At the intersection of desert landscapes and the blue waters of the Red Sea lies Egypt’s priceless natural gem. It will reveal to you the secrets of mangroves and the treasures of the largest African coral reef.
Ras Muhammad, also known as Ras Mohammed, occupies the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. It was the first area in Egypt to earn the title of a national park, but its age is not the main reason why it is now the most famous national park in the country. What truly brought it fame is the incredible wealth hidden in the waters of the Red Sea. Thanks to this, Ras Muhammad is considered one of the most famous diving spots in the world.
Ras Mohammed National Park
The park’s land areas are home to fennec foxes and various species of lizards, with eagles and hawks soaring proudly above them. The landscape of the park is a mix of sandy mountains, dunes, wadi valleys, and mud flats. However, the greatest attraction of the desert lands is the mangrove forests, a coastal vegetation whose roots form structures resembling spider webs. Some believe that supernatural forces watch over the park, as the lake located within Ras Mohammed, known by locals as the magic lake, remains completely invisible in satellite images.
All of the park’s mentioned features are popular with visitors, but the truth is that land tourism is quite limited here. Although the park covers an area of 480 km², more than 70% of it is underwater. It is Ras Mohammed’s underwater ecosystem that attracts the majority of tourists spending their vacations here.
Coral Reefs of Ras Mohammed
The large amounts of plankton continuously brought into the park by strong sea currents are a favorite food source for a wide variety of marine creatures. This is why sea turtles, starfish, seahorses, and over a thousand species of fish can be found here—ranging from small clownfish and other colorful fish to large manta rays and dangerous sharks.
The vibrant underwater landscape is complemented by the colorful expanses of various coral formations. The Sinai Peninsula’s coastline is home to over 260 species of stony corals, some of which are endemic to the Red Sea Reef, meaning they cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The coral reefs of Ras Mohammed are considered some of the most spectacular in the world, which is why thousands of divers return to these waters each year, eager to witness the wild beauty of the underwater world up close.
Shark Observatory
One of the most popular diving spots is the so-called Shark Observatory, located at the base of the cape of the same name. It’s not hard to guess how this favorite diving point got its name. With a bit of luck, in addition to rainbow-colored sponges, corals, and fish darting between them, divers can also spot impressive whale sharks gliding through the waters.
Yolanda Reef and Shark Reef
This spot is considered one of the top five underwater gardens in the world. It’s a unique site because these two reefs are essentially twin peaks of the same underwater coral mountain. Strong currents in this area take divers on a scenic, deepwater journey along the reef’s slope. This “stroll” often leads to the famous wreck of the Yolanda – a Cypriot freighter that sank into the depths of the sea in the 1980s.
Exploring Ras Mohammed National Park
Most tours to Ras Mohammed National Park depart from the nearby resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Tours can be booked locally or in advance, for example, through platforms like this one. These excursions to the protected area typically include the guidance of an experienced tour leader, allowing visitors to discover the beauty of the mangrove forests, the magical lake, and even enjoy some time to explore the colorful underwater depths. Special trips focused on extended diving or tours combined with boat cruises are also available.
It’s important to remember that this area, nestled between the inland Sinai desert and the stunning coral reefs of the Red Sea, is a strictly protected zone. Visitors must adhere to park rules, including prohibitions on littering, touching coral, disturbing wildlife, or venturing beyond designated areas. Collecting any organisms, whether alive or dead, as well as fishing, is strictly forbidden.
Practical information
- It is worth booking tickets for Ras Muhammad tours in advance. There are many tours available with experienced guides who will show you the most interesting spots, answer questions, and share fascinating facts about the areas being visited.
- Buy a guided tour on GetYourGuide
