Ras Mohammed National Park

The headline dive

At the southern tip of the Sinai, where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet, Ras Mohammed is Egypt’s first national park and, for most people who go, the headline Red Sea dive. The famous pairing is Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef: dramatic coral walls dropping straight into deep blue, draped in hard and soft coral and patrolled by dense schools of fish. Around Yolanda Reef you’ll find the scattered cargo of the Yolanda wreck still sitting on the reef.

You reach it on a day boat from Sharm El Sheikh, and you don’t have to be a diver to come — many boats carry snorkellers too, and in good conditions floating over the top of those walls is a genuine spectacle. There’s also a land entrance for those who’d rather drive in and see the shoreline, but the water is the reason to make the trip.

Planning the day, honestly

A two-dive day boat from Sharm typically runs from about £55 to £70 per person, usually covering park fees, tanks, weights and lunch; gear hire and transfers are often extra. Snorkel-only spots and prices vary by operator, so check what’s included when you book, and confirm current details on the official site.

One honest caveat on suitability: Shark Reef and Yolanda are deep walls and can carry current, so they suit reasonably confident divers. If you’re new or nervous, say so — a good centre will pick a calmer site within the park and an easy profile to match your experience. Listen to the briefing and dive within your limits.

Set realistic expectations on wildlife: schooling fish and healthy coral are reliable, larger pelagics are a bonus, not a promise. Even so, Ras Mohammed is consistently among the most rewarding dives in the northern Red Sea — block out a full day and don’t rush it.