Diving atRas Nasrani (Egypt)
For divers exploring Egypt's Red Sea, Ras Nasrani presents a destination known for its varied underwater topography, accommodating diverse dive profiles. This northern Sharm El Sheikh site offers options for drift, semi-drift, and mooring dives. Its fringing reef plate, interspersed with sandy bays, transitions into an extended coral plateau, inviting a range of underwater experiences.
Current morning readings from Ras Nasrani indicate an air temperature of 27°C. Surface wave heights are averaging around 0.4 m at this time. These local measurements provide a baseline for your daily dive planning.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Exploring Ras Nasrani offers a progression from shallow reef flats to deeper wall environments, ensuring a compelling experience. Reef flats, gently cut away in a series of shallow bays, typically sit at about 6 m (20 ft).
Beyond these, the reef descends dramatically into a buttressed wall, featuring sandy gullies that reach depths of approximately 60 m (197 ft). Throughout this dive, an interesting coral plateau provides opportunity to observe pelagic fish species. The wall itself hosts small pinnacles and crevices, creating shelter for various marine life.
Much of the site's most engaging diving occurs in shallower sections, among vibrant coral heads and through numerous caves and swim-throughs. Further in, a distinct coral garden thrives in its recreational depth range, characterized by soft coral, Gorgonian Fans, and Porite Coral formations, including an eye-catching Red Anemone in a slightly deeper section.
Ras Nasrani
Conditions are Good
DIVE WARNING
High Wind Advisory (50km/h). Unsafe surface.
Current conditions near Ras Nasrani show 27° air, 26° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 50 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Considering a dive at Ras Nasrani, seasonal conditions offer varying appeal for divers. Air temperatures range considerably throughout the year, from a cooler 19.5°C (67°F) in February to a peak of 34°C (93°F) in August. Diving conditions are rated 'Excellent' in November and December, aligning with lower average wind speeds around 24-25 km/h (15 mph) and minimal rain. In contrast, spring months, particularly April and May, show higher average wind speeds, up to 33 km/h (20 mph), which can influence surface chop, although dive scores remain 'Good' during these periods. While water temperatures are not consistently reported, the generally warm climate of the Red Sea ensures comfortable diving for most of the year, with wave heights typically modest, ranging from 0.4 to 0.6 m (1.3-2.0 ft).
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Navigating Ras Nasrani is generally considered accessible for divers of all levels, featuring an easy descent into its vibrant ecosystem. The site permits various approaches, including drift, semi-drift, or mooring dives, adapting to prevailing currents. Inside the headland, any currents present typically flow northward, but the main headland itself can encounter stronger currents, attracting larger marine visitors. Recreational diving often focuses on the coral garden and shallow areas, where depths range between 5 to 14 m (16-46 ft). Beyond this, the main wall extends deeper, with its structure of pinnacles and crevices reaching down to approximately 50 meters. Surface conditions generally remain calm, with average wave heights rarely exceeding 0.6 m (2.0 ft), contributing to a more relaxed entry and exit experience.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Approaching Ras Nasrani requires an understanding of its variable current patterns, particularly around the exposed headland, which can bring in pelagic fish but also necessitate careful dive planning. Consulting local dive professionals before entering the water is paramount to assess real-time conditions and current strengths. While the site features maximum depths up to 60 meters along its wall, divers must strictly adhere to their certification limits and maintain excellent buoyancy control, especially when exploring the shallower coral garden and swim-throughs to protect delicate reef structures. Due to the potential for drift diving, carrying a surface marker buoy (SMB) is a prudent safety measure.
Recommended Equipment
Overhead environment. Do not enter beyond training and gas planning limits.
Current and surface separation risk. Local briefing strongly recommended.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Reel / Spool
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Ras Nasrani, Egypt. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers planning relaxed exploration may appreciate the warmth of 2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit. Consider warmer surface protection (like a boat coat) due to brisk winds. Divers often notice that perceived temperature can feel cooler during deeper or longer dives.
The waters surrounding Ras Nasrani are currently maintaining temperatures close to 26°C (79°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 27°C (81°F).
Temperatures look set to gradually increase over the next several days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Ras Nasrani.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Closest Listed Hyperbaric Chambers
Showing listed hyperbaric chamber facilities within 200 km of this dive site.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances and may not reflect emergency travel time.
Hyperbaric & Diving Medicine Institute at Yoseftal Medical Center, Yoseftal Medical Center
24/7 ListedICU CapableEilat, Israel•Approx. 183 km straight-line
Hyperbaric & Diving Medicine Institute at Yoseftal Medical Center, Yoseftal Medical Center
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Marine Life at Ras Nasrani
Across its diverse underwater landscape, Ras Nasrani provides numerous opportunities for marine life encounters. The extended plateau serves as a vantage point for observing passing pelagic fish such as jacks and tuna, with rare sightings of manta rays or even whale sharks. Within the wall's many crevices and small pinnacles, divers can often spot Giant Morays and Puffer Fish. A vibrant coral garden at shallower depths hosts an array of soft corals, large Gorgonian fan corals, and distinctive Porite Coral formations. Closer to the sandy areas, bluespotted stingrays are commonly encountered. Night diving here reveals a different cast of characters, with crabs, Spanish dancers, cone shells, and calamari becoming active on the reef and sand.
Dive Sites Near Ras Nasrani
View all dive sites in EgyptDiscover more underwater gems in this area.
Dive Centers Near Ras Nasrani
Working Hours
Today: 08:00 - 17:00
Blue Sea Dive Club
Blue Lagoon Diving Center
Pyramids Diving Center
Seamax Sharm Dive Center
Sea Life Sharm Diving Center
Cinderella Eldawley Diving Center
Emperor Divers
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What types of diving are possible at Ras Nasrani?
Ras Nasrani offers versatile diving, including drift, semi-drift, and mooring dives. The site's varied topography allows for different approaches depending on conditions and diver preference.
What is the maximum depth typically encountered?
The main reef wall at Ras Nasrani descends to approximately 60 m (197 ft) in some sections. Recreational diving often focuses on shallower areas, with the coral garden generally found at depths between 5 and 14 meters.
Are there strong currents at this dive site?
Currents inside the headland generally run north and are often mild. However, the exposed headland itself can experience stronger currents, which are important to consider for planning drift dives.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
Divers may encounter pelagic fish like jacks and tuna on the plateau. Giant Morays and Puffer Fish inhabit wall crevices, while bluespotted stingrays are seen in sandy areas. Anemones, soft corals, and various hard corals add to the vibrant reef life.
Is Ras Nasrani suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, Ras Nasrani is generally considered an easy dive suitable for divers of all levels. The shallower coral garden and protected bays provide excellent conditions for less experienced divers, with deeper sections available for advanced certifications.
What are the prominent coral formations at Ras Nasrani?
The site features a rich diversity of corals, including extensive Gorgonian fan corals, which are particularly notable on the plateau. You'll also find Porite Coral formations and various soft corals, especially within the protected coral garden.
Are there any specific safety precautions for diving here?
It's advisable to consult with local dive professionals regarding current conditions, especially for drift dives. Good buoyancy control is essential to protect the fragile coral formations, and carrying a surface marker buoy is recommended for visibility.
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Ras Nasrani
Conditions are Good
DIVE WARNING
High Wind Advisory (50km/h). Unsafe surface.
Current conditions near Ras Nasrani show 27° air, 26° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 50 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.