Nature · South Sinai
Ras Mohammed National Park
A national park at the southern tip of Sinai where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet, famed for its coral reefs, mangroves and outstanding diving.
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The story
Ras Mohammed was declared a protected area in 1983 and is regarded as Egypt's first national park, created to safeguard its reefs and wildlife on land and at sea. It began as a much smaller reserve of about 97 square kilometres and was enlarged later. Today its desert headland, mangrove channel and fringing coral reefs draw divers, snorkelers and bird-watchers. In 2018 it earned the IUCN Green List certificate in recognition of effective management.
Good to know
- Declared in 1983, the park is described as Egypt's first national park.
- It holds more than 200 coral species, with live coral cover averaging over 65% inside the park versus 20-30% in unprotected waters nearby.
- Around 240 bird species have been recorded here, and it is an important passage for migrating birds such as white storks.
- The Cypriot cargo ship Yolanda ran aground on a reef here on 1 April 1980, and her cargo of bathroom fittings can still be seen by divers.
- In November 2018 it became the first marine protected area in Africa and the Middle East to earn the IUCN Green List certificate.
Visiting tips
The most comfortable seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November); start early to beat the heat and crowds, and set aside a full day for snorkelling and the park itself. Carry your original passport as it may be checked at control points, and bring water, sun protection and reef shoes to guard against coral and sea urchins. Stay on marked routes, never touch the coral or take anything from nature, and note that fishing is banned inside the reserve. The park lies about 12 km from Sharm El Sheikh, so it pairs easily with a boat excursion from Sharm; check current opening times and fees before visiting.