Ras Mohammed National Park
Egypt's first national park, a protected headland of coral cliffs, mangroves and reef at the very tip of Sinai. A short guided tour from Sharm gives you the landscape and the snorkeling without a full day on a boat.
Egypt
Sharm el-Sheikh
Sharm el-Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where bare granite mountains drop straight into some of the clearest, most reef-rich water in the Red Sea.
Boats leave each morning for Ras Mohammed National Park and the channels around Tiran Island, semi-submarines and intro dives put first-timers among the coral without a certification, and the strip of Naama Bay stays lively long after the sun goes down. Away from the water, quad bikes and camels cross the desert to a Bedouin camp for dinner under the stars, the Old Market and the Al Sahaba Mosque show the town behind the resorts, and long day trips reach the Blue Hole and Colored Canyon near Dahab or climb Mount Sinai in the dark to watch sunrise over St. Catherine's Monastery. This guide books the best of it and matches you to a hotel, from a hillside Four Seasons with a kilometre of private beach to a compact dive hotel in the middle of Naama Bay, because here the reef, the bay you choose and the right day trips make the holiday.
Don't miss
Ras Mohammed and White Island Boat Trip
The classic Sharm sea day: a full day on a yacht with two snorkeling stops at Ras Mohammed and White Island, a buffet lunch and drinks. It has the strongest review record of any boat trip from the resort.
Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Bedouin Dinner
The Sharm desert evening: quad bikes across the dunes, a camel ride, a Bedouin-style dinner and a show under the stars. One of the best-reviewed activities in town.
Dahab, Blue Hole and Colored Canyon Day Trip
A full-day jeep trip up the Gulf of Aqaba coast to Salama Canyon, the Blue Hole and the laid-back town of Dahab, with lunch at a beach Bedouin tent and snorkeling gear included. Very well reviewed.
Tiran Island Snorkeling Trip
A full-day boat trip to the reefs of the Straits of Tiran, with snorkeling, lunch and soft drinks. A good second sea day if you have already done Ras Mohammed.
Things to do in Sharm el-Sheikh
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Ras Mohammed and White Island Boat Trip
The classic Sharm sea day: a full day on a yacht with two snorkeling stops at Ras Mohammed and White Island, a buffet lunch and drinks. It has the strongest review record of any boat trip from the resort.
Tiran Island Snorkeling Trip
A full-day boat trip to the reefs of the Straits of Tiran, with snorkeling, lunch and soft drinks. A good second sea day if you have already done Ras Mohammed.
Semi-Submarine Reef Tour
A short, dry way to see the Red Sea reef: a semi-submersible boat with large underwater windows, with hotel transfer. Easy for children, grandparents and anyone who would rather not snorkel.
Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Bedouin Dinner
The Sharm desert evening: quad bikes across the dunes, a camel ride, a Bedouin-style dinner and a show under the stars. One of the best-reviewed activities in town.
Discover Scuba Diving
A first scuba dive with an instructor, no certification needed, in one of the world's best-known dive regions. Strong reviews from hundreds of first-time divers.
Dahab, Blue Hole and Colored Canyon Day Trip
A full-day jeep trip up the Gulf of Aqaba coast to Salama Canyon, the Blue Hole and the laid-back town of Dahab, with lunch at a beach Bedouin tent and snorkeling gear included. Very well reviewed.
Mount Sinai Sunrise and St. Catherine's Monastery
An overnight-start excursion to climb Mount Sinai for sunrise, then visit St. Catherine's Monastery in the mountains. A long, demanding and unforgettable day with strong reviews.
FreeNaama Bay Promenade
Sharm's busiest resort bay: a curved beach and a long promenade of cafes, dive shops, restaurants and bars that is at its best from late afternoon into the night. Free to wander.
2 hoursDetails →
Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque
The local side of Sharm: the bustling Old Market in Old Town (Sharm el Maya) and the landmark Al Sahaba Mosque, best seen on a short guided city tour. Excellent reviews and a low price.
Giza Pyramids Day Trip by Flight
The big one: a single long day that flies you from Sharm to Cairo for the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, then brings you back to the beach by night. A very full day, and the easiest way to add ancient Egypt to a Red Sea holiday.
Petra Day Trip from Sharm el-Sheikh
A long, rewarding day that crosses the Gulf of Aqaba to reach the rose-red rock city of Petra in Jordan. Big on scenery and history, and a very early start.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh Coast
The splurge pick: a hillside resort that cascades from desert to sea, with a kilometre of private beachfront, four outdoor pools and an on-site dive centre. Best for couples and families who want serenity and service.
Check rates →Rixos Premium Seagate
Nabq Bay
A huge all-inclusive resort on Nabq Bay with eight outdoor pools, a water park, 14 restaurants and a kids club. Best for families and groups who want everything on site, a short drive from the airport.
Check rates →Savoy Sharm El Sheikh
SOHO Square, Shark’s Bay
A big, lively luxury resort next to SOHO Square in Shark’s Bay, with five pools, a private beach and pier, several restaurants and a kids club. Best for families and groups who want nightlife on the doorstep.
Check rates →Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort
Near Naama Bay
An all-inclusive resort near Naama Bay with five outdoor pools, an indoor pool and a private beach. A solid mid-range pick for families and couples.
Check rates →Camel Dive Club and Hotel
Naama Bay
The budget pick: a compact boutique hotel with an SSI dive centre in the middle of Naama Bay, a rooftop restaurant and free breakfast. Best for divers and independent travellers who want to walk everywhere.
Check rates →Sheraton Sharm Hotel, Resort, Villas and Spa
Al Pasha Coast, Shark’s Bay
A large, well-known beachfront resort on the Al Pasha coast with a private beach and pier, reef access for snorkeling, four outdoor pools and a thalasso spa. A solid all-round choice for families and couples.
Check rates →
$$$Domina Coral Bay Resort
Shark’s Bay
A lively Shark's Bay resort with a private beach, diving and snorkeling on site, a spa, a marina and a casino. Good for divers and sociable travellers who want entertainment close by.
Check rates →Steigenberger Alcazar
Nabq Bay
A large Nabq Bay resort in an Andalusian-inspired style, with a beach, several pools and a long list of restaurants. A good fit for families and groups who want one base with plenty on site.
Check rates →Sharm el-Sheikh guides
First-Timer's Guide to Sharm el-Sheikh: What to Book, How Many Days, Where to Go
How to plan your first trip to Sharm el-Sheikh: how many days you need, which boat trips and desert evenings to book ahead, how to get around and how the day trips fit.
Where to Stay in Sharm el-Sheikh: Naama Bay, Shark's Bay, Nabq and the Hillside Resorts
Naama Bay, SOHO Square and Shark's Bay, Nabq Bay or a hillside beach resort? How to choose a base in Sharm el-Sheikh, with our hotel picks for divers, families and couples.
Three Days in Sharm el-Sheikh: A Sea, Desert and Town Itinerary
A practical three-day plan for Sharm el-Sheikh: a reef day by boat, a day for the town and the desert, and a flexible third day for a long excursion or a beach rest.
Eating and Drinking in Sharm el-Sheikh: Seafood, Street Food and Where to Sit
Where and what to eat in Sharm el-Sheikh: Egyptian classics, fresh fish, Bedouin food, resort dining, tea and juice, plus tips on alcohol, water and etiquette.
Best Time to Visit Sharm el-Sheikh: Seasons, Sea Temperatures and Crowds
When to go to Sharm el-Sheikh: how the seasons affect heat, sea temperature, wind, diving, desert trips and prices, with month-by-month guidance and packing tips.
Day Trips from Sharm el-Sheikh: Dahab, Mount Sinai, Cairo, Luxor and Petra
Which day trip from Sharm el-Sheikh is right for you: Dahab and the Blue Hole, Mount Sinai and St. Catherine, the Pyramids, Luxor or Petra, with times, effort and tips.
