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Shark Observatory

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.2 12 species 27 contributors

Shark Observatory is a year-round dive site in Egypt's Ras Muhammad National Park, known for diverse marine life and healthy coral conditions.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAShore entryPhotoFriendlyMacroFocus

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
Shark Observatory location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
3.5 kn
Wave
0.48 m
Water
29.1°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WNW (39%)
Now: W (268°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.5m

Next: Low at 06:00 (-0.17m)

+0.3 m0 m-0.2 m
▼ 06:00 · -0.17m ▲ 13:00 · +0m ▼ 19:00 · -0.1m ▲ 01:00 · +0.02m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV6.65 · high Air PM2.512 · good 06:30 18:43
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 10 0.8 7 0mm
09-20 14.3 0.92 7 0mm
09-21 16.3 0.94 7 0mm
09-22 7.9 0.72 7 0mm
09-23 5.9 0.76 7 0mm
09-24 5.8 0.74 7 0mm
09-25 12 1.04 7 0mm

About this spot

Shark Observatory, also called Eel Garden, sits within the Ras Muhammad National Park near Egypt's Red Sea coast. The site draws divers year-round, making it accessible regardless of season. Coral here shows no stress indicators, meaning you'll see vibrant reef structures and the creatures that depend on them. The underwater landscape supports at least 12 documented species, giving divers consistent encounters with Red Sea marine life. Community footage from three separate dives shows what to expect once you enter the water. The reef conditions remain stable, which keeps visibility and marine activity predictable across visits. Access to Ras Muhammad requires a permit, as the area is a protected national park. This regulation helps maintain the health you see in the coral and fish populations. Most divers arrange visits through operators based in nearby towns like Sharm El-Sheikh or Dahab, which lie just hours away by road.

📖 Guide: Diving in Egypt: 258 Sites From Wrecks to Hammerheads

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

Reef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F · 220V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 3913km · ~900kg · €16

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 59/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 8h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 7h east · 5 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Shark Observatory?

The site is diveable year-round. There is no seasonal closure or specific best window, so you can plan based on your schedule and general Egypt travel patterns.

What kind of marine life will I see?

At least 12 species have been documented at the site. Specific species vary by season and day, but the reef's healthy coral status supports stable populations throughout the year.

Do I need a permit to dive here?

Yes. Shark Observatory sits within Ras Muhammad National Park, a protected marine area. You must obtain a permit before diving. Local operators typically handle permit logistics as part of their dive package.

What is the dive depth and difficulty?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings are not documented for this site. Contact local dive operators in Sharm El-Sheikh or Dahab for current conditions and recommendations before booking.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Diving @ Shark Observatory, East Muhammad Egypt

MrBeano57

Exploring The Shark Observatory, Ras Mohamed, Egypt

Sound Diving

Marsa Baraika / Shark Observatory - Ras Mohammed - September ‘24

Come Dive With Me
wind peaks Jun-Jul-Aug, calmest Oct-Dec-Nov, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jul (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (85/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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