea, coffee
• ???? Vegetarian option: Available upon request – inform your operator when booking.

13:45 – 14:30 | Snorkeling at Woodhouse Reef or Second Tiran Site (approx. 45 minutes):

• Woodhouse Reef:
• Water depth: 6–25 meters
• Current: Moderate
• Marine life: Healthy hard corals, butterflyfish, moray eels
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Note: Deeper than Jackson, but less crowded

If conditions prevent Woodhouse, the guide may return to a site visited earlier or choose an alternative reef near Ras Mohammed.

Late Afternoon: Return Cruise14:30 – 15:30 | Relaxation & Return Cruise:

The boat begins its journey back to Sharm marina. This is your time to:
Sunbathe on the deck
Purchase onboard photos or DVD from the boat photographer
Shower with freshwater (available on most boats)

Enjoy a final soft drink

15:30 – 16:30 | Arrival at Marina & Transfer to Hotel:

The boat docks at the Sharm marina. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. The return transfer typically takes 20–40 minutes depending on your hotel's location.

16:30 – 17:00 | Arrival at Hotel

You'll be dropped off at your hotel's main gate. The day ends with unforgettable memories of the Red Sea's most pristine reefs.