South Oasis

South Oasis is a coral reef dive site located within the Ras Mohammed National Park area on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Its coordinates place it in the vicinity of the Gulf of Aqaba’s western shore, where the national park’s protected waters harbour some of the healthiest coral ecosystems on the northern Red Sea.

Overview

South Oasis lives up to its name as a verdant refuge of coral life on what is otherwise a stark desert coastline. The reef rises from a sandy bottom at around 18-20 meters to a shallow crest teeming with fish. Located within the Ras Mohammed National Park, the site benefits from strict no-take regulations that have allowed fish populations to recover to remarkable densities. It is typically visited on day trips from Sharm el-Sheikh.

Site Information

• Location: Ras Mohammed National Park, Sinai, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20-30 meters (65-100 feet)
• Current: Light to moderate
• Best Time: September to May

Marine Life

The reef supports dense congregations of anthias, sergeant majors, and butterflyfish over the coral crest. Parrotfish and surgeonfish are ubiquitous grazers, while groups of barracuda patrol the blue water above. humphead wrasse and large groupers are regular visitors, and sea turtles are frequently encountered grazing on seagrass patches nearby. Occasional sightings of leopard sharks resting on the sandy bottom are reported.

Dive Profile

Descend to the sandy bottom at 18-20 meters and work your way up the coral slope toward the shallow crest. The richest fish life is concentrated between 5 and 15 meters. A figure-eight route allows exploration of both the reef’s leeward and exposed sides. End the dive on the reef crest for a shallow safety stop amid the bustling fish community.

Entry and Exit

Day-boats from Sharm el-Sheikh and Na’ama Bay run regular trips to the Ras Mohammed sites. Entry is by giant stride or back roll. Most operators use a mooring buoy. Ascend the mooring line or deploy an SMB for pickup.

Tips and Recommendations

• Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds from Sharm el-Sheikh
• The national park entry fee applies — factor this into trip costs
• Combine with nearby Ras Mohammed sites such as Shark Reef for a full day
• Bring a wide-angle lens — the fish density makes for spectacular school photography
• Currents are generally mild but verify with your dive guide before descending

Safety Considerations

Boat traffic in Ras Mohammed waters is significant on weekends; maintain close contact with your buddy and ascend at the mooring. Fire coral is abundant on the shallow reef crest — good buoyancy control is essential. Always carry an SMB. Park regulations prohibit touching, standing on, or collecting any marine life or coral.

Photography

The shallow coral garden between 5-10 meters is ideal for wide-angle reef scenes, with excellent natural light and vibrant fish life. Yellowback fusiliers, anthias, and butterflyfish provide constant action. At depth, sandy patches yield gobies on their mounds and occasional sleeping turtles.

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