Naama Bay is the heart of Sharm el-Sheikh's resort strip, a crescent of sand backed by a pedestrian promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, shisha lounges, shops and dive centres. In the daytime it is a place to swim, to book a boat or diving trip and to watch the sea from a terrace, and by evening the promenade fills with strollers and live music. It is flat, walkable and busy, so it is the easiest place in Sharm to eat out without a taxi. Several hotels sit directly on or near the bay, and many excursions collect from here. Prices in cafes and shops are higher than in the Old Market, and vendors can be persistent, so a polite no and a firm walk are usually enough. There is no entry fee, and you can enjoy it as a free evening.
What to do
Start with a late-afternoon walk along the promenade when the light softens, pick a cafe with a sea view for tea or a juice, and watch the boats and divers return. After dark the bay lights up with restaurants and bars, so choose a place that is busy and look at the menu prices before you sit down. Many cafes offer shisha, and some have live music or sports screens.
Swimming and diving
Access to the water is usually through a hotel or a beach club, which often charges a day fee for non-guests. The reef near the bay is popular with shore divers, and dive shops along the promenade, including the dive centre at Camel Dive Club & Hotel in this guide, run courses and dives. If you only want to look at the fish, a glass-bottom or semi-submarine boat trip is an easy alternative.
Practical notes
The bay is at its liveliest in the evening, with most people arriving after dinner time, and it is quieter on weekday mornings. Dress casually, bring a little cash for tips and drinks and keep valuables out of sight. Taxis wait at the main entrances to the promenade, and you should agree on the fare before you set off. If you want a quieter evening, walk to the far ends of the bay, where the crowds thin out, or choose a hotel restaurant away from the main strip.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided stroll along the beachfront promenade with cafes, restaurants, shops and dive centres.
Best time
Late afternoon into the evening, when the heat drops and the promenade comes alive.
How long
One to two hours for a walk, longer with dinner.
Tips
Check menu prices before you sit, agree taxi fares in advance, and carry small notes for tips.
Quick picks
- Best for
- An easy first evening: dinner, a walk and a look at what is on offer.
- Families
- Fine for families early in the evening, with plenty of ice cream and open space for children.
- Couples
- Pleasant for a sunset stroll and a sea-view dinner.
- Pair with
- A semi-submarine ride by day or a Bedouin dinner on another night.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is Naama Bay free to visit?+
Yes, the promenade is free to walk. You pay only for food, drinks, shisha and any beach club or boat trip.
When is it busiest?+
Evenings are the liveliest, especially after dinner time. Mornings and weekday afternoons are calmer.
Can I swim at Naama Bay?+
Access to the water is usually through hotels or beach clubs, some of which charge non-guests a day fee. Check the rules and any current beach conditions first.
Is it walkable from my hotel?+
Hotels on or near the bay are an easy walk, while other resorts need a taxi. Agree a fare before you ride.
Are vendors pushy?+
They can be persistent in the busiest stretches. A polite no and a steady pace are usually enough.
