Coral reefs & marine life: What makes Ras Muhammad unique

Coral reefs & marine life: What makes Ras Muhammad unique

Nestled at the southern extreme of the Sinai Peninsula, overlooking the Gulf of Suez on the west and the Gulf of Aqaba to the east, it became the center of eco-tourism in the region.

It is located approximately 12 km from Sharm el-Sheik, characterized by its coral reef biodiversity, having more than 220 species of corals, with 125 of them being soft. Ras Muhammad remains a top spot that many divers aspire to dive at one day.

1. History of Ras Muhammad

When Egypt took control of the Sinai Peninsula in 1982, Ras Muhammad was protected from fishing and any human activities to protect the fish and the sea world there due to the methods that were used by people to fish, as they were using dynamite, which had caused the killing of many fish and the destruction of the sea world.

•  Egypt’s first national park.

 In 1983, Ras Muhammad was declared Egypt’s first national park by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency.

2. Diving into the depths

Ras Muhammad is one of the best diving sites in the world and the best diving site in Egypt.

• Marine biodiversity

 With over 220 species of corals, accompanied by over 1,000 species of fish, 40 species of starfish, along with the green sea turtle and the endangered hawksbill sea turtle.

• Shark Reef: Deep dive into the wall

But the heart of the park is in those two places, Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef.

 Shark Reef itself is a dramatic vertical wall plummeting to depths of 700-900 meters. As you dive into it, you are going to encounter many different sea creatures, such as Barracudas, along with tuna fish, snappers, and jackfish. Of course, one of the top reasons that makes people visit the Shark Reef is the Grey Reef sharks, the most common species there, often found wandering around in the deep sea beside the reef wall. There are also other types of sharks there, such as Whitetip Reef Sharks, Blacktip Reef Sharks, and Hammerheads (Seasonal); the reason that sharks occupy the place is due to the strong currents that push nutrients and small fish. Also, the place is a protected marine area, so the ecosystem supports the top predators. But don’t worry, you will not be surrounded by sharks, but you might encounter 1-3 sharks.

•  Pro tip 

Keep your camera ready and your head moving around, as they can be beside you without you noticing. Don’t worry, they are not aggressive towards humans, and the risks are very low.

• Yolanda Reef: The sunken ship

Named after the cargo ship that sank there, as you are going to find its remains there, bathtubs, toilets, and more. The shipwreck is now surrounded by corals, making it a photogenic place that many people are attracted to.

3. A destination for all people

Whether you are a passionate diver or looking for a unique spot to spend time, Ras Muhammad is the perfect place for you to experience diving. It does not matter if it is your first time diving; you will enjoy the atmosphere there.