Introduction
At the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the golden desert plunges into an infinite blue sea, lies an exceptional place: Ras Mohamed National Park. Established in 1983 as Egypt’s first national park, this protected sanctuary spans 850 km² where nature reigns supreme . Ranked as one of the most beautiful marine reserves on the planet, Ras Mohamed is much more than just a diving destination. It is a unique ecosystem, an open-air museum where every corner—whether underwater or on land—tells the millennia-old story of the Red Sea. Whether you are an experienced diver seeking thrills or a lover of breathtaking landscapes, this park promises an unforgettable experience.
A Sanctuary of Underwater Biodiversity
If Ras Mohamed is world-famous, it is first for what lies beneath the surface of its crystal-clear waters. Located at the junction of the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, the powerful sea currents constantly bring the nutrients needed for coral life of exceptional richness . Here, the health of the reefs is dazzling, with a living coral cover reaching up to 80% in some areas . More than 220 species of hard coral and 120 species of soft coral thrive here, offering a spectacle of colors and shapes that seems surreal .
This abundance of life attracts an astonishing diversity of marine fauna. Over 1,000 species of fish populate these waters, from schools of anthias dancing above the gorgonians to majestic Napoleon wrasse curiously observing you . Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, rare stonefish, and spotted morays all coexist in this natural giant aquarium .
The Must-Dive Sites of the Park
Diving in Ras Mohamed means navigating between vertiginous coral walls and enchanting underwater gardens. Here are the gems you absolutely cannot miss.
Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef: The Legendary Duo
Considered one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world, this duo forms the beating heart of the park. Shark Reef is an impressive wall that plunges to over 800 meters deep. Covered in soft corals and giant sponges, this wall is the hunting ground for trevallies, barracudas, and grey reef sharks that patrol the current . A drift along this wall leads you directly to the plateau of Yolanda Reef. This is where the wreck of the Yolanda, a Cypriot cargo ship that sank in 1980, rests. Its cargo, now iconic, lies on the sand: bathroom fixtures and bathtubs where clownfish and moray eels now hide. A spectacular and quirky site all at once .
Anemone City
As the name suggests, this site is the kingdom of anemones and their famous residents, the clownfish. The seabed is literally carpeted with these undulating anemones, creating an almost unreal landscape. Diving here is enchanting: by taking the time to observe, you’ll discover hundreds of these small orange and white fish going about their business, fiercely protected by their stinging hosts .
Jackfish Alley and Eel Gardens
These two sites, often combined, offer a varied and fascinating dive. Jackfish Alley is a long coral wall dotted with caves and overhangs where glassfish take refuge. In the blue, compact schools of jackfish circle tirelessly, offering a hypnotic spectacle. Not far away, Eel Gardens is a vast sandy plateau where thousands of garden eels emerge from the sand. As you approach, they retract in a split second, creating a synchronized movement that looks like a perfect choreography .
The Terrestrial Wonders of the Park
Taking the time to land and walk on the solid ground of Ras Mohamed is just as essential. The park offers a striking desert spectacle.
- The Magic Lake: Nicknamed for the changing colors of its waters under the sunlight, this small saltwater lake is an oasis of serenity. Bedouin legend has it that it grants wishes, hence its other name, the “Wishing Lake” .
- The Earthquake Cracks: A walk inland reveals the scars of the 1968 earthquake. Immense crevasses, several meters deep, split the desert floor. Leaning over, you can see seawater seeping at the bottom, a powerful reminder that the sea is ever-present here .
- The Shark Observatory: From this rocky promontory overlooking the sea, you can observe sharks and rays gliding through the clear waters below. A unique vantage point to admire the reef “from above” before going to explore it.
- The Mangrove Channel: A walk on the wooden boardwalk allows you to discover a mangrove forest, a rare and precious ecosystem that serves as a nursery for juvenile fish and a refuge for migratory birds .
Preserving This Jewel
Ras Mohamed is a strictly protected area. It is essential to follow simple but fundamental rules: do not touch anything, do not take anything, do not litter, and use biodegradable, chemical-free sunscreen (reef-safe). Fishing is obviously prohibited . By respecting these guidelines, you contribute to preserving this treasure for future generations.
Experience Ras Mohamed with Xplorer
The Ras Mohamed National Park is a must on any Red Sea liveaboard cruise. To discover its wonders in the best conditions, what better way than to sail at your own pace, right next to the most beautiful sites?
With Xplorer, we invite you to live this unique adventure aboard our vessels, the ARGO Xplorer and the VITA Xplorer. Departing from the Marina at the Marriott 5* in Hurghada, we organize 7-night liveaboard cruises that include Ras Mohamed in several of our itineraries.
Whether you choose a classic North itinerary (combining the park with the reefs of Sha’ab El Erg and the wrecks of Abu Nuhas), a North & Tiran route for drift lovers and big pelagic enthusiasts, or a more distant adventure to Brothers & Ras Mohamed, you are guaranteed exceptional dives.
Our departures are confirmed throughout the season. All that’s left is for you to come aboard the ARGO Xplorer or the VITA Xplorer and enjoy the comfort of our air-conditioned cabins, the quality of our meals, and the expertise of our guides. The national park awaits you. Ready to dive?
