Ras Muhammad National Park

Ras Muhammad National Park is a marine and terrestrial protected area at the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, established in 1983 to protect coral reefs, seagrass beds and desert coastal habitats. It lies at the junction of the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba and is a prime site for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Reef walls, coral gardens and well-known dive sites such as Shark Reef and the shallow wreck of the cargo vessel Yolanda. The park also contains mangrove-fringed lagoons, small islands and cliff-top viewpoints, and supports a mix of marine life including reef fish, corals and occasional pelagic species.

The reserve was created in the late 20th century in response to pressure on local marine ecosystems and has been managed for conservation and regulated tourism since then. It is a frequent day-trip destination from Sharm El Sheikh and other Red Sea resorts.

Ras Muhammad sits at the southernmost coastal tip of the Sinai Peninsula, a short drive from Sharm El Sheikh and its airport, and forms the marine gateway between the two gulfs of the Red Sea.

• Protected status: Protected as a national park since 1983, the area is managed for both marine conservation and diving tourism, with popular snorkel sites close to shore.
• Yolanda wreck: The shallow wreck of the cargo ship Yolanda is a distinctive snorkeling site near the park's reefs and is often included on half-day boat trips from Sharm El Sheikh.

What to See #

• Shark and Yolanda Reefs: Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef - two of the park's best-known dive and snorkel sites featuring coral walls and abundant reef fish; the wreck of the cargo vessel Yolanda is a shallow snorkel site near the reef.
• Mangrove lagoons: Mangrove and tidal lagoons along the coast that form sheltered nurseries for fish and provide easy snorkel access from beaches.
• Coastal headlands and viewpoints: Rocky headlands and cliff-top viewpoints along the park's coastline offering views into the Gulf of Aqaba and of coral-protected bays.