Things to Do in Sharm el-Sheikh: The Complete Guide

At the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh is where the desert mountains meet some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. It’s a resort town of beaches, dive boats and lively evenings, and the gateway to Ras Mohammed National Park, the reefs of the Tiran Strait, the famous Thistlegorm wreck, and the sunrise climb of Mount Sinai. Here are the best things to do in Sharm el-Sheikh, where to stay and how to plan your trip.

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Sharm el-Sheikh at a glance

Things to do in Sharm el-Sheikh

1. Ras Mohammed National Park

Egypt’s first national park, declared in 1983, protects the reefs and desert at the tip of Sinai. Its walls, drop-offs and coral gardens are among the most famous dive and snorkel sites in the Red Sea, with turtles, reef sharks and huge schools of fish. Visit by boat for the best reefs, or by road for beaches and viewpoints.

2. Snorkel and dive the Tiran Strait

North of Sharm, the reefs of the Strait of Tiran rise from deep water, with colorful corals and strong currents that attract big fish. Boat trips run daily for snorkelers and divers of every level.

3. Dive the SS Thistlegorm

For experienced divers, the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship sunk in 1941 during the Second World War, still holds trucks, motorbikes and supplies in its holds. It’s one of the world’s best-known wreck dives, usually reached on a long day trip by boat.

4. Relax in Naama Bay

Sharm’s original resort bay has a sheltered beach, a promenade of restaurants, cafés and shops, and lively evenings. The reef starts right off the beach.

5. The Old Market

Sharm el-Sheikh’s Old Market, in the Sharm el-Maya area, is the place for spices, perfumes, souvenirs and a café in the evening. Next to it stands the Al-Sahaba Mosque, beautiful when it’s lit up at night.

6. Desert evenings

Behind the resorts, the Sinai desert is just minutes away: quad bikes, camel rides, a Bedouin dinner and some of the clearest night skies you’ll see.

Where to stay

• Naama Bay: the center of the action, with restaurants, nightlife and a walkable promenade.
• Sharks Bay and Nabq: north of the center, quieter resorts with house reefs; Nabq is close to the Nabq Protected Area.
• Hadaba and Ras Um Sid: clifftop hotels near the Old Market, with excellent reefs below.

Day trips from Sharm

• Mount Sinai and St Catherine: climb overnight to watch the sunrise from the summit, then visit St Catherine’s Monastery. See our Mount Sinai sunrise climb guide.
• Dahab: about an hour north, the laid-back town of the Blue Hole and the Blue Lagoon. See things to do in Dahab.
• Cairo and the pyramids: a short flight away; see the Pyramids of Giza guide.

Getting there and visas

• By air: Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport has direct flights from many European cities, and connections via Cairo.
• Visa: if you stay less than 15 days in Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you can get a free Sinai entry stamp on arrival. To travel elsewhere in Egypt, get a full visa. See our Egypt visa guide.
• Getting around: taxis, ride-hailing apps and hotel shuttles; agree on taxi fares in advance.

When to go

Sharm is sunny all year. Spring and fall are ideal, with warm water and comfortable days. Summer is hot, but the sea breeze helps, and the water is at its warmest. Winter is mild and sunny, though the sea is cooler and evenings can be fresh. See the best time to visit Egypt.

Tips

• Book reef trips with trusted operators that use moorings and respect the protected areas.
• Protect the reef: don’t touch or stand on coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Wear reef shoes where the shore is rocky.
• Check government advice: official advice against travel applies to North Sinai, not to the South Sinai coast, where Sharm has enhanced security. Read your government’s latest advice.
• Dress modestly in the Old Market and away from the resorts.

Local-guided experiences

Our hosts in South Sinai run this trip from Sharm el-Sheikh:

Find a local guide: meet our local guides in Egypt.

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