Ras Ghozlani

A projecting reef headland south of Sharm el-Sheikh with a steep wall, gorgonian gardens, and the current-driven fish aggregations typical of exposed headland dives on the Sinai coast.

Overview

Ras Ghozlani is a reef headland at approximately 27.79°N, 34.26°E on the Sinai Peninsula’s southwestern coast, south of Sharm el-Sheikh in the direction of Ras Mohammed National Park. The word “ras” means headland or cape — the protruding nature of this point creates the current acceleration typical of exposed headlands in this section of the Red Sea. Ghozlani lies on the coastal dive axis between Sharm el-Sheikh and Ras Mohammed, and while it doesn’t match the prestige of Shark Reef or Yolanda, it provides quality wall diving in a less crowded environment. The headland wall drops steeply from the shallow reef crest to 15–20 metres.

Site Information

• Location: Sinai Peninsula southwestern coast, south of Sharm el-Sheikh (~27.79°N, 34.26°E)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–25 meters
• Current: Moderate; stronger at the headland point
• Best Time: Year-round; October to May optimal

Marine Life

The headland point produces current-driven aggregations of anthias, fusiliers, and chromis on the wall face. Grey reef sharks occasionally use the headland current to patrol effortlessly. Gorgonian fans at 15–18 metres on the wall face are well-developed. Moray eels occupy the wall crevices throughout. Schools of barracuda hover in open water off the headland tip. The shallow upper reef carries butterflyfish and surgeonfish in typical Red Sea densities. Cleaning stations are established at 8–12 metres on the lee side of the headland.

Dive Profile

Enter on the leeward side and work around the headland point from north to south or south to north depending on current direction. The point itself at 10–15 metres is the most productive section — station here to observe sharks and passing pelagics. Continue to the more sheltered lee side after visiting the exposed headland face. Safety stop at 5 metres over the shallow reef flat.

Entry and Exit

Day boat from Sharm el-Sheikh (40–60 minutes). Giant stride entry. Often combined with Ras Mohammed park sites or positioned on a coastal cruise between park dives. SMB deployment before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• Dive the headland point early in the dive when air is highest — the most exposed and current-affected section deserves full air resources
• The lee side of the headland is the correct choice when strong current makes the exposed face uncomfortable
• Combine with Ras Za’atar (a short distance away) for a two-dive southern Sinai coastal day

Safety Considerations

Current at the headland tip can accelerate suddenly — maintain the reef structure as a reference point and avoid drifting into open water. SMB mandatory before ascending. Fire coral on the upper reef crest.

Photography

Gorgonian fan portraits at 15–18 metres on the headland wall in natural light are the primary wide-angle subjects. Current-driven school portraits — fusiliers and anthias on the wall face — suit ambient wide-angle technique.

Sources: Divezone - Red Sea, Dive the World - Egypt Red Sea, Red Sea Scuba Diving, PADI - Diving in Egypt. Last updated 2026-04-04.