15 Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh: Your Ultimate Guide
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Red Sea meets dramatic desert mountains in one of Egypt's most spectacular settings. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, world-class diving, and a vibrant resort scene, it draws visitors from across the globe year-round. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a beach lover, or a culture enthusiast, Sharm El Sheikh delivers experiences that go far beyond the typical resort holiday. Here are 15 of the best things to do during your visit.
1. Dive at Ras Mohammed National Park
No visit to Sharm El Sheikh is complete without exploring Ras Mohammed, one of the world's premier diving destinations. Located at the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula, this protected marine park is home to dramatic underwater walls, vibrant coral gardens, and an extraordinary diversity of marine life including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef sites are legendary among divers worldwide. Even snorkelers can access much of this underwater world from the surface.
2. Snorkel at Naama Bay
Naama Bay is Sharm El Sheikh's social and recreational heart, lined with restaurants, cafés, and dive centers. The bay's calm, clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling directly from the beach, with colorful reef fish visible just meters from shore. It's the perfect introduction to Red Sea marine life for first-time visitors and families traveling with children.
3. Visit the Tiran Island
A short boat ride from Sharm El Sheikh, Tiran Island sits at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba and is surrounded by four major reef systems — Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon reefs. These sites offer some of the most exhilarating drift diving in the Red Sea, with strong currents carrying divers past walls teeming with marine life. Day trips combining snorkeling, swimming, and beach time are widely available from the marina.
4. Watch the Sunrise at Mount Sinai
One of the most spiritually significant and physically rewarding experiences in the region, climbing Mount Sinai for sunrise is an unforgettable adventure. The ascent typically begins around 2am to reach the 2,285-meter summit in time for dawn. The climb takes two to three hours via the main camel path, rewarding those who make the effort with a breathtaking panoramic view over the Sinai desert as the sun rises above the mountains. The famous Saint Catherine's Monastery sits at the base and is worth visiting on the way back.
5. Explore Saint Catherine's Monastery
One of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world, Saint Catherine's dates back to the sixth century and sits at the foot of Mount Sinai. The monastery houses an extraordinary collection of ancient manuscripts, religious icons, and artifacts that draw scholars and pilgrims from around the world. A guided day tour from Sharm El Sheikh typically combines the monastery visit with the surrounding desert landscape.
6. Go on a Desert Safari
The vast desert landscape surrounding Sharm El Sheikh is as impressive as its underwater world. Quad biking, dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles, and camel riding are all popular ways to explore the rugged Sinai terrain. Most desert safari tours include a visit to a Bedouin camp where guests enjoy traditional tea, local food, and stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the region — an experience that offers genuine insight into Bedouin culture and hospitality.
7. Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
For those who prefer to stay dry while still experiencing the Red Sea's remarkable marine life, glass-bottom boat tours offer a compelling alternative. These excursions glide over coral reefs, giving passengers clear views of fish, coral formations, and occasionally rays or turtles below. They are particularly popular with families and older visitors who want to appreciate the underwater world without diving or snorkeling.
8. Visit Soho Square
Soho Square is Sharm El Sheikh's premier entertainment and leisure complex, offering something for every type of visitor. The outdoor plaza hosts live performances, markets, and cultural events throughout the year.
Restaurants, cafés, an ice skating rink, a bowling alley, and a range of shops make it a popular evening destination for both families and couples. The atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming, and it provides a welcome change of pace from beach activities.
9. Try Windsurfing or Kitesurfing
The consistent winds and calm waters around Sharm El Sheikh create excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Several professional schools operate along the coast, offering lessons for complete beginners as well as equipment rental for experienced riders. The combination of reliable wind patterns, warm water, and stunning scenery makes this one of the best spots in the Middle East for both sports.
10. Relax at a Luxury Spa
Sharm El Sheikh's resort hotels are home to some of the finest spa facilities in the region. Treatments drawing on Egyptian and Arabian wellness traditions — including hammam scrubs, aromatic oil massages, and mineral-rich body wraps — provide the perfect counterpoint to days filled with activity. Many spas offer day passes for non-hotel guests, making these facilities accessible to all visitors.
11. Explore the Old Market
While Sharm El Sheikh is predominantly a modern resort destination, the Old Market in the Hadaba district preserves a more authentic Egyptian atmosphere. Narrow lanes are lined with shops selling spices, handmade jewelry, traditional clothing, papyrus artwork, and souvenirs. Bargaining is expected and adds to the experience. Evening visits are particularly atmospheric, with the market coming alive after sunset as locals and tourists mingle amid the aromas of street food and shisha.
12. Go Freediving
Beyond recreational snorkeling and scuba diving, Sharm El Sheikh has developed a strong reputation within the global freediving community.
Several dedicated freediving centers offer courses ranging from beginner introductions through to advanced certifications, taught by experienced international instructors. The warm, clear water and accessible depths make it an ideal learning environment for those interested in exploring the underwater world on a single breath.
13. Take a Day Trip to Dahab
Just 85 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh, the laid-back town of Dahab offers a markedly different atmosphere from its more polished neighbor.
Famous among divers for the Blue Hole — one of the world's most renowned and challenging dive sites — Dahab also offers excellent snorkeling, a relaxed waterfront lined with casual restaurants, and a bohemian character that appeals to independent travelers. It makes for an easy and rewarding day trip from Sharm El Sheikh.
14. Watch Dolphins at Dolphin Reef
Dolphin Reef, located near the Sharm El Sheikh marina, provides opportunities to observe dolphins in a semi-natural environment. Snorkeling and diving alongside these animals is available for those who wish to get closer, while boat trips to spots where wild dolphin pods are commonly sighted offer a more natural encounter. Early morning excursions tend to yield the best wildlife viewing conditions.
15. Enjoy a Sunset Boat Cruise
Few experiences in Sharm El Sheikh match the simple pleasure of watching the sun set over the Red Sea from the deck of a boat. Sunset cruises depart from the marina in the late afternoon, typically offering drinks, light food, and music as the sky shifts through shades of orange, pink, and gold above the Sinai mountains. It is a perfect way to end an active day and one of the most memorable experiences the destination has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Sharm El Sheikh rewards every type of traveler. Its combination of world-class diving, desert adventure, cultural heritage, and resort luxury is genuinely rare, and the consistent sunshine and warm waters make it an appealing destination throughout the year. Whether you spend your days beneath the surface of the Red Sea or exploring the ancient landscape of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh delivers experiences that stay with you long after you leave.
FAQs
What is Sharm El Sheikh best known for?
World-class diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea, particularly at Ras Mohammed National Park, along with desert adventures, luxury resorts, and proximity to Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery.
When is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh?
October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities. That said, Sharm El Sheikh is a year-round destination with over 300 days of sunshine annually.
Is Sharm El Sheikh suitable for families?
Yes. Naama Bay's calm shallow waters are ideal for young swimmers, while glass-bottom boat tours, desert quad biking, and Soho Square cater well to all ages. Most resort hotels also offer dedicated children's facilities.
Do I need diving experience to enjoy the Red Sea?
No. Beginners can take introductory dive courses or snorkel from the beach. Glass-bottom boat tours are also available for those who prefer to stay dry while still seeing the marine life.
How difficult is the Mount Sinai climb?
Manageable for most reasonably fit visitors. The ascent takes two to three hours via the main camel path, typically starting around 2am for sunrise. Bring warm layers, comfortable footwear, and a torch.
What is there to do beyond water activities?
Desert safaris, Bedouin camp experiences, day trips to Dahab and Saint Catherine's Monastery, the Old Market in Hadaba, luxury spa treatments, and evening entertainment at Soho Square.
Is it easy to take day trips from Sharm El Sheikh?
Yes. Dahab is 85 kilometers away and easily reached. Saint Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai, Tiran Island, and Ras Mohammed are all accessible on organized day tours from the city.
What should I pack for Sharm El Sheikh?
Lightweight clothing, high-factor sunscreen, and swimwear. Warm layers for the Mount Sinai summit, modest clothing for monastery and market visits, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs.
