Dive Site: Ras Mohammed

About Ras Mohammed

Ras Mohammed National Park, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is Egypt's oldest and most well-preserved national park, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and dramatic underwater topography. Where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba meet, a nutrient-rich convergence zone supports an extraordinary density of marine life, making it a world-class diving destination. The park's underwater landscape features spectacular fringing coral reefs, sheer vertical walls plunging to over 700 meters, and unique submerged pinnacles. These deep drop-offs are adorned with dense soft coral growth, showcasing vibrant oranges, purples, and reds, often illuminated by swarms of anthias. The exceptional health of the reef is a testament to the park's strict protection and enforcement. Divers can expect to encounter a wide array of reef and pelagic species, from schooling barracuda and jacks to Napoleon wrasse, and seasonal sightings of hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, and occasional oceanic whitetips. The constant water movement not only feeds the corals but also attracts larger marine animals, creating dynamic and thrilling dive experiences. Visibility is consistently excellent, often ranging from 25 to 40 meters, with water temperatures comfortable for diving year-round. Most dives within Ras Mohammed are conducted as drifts, capitalizing on the prevailing currents that bring nutrients and pelagic action. Popular sites like Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef offer a combination of breathtaking walls, abundant fish life, and the quirky spectacle of a cargo wreck. Divers typically access these sites via day boats from Sharm El Sheikh or as part of liveaboard itineraries, enjoying two-dive or full-day excursions.

Dive site facts: Ras Mohammed

Depth

5–40 m+

Typical dive

15–30 m, 50–60 min

Current

Variable, can be strong

Visibility

25–40 m

Water temperature

21–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard / Day boat

Level

Intermediate and Advanced

Dive type

Wall, drift, wreck, pelagic

Night dive

Not permitted

Region / port

Sharm El Sheikh, Red Sea

Coordinates

27.7333, 34.2667

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Ras Mohammed are highly variable and can range from mild to strong, especially at sites like Shark Reef, where the convergence of the two gulfs creates significant water movement. Stronger currents often coincide with incoming tides, which is also when pelagic species are more commonly observed. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques, as many sites are best explored by letting the current carry you along the reef. Surface conditions can occasionally be choppy, particularly in winter months due to northerly winds, which may affect access to certain offshore sites. Visibility generally remains excellent, typically 25-40 meters, with occasional temporary reductions in shallow areas during spring plankton blooms. Thermoclines are less common outside of summer months, offering consistent water temperatures throughout the dive profile.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey Reef Shark

Year-round · occasional

Hammerhead Shark

June-August, September-November (deeper) · occasional

Napoleon Wrasse

Year-round · common

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Jackfish

Year-round · common

Anthias

Year-round · common

Lionfish

Year-round · common

Moray Eel

Year-round · common

Clownfish

Year-round · common

Whale Shark

March-August · rare

Oceanic Whitetip Shark

September-November · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Ras Mohammed often begins at Shark Reef, entering at the northern end for a drift along its western wall. You descend to depths between 15-30 meters, observing the sheer wall adorned with vibrant soft corals and keeping an eye on the blue for pelagics like grey reef sharks. The current dictates your pace, gently carrying you south. The dive then progresses across a saddle area connecting to Yolanda Reef. Here, you can explore the scattered cargo from the MV Yolanda wreck, including bathtubs and toilets, at depths around 18-25 meters. The dive concludes in the shallower sections of Yolanda Reef, providing ample time for a safety stop amidst rich coral gardens before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Ras Mohammed offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the dramatic wallscapes of Shark Reef, the vast schools of barracuda and jacks, and the quirky sight of the Yolanda wreck's scattered cargo. Pay attention to the strong currents, as they can make stable shots challenging; consider shooting with the current to minimize movement. For macro subjects, the extensive soft coral coverage reveals numerous smaller reef inhabitants, and Anemone City is a prime spot for clownfish. Use strobes to bring out the true colors of the corals and fish, especially on deeper wall sections. Good buoyancy control is crucial to avoid damaging the pristine corals and to maintain position in current.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• SS Thistlegorm

  A legendary WWII wreck, often combined in liveaboard itineraries from Sharm El Sheikh.

• Tiran Island

  Known for its four distinct reefs and potential for hammerhead sightings, a short boat ride from Sharm.

• The Dunraven

  An 1876 Victorian-era wreck offering atmospheric dives with coral-encrusted hulls.

• Eel Garden

  A protected reef garden, ideal for relaxed dives and observing garden eels.

• The Canyon

  Famous for its unique geological formations and vibrant reef life.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Ras Mohammed National Park is primarily from Sharm El Sheikh, a major hub for Red Sea diving. International flights arrive at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH). Divers typically join day boats for full-day excursions to the park, or integrate it into longer liveaboard itineraries exploring the northern Red Sea. Liveaboards often depart from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada. A full-day trip usually includes two dives and lunch onboard. National park fees apply and are typically collected separately by dive operators. Itineraries frequently combine Ras Mohammed with other northern sites like Tiran Island and the SS Thistlegorm.

Safety & environment

Diving at Ras Mohammed requires adherence to national park regulations, which include no anchoring, no fish feeding, and no taking anything from the marine environment. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Sharm El Sheikh. Divers should ensure their travel insurance explicitly covers scuba diving, including emergency evacuation and recompression treatment. Given the potential for strong currents at certain sites, divers should be comfortable with drift diving and possess advanced certification or relevant experience. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your dive guide's instructions, especially regarding entry and exit procedures in current.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Ras Mohammed FAQ

Liveaboards diving Ras Mohammed

These liveaboards may visit Ras Mohammed on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

DUNE Longara

Egypt

30 guests

$150/day

JP Marine

Egypt

28 guests

$109/day

Snefro Pearl

Egypt

12 guests

$150/day

Snefro Love

Egypt

20 guests

$154/day

Sindalahs

Egypt

26 guests38 m

$155/day

Hammerhead II

Egypt

20 guests

$172/day

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m

$172/day

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m

$185/day

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests

$97/day

Star Jet

Egypt

28 guests35 m

$145/day

SS Serena Dreams

Egypt

18 guests33 m

$159/day

Amelie

Egypt

12 guests23 m

$115/day