White Island (Ras Nasrani)

White Island is a small, bright sandbar and reef area offshore from Ras Nasrani, north of Naama Bay in Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt. At low tide a narrow strip of pale sand emerges from turquoise shallows, and at high tide it can nearly disappear, which gives the spot its remote, tropical look. It is reached by a short boat trip, usually from jetties at Ras Nasrani or Sharks Bay, and the ride takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Most trips are half day outings of three to five hours, with the boat anchoring in clear shallow water so passengers can swim, snorkel and walk on the sand. The reef around the sandbar has coral heads, small reef fish, sea urchins and occasional rays and turtles, and the water is typically very clear and calm in the morning. Prices are about EGP 600-1,200 per person, and tours generally include snorkel equipment, a simple lunch or snacks, drinks and sometimes hotel transfers. The best photographs are taken from the sandbar itself, looking back at the hills of Sinai, or from the boat deck when the water changes colour in the sun. Crowds vary, with several boats sometimes arriving together around midday, so morning departures tend to be quieter. Visitors should wear a rash vest or T-shirt, apply reef-safe sunscreen, bring water shoes for sharp coral rubble and a hat because there is little shade on the sand. The sandbar is part of a protected marine area, so shells and coral must be left in place and rubbish taken back to the boat. Winds in winter can make trips rougher or cause cancellations, so confirm the weather with the operator.