Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh: Top Activities & Attractions

The main things to do in Sharm El Sheikh are snorkeling or diving at Ras Mohammed National Park, a boat trip to the reefs of the Strait of Tiran, a night climb of Mount Sinai for sunrise with a visit to St. Catherine's Monastery, desert horse or camel rides, and a day trip by air to the Pyramids in Cairo.

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the desert mountains meet rich coral reefs in the Red Sea. It is a resort town first, with hotels spread along a series of bays, but it is also the gateway to Sinai's interior: the mountains, the Bedouin desert and one of the oldest working monasteries in the world.

Most visitors combine relaxed beach days with two or three bigger excursions. The guide below covers the main ones, how much time each needs, and what to check before you book.

Ras Mohammed National Park

One of Egypt's best-known marine parks lies at the very southern tip of Sinai, a short drive or boat ride from Sharm. Its reefs drop away into deep water, with coral walls and large numbers of fish, and it is one of the main reasons divers come to the area.

By boat or by road

Boat trips are the classic way to visit, stopping at two or three reef sites with lunch on board. Road trips enter the park by land and use shore-entry points for snorkeling, often combined with viewpoints over the coast and the park's mangroves and salt lagoons. Boats generally reach the more famous offshore reefs, while road trips suit travelers who get seasick.

What to bring

Bring your passport or a copy if your operator asks for it, as checkpoints and park entry may require identification. Pack reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, water and a light layer for the boat ride back. Park fees may or may not be included in the price, so check before you book.

Tiran Island and the Strait of Tiran

Boats from Sharm also head north to the reefs of the Strait of Tiran, the narrow passage between Sinai and Tiran Island. The reefs here are popular with snorkelers and divers, with strong colors and clear water on calm days.

Currents in the strait can be strong, so choose a crew that gives a clear safety briefing and keeps a guide in the water with snorkelers. Beginners should ask whether stops are chosen for calm conditions. If the sea is rough, a good captain will change the route, which is a sign of a careful operator rather than a reason to complain.

Diving around Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm has a large diving industry, with centers offering everything from introductory dives to advanced courses and day boats to the outer reefs.

• First-time divers can try a discovery dive with an instructor in shallow water.
• Certified divers can join guided boat dives at Ras Mohammed, Tiran and the reefs along the coast.
• Experienced divers often book a day trip to the SS Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship sunk during the Second World War that lies in the Gulf of Suez. It is a long boat day and is best suited to divers with some experience.

Bring your certification card and logbook, and check that the center you choose follows standard safety practice. Diving and then flying on the same day is not recommended, so schedule your dives with your flight times in mind.

Mount Sinai sunrise and St. Catherine's Monastery

This is the excursion many visitors remember most. Mount Sinai tours from Sharm El Sheikh usually leave late at night, drive about three hours into the mountains, and start the climb in the dark so you reach the summit for sunrise.

The climb

Most walkers take around two to three hours up the camel path, followed by the final steps to the summit, which are steep and uneven. Camels can carry you part of the way, but not up the last section. A flashlight or headlamp is essential, and you should walk at your own pace with your guide.

What to wear

Bring warm layers, a hat, and gloves: the summit is cold before dawn, even in summer, and very cold in winter. Wear sturdy walking shoes and carry water and a snack. Blankets are sometimes rented at the top, but your own layers are more reliable.

St. Catherine's Monastery

After the descent, most tours visit St. Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, at the foot of the mountain. Opening times are limited and the monastery can close for religious occasions, so check the schedule with your operator. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.

This trip is demanding. It involves a night without sleep, a long walk at altitude, and several hours of driving. If you have heart, knee or breathing problems, talk to your doctor before booking.

Desert trips and horse riding

The desert begins almost at the edge of town. Afternoon trips head out by quad bike, 4x4 or camel to Bedouin camps for tea, sunset, and often dinner under the stars.

Horse riding in Sharm El Sheikh is popular at sunrise or sunset, when it is cooler, along desert trails or the beach. Ask about helmets, group size and how experienced riders need to be before booking, and say honestly if you are a beginner so the stable can match you with a suitable horse.

For quad bikes, look for a clear safety briefing, helmets and a guide at the front and back of the group. A scarf for the dust and sunglasses make the ride much more comfortable.

Old Market, Naama Bay and evenings in Sharm

The Old Market area, also known as Sharm El Maya, is a pleasant place for an evening stroll, with spice and souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants. Nearby stand Al Sahaba Mosque, with its Ottoman-inspired design, and the Heavenly Cathedral, a Coptic church with richly painted interiors; visitors should dress modestly at both.

Naama Bay is the main evening hub, with a busy promenade lined with restaurants, cafés and bars. Many resorts also run their own evening entertainment, and some areas of Sharm have larger leisure complexes with restaurants and shows.

Trips from Sharm El Sheikh to the Pyramids

The Pyramids are about 500 km away by road. The practical way to see them in a day is an early flight to Cairo, a guided day at Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, and an evening flight back. It is a long day but manageable. Driving there and back in one day is not recommended.

If Cairo is a priority, a one- or two-night stay in Cairo is more comfortable and gives you time for Saqqara, Islamic Cairo, or a slower museum visit. Some travelers also combine Sharm with Luxor and a Nile cruise for a wider Egypt trip.

Places to visit in Sharm El Sheikh: how long do you need?

Five to seven days covers two or three excursions plus beach time. A balanced week might look like this:

• One reef day at Ras Mohammed or Tiran.
• One Mount Sinai night climb, followed by a rest day.
• One desert afternoon or horse ride.
• A day in Cairo by air if the Pyramids are part of your plans.
• Beach and pool days in between.

Spring and fall are comfortable seasons for excursions. Summer is hot, though sea breezes help on the coast, and winter brings mild days, cooler water and very cold nights in the mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sharm El Sheikh worth visiting?

Yes, especially for divers, snorkelers and travelers who want a resort stay with easy day trips. The reefs at Ras Mohammed and Tiran are the highlight, and Mount Sinai adds a memorable inland experience. It is less suited to travelers who mainly want temples and ancient sites, which lie in the Nile Valley.

How long is the Mount Sinai climb?

Most walkers take around two to three hours up the camel path, plus the final steps to the summit. The descent is quicker but hard on the knees. Including the drive from Sharm, the whole trip usually takes most of the night and the following morning.

Can you see the Pyramids from Sharm El Sheikh in a day?

Yes, with flights both ways. It is a long day but manageable, with Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum the usual focus. A road trip there and back in one day is not recommended because of the distance.

Is Sharm El Sheikh good for non-swimmers?

Yes. Glass-bottom boats, desert trips, horse riding, the Old Market and the monastery all suit travelers who prefer to stay dry. On snorkel boats, life vests and a guide in the water make it possible for weaker swimmers to see the reef safely.

What should I pack for Sharm El Sheikh?

Pack swimwear, reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, plus modest clothing for the mosque, cathedral, and monastery. If you plan to climb Mount Sinai, add a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and a headlamp.

Plan it with Nourbelle

If you would like to pair Sinai's reefs and mountains with Cairo or the Nile, share your dates and interests and we will help you shape a route that leaves time to rest between excursions.