Egypt’s first national park was established in 1983 at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba converge. The currents here carry nutrients that sustain coral reefs teeming with life. Divers and snorkelers often describe the underwater landscape as dense with shapes, colors, and marine species—so much so that it feels endless.
The reefs start near the shoreline. In some spots, you can step into the water and find yourself above a vertical drop plunging deep into the sea. Visibility often exceeds thirty meters, revealing schools of fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. The coral includes both hard and soft varieties, shaped like fans, brains, or antlers, thriving in sunlit waters.
On land, the park contrasts sharply with its underwater world.
The Shark Observatory is a cliffside viewpoint where desert meets sea. From here, you can see the open water and the mountains of Saudi Arabia in the distance. Nearby, a mangrove channel cuts through the landscape, its salt-tolerant trees providing green in an otherwise dry environment. A saltwater lake, separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land, reflects the sky and hosts flamingos and wading birds.
The park’s waters hold shipwrecks, including a World War II cargo vessel now resting on the seabed. Its rusted hull is covered in coral and inhabited by fish. These wrecks serve as artificial reefs, attracting moray eels, lionfish, and barracudas.
Most visitors arrive by boat from Sharm El Sheikh. Tours usually include two or three snorkeling stops. The trips are straightforward and follow a set schedule. For more flexibility, some choose land-based tours, arriving by jeep or bus and stopping at different beaches. The roads are unpaved, winding between rocks and sand, with Bedouin guides pointing out landmarks.
The park enforces strict conservation rules. Touching or standing on coral is prohibited, as is feeding fish. Rangers ensure these regulations are followed. There are no shops or restaurants inside, so bring your own food and water. Shade is scarce, and the sun is strong—hats, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear are necessary because the seabed can be sharp.
Underwater visibility is best between April and November, when the water is calmest. Outside these months, conditions can be rougher, but the park remains open year-round during daylight. Some areas are off-limits to boats, accessible only from shore, offering fewer crowds and a quieter experience.
Ras Mohammed is where desert and sea meet. The silence of the land gives way to the motion of the water. It’s a place where you can dive among coral, explore wrecks, or stand at the edge of two gulfs and feel the Red Sea wind. The park stays with you long after you leave.
