August 5, 2026
Ras Mohammed National Park is the crown jewel of the Red Sea and the number-one natural attraction in Sharm El Sheikh. As Egypt’s very first national park, it sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula — the exact point where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba — and protects some of the most spectacular coral reefs on the planet. If you are visiting Sharm El Sheikh, a day at Ras Mohammed is simply unmissable.
This complete 2026 guide covers what Ras Mohammed is, the best things to see and do, the ideal time to visit, and — most importantly — the easiest ways to get there from your hotel.
Ras Mohammed lies about 20–30 minutes’ drive south of Sharm El Sheikh, at the southernmost point of Sinai. Because it is a protected area, you enter through an official gate and explore a network of bays, cliffs, reefs and desert tracks inside the park. The short distance is one reason it is so popular: you can enjoy a full day of world-class snorkeling and still be back at your hotel by the afternoon.
Ras Mohammed was declared Egypt’s first national park in 1983 to protect its extraordinary marine life. The park is home to hundreds of species of hard and soft coral and more than a thousand species of fish, along with sea turtles, rays and — for lucky divers — reef sharks. The reefs here plunge into dramatic drop-offs just metres from the shore, which is why Ras Mohammed is consistently ranked among the best snorkeling and diving destinations in the world.
The park’s most famous dive and snorkeling site, where coral pinnacles meet vertical walls teeming with fish. Nearby lies the celebrated Yolanda wreck, a cargo ship whose scattered cargo has become part of the reef — a bucket-list spot for divers and snorkelers alike.
A striking salt lagoon tucked between the desert and the sea. Local tradition says its mineral-rich mud is good for the skin, and the calm, shallow water makes it a lovely place to float and relax away from the reefs.
In the south of the park, a rare stand of mangroves lines a shallow channel — an important protected habitat and a beautiful contrast to the desert cliffs around it.
From the Old Military Point cliffs to Anemone City and Jackfish Alley, Ras Mohammed offers easy access to healthy coral gardens and steep walls. Even first-time snorkelers can see an incredible amount of life straight from the shore or a moored boat.
You cannot simply drive in and wander alone — the easiest, safest and most rewarding way to visit is on an organised trip that handles the gate entry, transport and snorkeling stops for you. There are three great options depending on your style:
Not sure which to pick? Choose the bus for value, the private car for flexibility, or the boat trip if snorkeling is your priority.
Ras Mohammed is a year-round destination. Water temperatures are warmest from May to October, while the cooler months from November to April are still very pleasant and a little quieter. Underwater visibility is excellent almost all year, and mornings usually offer the calmest seas for snorkeling.
Absolutely. It is the top-rated natural attraction in Sharm El Sheikh and one of the finest marine parks in the world — a must for anyone who loves the sea.
Yes. Many reefs are easy to reach and life jackets are available, so beginners and confident swimmers alike can enjoy the underwater world.
A guided trip is by far the easiest way — it takes care of transport, park entry and the best snorkeling spots so you can simply enjoy the day.
Ready to explore the Red Sea’s most famous marine park? Pick the option that suits you and book your Ras Mohammed day trip with Sharm Vacations — hand-crafted by local guides, at honest local prices.
Tours & Excursions