Ras Mohammed Snorkeling

What Makes Ras Mohammed Different From Other Red Sea Reefs?

Ras Mohammed sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba join the open Red Sea. The currents that meet here carry nutrients to the reefs, so the coral is denser and the fish more numerous than at most sites near the resorts. Protected since 1983, it was Egypt's first national park.

For snorkelers, the key feature is the reef wall. The coral starts a short way below the surface and then drops steeply into deep blue water. You float over the top of the reef, where the light is strongest and most of the fish gather, with open sea beside you. That contrast between bright shallow coral and deep water is what most people remember from the day.

What You Can Expect to See in the Water

The Red Sea is home to hundreds of species of coral and more than a thousand species of fish, and Ras Mohammed is one of the best places to see them close to the surface. Visibility is usually good, so even from the top of the reef you can see a long way down the wall.

• Corals: table corals, brain corals and soft corals in purple, orange and pink, growing right up to the reef top.
• Reef fish: clouds of small orange anthias, parrotfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish and the Red Sea clownfish living in its anemone.
• Bigger visitors: Napoleon wrasse, turtles and schools of fish along the reef edge are seen on some trips, but wild animals are never guaranteed.
• Things not to touch: fire coral, lionfish and stonefish can all sting. The simple rule is to look and never touch.

Is the Trip Suitable for Beginners and Families?

Yes. The snorkeling stops are in calm, shallow water, the crew are in the water with you, and life jackets are provided, so you do not need to be a strong swimmer. A little preparation makes the first stop much easier, especially for children and first-time snorkelers.

• Practice with a mask and snorkel in your hotel pool the day before, so breathing through the tube already feels normal.
• Wear the life jacket even if you swim well. It lets you float without effort and keep your face in the water.
• Check that the mask fits before you get in: it should stay on your face when you breathe in gently through your nose.
• If you are prone to seasickness, take a remedy before the boat leaves. The water around the tip of Sinai can be choppier than the sheltered bays near the hotels.
• Children aged 5 to 11 pay the child price of $35, and infants usually join free. Remember that the day lasts seven to nine hours, so bring snacks and a hat for younger children.

When Is the Best Time to Snorkel at Ras Mohammed?

The trip runs all year. From May to October the sea is at its warmest, often around 27 to 28°C in late summer, and most people can stay in the water for a long time without feeling cold. In January and February the water drops to around 21 to 22°C, which still suits many visitors from colder countries, but a long-sleeved rash guard or a thin wetsuit of your own makes a big difference. Winter afternoons can also be windier, so the crossing may be bumpier. Spring and autumn are a good balance of warm water, calmer seas and comfortable air temperatures.

Protecting the Reef, and Yourself

• Never stand on or hold the coral. It is a living animal, it grows very slowly and it can cut your skin.
• Do not feed the fish. It changes their behavior and harms the reef.
• Leave shells and coral where they are. Taking them out of Egypt is illegal.
• Use a reef-safe mineral sunscreen, or cover up with a T-shirt or rash guard. A sunburned back is the most common snorkeling injury.
• Keep your camera on a wrist strap. Our Egypt photography tips cover the basics of shooting underwater.

Ras Mohammed or a Snorkeling Trip From Hurghada?

If you have not chosen your resort yet, the reefs are one way to decide. Ras Mohammed is the classic snorkeling trip from Sharm El Sheikh, known for its deep reef walls, while boat trips from Hurghada head for the islands and sandy bays offshore. Our Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh guide compares the two in detail. Already in Sharm with a few days to spare? See all our tours from Sharm El Sheikh, including day trips to Cairo and Luxor by plane.