Sharm to Ras Mohammed: Snorkeling, Magic Lake & Mangroves

Summary

Swim Magic Lake snorkel Ras Mohammed see earthquake crack

You’ll swim in the wild colors of Magic Lake, snorkel vibrant reefs right from shore with a local guide, and wander tangled mangrove forests in Ras Mohammed near Sharm el-Sheikh. There’s time for climbing rocky cliffs or just watching sunlight flicker on water. Even after you’re back in town, some part of that silence stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

“Is this the real color?” I remember blurting out, half-laughing, as we pulled up to Magic Lake in Ras Mohammed. Our guide, Mahmoud, just grinned and shrugged like he’d heard it a hundred times. The water was this wild blue-green that almost looked fake against the pale sand — honestly, I kept blinking at it. We’d left Sharm el-Sheikh maybe half an hour earlier (hotel pickup was actually on time for once), and by the time we stopped at the Allah Gate — all sharp white stone and sun glare — everyone in our van had gone a little quiet. It’s weird how quickly the city noise drops away out here.

I didn’t expect snorkeling from shore to be so good. The Red Sea’s supposed to have over 200 coral species — Mahmoud rattled off facts between helping us with our masks (“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to breathing through your mouth!”). Underwater was like a different planet: tiny rainbow fish darting everywhere, bits of coral brushing my arms (probably not supposed to touch those). There was this moment when I surfaced and just floated for a second, salt stinging my lips, sun on my back. You know when you feel small but in a good way?

Later we wandered through these mangrove trees that somehow grow right out of the salty water — their roots all tangled and knobby underfoot. The air smelled briny-sweet and there were birds making these sharp little calls overhead. At one point Mahmoud pointed out an earthquake crack — just this massive split running through the earth like someone had sliced it open ages ago. Some people climbed up for photos; I mostly just stared at how far it went. My shoes filled with sand but I didn’t care much.

The last stop was this rocky cliff where you could see everything: sky blurring into mountains into sand, with the lake shining below us. It wasn’t picture-perfect exactly — wind blowing hair in my face, someone’s towel flapping off a rock — but it felt real. On the drive back to Sharm I kept thinking about that first shock of blue water and how quiet it got by the mangroves. Still kind of sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ras Mohamed National Park

• Hotel pick-up in Sharm el-Sheikh
• Drive 30 minutes to Ras Mohamed Park
• Stop at Allah Gate entrance
• Swim and snorkel with coral reefs
• Drive through mangrove forest
• Swim in Magic Lake
• View earthquake crack site
• Climb cliff for panoramic photos
• Return to hotel

Top questions

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

It’s about a 30-minute drive from Sharm el-Sheikh to Ras Mohammed.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included if you select that option when booking.

Can beginners join the snorkeling part?

Yes, the snorkeling stop is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What is Magic Lake?

Magic Lake is a brightly colored lake inside Ras Mohammed where you can swim during the tour.

Are hotel pickups included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Will we see wildlife or unique plants?

You’ll see mangrove trees growing from salty water and may spot birds or colorful reef fish while snorkeling.

What else do we visit besides Magic Lake?

You’ll also stop at Allah Gate, walk among mangroves, visit an ancient earthquake crack, and climb a cliff for panoramic views.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm el-Sheikh, entry fees for Ras Mohammed Park, use of snorkeling equipment if you choose that option, guided stops at Magic Lake for swimming and at Coral Gardens for snorkeling from shore, plus visits to mangrove trees and an earthquake crack before heading back.