Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt

Ras Ghozlani

Ras Ghozlani is the northernmost dive site of Ras Mohammed National Park and is widely considered the most pristine reef in the area thanks to a strict no-anchor policy and limited boat traffic. The site is a gentle sloping garden of hard corals descending from the reef shelf at 5 metres to a sandy bottom at 25 metres, dotted with pinnacles and bommies. Reef life is exceptionally varied: anthias clouds, butterflyfish, lionfish, masked pufferfish, peacock groupers and the occasional crocodilefish (Papilloculiceps longiceps) hunting on the sand. The shallow plateau is ideal for safety stops with anemones and Spanish dancers (at night) reported. Currents are usually mild, making this an excellent intermediate dive and a favourite warm-up for the more challenging southern reefs of the park. Ras Ghozlani forms part of the Ras Mohammed protected area gazetted in 1983 (extended in 1992). Visibility 25–30 metres typical.