Egypt's first national marine park is the #1 thing to do in Sharm El Sheikh. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef deliver vertical walls, barracuda schools, sea turtles and pristine hard coral. Easy to reach on a half-day boat from Sharm marina, and suitable for both certified divers and snorkelers on the shallow plateau.
From €45 View Ras Mohammed tours →
A full-day boat trip across the Straits of Tiran stops at Jackson, Thomas, Woodhouse and Gordon Reefs — four of the most colourful snorkel spots in the Red Sea. Lunch on board, two in-water stops, and a very good chance of spotting reef sharks, napoleon fish and turtles. No diving licence needed.
From €35 View Tiran Island tours →
Ranked among the world's best wreck dives, the SS Thistlegorm is a WWII British cargo ship sunk in 1941 with motorcycles, trucks, rifles and locomotives still on deck. Advanced certification and a 4:30 am departure are required, but the payoff is an unforgettable two-dive experience in the Strait of Gubal.
From €95 View wreck dives →
A 90-minute drive north of Sharm, the Colored Canyon is a narrow sandstone gorge striped in red, yellow, purple and gold minerals. The easy 800-metre hike takes you through natural rock arches and slot sections only shoulder-width wide. Combine it with Blue Hole or Nuweiba for a full Sinai day trip.
From €40 Colored Canyon guide →
Leave Sharm around 11 pm, reach St Catherine by 1:30 am, and climb the 3,750 steps (or Camel Path) to the 2,285 m summit in time for a spectacular sunrise over the Sinai range. Most travellers rate it the single most memorable thing they did on the trip. Dress warmly — it's cold at the top even in summer.
From €35 Mount Sinai trip details →
The oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world, St Catherine's is a UNESCO World Heritage site built around the biblical Burning Bush. Inside you'll find the Chapel of the Burning Bush, a library rivalled only by the Vatican, and early Byzantine icons. It pairs naturally with the Mount Sinai sunrise climb.
From €45 St Catherine tours →
A 2–3 hour quad-bike safari takes you across open desert flats to a Bedouin camp where you'll ride a camel, taste sweet Bedouin tea and watch the sun drop behind the mountains. Evening departures are the best value and you're back in Sharm by 9 pm — perfect for a half-day adventure that still leaves time for dinner.
From €19 Quad-bike safaris →
Naama Bay is Sharm's beating heart — a palm-lined beachfront promenade with open-air cafés, shisha lounges, dive centres and souvenir shops. It's completely free to walk, great for a sunset beer and the easiest place to grab a taxi to anywhere else on this list. Most big resort hotels are within a 10-minute walk of the strip.
Free Nearby tours →
SOHO Square is Sharm's modern entertainment plaza with upscale restaurants, an ice-skating rink, a cigar lounge and the famous dancing-fountain show that runs nightly at 8 pm and 10 pm. Entry to the plaza is free and it's one of the few places in Egypt where the whole family can spend the evening in one walkable spot. Read our full Soho Square Sharm El Sheikh guide for opening hours, the 50+ restaurants, the Ice Bar, Culturama show and how to get there from Naama Bay.
Free entry Soho Square guide →
Locally known as El Souq, the Old Market is the authentic Egyptian bazaar side of Sharm — spice stalls, papyrus shops, hand-painted ceramics, leather goods and tiny grill restaurants tucked between the lanes. Bargain hard (expect 30–40 % off first prices) and finish the night with a shisha at one of the café terraces.
Free entry Old Market guide →
Next to the Old Market, Al Sahaba Mosque is the most beautiful piece of architecture in Sharm — twin minarets, Ottoman-style domes and intricate Islamic geometric patterns. The courtyard is open to respectful non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times; dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Stunning at blue hour.
Free Mosque guide →
White Island is a completely bare sandbar that rises out of the sea at low tide and disappears at high tide — an Instagram-perfect stop between Sharm and Ras Mohammed. Most White Island boats pair it with snorkelling at Shark & Yolanda reefs for a full day on the water, with lunch and two swim stops included.
From €40 White Island tours →
If you're travelling with young children or non-swimmers, the glass-bottom boat trips from Sharm marina are the easiest way to see the reef. One-hour loops cruise over live coral with guaranteed fish sightings, no wetsuit required. Semi-submarine upgrades let you sit below the waterline and watch the reef through panoramic windows.
From €13 Family boat trips →
A Bedouin-camp evening combines camel riding, traditional drumming, an open-sky BBQ dinner and a stargazing session with an astronomer's telescope — the Sinai has almost zero light pollution and the Milky Way is vivid. Most packages include hotel pick-up, so you just show up at the lobby around 4 pm.
From €25 Bedouin dinner tours →
Two hours north of Sharm, Dahab's Blue Hole is a 130 m-deep vertical shaft of cobalt water ringed by shallow coral — legendary among freedivers and beginner-friendly for snorkelers on the shallow Saddle side. A full day includes Dahab old town, the Lighthouse reef and lunch at a beachside Bedouin café.
From €35 Blue Hole day trip →
Nestled between the golden deserts of the Sinai Peninsula and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.
Sharm El Sheikh stands as Egypt's crown jewel of resort destinations. Once a humble fishing village, this coastal paradise has transformed into an international tourism hotspot while still preserving its authentic Egyptian charm. When planning what to do in Sharm El Sheikh, you'll discover endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Sharm El Sheikh's strategic location at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula makes it a gateway to some of the world's most spectacular underwater ecosystems. The shoreline stretches approximately 70 kilometers along protected coastline, featuring pristine beaches with soft golden sand meeting vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Whether you're wondering what to do in Sharm El Sheikh for diving, beach activities, or desert adventures, this destination offers something for every traveler.
What truly sets Sharm El Sheikh apart is its access to the Red Sea's extraordinary marine environment.
The waters here host over 1,000 species of fish and more than 250 different coral species, creating one of the most biodiverse underwater ecosystems on the planet. The region's unique geography, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Gulf of Suez, creates perfect conditions for these thriving coral communities.
Unlike many other coral reef destinations worldwide, Sharm's reefs remain remarkably healthy and vibrant. The Egyptian government established the Ras Mohammed National Park in 1983 – Egypt's first national marine reserve – to protect these precious ecosystems. Today, this underwater wonderland attracts divers and snorkelers from around the globe seeking to explore its colorful coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and encounters with majestic marine creatures.
Enjoy 365 days of sunshine annually with clear skies and warm temperatures even during winter months.
Explore over 76 dive sites suitable for all experience levels, from beginner-friendly coral gardens to technical wreck dives.
Encounter over 1,000 species of fish and more than 250 different coral species in one of the most biodiverse underwater ecosystems on the planet.
Experience thrilling quad-bike and Jeep safaris, camel rides through Bedouin camps, and Bedouin evening sand castle rides in the Eastern Desert.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of St. Catherine's Monastery and climb Mount Sinai for breathtaking sunrise views.
Choose from world-class resorts offering exceptional value with all-inclusive options and private beaches.
Relax on pristine shorelines with crystal-clear waters at Naama Bay, Shark's Bay, and Ras Um Sid.
Use Sharm as a base for day trips to Cairo, Luxor, Petra (Jordan), and Jerusalem—all within reach.
Discover attractions for all ages including aqua parks, submarine tours, and glass-bottom boat trips.
Explore the top destinations around Sharm El Sheikh — from the stunning Ras Mohammed National Park and the Colored Canyon to the vibrant Old Market and SOHO Square nightlife.
Explore world-class dive sites with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life
Experience thrilling quad biking and authentic Bedouin hospitality
Stroll along palm-lined streets with shops, restaurants, and entertainment
Hike through spectacular mineral-rich rock formations with vibrant colors
Experience upscale shopping, dining, and the famous dancing fountain show
Shop for souvenirs and spices while experiencing authentic Egyptian culture
Explore more about Sharm El Sheikh
Unforgettable experiences curated by local experts
Day Trip
Plan the perfect cruise to Egypt’s first national marine reserve. Learn the best dive walls, snorkeling stops, and how to time sandbar visits for postcard-perfect photos amid crystal water.
Read Full Guide
Nightlife
Discover the heart of Sharm with palm-lined boardwalks, al fresco restaurants, jazz lounges, and family attractions stretching from the marina to the iconic promenade.
Read Full Guide
Entertainment
From synchronised fountain shows and ice-skating to rooftop lounges and premium boutiques, here’s how to spend the perfect evening in SOHO Square.
Read Full Guide
Adventure
Everything you need for a seamless day exploring Dahab’s Blue Hole, camel rides along the coast, and the technicolor slot canyons carved into the Sinai mountains.
Read Full Guide
Sunrise
A complete overnight hiking guide with gear tips, booking advice, and what to expect from 2am ascents to dawn prayers at one of the world’s most sacred peaks.
Read Full Guide
Culture
Navigate bargaining etiquette, spice souks, and the stunning twin minarets of Al Sahaba with confidence using our insider shopping playbook.
Read Full Guide
Featured
From Ras Mohammed dives and Sinai safaris to Naama Bay nightlife and SOHO Square glamour, this master list helps you plan every day of your Red Sea escape.
Read Complete GuideMake the most of your Sharm El Sheikh experience with our comprehensive guide to everything you need to know before your trip.
Perfect weather (22‑28°C) and calm seas.
Warm enough for swimming all year.
Peak visibility over 30 meters.
Hot (35‑45°C) but lowest hotel rates.
Book early morning or late afternoon slots.
SPF 30+ sunscreen, UV sunglasses, wide-brim hat.
Multiple swimsuits, reef-safe rash guard, water shoes.
Light, breathable fabrics plus modest outfits for markets and mosques.
Comfortable sandals, sturdy shoes for canyon hikes, flip-flops for pools.
Waterproof housing or action cam for Ras Mohammed and Tiran dives.
Light jacket or shawl for breezy desert nights.
Insect repellent, basic meds, motion-sickness tablets for boat days.
220V EU-style adapter, portable charger, waterproof phone pouch.
Passport copies, travel insurance details, tour confirmations.
Drink 2‑3 liters of bottled water daily, especially after dives or safaris.
Pack personal meds plus prescriptions using generic names.
Sharm International Hospital: +20 69 366 0800 | Hyperbaric Center: +20 69 366 0922.
Avoid peak midday sun, use SPF 30+, and plan outdoor activity before 10am or after 4pm.
Ensure your policy covers scuba diving, boat trips, and desert excursions.
Reserve Ras Mohammed cruises and Sinai safaris ahead during peak months.
EGP is preferred, but USD/EUR accepted in most tourist venues.
10‑15% for restaurants and guides; keep small notes handy.
Haggling is normal—start at 40‑50% of the asking price in Old Market.
Download offline maps and keep your hotel business card for taxis.
Local SIM cards at Sharm airport are inexpensive with generous data.
Confirm wind and visibility before booking boat trips—winter can be breezy.
Bring or rent well-maintained snorkel and dive equipment from reputable centers.
Reserve PADI certifications ahead—slots fill fast in spring.
Never touch coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and follow briefings closely.
Pack sea-sickness remedies for Ras Mohammed or Tiran crossings.
Cards accepted at hotels/modern restaurants; carry cash for taxis, markets, and tips.
Keep EGP 5‑20 notes handy for porters, drivers, and market bargaining.
Prices vary widely—ask what’s included (gear, park fees, meals).
Save hotel and shopping receipts for VAT refunds at departure.
Use ATMs or banks—avoid changing money in souvenir shops.
Seafood platters on the marina, Bedouin bread with honey, and Egyptian staples like koshari.
Drink bottled water only; avoid ice from unknown sources.
Naama Bay and SOHO Square offer sushi bars, Italian trattorias, and steak houses.
Pre-book desert dinner shows for traditional grills, tea, and live folklore.
Lunch 1‑3pm, dinner 7‑10pm (later in summer); Ramadan dining shifts after sunset.
Swimwear is fine at the resort, but cover shoulders/knees in towns or mosques.
Ask permission before photographing locals or inside religious sites.
“Shukran” (thank you) and “Min fadlak” (please) go a long way.
Expect five daily calls to prayer; some shops pause briefly.
Keep displays of affection discreet; handshake and smiles are appreciated.
Many nationalities receive a free 15-day Sinai stamp; full visas ($25) needed for Cairo/Luxor trips.
Pre-arrange airport pickup or confirm taxi fare before leaving the terminal.
Use hotel shuttles, licensed taxis, or apps; agree on price before rides.
Police 122, Ambulance 123, Tourist Police 126.
Arrive 3 hours before international departures; security can be thorough.
Hand-painted Masterpieces
Hand-painted papyrus featuring ancient Egyptian motifs, hieroglyphics, or modern designs. This traditional art form uses the same techniques developed thousands of years ago, making it a timeless memento of your Egyptian journey.
Cleopatra-inspired Scents
Egypt's perfumery tradition dates back to Cleopatra's era. These concentrated natural oils come in beautiful glass bottles and offer exotic scents like jasmine, lotus, amber, and Egyptian musk that last much longer than regular perfumes.
Taste of the Red Sea
Egyptian markets offer vibrant displays of exotic spices and herbal teas. The most popular include hibiscus (karkade), cumin, saffron, and unique Egyptian spice blends. Hibiscus tea is particularly famous for its deep red color and refreshing taste.
Cartouches & Charms
Egyptian alabaster craft dates back 4,000 years. These translucent stone carvings range from small scarabs and pyramids to larger vases and decorative plates. When lit from behind, authentic alabaster creates a beautiful warm glow.
Cartouches & Charms
Gold and silver jewelry featuring Egyptian symbols like the Ankh (key of life), Eye of Horus, and scarab beetles. Personalized cartouches with your name in hieroglyphics make particularly meaningful gifts.
Sinai Desert Hues
Unique bottles layered with vibrant desert sands depicting camels, sunsets, and personalized names. Artists craft each bottle by hand in minutes.
The most authentic shopping experience with the best prices. Wander beneath Al Sahaba Mosque’s minarets, haggle for spices, lamps, and papyrus, and soak up traditional souk energy.
Upscale shopping center with fixed-price boutiques, art galleries, and entertainment options. Perfect for high-quality souvenirs in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment without bargaining.
Tourist-focused shopping area with a mix of fixed-price shops and places to bargain. Offers convenient shopping with international brands alongside Egyptian souvenirs, steps from the promenade.
Modern open-air mall with European-style architecture featuring higher-end shops, restaurants, and cafés. Great for international brands and quality souvenirs with fixed prices in a relaxed atmosphere.
Hot days, warm nights, perfect water temperature (27-29°C). Low season with best hotel deals. Early morning activities recommended.
Perfect balance of warm days and pleasant evenings. Water temperature (24-27°C) ideal for swimming. High season begins in October.
Mild, sunny days with cooler evenings (10-15°C). Sea temperature (21-23°C) may require wetsuits for diving. Peak tourist season.
Warming temperatures with consistently pleasant weather. Water begins to warm (22-25°C) and winter crowds thin, offering a perfect balance of comfort and value.
March–May (optimal visibility up to 30m)
October–April (comfortable temperatures)
May–October (perfect water temperatures)
April–May, September–October
The top things to do include world-class diving and snorkeling at Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran Island, desert safari adventures with quad biking and Bedouin experiences, boat trips to nearby islands, relaxing on pristine Red Sea beaches, exploring the Old Market and SOHO Square for shopping and dining, and taking day trips to Mount Sinai or St. Catherine's Monastery.
The best things to do include diving at Ras Mohammed National Park (one of the world's top dive sites), desert safari adventures with quad biking and Bedouin experiences, boat trips to Tiran Island and White Island, relaxing on pristine Red Sea beaches, exploring the Old Market and SOHO Square, and taking day trips to Mount Sinai or St. Catherine's Monastery. For families, water parks and glass-bottom boat tours are popular choices.
Top diving locations include Ras Mohammed National Park (Shark and Yolanda Reefs), the Straits of Tiran (Jackson, Thomas, Woodhouse, and Gordon Reefs), the SS Thistlegorm wreck, Ras Um Sid, and Shark's Bay. These dive sites offer incredible visibility and diverse marine life including colorful corals, reef sharks, turtles, and hundreds of fish species.
The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when temperatures are pleasant (22–32°C) and tourist crowds are moderate. Summer (June–August) is very hot (35–45°C) but offers the best hotel deals. Winter (December–February) provides mild, sunny days (18–25°C) and is popular with European tourists.
Top beaches include Naama Bay (central and vibrant), Shark's Bay (calm and family-friendly), Ras Um Sid (excellent for snorkeling), Nabq Bay (scenic with natural mangroves), and Terrazzina Beach (quieter with great sunsets). Many beaches are private through hotels, while others charge a small entrance fee.
Yes, Sharm El Sheikh is very safe for tourists. The resort area has dedicated tourist police, 24/7 security, and is well-monitored. Hotels and tourist areas have additional security measures in place, making it one of the most secure resort destinations in Egypt.
Desert experiences include quad biking adventures, camel rides, Bedouin dinner experiences under the stars, jeep safaris to colored canyons, and stargazing trips. Mount Sinai climbs for sunrise and visits to St. Catherine's Monastery are popular day trips offering both adventure and cultural insights.
Sharm offers snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, glass-bottom boat tours, and submarine trips. You can also enjoy sailing trips, fishing excursions, and yacht cruises. For families, water parks provide a fun way to cool off in the hot weather.
Most visitors need a visa. However, many nationalities can get a free 15-day "Sinai Only" stamp which covers Sharm El Sheikh. If you plan to visit other parts of Egypt, you'll need a tourist visa for $25, available on arrival at the airport or in advance from an Egyptian embassy.
Top places include Ras Mohammed National Park, Naama Bay, SOHO Square, the Old Market (traditional bazaar), Al Sahaba Mosque, Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tiran Island, and Shark's Bay. These attractions offer diverse experiences from diving and beach relaxation to cultural exploration.
The top attractions in Sharm El Sheikh include Ras Mohammed National Park (Egypt's first marine reserve with world-class diving), Naama Bay (vibrant promenade with restaurants and shops), SOHO Square (modern entertainment complex with dancing fountains), Old Market (traditional Egyptian bazaar), Al Sahaba Mosque (stunning Islamic architecture), Mount Sinai (sacred mountain with sunrise hikes), St. Catherine's Monastery (ancient UNESCO site), Tiran Island (pristine island for snorkeling), and the SS Thistlegorm wreck (famous WWII dive site). These attractions showcase Sharm's unique combination of natural beauty, culture, and modern amenities.
When visiting Sharm El Sheikh, you must see Ras Mohammed National Park's vibrant coral reefs, the underwater world through diving or snorkeling, the stunning Red Sea coastline, Naama Bay's bustling promenade, SOHO Square's dancing fountain show, the traditional Old Market, the beautiful Al Sahaba Mosque, Mount Sinai's sunrise views, and St. Catherine's Monastery's ancient architecture. These sightseeing highlights offer a perfect mix of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and modern attractions.
7-Day Sharm El Sheikh Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive and relax at Naama Bay, explore SOHO Square in the evening. Day 2: Diving or snorkeling at Ras Mohammed National Park. Day 3: Desert safari with quad biking and Bedouin dinner. Day 4: Boat trip to Tiran Island. Day 5: Old Market shopping, Al Sahaba Mosque. Day 6: Day trip to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery. Day 7: Beach day or optional Cairo day trip.
Save these numbers in your phone before your trip and keep a printed copy with you at all times.
Create a contact named "Emergency Sharm" with all numbers
Stay hydrated with 2–3 liters of water daily, avoid direct sun between 11am–3pm, use SPF 30+ sunscreen, and wear hats. Heat exhaustion symptoms include excessive sweating, weakness, and dizziness.
Never dive alone, always follow safety briefings, respect no-decompression limits, and ascend slowly. If you experience unusual symptoms after diving, seek immediate medical attention at the Hyperbaric Center.
For minor cuts, stings, or stomach issues, most hotel reception desks can contact an on-call doctor. Pharmacies stock basic medications, though bringing your own supply is recommended.
Most countries don't maintain full embassies in Sharm El Sheikh but have honorary consuls or representation in Cairo. In emergencies requiring consular assistance:
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for Sharm El Sheikh. Ensure your policy includes:
Keep your insurance policy details and emergency contact numbers saved in your phone and as a printed copy.
Choose a destination to explore top tours and activities.
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