Ras Mohamed National Park Day Trip From Sharm El Sheikh

A Ras Mohamed national park day trip from Sharm El Sheikh is the absolute highlight of visiting the southern Sinai peninsula. Located just 20 kilometers south of Sharm El Sheikh, right where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba, this marine reserve houses some of the richest underwater biodiversity on Earth. A typical day trip begins with a hotel pickup between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM and returns around 4:00 PM. Whether you explore the park aboard a cruising yacht or overland in an air-conditioned bus, you will encounter sheer coral drop-offs, vibrant anemone gardens, and dramatic desert landscapes. When getting ready, make sure to bring your original passport, a beach towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and cash for the national park entrance fee of $5 per person. Having guided travelers through these waters at Sun 'N Fun Egypt since 1990, we can assure you that no two visits to Ras Mohamed are ever the same.

Overland vs. Sea Trips: Choosing Your Experience

There are two main ways to experience Ras Mohamed, depending on whether you prefer spending your day on the water or exploring both the coast and inland natural geological wonders.

The Boat Excursion (Sea Trip)

If your primary goal is world-class snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on open decks, a boat cruise is your best option. Boats depart from the marine jetty and sail south toward the headland of the peninsula. Along the way, you make 2 to 3 stops at offshore reef sites such as Ras Ghozlani or Yolanda Reef, alongside a stop at the famous White Island sandbar.

For a relaxed luxury sailing experience on our signature wooden yacht, we recommend our VIP Ras Mohamed, White Island Snorkeling & Lunch (Sina Dream). If you prefer a classic boat trip with options for intro diving, our Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkeling, Diving & Lunch provides an exceptional day out on the Red Sea.

The Land Excursion (Bus Tour)

Traveling by road takes you inside the terrestrial side of the protected reserve. Land trips stop at unique geological landmarks that boat trips cannot reach. You will drive through the massive stone Gate of Allah, peer down into deep fissures created by historic earthquakes, walk through coastal mangrove groves that filter sea water, and swim in the high-salinity Magic Lake.

If you want a complete land exploration, our Ras Mohamed Full Day Tour by Bus covers all major landmarks with plenty of time for beach snorkeling. For travelers on a tighter schedule, the Ras Mohamed Half Day Tour by Bus offers a swift 5-hour highlights loop that gets you back to your resort in time for lunch.

The Best Reefs inside Ras Mohamed National Park

Ras Mohamed was declared Egypt’s first national park in 1983 to protect its delicate ecosystems from damage. Strong marine currents converge at the tip of the Sinai peninsula, bringing nutrient-rich waters that nourish over 220 species of hard and soft coral and more than 1,000 species of fish.

Here are the top reef locations you may explore during your day trip:

• Shark & Yolanda Reefs: Famous worldwide among divers and snorkelers. Yolanda Reef is known for the scattered remains of the Yolanda, a Cypriot freighter that sank in 1980 leaving behind a famous cargo of porcelain fixtures now encrusted with soft corals. Shark Reef rises vertically from abyssal depths, attracting schools of jacks, barracudas, and blue-spotted stingrays.
• Anemone City: Situated just north of Shark Reef, this shallow plateau features dense colonies of sea anemones and curious clownfish living in peaceful symbiosis.
• Ras Ghozlani: A sheltered bay site featuring delicate table corals, fire corals, and gentle currents ideal for nervous swimmers or beginner snorkelers.
• White Island: A tidal sandbar located at the edge of the park where the gulfs meet. At low tide, a stripe of soft white sand emerges above bright turquoise waters, creating a striking spot for swimming and photography.

Park Entry Fees and Essential Rules

To help conserve the delicate terrestrial and marine wildlife, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency requires a national park entrance fee of $5 per person. For boat charters and organized bus excursions, this fee is paid directly at the park checkpoint or harbor authority before entering.

Because Ras Mohamed is a strictly managed nature reserve, visitors are asked to observe simple conservation rules:

• Do not step on, touch, or hold onto live coral structures.
• Avoid feeding fish, as it disrupts their natural feeding cycles and damages the ecosystem balance.
• Collect all personal trash and avoid single-use plastics where possible.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid leaching harmful chemicals onto sensitive corals.

What to Pack for Your Trip

To make the most of your day, pack light but include the essentials:

• Original Passports: Checkpoint officers verify guest documents before vehicles or boats enter the park grounds.
• Swimwear and Towel: Bring a light microfiber towel that dries quickly in the sun.
• Snorkel Gear: Masks, snorkels, and fins are available for rent at our base if you do not bring your own.
• Cash: Bring small bills for personal expenses, equipment rental, or tipping your crew.
• Windbreaker or Rashguard: During winter months (December through March), sea breezes can feel cool once you step out of the warm water.

When you book with us, our local guides handle all park permissions, logistics, transfers, and safety briefings so you can sit back and take in the natural beauty of the Red Sea.