Egypt's oldest national park protects some of the world's finest coral reefs at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef attract serious divers while the white sand beaches offer spectacular undeveloped scenery.
Ras Mohammed National Park encompasses the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba converge. The park protects a dramatic landscape of white sand beaches, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and fossil coral terraces, all set against the turquoise and deep-blue waters of the northern Red Sea. Established in 1983 as Egypt's first national park, Ras Mohammed is widely regarded as having some of the finest coral reefs on the planet, with Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef consistently ranked among the world's top dive sites.
The beaches within the park are small and undeveloped compared to the resort strips of Sharm El Sheikh, 20 kilometres to the north. The main visitor beach at the Hidden Bay area features powdery white sand, shallow entry, and extraordinary underwater clarity — visibility routinely exceeds 30 metres. The water takes on vivid turquoise and emerald green tones near the shore, deepening to cobalt blue beyond the reef edge. Most of the coastline is fringing reef with an abrupt drop-off; the vertical coral walls plunge to 70 metres in places and are encrusted with sea fans, soft corals, and hard coral formations hosting hundreds of tropical fish species.
Wildlife above the waterline is equally impressive. Migratory birds rest in the park's mangroves during seasonal migration, and the remote beaches occasionally host nesting sea turtles. Rangers enforce strict rules: no littering, no touching corals, no collection of any marine life, and only reef-safe sunscreen is permitted.
Visiting the park requires purchasing a National Parks Authority entrance permit at the gatehouse, currently priced at EGP 75 for adults and EGP 35 for children. The park roads are sealed and suitable for standard vehicles, though a 4×4 allows access to more remote viewpoints. Most visitors arrive by organized day tour from Sharm El Sheikh, which typically includes a guided snorkel stop at Shark Reef and time on the beach. Independent access by taxi or rental car is also possible; the drive from central Sharm El Sheikh takes approximately 30 minutes.
Facilities at the main visitor area include toilet blocks and a basic café near the park entrance. No sun loungers, water sports, or commercial vendors operate within the park boundaries.
Amenities
- facilities at park entrance
- toilets
- entrance fees apply
- snorkeling gear rental nearby
Good to know
- Best for
- divers, snorkellers, wildlife-watchers, photographers, couples
Highlights
- Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef — two of the world's most celebrated dive sites accessible on day trips from Sharm El Sheikh
- Pristine white-sand beach within Egypt's first national park, with 30 m+ underwater visibility
- Dramatic convergence point of the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba, visible from the southern cliffs
- Diverse wildlife including migratory birds in the mangroves and occasional nesting sea turtles on the beaches
Tips for visiting
- Purchase park entrance permits through an organized tour to avoid queuing at the gatehouse, especially in peak season (December–February)
- Reef-safe sunscreen is compulsory — rangers may turn visitors away if standard sunscreen is detected
- The best snorkelling at Shark Bay is in the morning before tour boats arrive; aim to be in the water by 9 a.m.
- A wetsuit or rash vest is recommended for prolonged snorkelling, as open-water immersion causes sunburn and chill faster than expected
- Bring all food and drink from Sharm — the entrance café has very limited stock and nothing is available inside the park
When to visit
The park is best visited between October and April when temperatures are comfortable (22°C–28°C) and underwater visibility peaks. Summer visits are possible but heat on the exposed beaches can be intense; early-morning arrival is strongly advised.
Accessibility
The main visitor beach is reached via a flat sealed road and a short walk across sand. No dedicated beach wheelchairs or adapted ramps are present; mobility-impaired visitors may find the sand surface and uneven coastal terrain challenging.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need a special permit to enter Ras Mohammed National Park?
Yes. A National Parks Authority entrance permit is required and purchased at the main gatehouse. The current fee is EGP 75 for adults and EGP 35 for children. Most organized day tours from Sharm El Sheikh include this cost.
Can independent visitors snorkel without joining a tour?
Yes. Independent visitors can snorkel from the designated beach areas within the park. Snorkelling gear is not available for rent inside the park, so visitors should bring their own or rent from a dive shop in Sharm El Sheikh before arrival.
How far is Ras Mohammed from Sharm El Sheikh?
The park entrance is approximately 20 km from central Sharm El Sheikh, roughly a 30-minute drive by taxi or rental car. Day tours typically depart from the main hotels between 8 and 9 a.m.
Are there restaurants or food facilities inside the park?
Only a basic café near the park entrance is available. Visitors are strongly advised to bring sufficient water, snacks, and sun protection for a full day, as resupply inside the park is not possible.