Ras Mohamed: Snorkeling, Mangroves & Earthquake Crack by Bus

Summary

Snorkel Ras Mohamed’s wild reefs by bus from Sharm El Sheikh

You’ll explore Ras Mohamed by bus from Sharm El Sheikh with plenty of time to snorkel wild coral reefs, visit rare mangrove forests, walk along salt-crusted shores, and peer into the famous earthquake crack—all with a local guide who knows every story behind each spot.

What’s the experience like?

Ahmed, our guide, grinned when he saw me gawking at the Ras Mohamed gate — it looks like a temple but it’s just cement, he said, and gave this little shrug. I liked that honesty. The drive from Sharm El Sheikh was about 30 minutes, windows down because the air felt less sharp than I expected. There were families picnicking under scrappy shade trees near the entrance, and a group of kids waved at our bus. It made everything feel less like a tour and more like dropping in on someone else’s weekend.

I’d read about the coral reefs here but didn’t really believe there could be so many colors underwater until I stuck my head in for that first snorkel stop — reds and purples and fish darting everywhere. Ahmed pointed out a parrotfish (he called it “the artist of the reef,” which made me laugh), and then we floated quietly for a bit. The water tasted salty-sweet and there was this faint smell of seaweed that clung to my skin after. We got to swim in both the Aqaba Gulf and Suez Gulf — I couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began but Ahmed insisted we crossed over at some point.

After lunch (I brought my own snacks but someone shared dates with me), we wandered over to see the mangrove trees. They grow right out of the saltwater here — Ahmed said they’re rare in Egypt, something about cold water roots. The ground was crunchy with salt crystals and you could hear nothing except wind moving through those weirdly delicate branches. We stopped at the earthquake crack too; it’s deep enough that you can’t see the bottom unless you lean way over (not recommended if you’re clumsy like me). People tossed pebbles in just to hear how long it took to hit something below.

I still think about floating in that quiet blue water, just listening to Ahmed talk about how Ras Mohamed became Egypt’s first national park back in ’83. There’s something grounding about seeing all these layers — ancient geology, new growth, people laughing nearby. If you’re up for a day trip from Sharm El Sheikh with real moments and not just postcard stops, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bus tour and snorkeling at Ras Mohamed

• Travel by bus from Sharm El Sheikh
• Visit Ras Mohamed National Park
• See coral reefs and fish
• Snorkel in Aqaba and Suez gulfs
• Observe mangrove plants
• View earthquake crack site
• Visit the gate of Ras Mohamed
• Swim at Majestic Lake sandy beach

Top questions

How far is Ras Mohamed from Sharm El Sheikh?

It’s approximately 30 km south of Sharm El Sheikh by road.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

The reference doesn’t specify; check with your provider before booking.

What is special about Ras Mohamed?

It has over 130 types of coral reefs, more than 1000 fish species, rare mangroves, and unique geological features like an earthquake crack.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup?

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned vehicle; confirm exact pickup details when booking.

Can beginners join this snorkeling tour?

The trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels; beginners are welcome.

What languages does the guide speak?

The reference does not specify; ask your provider for language options.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included; bringing your own snacks is recommended.

Are infants allowed on this bus tour?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip travel by air-conditioned bus from Sharm El Sheikh plus a professional guide throughout—just bring your own snacks or lunch if you want extra comfort between swimming stops.