Ras Nasrani

The northernmost regularly dived site on the Sinai mainland — a diverse headland reef with caves, garden eel colonies, and large sea fans, serving as the gateway between the Tiran Straits and the Gulf of Aqaba.

Overview

Ras Nasrani (“Christian Cape” in Arabic) is approximately 11 km north of Naama Bay, marking the beginning of the Gulf of Aqaba where the Straits of Tiran open into the Red Sea. It is the most northerly dive site on the Sinai mainland dived on a regular basis. The reef structure is varied: a shallow sandy plateau at 6 metres gives way to large coral heads (ergs) interspersed through the bays, and the outer reef wall drops to 60 metres or more. The shallow sections hold significant soft coral coverage and spectacular individual sea fans reaching 6 metres across on the deeper wall sections. A garden eel colony occupies the sand at around 18 metres to the north of the main entry. The strong currents that periodically sweep through near the headland attract pelagic visitors including spotted eagle rays, tuna, and — in season — manta rays and even whale sharks.

Site Information

• Location: North of Sharm el-Sheikh, Sinai coast, Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 25 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–35 meters
• Current: Mild in the bays; can be strong at the headland
• Best Time: October to May (pelagics most common September–November)

Marine Life

The shallow coral heads support dense reef fish communities — surgeonfish, butterflyfish, anthias, and parrotfish in abundance. Hawksbill turtles are frequently encountered resting on the coral heads. Giant moray eels inhabit the caves and crevices. A large garden eel colony on the sand to the north of the entry point extends in a visible band at 18 metres — one of the more accessible eel colonies on the Sharm coast. Eagle rays cross the sandy areas between coral heads. The deeper wall hosts barrel sponges and massive gorgonian fans. Summer months bring high current at the headland, which in turn attracts tuna, jacks, and barracuda, with mantas and whale sharks reported by multiple operators. Flashlight fish, Spanish dancers, and cone shells appear on night dives.

Dive Profile

Enter from the shore at the beach and descend to the reef flat at 6 metres, heading north toward the headland. The shallow bays allow leisurely exploration of the large coral heads at 5–15 metres. For the garden eel colony, continue north along the reef to the sandy area at 18 metres. Closer to the cape, the reef drops to 25 metres and the current increases — experienced divers can drift with the current here for the best pelagic action. Return south along the outer reef wall at 15–20 metres. Night dives from shore are excellent and well-established at this site.

Entry and Exit

Shore entry from the beach at Ras Nasrani. The entry point is well-established; check with local operators for current conditions at the headland before diving. Wetsuit is recommended — the beach walk involves sun exposure and the occasional urchin on rocks. Can also be reached by day boat from Sharm el-Sheikh operators.

Tips and Recommendations

• Approach the garden eel colony at 18 metres very slowly and stop several metres before the field edge — the eels will partially retract but resume feeding if divers remain still and low
• Large sea fans on the deeper section of the wall (25 m+) are best viewed from below for perspective
• Night diving is excellent here: flashlight fish and Spanish dancers are highlights
• Far Garden to the south regularly sees manta rays — plan both sites on the same day trip
• In summer, check the headland with caution — currents at the cape can be very strong without warning

Safety Considerations

Current is the main variable hazard at Ras Nasrani. The sheltered bays are calm in most conditions, but the headland itself channels significant current when the tide runs through the strait. Divers should not attempt the headland section in strong conditions. Standard reef hazards: fire coral on the upper reef, urchins at the entry point, and lionfish in crevices. Always carry an SMB for ascent in drift conditions. Advanced Open Water recommended for diving the headland.

Photography

The large sea fans on the outer wall at 20–25 metres are outstanding wide-angle subjects — their scale (up to 6 metres across) is difficult to convey without a diver for reference. The garden eel colony rewards a very slow, patient approach and produces striking images of eels extending from the sand in unison. On night dives, Spanish dancers are vivid macro subjects. Hawksbill turtles on the shallow coral heads are reliable subjects in clear, well-lit conditions.

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