Red Sea Cruise and Snorkeling to Tiran Island

About this tour

Overview

Tiran Island sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba, a few kilometres off the Sinai coast. The channel between it and the mainland is the Strait of Tiran, and the reefs along that channel are why this trip is popular: shallow enough to snorkel from the surface, busy enough that every stop looks different.

This is the shared boat version. You join a group on a larger boat, sail out from the Sharm coast and drop anchor three times through the day. You snorkel from the boat at each stop, with time on deck in between and lunch served on board.

What the day looks like

The boat leaves in the morning and returns late afternoon, so it takes the whole day. The three stops are usually one on the reef near Tiran, one at a calmer site for swimming, and one for relaxing on the water before the sail back. The captain picks the stops based on conditions, so the exact sites vary with the weather.

Who it suits

Families and first-time snorkellers do well here. You do not need to swim far, the boat is easy to climb back onto, and there is shade on deck. If you would rather reach the reef quickly and spend longer in the water, the speed boat is the better fit. If you want the boat to yourselves, take the private boat day instead.

Know before you go

• Three stops are made during the day: snorkelling, swimming and relaxing.
• Snorkelling equipment is not included. Bring your own or rent it on board.
• The crossing can be choppy in the afternoon. If you are prone to seasickness, take something before you board.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and a towel. There is shade on deck, but not in the water.

Other ways to see Tiran

We run two other trips to these reefs. The speed boat to Tiran Island covers the same water in a small group and gets you there in about twenty minutes. The private boat to Tiran Island gives you the whole boat and crew for a full day.

Book now

Book online and pay on arrival.

What you will see

Expect hard and soft corals along the reef edge, shoals of small reef fish, and a reasonable chance of something larger — a napoleon wrasse, a blue-spotted ray, occasionally a turtle. Visibility is usually good, though it drops for a day or two after strong wind. The stops are shallow, so the light reaches the coral and the colours show properly without needing a torch.

The water is warm enough to stay in for long stretches from spring through autumn, and cool enough in winter that most people snorkel in short bursts and warm up on deck between stops.

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