Covering 480 km2, Ras Mohamed forms the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula at the junction of the Suez and Aqaba gulfs. Acknowledged as one of the best diving areas in the world, this is Egypt's oldest and best known national park. Ancient fossil coral reefs fringe the shoreline and in some places ascend 100 meters above sea level.
Under Mr. prime minister decision No. 943/1989, amended by decision No. 2954/1997, (1759 km2) area of Wadi Ar-Rayyan region (Fayoum Governorate) has been declared as a natural protected area.
Zaranik covers 250 km² of the North Sinai coast, protecting a lagoon at the eastern end of Lake Bardawil and Mediterranean beaches to the east. Undulating sand dunes interspersed with salt marshes and palm groves represent unique pristine examples of coastal habitats encompassing a wide variety of ecosystems and harboring several globally threatened species.
