Ras Mohammed: Shore Snorkeling, Mangroves & Magic Lake
Snorkel straight from the shore of Ras Mohammed National Park over living coral, float in the hyper-saline Magic Lake, and wander ancient mangroves. No boat, no crowds — Egypt's first national park, up close.
Overview
Just thirty minutes south of your hotel, the Sinai desert runs out of land and drops straight into the Red Sea. This is Ras Mohammed — Egypt's first national park — and today you'll explore it the way few visitors do: from the shore, with a mask and fins and only a few steps of warm sand between you and the reef.
You'll pass through the park's Allah Gate and follow the coast to a coral garden that begins in the shallows. Slip in and the water turns to glass — parrotfish grazing the reef, clouds of orange anthias, perhaps a turtle drifting by. Back on land you'll walk among mangrove trees that have learned to drink saltwater, and stand at the edge of an ancient crack the earth tore open long ago.
Then comes the Magic Lake — a pool so dense with salt that you float without trying. Locals say a swim here brings good luck; either way, its mineral-rich water leaves your skin soft for days. Climb the low cliff above the coast and you'll see both the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba at once, desert mountains on one side and endless blue on the other.
Your guide takes care of the park fees, the driving and the best snorkel spots, so all you carry is a towel and your curiosity. Choose the shared group trip for the friendly, best-value option, or go private for a car and guide of your own — either way you're back at your hotel by early afternoon, sun-warmed and salt-rinsed.
Highlights
- Snorkel straight from the shore over Ras Mohammed's living coral gardens, alive with colourful fish
- Float effortlessly in the hyper-saline Magic Lake — so salty you simply cannot sink
- Walk among rare mangrove trees that thrive on pure Red Sea saltwater
- Stand at the ancient earthquake crack where the Sinai desert split apart
- Climb the cliff where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba meet for sweeping photos
- Explore Egypt's first national park — entry fees, air-conditioned transport and guide all included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh
- Transport in an air-conditioned van
- Knowledgeable English/Italian-speaking guide
- Ras Mohammed National Park entry fees
- Shore snorkeling stop over the coral gardens
- Magic (Salt) Lake swim stop
- Mangrove forest photo stop
- Earthquake Crack photo stop
- Gulf of Aqaba panorama photo stop
Not included
- Snorkeling gear (available as a rental add-on)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Good to know
- Child price: ages 3-11 · Infants under 3
- Swimwear (worn under your clothes), a towel, sunscreen and drinking water
- Snorkeling gear is not provided — add the rental gear, or bring your own mask and fins
- Basic swimming ability is recommended for the shore snorkeling stop
- The Magic Lake is extremely salty: avoid it with fresh cuts or straight after shaving, keep the water out of your eyes, and rinse off afterwards
- Water shoes are handy for the rocky shore entry
- Bring some cash for tips and any personal extras