Sharm El Sheikh to Ras Mohammed: An Honest Trip Review
Ras Mohammed National Park, near Sharm El Sheikh, is often said to be one of Egypt’s premier destinations, and too it’s super popular with visitors to the Red Sea. I mean, the park offers a mix of desert beauty and rich underwater ecosystems, so you get the best of both possible. The question is, does the experience measure up to the hype? Is a trip there really that unmissable? I am going to share a close look at what you might expect, based on personal experience and, too some pretty up-to-date information.
Getting There and First Impressions
Reaching Ras Mohammed from Sharm El Sheikh is very straightforward. You can go as part of an arranged tour, or you could get a taxi, that is, either way, it’s really simple. Very commonly, tours involve bus travel to the park gate, as a matter of fact sometimes with a stop or two along the way to pick folks up. The drive offers views of the stark desert, which is definitely giving ‘stark desert,’ you know, and it lasts roughly 30–45 minutes, almost like clockwork.
When you first show up, the park entrance is, in a way, underwhelming. There is that security checkpoint, so you get a glimpse of the visitor center. The real charm is outside of that area, just a little ways away. Don’t expect grand entrances; it is, after all, very much about what is kept secret beyond that gate.
Snorkeling and the Underwater Magic
Snorkeling is, for instance, what a lot of people come for, really, and for good cause. Ras Mohammed has these coral reefs that are teeming with every kind of marine life, honestly. It’s like you jump into a completely different place once you go into the water.
One well-known spot is very often “Marsa Bareika.” This location gives calm, sheltered waters, which is neat for beginners or those that want to just chill out. The coral there is healthy, so too it’s packed with colorful fish; I mean, you may see parrotfish, butterflyfish, and, so on clownfish darting all over. If you are very lucky, I think you may see a turtle or two. It’s very worthwhile to bring an underwater camera. Seriously, do it!
For a spot that is slightly deeper and for someone a bit experienced, think Yolanda Reef. Getting to it could be very tough since it requires a boat trip, so make sure it fits your adventure vibe. There, you could be in with schools of barracuda or jacks, with, too possibly, sharks cruising through. The currents are, arguably, a little stronger out there, yet it definitely cranks up the thrill. Just ensure your snorkeling gear fits properly; that is just good thinking, too. I want to suggest bringing reef-safe sunscreen; after all, the coral will appreciate it!
Beaches and Relaxation
If, really, swimming in salty water isn’t the only thing for you, do not worry; Ras Mohammed offers gorgeous stretches of sand for relaxing, that is, for those that love lounging around. The beaches there usually are peaceful spots where you may sunbathe or read; either is great. “Old Quay Beach” is almost a sandy bit right by a historic dock. Its waters are, so calm, awesome for dipping your feet, you know.
If it is windy out, it is a perfect site for kitesurfing. This beach does lack a little when it gets crowded because space is very small. Looking for more secluded options, check out the smaller bays; they often give, more or less, quiet places. One tip is very much pack some sunscreen and an umbrella since there’s not much shadow. Lounging about requires protection!
The Magic Lake
Magic Lake is almost a fascinating body of water within the park; actually, what’s super awesome about it is the higher salt levels when contrasted with the sea. Many think swimming here seems like zero gravity; well, floating is extremely effortless because it is very true. That bit sits among the dunes. Very often, you have awesome photo opportunities since desert sights surround that spot. Locals very well say the water can grant wishes once splashed over you – kind of like that special fountain, and, by the way, there is not really any way to prove or deny these claims.
Anyway, you can easily spend some time there soaking; keep your head in water for sure because these excessive salt concentrations can cause eye discomfort otherwise! Also, there aren’t any showers near, so bringing freshwater would be cool to rinse afterward because saltwater, for a whole drive back, can be a bit icky.
Things to Consider Before You Go
Okay, so there are just a few must-knows prior your trip; that way, your time is very enjoyable. To start, ensure it’s very clearly what’s involved in your package trip; so, will your tour fee involve snorkeling gear? Often, the equipment has additional rental costs; it pays double to question and be all-set rather than get taken unaware in a way, you see.
It is also very often smart to have food/drinks available because options there are scarce with quite inflated pricing, almost unfairly so! Remember being sustainable when out on the dive spots – do resist touching these corals in any fashion at all as it may injure all of them or distress fragile marine populations too; be extremely conscious to manage refuse conscientiously! Finally: see weather apps; certain seasons often render water activities not as pleasant resulting strong winds causing choppy waters while it will affect your overall visibility and comfort.
Overall Impression
Summing the whole shebang now: a trip to Ras Mohammed Park has elements with exceptional value, almost. Its reef ecosystems? Spectacular! So, with beaches; wonderfully relaxing. Yet the experience lacks charm sometimes, for sure; it really doesn’t get so remote feeling from tourist hotspots – I will grant there occur very congested areas frequently through peak seasons here leading less isolated getaways, if desired.
Did it totally blow my mind out of the water (no pun), right; potentially no. I’m suggesting should you cherish incredible biodiversity & wonderful shoreline scenes easily, it may prove definitely worth all the energy to check out at one time because who has these reefs a quick car ride afar, honestly?! However, for folks wishing much unspoiled spots without anybody – probably assess other Egyptian attractions just for some other perspective here.
Here’s the overview to refresh minds about all talked here
- Accessibility: Tours from Sharm are an absolute breeze – anticipate desert views while commuting.
- Underwater life: A variety marine life, though that snorkeling area may easily become packed sometimes unfortunately
- Magic Lake: The hypersaline float offers amazing experiences! Bring drinking waters & consider showering!
- Preparation counts: Equipment issues covered including catering yourself up from exorbitant location price inflation are just useful thoughts.
Hopefully that review assist; that’s honest reflection!
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