Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the desert mountains meet some of the richest coral reefs in the world. It is easy to spend a whole week here just between the beach and the boat, but the area offers much more than sunbathing.

Snorkel or dive in Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed is Egypt’s most famous marine park. Coral walls drop into deep blue water, and the reefs are full of colourful fish, turtles and sometimes reef sharks. A full-day boat trip usually stops at two or three of the best sites.

Sail to the reefs of Tiran Island

The Strait of Tiran has four famous reefs with crystal-clear water and great visibility. It is an easy, relaxed boat day, ideal for families and for beginners with a life jacket.

Watch the sunrise from Mount Sinai

One of the most memorable experiences in Egypt: a night climb with a Bedouin guide to the summit of Mount Sinai, sunrise over a sea of mountains, then a visit to St Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of the mountain. The climb takes around two to three hours, with camels available for part of the way.

Dahab and the Blue Hole

An hour up the coast, Dahab is a laid-back Bedouin town with cafés by the water. Its Blue Hole is a deep reef sinkhole where snorkellers can float along the edge above a vertical wall of coral.

Desert safari and evenings out

Ride a quad bike into the desert at sunset, visit a Bedouin camp for tea, then come back to Naama Bay or the Old Market for dinner and shopping. For history lovers, a day trip by plane to Cairo and the pyramids is also easy from Sharm.

Best time to visit

Sharm is warm all year. Spring and autumn are perfect, summer is hot but ideal for water activities, and winter days are sunny and mild, although the sea is cooler.