Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
Prices, opening hours, best times to visit and the stuff nobody tells you, everything you need for a first trip to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, plus one pigeon's opinions on all of it.
Right, Sharm El Sheikh. Red Sea diving hub, reefs practically visible from the shoreline, one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations, sitting at the southern tip of a peninsula that connects Africa to Asia. This is the proper, no-nonsense guide to things to do in Sharm El Sheikh: what things actually cost, when to go, what to skip, and which bits are worth the tank refill. Three main stops below, plus a quiz elsewhere on this site to see if you were paying attention.
Sharm El Sheikh's Coral Reefs
Sharm El Sheikh is one of the world's most popular destinations for scuba diving, coral reefs sit close enough to shore that some sites are accessible right off the beach, an unusual convenience, most world-class diving requires a proper boat trip to reach, worth trying a shore dive at one of the accessible reef sites if you're a certified diver, and note snorkelling from the beach is also a worthwhile option for non-divers.
Naama Bay and the wider hotel strip offer several dive centres, worth choosing a reputable, properly certified operator regardless of your experience level, this matters considerably for both safety and reef conservation.
Best time Any time; conditions remain warm and clear year-round
The Sinai Peninsula
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, a geographically distinct region of Egypt, connecting Africa to Asia, worth appreciating this unusual geography, the Sinai is a bridge between two continents, and its dramatic desert mountains meeting the Red Sea create a striking landscape found nowhere else in the country.
Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery, a few hours inland, are worth a day trip if you want to see the region's mountainous interior alongside its coastal diving reputation, a different side of the peninsula from the beach resort strip.
Getting there About 2.5–3 hours from Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Mohammed National Park
Nearby Ras Mohammed National Park protects a section of coastline known for its dramatic underwater coral walls and drop-offs, the reef here drops almost vertically, making it a favourite among experienced divers, one of the most significant marine protected areas in the Red Sea, worth a proper day trip whether by boat or land, both diving and snorkelling access are available depending on your comfort level.
The park also includes striking above-water desert scenery, worth combining a marine visit with a wander through the land-based sections if you have time beyond just the diving itself.
Getting there About 30 minutes from Sharm El Sheikh
Best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh
March through May and October through November give the most comfortable weather for the amount of outdoor and water activity this list involves, warm without summer's most intense desert heat.
The Red Sea's water temperature stays pleasant essentially year-round, worth prioritising air temperature over water conditions when planning your visit, summer brings serious heat on land regardless of the sea itself.
Getting around Sharm El Sheikh
Taxis are the practical way to get around Sharm El Sheikh, agree a fare upfront given meters aren't standard practice. Most dive centres and tour operators offer hotel pickup as part of their packages.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sharm El Sheikh worth visiting?
- Yes, particularly for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, one of the best, most accessible coral reef destinations anywhere, with Ras Mohammed National Park adding a further significant marine site nearby.
- How many days do you need in Sharm El Sheikh?
- Four days gives a comfortable pace for reef diving, a Ras Mohammed trip, and a Mount Sinai excursion if that interests you.
- Is Sharm El Sheikh expensive?
- Moderate, diving and snorkelling packages are the main planned expenses, food and local transport remain reasonably affordable.
- What is Sharm El Sheikh famous for?
- Its coral reefs, some accessible right from the shore, sitting at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, connecting Africa to Asia, and Ras Mohammed National Park's dramatic underwater coral walls.
That's everything I've got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government's latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
