Consistently rated as one of the world’s most exhilarating dive sites, Ras Mohammed offers several stunning dive sites to match every skill level.
Two hundred species of hard and soft coral, 1000 species of fish, 40 species of starfish, 25 species of sea urchins and more than a 100 species of mollusc and crustaceans are all clearly visible in the clear prussian-blue waters of the Red Sea.
At Ras Mohammed expect to drift among schools of colourful angel and butterfly fish, while stingrays, manta rays and wrasse glide around you without fear.
At 25m, encounter white-tipped reef, silvertip, silky and scalloped hammerhead sharks. During December through January sharks mate at Ras Mohammed.
Don’t be surprised to see scorpion fish, readily available here but often a rare sight elsewhere.
Coral type – Extensive, luxurious and sharply defined fringing reef platforms.
Healthy coral gardens include anemone, nudibranchs, huge table corals, sprigs of black coral, alcyonarians and gorgonians.
Marine life – Sharks, tuna, jacks, groupers, barracuda, napoleons, trunk fish, snappers and turtles.
Banner and angelfish, threadfin, masked and striped butterfly fish, jack fish, bat fish, garden eels, parrot fish, lionfish, orange spine unicorn, squirrel fish and blue-spotted rays.
Reef type – Bommies, caves, chimneys, gullies, canyons, overhangs and cliffs.
Type of dives – Reef dives, drift dives, caves, coral gardens, wrecks, drop-offs and night dives.
Water temperature – 20°C (68°F) in winter (December to March); 27°C (80°F) in summer (July to September).
Visibility – Up to 40m.
Suit – Shortie in summer; 5mm to 7mm full suit in winter.
Water entry – Shore, boat and live-aboard. Ras is best serviced by comfortable, fully equipped live-aboard dive boats, some up to 28m in length.
Dive centres – Several dive centres in the area offer ‘club’ facilities for après-dive activities.
Dive courses – A full range of diving courses are available, from beginner to advance level, that lead to PADI or BSAC scuba diving certifications. The PADI National Geographic Open Water diver is also available.
Equipment – Bring your own, however quality dive equipment is also available to rent: scuba tanks, weights, belts, masks, flippers and refills.
Caution – Deep reefs and strong currents make exploring some sites a challenge if you are not with an experienced guide.
To assist, some sites have ropes at 15m. You’ll need an advanced diving licence to get the full benefits of diving the best sites at Ras Mohammed.
Shark Reef – Starts at about 26m and resembles a submerged mountain peak. The eastern end is a sheer vertical wall that attracts loads of groupers and stingrays.
Ras Mohammed Wall – Boasts great visibility, a steep wall and several caves and overhangs.
Yolanda Reef – Dive the remains of the shipwrecked Yolanda. Marvel at thousands of different reef fish including gigantic moray eels and blue- and black-spotted stingrays.
The Thistlegorm – Arguably one of the most famous shipwrecks in the world, the upright Thistlegorm was discovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1955 at a depth of 32m.
Swim around a 4.7” deck gun and a heavy calibre machine gun of WW11 vintage, then float into the hold with its collection of old Bedford trucks.
The Thistlegorm was a transport ship sunk by a German bomber during the Second World War.
Other activities – From Sharm el-Sheikh, (only 25km (15mi) south-west of Ras Mohammed and less than an hour’s drive way), discover the Sinai desert atop a camel, enjoy diner under the stars, relax on a blanket and star gaze.
Visit the local bazaar in old Sharm for local Egyptian handicrafts.
At Na’ama Bay – Sharm’ resort area and the best place for an evening out – lounge about on cushions while smoking shisha or enjoy cocktails at the Hard Rock Café.
Later take in a live show at the Sinai Casino or dance the night away at one of Na’ama Bay’s many lively nightclubs.
Read more about Sharm el-Sheik . . .
Best time to dive Ras Mohammed – Year round, but best from April to August. April/May and October/November are the high seasons. Temperatures reach 40°C (104°F) in August and fall to 20°C (68°F) in winter.
Read more about best time to visit Sharm el-Sheik . . .
Latest update: Diving in Ras Mohammed, Egypt: 3 September, 2023
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