Introduction
As the land ends on the Sinai Peninsula, the Red Sea begins, with turquoise and deep blue waters. This is Ras Mohammed National Park which protects the headland beyond Sharm El Sheikh. You can snorkel over the beautiful coral reefs and qualified divers can explore the steep reef faces and sheltered coral gardens. Nature lovers will enjoy the mangroves, cliffs and peaceful lookouts. This guide will tell you where the reserve is located, what marine life you can see, how to get there from Sharm El Sheikh and how to visit responsibly.
If you’re looking to do more than a day trip in the Red Sea, our Egypt Travel Packages will show you how to include Cairo, the Nile and the coast in one trip.
Table of content:
What Makes Ras Mohammed National Park So Special?
Geographical Location
The Ras Mohammed National Park is located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, very close to the town of Sharm El Sheikh. This is where the Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Suez meet the northern part of the Red Sea. The park is a mixture of low lying desert, rocky headlands and sheltered coves. If you are staying in the resort you can find out Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh to fit this activity into your itinerary.
Protected Area
The park was made a national park in Egypt in 1983. This was the first national park in the country and was done to protect the reefs which were already popular with divers. There are strict rules about anchoring, collecting and entering the area to reduce any pressure on the coast. Some areas are also closed off to allow marine life to thrive. This means that there is little human impact on the area.
Unique Marine Ecosystem
This area has a unique marine ecosystem as the currents from the two gulfs meet. This feeds the reefs with steep drop-offs into deep water. The reefs around the headland have a great variety of different habitats all within a short distance. There are coral gardens, seagrass beds and mangroves. This means there is a great variety of habitats in a small area. This provides a great habitat for hundreds of species of fish as there are both hard and soft corals.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Ras Mohammed National Park?
Great for both those who want to stick to the shallows and those wanting to dive deeper.
Where Can I Snorkel
Snorkelling is great in Ras Mohammed National Park. You can float above the shallow coral reefs. There are lots of reef fish that swim in colourful schools. Depending on the tour you do and the park itself, you can snorkel in certain areas. To make it easy, you can do a guided tour to ensure you are in the right places. If you want to get a broader view of the coastline you can look at our Red Sea Beaches guide.
Why is Diving in Ras Mohammed Popular?
Ras Mohammed has great diving due to the clear waters, dramatic walls and high concentration of marine life. There are lots of different dive sites available to you depending on your tour. Dive operators based in Sharm El Sheikh will take you to a variety of sites including sheltered coral gardens to deeper walls. You will need to book with a certified centre as it depends on your certification and conditions.
Can I See Mangroves and Coastline?
Yes! Depending on your tour you can take land tours to see some coastline and viewpoints. The mangroves in the park provide a nice contrast to the open desert. Ask what is included in your tour as it may not include everything.
If you want to combine the ancient sights of Egypt and spend some time by the Red Sea then why not take a look at our Egypt Vacation Package? This includes Cairo, Nile and Hurghada on the Red Sea Coast. Ras Mohammed isn’t included so you would need to organise this separately.
What Marine Life Can You Discover in Ras Mohammed?
The reserve is like a living map under the surface.
Coral Reefs
Many of the coastlines are covered in fringing reefs. These are made up of hard corals with lots of soft corals in them to give the reef vibrant colours. As corals grow slowly it can take a long time to repair damage caused by a single clumsy kick. This is why there are rules in place to protect the reefs. One reason this area is protected is because you can see the reefs thriving.
What Marine Life Can You See?
The reefs are filled with butterflyfish, angelfish and parrotfish. There are also schools of small colourful fish swimming around the coral heads. You may be lucky enough to see turtles, rays or reef sharks in Ras Mohammed National Park. You may not always see larger animals but if you swim calmly and patiently your chances increase.
Why Are Shark Reef And Yolanda Reef Famous?
These reefs are located near the end of the headland. This means that there is a dramatic drop off the reef wall. The currents here bring nutrients and fish into the area. The wreck of Yolanda has lots of bathroom fittings in it which have now been scattered along the seabed. This has become one of the most famous sights in the area. Due to the strong currents these are better for experienced divers. Ras Mohammed diving should be done with a qualified guide.
How Can You Visit Ras Mohammed from Sharm El Sheikh?
Getting to the National Park is easy. The main consideration will be what you would like to do.
How to Get to the National Park
Most people visit Ras Mohammed National Park on an organised tour from Sharm El Sheikh either by land or sea. Some people choose to take their own private car with a driver. Depending on the tour you choose, you will have different routes, access and stops. Check the itinerary to see what your tour includes. For more information on how to get around the resort area please see our Sharm City Travel Guide .
Should I Take a Sea Tour or Land Tour?
Sea tours will give you more time in the water. You will stop to snorkel on the reef and sometimes visit White Island. White Island is not always included on all Ras Mohammed visits, it depends on the tour you choose. Land tours will give you more views, beaches and coastal scenery. Choose depending on what you like. If you like being in the water then choose a sea tour to see the marine life. If you like the coastal views then choose a land tour.
Things to Know Before Booking a Tour
Make sure you know what is included in the tour. Does it include guides, snorkelling equipment, entry into the National Park and meals? Are the activities suitable for your level of experience? Ask what stops you will be going to. As access can vary between tours. A clear itinerary will help prevent any surprises on the day.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Ras Mohammed?
A little preparation will make your day enjoyable and will help protect the reef.
Snorkelling and Diving Essentials
You will need to bring a swimsuit, hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen. Snorkelling equipment is often provided however it is always best to check in advance. Water shoes are a great idea to wear on rocky entries. If you are looking to compare other snorkelling bases in Sinai you can find out more about Dahab City here.
Safety Tips
As each stop will be run by guides at Ras Mohammed National Park, be sure to follow their instructions. Stay out of any restricted areas. Make sure you know what the swimming and diving conditions are like before entering the water. Choose activities suitable to your experience level and stay with the group. Currents can be stronger outside of the reef.
How to Help Protect the Coral Reefs
Avoid touching the coral with your fins or hands. Don’t stand on the reef. Never feed or chase any wildlife. Don’t take shells or any other sea items. Small changes like this will help keep the reefs healthy for the next visitors.
Why Visit Ras Mohammed?
Ras Mohammed National Park offers clear waters, coral walls and an open desert coastline. This makes it a great contrast to the temples and tombs of Egypt. Spend a day here to add some swimming, snorkelling or diving to your itinerary. This will show you another side to Egypt’s natural heritage. Those who take their time to really look around will often remember the reef as much as the monuments. Add the Red Sea to your list and choose a trustworthy operator. Allow yourself a leisurely morning by the water.
Discover a different side to Egypt with our Egypt Nile Cruise Package and see the temples and monuments along the river.
FAQs
1- Where Is Ras Mohammed located?
The park is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, just a short drive away from Sharm El Sheikh. This is where the Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Suez meet the northern side of the Red Sea.
2- Is Ras Mohammed good for snorkelling?
Yes. There are many shallow reefs and lots of colourful fish. Not all areas are easy to access and will depend on what excursion you do and what the park has on offer. Doing a guided tour will help you to get to some great areas.
3- Is Ras Mohammed good for beginner divers?
Yes. As long as you have a qualified instructor you can dive at some great sites. However some of the most famous sites such as Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef have currents and are better for more experienced divers.
4- What Marine Life Can be seen?
Lots of butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish and other reef fish. There are also lots of hard and soft corals. Occasionally you might see some bigger animals such as turtles or sharks but they are not guaranteed.
5- How do I get to Ras Mohammed from Sharm El Sheikh?
Most people will do an organised tour either by road or boat. Or you can hire a private car with a driver. There are different routes and stops so it’s best to check what is included in your itinerary.
