Sharm El-Sheikh sits where the Sinai Peninsula’s red mountains meet some of the clearest water in the world. This is Egypt without the pyramids, built instead around coral reefs that drop straight off the shoreline, dive sites ranked among the best on the planet, and a desert backdrop that turns gold at sunset. It’s a resort town first, but one with enough underwater scenery and a short enough drive to Sinai’s biblical sites to fill a week without repeating a single day.
Why Visit Sharm El-Sheikh?
Whether you’ve come purely to dive, to unwind on a beach chair, or to combine both with a bit of desert and monastery exploring, Sharm El-Sheikh delivers a different kind of Egyptian trip:
- Ras Mohammed National Park: Snorkel or dive at Egypt’s first national park, where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba over some of the most vivid coral reefs in the Red Sea.
- Straits of Tiran: Take a boat out to this narrow passage’s four reef systems, known for soft corals, strong currents, and the chance to spot reef sharks and passing rays.
- Naama Bay: Spend an evening along this palm-lined promenade of restaurants, dive shops, and beach bars, the social heart of Sharm’s tourist district.
- Saint Catherine’s Monastery: Take a day trip inland to one of the world’s oldest continuously operating monasteries, tucked at the base of Mount Sinai.
- Desert Safari: Head into the Sinai’s interior by quad bike or 4×4 for Bedouin tea, star-filled skies, and a landscape that looks nothing like the coast.
Sharm rewards travelers who come with a mask and fins as much as a beach towel. Between the reefs just offshore and the desert and mountains just inland, it’s a rare place in Egypt built entirely around natural scenery rather than ancient monuments.
Sharm El-Sheikh KEY INFO
Everything you need to hit the ground running.
WHEN TO VISIT
March to May and September to November for the most comfortable temperatures and calm diving conditions; December to February for cooler, less crowded weather that’s still swimmable
HOW TO GET THERE
Fly into Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), which has direct connections from Cairo and many European cities. It’s a 15-25 minute taxi ride to Naama Bay or the main hotel strip (~150-250 EGP).
HOW TO GET AROUND
Taxis are the standard way to get around, since Sharm’s resorts, bays, and dive sites are spread out along the coast. Most dive centers and tour operators include hotel pickup and drop-off.
IDEAL TRIP LENGTH
4-6 days for a beach-and-diving-focused trip, or 7+ days if you want to add inland excursions to Saint Catherine’s Monastery and a multi-day diving liveaboard.
What is Sharm El-Sheikh Mainly Known For?
Sharm El-Sheikh is known above all as one of the world’s premier diving and snorkeling destinations, thanks to the Red Sea’s exceptional visibility and the coral reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran. It’s also known as Egypt’s leading beach resort city, with a strip of hotels, dive centers, and nightlife concentrated around Naama Bay. Beyond tourism, Sharm has also served as a venue for major international conferences and diplomatic summits, thanks to its resort infrastructure and relative distance from mainland Egypt’s larger cities.
Is Sharm El-Sheikh a Walkable City?
Within specific areas, yes. Naama Bay and the promenades around major resort clusters are walkable and pleasant, especially in the evening. The city as a whole, however, is spread out along the coast in separate resort areas connected by roads rather than continuous sidewalks.
Is it safe to walk in Sharm El-Sheikh? Yes, generally, and the tourist areas maintain a visible security presence. As anywhere, stick to well-lit, populated areas at night and use standard travel common sense.
What Is the Best Area to Walk Around?
Naama Bay is the clear choice, with a long beachfront promenade lined with restaurants, dive shops, and cafes. SOHO Square, a modern entertainment complex a short drive away, offers a different, more polished walking experience with boutique stores, a musical fountain, and nightly shows.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Sharm El-Sheikh? (For Your First Visit)
I split my time between the water and the desert, treating diving days and inland excursions as two entirely different trips packed into one. Here’s what stood out:
Ras Mohammed National Park
Egypt’s first national park, established in 1983, sits about 12 miles south of Sharm at the meeting point of the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba. Its most famous dive and snorkel sites, Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, offer sheer coral walls and consistently excellent visibility. Price: ~350 EGP park entry, plus boat or dive costs. Pro tip: Go early in the day for calmer water and better underwater visibility before afternoon boat traffic picks up. Check availability and explore popular experiences.
Naama Bay
This crescent-shaped bay is Sharm’s tourism hub, lined with hotels, dive centers, restaurants, and a lively evening promenade. It’s less about a single sight and more about the atmosphere: beach clubs by day, restaurants and shisha cafes by night. Price: Free to walk; costs vary by activity or restaurant. Pro tip: Book a sunset dinner table right on the water; the bay’s lighting and calm water make for one of Sharm’s best evening views. Check availability and explore popular experiences.
Diving and Snorkeling the House Reefs
Sharm’s coastline drops off quickly into coral walls right off the shore, meaning some of its best diving doesn’t require a boat at all. Sites like Ras Umm Sid and Ras Nasrani offer table corals, gorgonian fans, and dense schools of reef fish accessible directly from shore or a short swim out. Price: ~700-1,200 EGP per dive with equipment, less for guided snorkeling. Pro tip: If you’re not certified to dive, ask your hotel or a dive center about a short introductory dive, widely offered for beginners under supervision. Check availability and explore popular experiences.
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Straits of Tiran
A boat trip out to this narrow sea passage between the Sinai and Arabian peninsulas puts you at four distinct reef systems, Jackson, Gordon, Thomas, and Woodhouse, each known for dramatic drop-offs and strong currents that attract larger marine life like reef sharks and passing rays. Price: ~1,500-2,500 EGP for a full-day boat trip with two dives. Pro tip: Currents here can be strong, so this spot suits confident swimmers and divers more than first-time snorkelers. Check availability and explore popular experiences.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai
A long but worthwhile day trip inland takes you to Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, built at the foot of Mount Sinai in the 6th century. Many visitors combine it with a pre-dawn hike up Mount Sinai itself for sunrise views over the surrounding mountains. Price: ~200 EGP monastery entry, plus transport (often bundled into a day tour). Pro tip: The overnight sunrise hike is physically demanding in the dark and cold; dress in layers even though Sharm’s coast stays warm. Check availability and explore popular experiences.
Desert Safari
Leaving the coast behind for even a few hours reveals a completely different side of the Sinai: quad bike or 4×4 excursions head into the interior desert, often stopping at a Bedouin camp for tea, traditional bread, and a look at desert life away from the resorts. Price: ~500-900 EGP for a half-day quad or buggy safari with hotel pickup. Pro tip: Evening safaris that end with stargazing under the desert sky are worth the extra cost; light pollution here is minimal compared to the coast. Check availability and explore popular experiences.
Must-Do Activities in Sharm El-Sheikh
To really get the most out of your trip, I recommend checking out these experiences:
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What Part of Sharm El-Sheikh is Best for Tourists?
Stay in or near Naama Bay for the widest choice of restaurants, dive centers, and nightlife within walking distance. Travelers looking for a quieter, more resort-focused stay often base themselves further along the coast in areas like Nabq Bay or Sharks Bay, trading proximity to nightlife for calmer beaches and easier access to house reef diving.
What to Know Before Going to Sharm El-Sheikh
- Stick to Bottled Water: Tap water isn’t recommended for visitors; stick to sealed bottled water throughout your stay.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen Matters: Many dive operators and some hotels ask guests to use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the coral you’ve come to see.
- Get Dive-Certified Before You Go (If Possible): If you plan to dive seriously, arriving already certified saves time; if not, reputable centers offer certification courses on-site.
- Bring Reef Shoes: Much of Sharm’s shoreline is coral and rock rather than sand; water shoes make entering the sea far more comfortable.
- Tipping is Expected: Small tips for dive guides, hotel staff, and drivers are customary and generally appreciated.
How Many Days Do I Need in Sharm El-Sheikh?
4 to 6 days covers a solid mix of diving and relaxation; add extra days for inland excursions or a liveaboard trip.
- Day 1: Arrival, settle in, evening stroll and dinner in Naama Bay.
- Day 2: Full-day snorkeling or diving trip to Ras Mohammed National Park.
- Day 3: Diving or snorkeling at the Straits of Tiran, or a relaxed beach day at your resort’s house reef.
- Day 4: Full-day inland excursion to Saint Catherine’s Monastery, with an optional overnight Mount Sinai sunrise hike.
- Day 5: Desert safari by quad bike or 4×4, ending with sunset or stargazing.
Suggested daily budget – 50-90 EUR / 55-100 USD (Note: This covers a mid-range beach resort, a mix of hotel and local restaurant meals, and one or two paid excursions like diving or a desert safari per day. Dedicated diving trips push costs higher).
MONEY SAVING TIPS
- Book Multi-Dive Packages: Most dive centers offer discounted rates for booking five or ten dives at once rather than paying per dive.
- Snorkel Instead of Dive: Many of Sharm’s best reefs, including parts of Ras Mohammed, are shallow enough to enjoy fully with just a mask and fins.
- Eat Outside Your Resort: Restaurants along the Naama Bay promenade and in local neighborhoods are noticeably cheaper than in-resort dining.
- Join a Shared Excursion: Group tours to Saint Catherine’s Monastery or on desert safaris cost significantly less per person than private transport.
What’s the Best Month to Visit Sharm El-Sheikh?
March through May and September through November offer the most comfortable combination of warm air, warm water, and manageable heat, making them ideal for both diving and beach time. December through February brings cooler air and water temperatures, still swimmable but better suited to travelers who don’t mind a slightly brisker sea. Summer months, from June through August, bring intense heat, so plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening if visiting then.
How to Get to Sharm El-Sheikh
Most travelers fly directly into Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), which has extensive seasonal and year-round connections to European cities as well as regular domestic flights from Cairo. There’s no practical rail connection, and the overland drive from Cairo takes roughly 6-7 hours.
- From the airport: Naama Bay and most major resorts are a 15-25 minute taxi ride away, with fares typically running 150-250 EGP.
- Regional connections: Sharm sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, making it a natural base for inland Sinai excursions rather than a stop on the classic Nile Valley route.
How to Get Around Sharm El-Sheikh
Taxis and organized tours handle most transportation, since the city’s resort areas are spread along the coast.
- Taxis: Widely available for trips between resort areas, Naama Bay, and the airport; agree on fares before departing since meters are rarely used.
- Hotel Shuttles: Many resorts offer shuttle service to Naama Bay or SOHO Square for guests staying at more remote properties.
- Dive Boats: The standard way to reach offshore sites like Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran, almost always arranged through a dive center or tour operator.
- Organized Tours: The most practical option for inland excursions to Saint Catherine’s Monastery or desert safaris, handling transport and logistics for the full day.
Tips for first-timers: Confirm whether your hotel is on a house reef with direct snorkeling access, since this can significantly cut down on daily excursion costs. If you’re set on diving Ras Mohammed or the Straits of Tiran, book a day or two ahead during peak season, as boats fill up quickly.
Sharm El-Sheikh offers something genuinely different from the rest of Egypt: a trip built around what’s beneath the surface as much as what’s on land. Between the coral walls just offshore and the quiet, star-filled desert just inland, it’s a place that rewards slowing down and looking closely, whether that’s through a dive mask or from a beach chair at sunset.
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