Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh

Planning a trip to Egypt’s premier Red Sea resort destination?

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where crystal-clear waters meet dramatic desert landscapes. This resort town has evolved from a small fishing village into one of the Middle East’s most sought-after destinations, attracting millions of visitors who come for world-class diving, thrilling desert adventures, and year-round sunshine.

Whether you’re seeking underwater exploration, cultural immersion, or adrenaline-pumping activities, this coastal gem offers experiences that cater to every travel style and budget.

Best Water Activities and Marine Adventures

The Red Sea around Sharm El Sheikh contains some of the planet’s most pristine coral reefs. Water temperatures remain comfortable year-round, ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), making it perfect for aquatic adventures regardless of when you visit.

Snorkeling at Ras Mohammed

Ras Mohammed National Park stands as Egypt’s first national park and remains the crown jewel of Red Sea marine conservation. The park’s underwater ecosystem hosts over 220 coral species and more than 1,000 fish species. Popular snorkeling spots include Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, where you’ll encounter colorful parrotfish, angelfish, and occasionally reef sharks.

Spinner dolphins swimming near divers above colorful coral reefs at Ras Mohammed, Sharm el Sheikh — Spinner dolphins swimming near divers above colorful coral reefs at Ras Mohammed

Entry fees are 5 USD for foreign visitors, and the park operates from 8:00 am (08:00) to 5:00 pm (17:00). We recommend visiting early morning when waters are calmest and marine life is most active.

Diving the Blue Hole

Located 80 km (50 miles) north of Sharm El Sheikh, the Blue Hole near Dahab offers one of the world’s most famous diving experiences. This natural sinkhole drops to depths exceeding 100 meters (328 feet), creating a unique underwater cathedral effect.

Blue Hole dive site with circular reef formation and surrounding coastline seen from above, Dahab — Blue Hole dive site with circular reef formation and surrounding coastline

Beginner divers can explore the shallow reef areas, while advanced divers can venture through the archway connecting to the open sea. Day trips to Dahab typically include transportation, equipment, and lunch.

Tiran Island Boat Excursions

Tiran Island sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba, surrounded by four world-renowned dive sites: Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, Thomas Reef, and Gordon Reef. These locations offer incredible visibility and diverse marine encounters.

Full-day boat trips include multiple snorkeling stops, lunch, and often dolphin watching opportunities. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way from Naama Bay marina.

Desert Adventures and Cultural Experiences

Beyond the coastline, the Sinai Peninsula unfolds into a landscape of rugged mountains, ancient wadis, and Bedouin settlements that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Sinai Mountains with rugged desert peaks near the southern tip of the peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh — Sinai Mountains with rugged desert peaks near the southern tip of the peninsula

The contrast between Sharm El Sheikh’s modern resort atmosphere and the timeless desert creates opportunities for authentic cultural immersion. Traditional Bedouin communities welcome visitors to experience their hospitality, sharing stories passed down through generations while serving traditional tea around campfires under star-filled skies.

Quad biking adventures typically begin in late afternoon to avoid peak heat, with temperatures in the desert reaching 35°C (95°F) during summer months. Evening excursions allow you to witness spectacular sunsets over the mountain ranges while temperatures drop to comfortable levels.

Colored Canyon Day Trip

The Colored Canyon, located near Nuweiba, showcases millions of years of geological history through its rainbow-striped rock formations. This narrow canyon winds through towering sandstone walls painted in vibrant reds, yellows, and purples.

Man in traditional white clothing walking through the narrow colored canyon walls, Dahab

The hike through the canyon takes approximately 2 hours and requires moderate fitness levels. We organize day trips that include transportation, Bedouin lunch, and visits to nearby oases.

Naama Bay Entertainment and Shopping

Naama Bay serves as Sharm El Sheikh’s entertainment hub, combining beachfront relaxation with vibrant nightlife and shopping opportunities.

The bay’s crescent-shaped beach offers calm, shallow waters perfect for families. Beach clubs line the shore, providing loungers, umbrellas, and water sports equipment rentals. Jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides are readily available from multiple operators.

Illuminated Naama Bay promenade at night with restaurants, shops and outdoor dining areas

Shopping enthusiasts can explore the pedestrian-only promenade featuring international brands, local handicraft shops, and traditional bazaars. Bargaining is expected at local markets, where you’ll find papyrus artwork, spices, jewelry, and textiles. The Old Market (Old Sharm) provides a more authentic shopping experience with traditional Egyptian goods and local street food.

Dining options range from beachfront seafood restaurants to rooftop lounges overlooking the Red Sea. Many establishments feature live entertainment, from traditional Egyptian folklore shows to international DJs. Most venues operate late into the night, with peak activity between 9:00 pm (21:00) and 2:00 am (02:00).

SOHO Square, Sharm El Sheikh — SOHO Square entertainment complex with illuminated fountains and pedestrian promenade

SOHO Square represents the area’s upscale entertainment complex, featuring designer shops, gourmet restaurants, and a central plaza hosting regular cultural events and live performances.

Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai

Saint Catherine’s Monastery, nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, houses one of Christianity’s most sacred sites. This UNESCO World Heritage location has operated continuously since the 6th century.

Saint Catherine's monastery complex with stone buildings and walls at the base of desert mountains — Saint Catherine’s monastery complex with stone buildings and walls at the base of desert mountains

The monastery contains an incredible collection of religious manuscripts, icons, and artifacts. Its library ranks as the world’s second-largest collection of ancient manuscripts after the Vatican. The famous Burning Bush, believed to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments, grows within the monastery walls.

Sunrise Hike on Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai rises 2,285 meters (7,497 feet) above sea level. The traditional pilgrimage route, known as the Camel Path, takes 2-3 hours to climb. Most hikers begin around 2:00 am (02:00) to reach the summit for sunrise at approximately 6:00 am (06:00).

The final 750 steps, carved from stone by monks centuries ago, provide the most challenging section of the climb. Temperatures at the summit can drop to near freezing during winter months, so warm clothing is essential.

Travelers walking along the rocky trail on Mount Sinai with surrounding red rock formations, Saint Catherine — Travelers walking along the rocky trail on Mount Sinai with surrounding red rock formations

We arrange overnight trips including transportation, Bedouin guides, blankets, and breakfast at the summit. The descent typically takes 90 minutes via the same route.

Shark’s Bay and Underwater Photography

Shark’s Bay, located between Naama Bay and Sharm El Maya, offers some of the Red Sea’s most accessible coral reefs directly from shore.

The bay’s unique geography creates a natural amphitheater where the coral reef drops dramatically just meters from the beach. This accessibility makes it ideal for snorkelers of all skill levels and underwater photographers seeking macro subjects.

Snorkeling scene at Sharks Bay in Sharm El Sheikh with multiple people swimming in clear blue Red Sea water — Snorkeling scene at Sharks Bay in Sharm El Sheikh

Water entry is possible directly from several beach clubs and dive centers. The reef wall begins at depths of 5 meters (16 feet) and extends beyond 30 meters (98 feet). Marine life includes schools of anthias, butterflyfish, and frequent turtle sightings.

Professional underwater photography courses are available through certified PADI centers. Equipment rental includes high-quality cameras, strobes, and macro lenses suitable for both beginners and advanced photographers.