Shark Reef

Shark Reef is one of Ras Mohammed National Park's most famous dive sites, formed by twin coral pinnacles rising nearly to the surface with a wide sandy saddle and a sheer eastern wall that drops into very deep blue water. The site supports dense fish life including large schools of snappers, jacks, batfish and unicornfish, and is named for frequent visits by reef sharks and other large pelagics. The dive is normally a boat-entry drift from Shark Reef toward Yolanda Reef, with prevailing north-to-south currents carrying divers along the wall and across the 10-15 m sandy saddle. Depths generally range from about 10 m to 30 m (the wall extends much deeper); visibility is usually very good (often 20-30 m or more) and water temperature ranges from around 20 °C in winter to the upper 20s °C in summer. Strong currents are a major hazard and can produce a fast, variable drift; inexperienced divers should stay close to a guide. Dense coral, including fire coral, encrusts the reef so care is needed to avoid contact. Permits and park fees are required and diving is restricted to daylight hours and designated areas.