Established in 1983 as Egypt's first national park, Ras Mohammed has since become a beacon for divers from around the globe. The park, located where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba, boasts a unique ecosystem resulting from the mixing of nutrient-rich waters, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.
Established in 1983, Ras Mohammed was the first national park in Egypt and is a significant area for conservation efforts in the Red Sea.
Opting for a liveaboard trip to Ras Mohammed National Park allows divers to explore a greater number of sites and enjoy the tranquility of the Red Sea away from day-trip crowds. Liveaboards provide comfortable accommodations, expert guidance, and the convenience of having all your diving needs catered to onboard.
The park encompasses an area of approximately 480 square kilometers, extending both on land and into the surrounding waters of the Red Sea. It includes a terrestrial area of around 135 square kilometers and a marine area of about 345 square kilometers.
Ras Mohammed is situated where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. The nearest major city and port to Ras Mohammed is Sharm El-Sheikh, located approximately 12 kilometers northeast of the park. This proximity makes Sharm El-Sheikh a popular base for trips to Ras Mohammed, with the journey by boat taking only a short time. The park is also accessible via road from Sharm El-Sheikh, making it a convenient destination for day trips.
Ras Mohammed is home to a rich variety of marine life due to its unique location at the confluence of two major bodies of water. This includes over 220 species of coral and more than 1,000 species of fish.
The area is also known for sightings of larger marine species such as sharks, including reef sharks and occasionally pelagic species, as well as rays and sea turtles.
The park offers a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels, each boasting its unique features:
Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef: These adjacent reefs are perhaps the most famous dive sites in the park. Shark Reef, with its sheer walls covered in soft corals, drops into the deep blue, while Yolanda Reef is known for the remains of the Yolanda shipwreck.
Anemone City: As the name suggests, this site is teeming with anemones and their clownfish inhabitants, offering a colorful spectacle.
Jackfish Alley: Known for the schools of jackfish and the chance to spot sharks, this site also features a beautiful swim-through and a wall covered in gorgonians and soft corals.
Ras Za'atar: This wall dive is famous for its stunning drop-offs and the abundance of marine life.
Divers in Ras Mohammed National Park are treated to encounters with a plethora of marine species. From the elusive hammerhead sharks to schools of barracuda, trevallies, and the vibrant reef fish, the park is a hub of activity. Turtles, moray eels, and Napoleon wrasses are also common sights.
The best time to embark on a liveaboard trip to Ras Mohammed is between June and September when the water temperatures are warmer, and the visibility is at its peak. However, diving in Ras Mohammed is excellent year-round.