The world-famous marine park at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. What to see, how to get there, and when to go.
Ras Mohammed National Park sits at the southern tip of the Sinai, where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. Declared in 1983, it is Egypt's oldest protected area and one of the best-known snorkelling and diving areas in the Red Sea.
The reefs
- Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef: the best known. Coral walls drop to around 800m. The cargo of the Yolanda, which ran aground here in 1980, still lies on the reef at about 15 to 20m: toilets, bathtubs and the remains of a BMW. The ship itself slid into deep water in the 1980s.
- Anemone City: anemones and clownfish, popular with photographers.
- Jackfish Alley: schools of fish and an easy drift.
How to visit
By boat or by road. Boat trips reach the famous reefs; jeep and bus trips drive into the park and snorkel from the beaches. Pickup is usually between 8:00 and 9:00, back in the late afternoon. Shared trips usually cost about $30 to $70 per adult with lunch and snorkelling gear; check whether the park entry fee is included.
When to go
Good all year, with visibility often 30m or more. The wind is fairly steady through the year; late May and June are the breeziest, and the sea is coolest, about 22°C, in February.
What to bring
- Sun cream (reef-safe if you can)
- A hat and a UV shirt, as shade on boats is limited
- A camera or GoPro
- Some Egyptian pounds in cash for tips
For families
The snorkelling here is in deep water, so children need to be strong swimmers or wear a life jacket. For younger children, a glass-bottom boat trip is a gentler option.
Look after the reef
Don't touch the coral, stand on the reef or feed the fish. Egyptian law protects coral and marine life, and there are fines for breaking the rules.
Want to go? See our Ras Mohammed trip on the Tours page, or ask us on WhatsApp.
