Ras Mohammed - Sharm el-Sheikh

Ras Mohammed remains a classic for a reason. Head out from Sharm el-Sheikh and you'll soon be dropping onto the walls of Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, a site protected since the 1980s. You'll often find yourself drifting, the current gently pushing you along as schools of trevally and barracuda glide by in the blue. Keep an eye out for the resident reef fish too, a good spot to tick off some Red Sea endemics. It’s a solid drift dive, best for those comfortable with a bit of flow, and always delivers decent pelagic action.

Location
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.740000, 34.260000

Marine Protected Area: محمية رأس محمد

Best Time to Dive in Sharm el-Sheikh

The warmest water temperatures in Sharm el-Sheikh occur in August, averaging 29.9°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 22.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.6°C
  • February: 22.8°C
  • March: 22.5°C
  • April: 23.3°C
  • May: 25.6°C
  • June: 26.9°C
  • July: 28.4°C
  • August: 29.9°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 27.8°C
  • November: 27.1°C
  • December: 25.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Sharm el-Sheikh

Nearest Dive Centres to Ras Mohammed

Marine Life in Sharm el-Sheikh

Home to 13 recorded species including 6 whales & dolphins, 5 reef fish, 1 sharks & rays, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Ras Mohammed

Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths and maximum depths for diving at Ras Mohammed dive sites?
While specific typical and maximum depths for Ras Mohammed are not provided in our current data, it is known as a reef dive site. Given its 'intermediate' difficulty rating, divers should be prepared for varying depths that may exceed those suitable for absolute beginners.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see when diving in Ras Mohammed?
Divers exploring Ras Mohammed can anticipate a vibrant array of marine life. You are likely to encounter passing trevally and barracuda, which frequent the region for breeding. Furthermore, the protected reefs serve as safe havens for many of the Red Sea's endemic fish species, offering a rich biodiversity experience.
How difficult are the dive sites in Ras Mohammed, and are they suitable for beginner divers?
The dive sites at Ras Mohammed are rated as intermediate difficulty. While not explicitly for advanced divers, this rating suggests that the sites may present challenges such as currents or deeper sections, making them generally less suitable for absolute beginner divers without proper supervision or additional training. Divers should have a good grasp of fundamental skills before exploring this renowned marine park.
What is the best time of year to dive at Ras Mohammed for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Our current data context for Ras Mohammed does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section, or check specific local dive operator information for the Sharm el-Sheikh area.
What diving certifications are recommended or required for diving at Ras Mohammed, especially for more challenging sites?
Given that Ras Mohammed is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, a minimum certification level such as Open Water Diver is typically required. However, for more challenging sections or to fully enjoy the drift dives from Shark Reef to Yolanda Reef, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, which includes training in drift diving and deeper dives, would be highly recommended.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Ras Mohammed dive sites?
While specific details on typical current conditions and visibility at Ras Mohammed are not provided in our current data, the description mentions 'Drifting along the wall from Shark Reef to Yolanda Reef'. This implies that divers should anticipate and be prepared for currents, which are often a feature of such dynamic reef environments. Always check with local dive operators for real-time conditions.