Ras Mohammed (which translates to “Cape Mohammed”) is Egypt’s first and most renowned national park, declared in 1983. It is located at the very southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba, approximately 20 km southwest of Sharm El-Sheikh.
The park is world-famous for its spectacular and pristine marine ecosystems. It is arguably one of the most spectacular dive destinations on the planet, known for its vertical coral walls, dramatic drop-offs, and incredibly abundant marine life. The park encompasses both a terrestrial and a massive marine area.
The landscape is dramatic and arid, featuring majestic cliffs and headlands that plunge into the deep blue sea. Below the surface, the nutrient-rich currents converging at the cape support an explosion of life, making the coral reefs some of the most vibrant and healthy in the entire Red Sea.
Interesting Facts & Figures
Conservation & Status:
First National Park: Ras Mohammed was established as a National Park in 1983 by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) to protect its unique ecosystems from growing development and fishing pressures.
Protected Area: The park covers a total area of **approximately 480 square kilometres (185 sq mi), with about 135 sq km (52 sq mi) of land and 345 sq km (133 sq mi) of water.
UNESCO Recognition: The park is part of the UNESCO-Ramsar Convention, recognising it as a wetland of international importance, and is included in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Geography & Geology:
Strategic Location: The park’s position at the confluence of the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba creates strong currents that bring nutrient-rich waters, fueling the entire marine food web.
Earthquake Activity: The entire area is seismically active due to the tectonic rift between the African and Arabian plates. A significant earthquake in 1969 created a massive fissure now known as the “Earthquake Crack” or “The Crack” on land.
Mangrove Forests: The park contains several protected mangrove channels (like Khor Mashira). These saltwater-tolerant trees are crucial for preventing erosion and providing a nursery for young fish. Their roots can filter out salt, a unique evolutionary adaptation.
Marine Life & Diving:
Biodiversity Hotspot: The reefs are home to over 220 species of coral and more than 1,000 species of fish, including many endemic to the Red Sea. It’s a common site for sharks (especially hammerheads and reef sharks), dolphins, napoleon wrasse, manta rays, and sea turtles.
Iconic Dive Sites:
Shark Reef & Yolanda Reef: Two adjacent reefs separated by a deep channel are the park’s most famous sites. The wreck of the *Yolanda* freighter lies off the reef, and its cargo of spilt toilets and bathtubs (!) now provides an artificial reef and a unique underwater photo opportunity.
The Anemone City: A vast colony of magnificent sea anemones, each hosting colourful clownfish.
The Eel Garden: A sandy area where countless garden eels poke their heads out of their burrows.
Coral Walls: The reefs feature breathtaking vertical walls that drop from the surface to over 50 meters (164 feet) deep, covered in soft and hard corals.
Visiting the Park:
Access: The park is only accessible by road from Sharm El-Sheikh. Visitors pay an entrance fee, and all activities within the park are strictly regulated to minimise environmental impact.
No Fishing: All fishing is absolutely forbidden within the park’s boundaries, which is a key reason for the high density and large size of the fish population.
Bird Migration: Despite being a desert, the park is an important stopover point for **white storks** and other migratory birds travelling between Europe and Africa.
In summary, Ras Mohammed National Park is a pristine, protected jewel of the Red Sea. It is a living laboratory of marine biodiversity and a world-class destination for divers and snorkelers, offering some of the most dramatic and healthy underwater landscapes on Earth. Its protected status ensures this incredible ecosystem will be preserved for future generations.
