Beach & Island
Ras Mohammed vs White Island vs Tiran Island Comparison
Compare Sharm El Sheikh islands: Ras Mohammed, White Island, Tiran. Snorkeling quality, beaches, crowds, difficulty, and which suits your skill level.
Ras Mohammed vs White Island vs Tiran Island Comparison
Three island destinations dominate Sharm El Sheikh's snorkeling scene. Each offers distinct marine experiences, difficulty levels, and atmospheres.
Ras Mohammed National Park
What Makes It Special
Ras Mohammed is Egypt's premier marine protected area:
- 18,000 hectare reserve
- Highest biodiversity in region
- Long-established infrastructure
- Professional guide availability
- Research station presence
Marine Life
- 250+ fish species
- 40+ coral species
- Sharks, rays, large groupers
- Pelagic species (trevally, jacks)
- Moray eels and nudibranchs
Snorkeling Sites
Shark Reef: 800m wall, strong current, pelagic species
Yolanda Reef: Wreck site, colorful corals, moderate depth
Marsa Barraka: Shallow reef, calm water, beginners ideal
Crowd Factor
Rating: Moderate-to-High
- Popular with tour operators
- 50-100+ people on busy days
- Feels touristy at peak times
- Multiple boats at same sites
Difficulty Level
Rating: Intermediate
- Suitable for most swimmers
- Some strong currents at certain sites
- Depth variations (5-30m)
- Experienced guide recommended
Cost
- Standard tour: 70-100 USD per person
- Includes transport, equipment, lunch
- VIP small group: 120-150 USD
- Private boat: 300-400 USD per group
Best For
- All experience levels
- First-time snorkelers seeking good value
- Marine biodiversity enthusiasts
- Photographers wanting diverse subjects
Advantages
✓ Highest marine biodiversity
✓ Professional guide infrastructure
✓ Multiple reef sites in one tour
✓ Good value overall
✓ Established safety protocols
Disadvantages
✗ Crowded on popular days
✗ Touristy atmosphere
✗ Strong currents at some sites
✗ Less exclusive feeling
White Island
What Makes It Special
White Island is virtually undeveloped:
- Natural, untouched island
- Minimal infrastructure
- Few visitors compared to alternatives
- Pristine white-sand beach
- Feels more exclusive
Marine Life
- Healthy coral ecosystem
- Colorful tropical fish
- Moray eels
- Octopus (occasional sightings)
- Rays and groupers
Snorkeling Sites
Single island with multiple reef areas:
- Northern Reef: Colorful, moderate depth
- Southern Reef: Shallow water, calm
- Western Reef: Good coral coverage
The whole island is essentially one snorkeling zone.
Crowd Factor
Rating: Very Low
- 30-50 visitors on busy days
- Often feels exclusive
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Fewer tour operators
Difficulty Level
Rating: Easy-to-Intermediate
- Generally calm water
- Shallow reef areas (5-15m)
- Suitable for beginners
- Non-swimmers can enjoy glass-bottom boat views
Cost
- Standard tour: 60-85 USD per person
- Includes transport, equipment, lunch
- VIP small group: 100-120 USD
- Private charter: 200-350 USD
Best For
- Beginners and families
- Those seeking peaceful experience
- People preferring less crowding
- Photographers of undisturbed nature
Advantages
✓ Peaceful, exclusive atmosphere
✓ Fewer tourists
✓ Beautiful untouched beach
✓ Lower prices
✓ Easier snorkeling conditions
Disadvantages
✗ Less marine diversity than Ras Mohammed
✗ Fewer large pelagic species
✗ Single island zone
✗ Less dramatic underwater features
Tiran Island
What Makes It Special
Tiran Island sits at the Egypt-Saudi Arabia border:
- Remote location
- Strong currents supporting big marine life
- Advanced diving/snorkeling
- Dramatic geography
- Real adventure feel
Marine Life
- Large pelagic species (trevally, jacks)
- Groupers and snappers
- Fusiliers in massive schools
- Sharks (occasional)
- Smaller coral ecosystem than Ras Mohammed
Snorkeling Sites
Jackson Reef: 20m+ wall, strong currents, massive schools
Gordon Reef: Lighthouse structure, moderate difficulty
Thomas Reef: Deep wall, very advanced
Crowd Factor
Rating: Very Low
- 15-30 visitors on full days
- Often feels like private expedition
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Fewer tour operators service this area
Difficulty Level
Rating: Advanced
- Strong currents throughout
- Greater depth (20-40m)
- Requires strong swimming ability
- Experience with currents essential
- Guide expertise critical
Cost
- Standard tour: 80-120 USD per person
- Includes transport, equipment, lunch
- VIP small group: 120-180 USD
- Private expedition: 400-600 USD
Best For
- Experienced snorkelers/divers
- Current-comfortable swimmers
- Adventure seekers
- Marine photographers pursuing large species
Advantages
✓ Most exclusive and remote
✓ Fewest tourists
✓ Dramatic, adventurous experience
✓ Best large fish encounters
✓ Peaceful exploration
Disadvantages
✗ Requires advanced ability
✗ Strong currents challenging
✗ Less coral diversity
✗ Greater physical demands
✗ Limited beginner options
Detailed Comparison Table
| Factor | Ras Mohammed | White Island | Tiran Island |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Difficulty | Intermediate | Easy | Advanced |
| Visibility | 20-30m | 15-25m | 20-35m |
| Fish Diversity | Excellent | Good | Very Good |
| Coral Diversity | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Crowd Level | Moderate-High | Low | Very Low |
| Beach Quality | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Cost | 70-100 USD | 60-85 USD | 80-120 USD |
| Current Strength | Moderate-Strong | Calm | Very Strong |
| Best For | All levels | Beginners | Experienced |
| Infrastructure | Developed | Minimal | Minimal |
| Duration | 8 hours | 8 hours | 9-10 hours |
| Large Fish Chance | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Peace & Quiet | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Family Friendly | Good | Excellent | Fair |
| Photography | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent |
My Recommendation
Choose Ras Mohammed If:
- First time snorkeling
- Want best overall marine diversity
- Prefer structured tour experience
- Value range of reef sites
- Want balanced difficulty
Choose White Island If:
- Seeking relaxation over adventure
- Prefer beautiful beaches
- Want peaceful atmosphere
- Beginner or family trip
- Budget-conscious
- Less crowding priority
Choose Tiran Island If:
- Experienced snorkeler
- Love strong currents
- Seeking exclusivity
- Want maximum adventure
- Photography of large fish focused
- Advanced ability level
Best Practice: Do All Three
If time permits, experience all three:
Day 1: Ras Mohammed (marine diversity)
Day 2: White Island (beach paradise)
Day 3: Tiran Island (adventure limit)
This strategy provides complete Egyptian snorkeling spectrum.
Explore Sharm El Sheikh Tours
Ready to book your island adventures? Browse our complete selection of Sharm El Sheikh tours and activities to find the perfect snorkeling experiences for your skill level and vacation style.
