Ras Mohammed National Park day guide
Snorkel sequencing, mangrove walks, and gate fees from Sharm planners.
Ras Mohammed is Egypt's flagship marine park at the southern tip of Sinai. Gate rules and fees change; coordinators update this page monthly.
Fees and hours (February 2026)
Adult entry about EGP 300; private car EGP 75; minibus rates differ. Park opens near 07:00; last entry 16:00 winter. Rangers enforce reef-touching fines.
Snorkel stops in order
On calm days: Yolanda Reef first for deep blue water, then Aqaba Bay shallow lagoon for beginners, finish at Mangrove Channel boardwalk before heat. Swap order when north wind rises—lagoon first.
Mangrove boardwalk
Interpretive signs explain avian migration. Closed sections during nesting—observe ropes. Link to heritage museums for land-day alternates when swell cancels reef.
What to bring
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Reef-safe sunscreen | Required for marine protection |
| EGP cash | Card readers often offline |
| Passport copy | Occasionally checked at gate |
Dahab shore dives on another day—see Dahab diving guide. Heat protocols in safety guide.
Boat versus shore entry
Boats add cost but reduce fin walks on sharp coral rubble. When swell exceeds one metre, boats cancel—have land backup plan.
Wildlife distances
Do not chase sea turtles or climb mangrove roots. Rangers issue warnings first, fines second.
Combined ticketing
Some operators sell joint tickets with Tiran Island—verify inclusion of park fees before paying markup.
Entry fees and gate hours
Vehicle entry for foreigners was about EGP 350 per car plus EGP 200 per adult passenger in early 2026—confirm at gate because park fees adjust seasonally. Gates open near sunrise; last entry typically three hours before sunset. Snorkel gear rental exists at the marina but quality varies; bring your own mask if possible.
Best snorkel stops inside the park
Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef drift snorkels require boat support and calm swell. Main Bay offers easier entries for beginners when wind is under ten knots. Mangrove channel walks are tide-dependent; low tide exposes roots where fish nurseries gather—guides explain why stepping on roots is prohibited.
Environmental rules
No touching coral, no feeding fish, no plastic bottles left on beaches. Fines are enforced. Sunscreen should be reef-safe; many boats now stock zinc sticks. Pair with morning museum visits using our Sharm museums guide only when heat index allows afternoon reef time.
Boat versus shore entry
Some reefs are boat-only when swell rises. Shore entry saves money but limits sites. Operators at Sharm marina quote EGP 800–1,200 for half-day snorkel boats including park fees—verify inclusion before paying. Life jackets mandatory for children on park boats.
Photography and drones
Landscape photography from cliffs is permitted for personal use. Commercial shoots need park permits. Drones confiscated at gate without prior approval—do not attempt launches from boats either.
Combined boat and shore itineraries
Morning shore snorkel at Main Bay followed by afternoon boat to Shark Reef works when swell is moderate. Operators sell combo tickets; verify life jacket sizes for children before boarding. Seasickness pills taken one hour before departure reduce nausea on choppy days common in February.
Shade structures exist at Main Bay but not all snorkel stops; bring rash guard for UV protection when wetsuit is overkill in summer water temperatures above 26°C.
Marine life expectations
Clownfish, parrotfish, and occasional turtle sightings occur at Main Bay; do not chase turtles—fines apply. Lionfish invasive species appear; do not touch spines. Rangers patrol for coral standing; report offenders to gate staff.
Packing list for park day
Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, water two litres minimum, cash for fees, copy passport, dry bag for phone, sandals for hot sand, light snack if boat tour skips lunch timing.
Arrive before 09:00 in peak season to avoid queue at gate kiosk; card payment availability varies—cash remains reliable.
Glass-bottom boats depart from Sharm marina when park shore entry is closed due to swell—alternative listed in Reef Coordinator reroute SMS with honest visibility expectations.
Rangers speak Arabic and basic English; phrasebook helps for fee questions at kiosk.
Leave no plastic behind; rangers fine littering heavily.
Need this fitted into your dates?
Coordinators merge museum, monastery, and reef days into one brief.
Request a plan