The Complete Ras Mohammed Guide 2026 — Lotus Sharm

Lotus Admin 4/20/2026 22 min

If you are planning a visit to Sharm El Sheikh, then Ras Mohammed National Park is the destination you cannot miss under any circumstances. This unique reserve sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and combines the beauty of the desert with the magic of the Red Sea in a scene that does not repeat anywhere else on Earth. Over 13 years, Lotus Sharm has organised Ras Mohammed trips for thousands of guests from around the world, and from that experience we have built this comprehensive guide that answers every question you might have.

Where is Ras Mohammed National Park?

Ras Mohammed sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, about 30 km south of Sharm El Sheikh city. The park overlooks the confluence of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, and this unique geographic position is exactly what makes it one of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet. From your hotel in Sharm, the drive takes about 30–45 minutes by tourist bus. The Lotus Sharm team picks you up directly from your hotel on the daily bus trip or by boat on the White Island & Ras Mohammed by boat tour.

The reserve's history: 1983 to today

Ras Mohammed was officially declared a nature reserve in 1983, making it Egypt's very first protected area. The protected zone was extended in 1989 to include the surrounding marine area. The mission was to safeguard the unique coral reefs, rare marine creatures, and the tropical mangrove trees that grow in saltwater — a globally rare phenomenon. Today the reserve spans 480 square kilometres (135 km² of land plus 345 km² of sea), and it stands as an international reference for marine conservation.

What makes Ras Mohammed different?

The coral reefs here are not only beautiful — they are exceptionally healthy. While most coral reefs around the world are suffering from bleaching and mortality due to climate change, Ras Mohammed has retained its excellent condition thanks to:

Strong sea currents that bring cool, nutrient-rich water from the depths.
Strict protection against commercial fishing and damaging activities.
The geographic position at the meeting of two gulfs, making it a crossroads for migrating fish.
Water depth that drops to over 700 m within just a few metres of the shore.

Together these factors make Ras Mohammed one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world according to major diving publications. That is why we at lotussharm.com dedicate a large part of our trip catalogue to this destination.

The best dive and snorkel sites in the park

1. The Mangrove Channel ("Gate of Allah")

A narrow natural channel framed on both sides by mangrove trees, forming a magical waterway. The trees here actually grow in saltwater — a globally rare botanical phenomenon. The Mangrove Channel stop is a core part of the bus tour with Lotus Sharm, and it is also a stunning photography spot.

2. Shark Reef

One of the world-famous dive sites. The vertical wall drops below 700 m and teems with schools of barracuda, giant tuna, and occasionally large sharks. Snorkellers can spot plenty of marine life from the surface too. If you are learning to dive for the first time, this is an unforgettable moment.

3. Yolanda Reef

Named after the SS Yolanda, the ship that sank here in 1980 carrying a strange cargo: ceramic toilets and sinks! Today those pieces lie scattered on the seabed and have become a famous attraction of the site. The reefs around it are some of the most colourful in the Red Sea.

4. The Earthquake Area

A unique geological zone formed by ancient earthquakes, with dramatic rock formations underwater. Suitable for advanced divers only, but snorkellers can see the start of the spectacle from above.

5. The Magic Lake

An inland salt lake formed by seawater seeping through the rocks. Local legend says its high salt and mineral concentration heals skin conditions. Legend or not, the experience is gorgeous and the view is breath-taking.

Marine life in Ras Mohammed

The reserve is home to over 1,000 fish species and 220 coral species. The most notable creatures you might see:

Giant barracuda: gather in huge schools, especially early in the morning.
Tuna: dogtooth and yellowfin.
Lionfish: stunningly beautiful but venomous — never touch.
Moray eels: hiding in reef crevices.
Sea turtles: a magical sight as they feed on sponges.
Sharks: in the deeper spots, reef sharks and hammerheads in summer.
Dolphins: on some boat trips, pods swim alongside the boat.

To enjoy this wildlife safely, Lotus Sharm provides marine-biology trained guides who explain everything you see and ensure your compliance with conservation rules.

A typical day in Ras Mohammed

Here is the schedule of our daily Ras Mohammed by bus trip:

7:00 AM: hotel pickup in an air-conditioned bus.
8:00: arrival at the reserve gate, registration, and short briefing about safety rules.
8:30: stop at the Mangrove Channel for photos.
9:30: arrival at the first snorkel site — Yolanda Reef. Equipment handout (mask + fins).
10:00–12:00: two snorkel sessions with a professional guide.
12:30: lunch break at the private beach (optional meal via Lotus Sharm, or bring your own).
13:30: stop at the Magic Lake.
14:30: visit the Earthquake Area (viewing from land).
15:30: return to the hotel by ~4:30 PM.

Ras Mohammed prices 2026

Prices vary by trip type:

By bus (full day): USD 20 for foreigners / EGP 600 for Egyptians — includes transport, park entrance, guide. Lunch optional.
By yacht: USD 50–65 / EGP 1,800–2,500 — includes transport, boat, lunch, multiple snorkel stops.
Children: 40% discount under 12 years.
Diving: USD 90–120 for certified divers, USD 130 for discover scuba diving for beginners.

Prices include basic insurance. To book, message us on official WhatsApp or via the contact page on lotussharm.com.

Best time to visit Ras Mohammed

The park is open year-round, but the best months are:

October–November: ideal weather (25–28 °C), calm sea, excellent underwater visibility (up to 30 m).
March–May: lovely spring, moderate heat, major fish migration seasons.
December–February: a little cooler (18–22 °C) but the sea is still 22 °C; trips are less crowded.
June–September: hot (35–40 °C) but warm water, best for experienced divers.

For more weather details, read our Sharm El Sheikh weather and best time guide on lotussharm.com.

What to bring with you

Reef-friendly waterproof sunscreen (regular sunscreens damage corals).
Hat or cap to protect your head from the sun.
UV sunglasses.
Waterproof camera (a GoPro is ideal).
Towel and a change of clothes.
Drinking water (no shops inside the reserve).
Light snack or sandwiches (if you don't order lunch with us).
Photo ID or passport (required at the reserve entrance).
Life vest (we provide free of charge, but bring your own if you have a preference).

Park rules: what's allowed and what isn't

Ras Mohammed is a strict reserve. Respecting the rules protects the environment and protects you from fines that can reach thousands of pounds:

❌ Never touch the coral — even dead pieces house living organisms.
❌ Don't feed the fish — it disrupts the ecosystem.
❌ Don't take anything from the reserve (shells, rocks, even sand).
❌ Don't litter — every piece of plastic kills marine life.
❌ No smoking in the marine zone.
✅ Photography is allowed everywhere.
✅ Snorkelling and diving in designated areas only.
✅ Underwater video is allowed and encouraged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to be able to swim for the Ras Mohammed trip?
A: No. You can wear a life vest and try snorkelling in shallow areas. Our Lotus Sharm guides are trained to help non-swimmers.

Q: Is the park suitable for children?
A: Absolutely. Kids over 5 enjoy it tremendously. Read our Sharm El Sheikh family guide for more details.

Q: Are there toilets inside the park?
A: Yes, in the main area. Quality is basic, though.

Q: Can I shower with fresh water after snorkelling?
A: Not on bus trips. On yacht trips, yes — onboard.

Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: We cancel the trip 24 hours in advance and refund the full amount, or we reschedule for another date. See our cancellation policy.

Q: Is insurance included?
A: Basic accident insurance is included. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance especially for diving. Details in our terms of service.

Tips from our team at Lotus Sharm

Book early: peak seasons (November, April) fill up quickly. Via lotussharm.com you can book up to a month ahead.
Bus for budget, yacht for comfort: bus is economical and still excellent. Yacht is quieter and less crowded.
Early morning is best: fish are more active, sun is gentler, fewer crowds.
Learn to dive here: Ras Mohammed is an incredible place for a first dive. See the discover scuba diving course on lotussharm.com.
Save the Lotus Sharm WhatsApp number: https://wa.me/201090767278 — for inquiries before, during, and after your trip.

How to book your trip

Booking with Lotus Sharm is easy and secure:

Visit the trips page on lotussharm.com.
Choose Ras Mohammed by bus or the White Island & Ras Mohammed by boat.
Click "Book via WhatsApp" — a pre-filled chat opens with all the details.
Our team confirms the booking and sends payment instructions.
On the morning of the trip, the bus is at your hotel.

Read also on the Lotus Sharm blog

Conclusion

Ras Mohammed isn't just a tourist stop — it's a life-changing experience. Over 13 years of organising its trips for thousands of guests, we at Lotus Sharm have learned that the secret to a successful trip is: good preparation, a professional guide, and respect for the environment. Every element of this guide is built on our field experience at lotussharm.com. See you on the next trip!

Book now: WhatsApp +20 109 076 7278 · Contact page · info@lotussharm.com