Egypt’s Underwater Paradise
📍 Location & Area
Situated at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, approximately 12 km from Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Mohammed National Park marks the confluence of the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba.
Established as a protected area in 1983, the park spans 850 km², comprising:
135 km² terrestrial area
715 km² marine environment (including 345 km² core aquatic zone)
🌿 Exceptional Biodiversity
Recognized as Egypt’s most biodiverse marine area, the park hosts:
150 species of corals (including 40 endemic to the Red Sea)
1,000+ fish species (25% Red Sea endemics)
270+ bird species (including migratory herons, gulls, and ospreys)
Rare terrestrial species: Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) and desert reptiles
🏖️ Geological Wonders
Mangrove Channel:
Tidal waterway separating Ras Mohammed peninsula from Bareira Island
Features rare Avicennia marina mangrove stands
Critical nursery for marine life
The Enchanted Lagoon:
Chromatic seawater that shifts from turquoise to emerald
Hypersaline ecosystem supporting unique microorganisms
Earthquake Caves:
Submerged tectonic formations reaching 50m depth
World-class dive sites with 30m+ visibility
🤿 Ecotourism Activities
A premier destination for:
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
12 internationally renowned dive sites
Pristine coral walls (Yolanda Reef, Shark Reef)
Wildlife Observation:
Seasonal bird migration monitoring
Desert ecology safaris
Therapeutic Tourism:
Mineral-rich sands (magnesium, potassium)
Thalassotherapy potential
🌍 Global Significance
UNESCO World Heritage candidate site
RAMSAR wetland of international importance
Contains 8% of the world’s coral species
Critical Red Sea biodiversity hotspot
⚠️ Conservation Challenges & Measures
Threats:
Marine debris (annual 12-ton removal effort)
Coral bleaching (30% affected since 2015)
Anchor damage to reefs
Protection Initiatives:
Mooring buoy system (85 installed)
Daily visitor caps (max 3,000)
Coral propagation program
AI-powered monitoring (since 2022)
Scientific Value:
Long-term climate change research site
Gene bank for heat-resistant corals
Baseline for Red Sea ecosystem studies
Visitor Guidelines:
✓ No-touch policy for marine life
✓ Biodegradable sunscreen only
✓ Restricted zones marked
✓ Mandatory briefings
