Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohammed Snorkeling & Magic Lake Swim

Summary

Swim at Magic Lake, see earthquake cracks, snorkel Ras Mohammed coral

You’ll start your day at Sharm El Sheikh with hotel pickup before entering Ras Mohammed with a local guide. Touch the Gate of Allah for luck, snorkel among bright coral at Coral Gardens, walk along mangroves and peer into earthquake cracks, then swim in Magic Lake’s clear waters. Expect laughter, salt on your skin, and a few surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the light — kind of sharp and gold, bouncing off the stone at the Gate of Allah. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned and said locals believe it’s good luck to touch the gate before heading in. I did it (felt a bit silly), but honestly? The whole place felt different after that. The bus ride from Sharm El Sheikh was quick enough for me to still be half-awake when we stopped for snorkeling gear — you could smell neoprene and sunscreen everywhere.

I’d never seen water like this before. At Coral Gardens, Ahmed handed out masks and pointed where the reef started (“just past those darker patches”). When I put my face under, there were these tiny blue fish darting around my hands — it almost tickled. The current was gentle but I still got a mouthful of salty water because I was laughing at something a kid nearby said about “finding Nemo.” We dried off in the sun while Ahmed told us stories about Ras Mohammed’s name (something about Moses and miracles — I only caught half because a camel wandered by).

The Mangrove Channel looked like it belonged somewhere else entirely — roots twisting up out of brackish water, with birds flickering overhead. There was this silence except for wind in the branches and someone’s ringtone going off (which made everyone laugh). Then came the Earthquake Crack; standing over that jagged line in the ground felt weirdly humbling. It’s deeper than it looks in photos.

Swimming in Magic Lake was colder than I expected — not freezing, but enough to wake you up fast. Ahmed said some people make wishes here; maybe that’s true. My skin felt tight with salt after, but I didn’t mind. On the way back to Sharm El Sheikh, sand stuck to everything and I realized my hair smelled like seaweed. Still think about that blue water sometimes when I close my eyes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ras Mohammed Park tour and snorkeling

• Pickup from hotel
• Collect snorkeling equipment
• Visit Gate of Allah for photos
• Snorkel among coral reefs and fish
• Explore Mangrove Channel
• See Earthquake Crack formation
• Swim in Enchanted Lake
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Sharm El Sheikh to Ras Mohammed?

It’s a short drive by air-conditioned bus; exact timing depends on traffic but usually under an hour each way.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

The tour includes a stop to collect snorkeling equipment before entering Ras Mohammed.

Can beginners join the snorkeling part?

Yes, all fitness levels are welcome and there is guidance available for beginners during snorkeling stops.

What is special about Magic Lake?

Magic Lake is famous for its clear blue water where you can swim; some say making a wish here brings good luck.

Are entry fees for Ras Mohammed included?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes are included as part of your tour package.

Is hotel pickup provided from anywhere in Sharm El Sheikh?

Pickup and drop-off service is included from hotels within Sharm El Sheikh.

What other sights are visited besides snorkeling?

You’ll see the Gate of Allah, Mangrove Channel, Earthquake Crack, and have photo stops along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle from Sharm El Sheikh, entry fees to Ras Mohammed Park, all taxes, stops for snorkeling gear collection (bring your own if you prefer), guided visits to Coral Gardens for snorkeling from shore, time at Mangrove Trees for photos, a visit to Earthquake Cracks and Magic Lake swimming—all led by a professional local guide before returning you back to your hotel.