Day Trips From Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is a resort base with several very different day-trip options. Ras Mohammed is the easiest choice for reef and sea time, Dahab adds a relaxed coastal day, and St. Catherine is a long mountain excursion with an early start. Petra should be treated as a request-to-confirm extension, because border, ferry or flight logistics can change.

Most people come to Sharm El Sheikh for the Red Sea: warm water, coral reefs and resort days. But the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula also has rugged mountains, desert valleys, a laid-back coastal town and one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. A well-chosen day trip adds variety without turning a beach stay into a string of early starts.

This guide compares the main options, explains what each one really involves and helps you decide which suits your trip.

At a glance: Sharm day trips compared

Times depend on pickup location, sea conditions and the exact program.

Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba meet. It is a protected national park known for its coral reefs, steep reef walls and abundant fish, and it is a popular day trip from Sharm.

By boat or by road

There are two main ways to visit:

• By boat: the most common option for snorkelers and divers. Boats leave from Sharm's marinas and stop at two or three reef sites, with lunch on board.
• By road: a drive into the park with stops at viewpoints, beaches and shore-snorkeling spots, plus the mangrove area and the salt pools.

The exact program depends on sea conditions, permitted access points on the day and whether you dive or snorkel. Choose Ras Mohammed when your goal is time in and on the water rather than another long road journey. Bring reef-safe sun protection, follow the guide's instructions on reefs and do not touch or stand on coral.

Tiran Island and the Strait of Tiran

Boat trips toward Tiran Island visit reefs in the strait at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba. The water is often clear and the reefs are colorful, making it a good alternative or addition to Ras Mohammed. Landing on the island itself is not usually part of these trips, and routes depend on current rules and the weather, so confirm what is included before booking.

Dahab

Dahab, about 90 km north of Sharm, offers a different Red Sea atmosphere: a smaller coastal town with a relaxed promenade, cafés by the water and a slower pace. The drive is usually about an hour and a half in normal conditions.

A Dahab day can include:

• Snorkeling at well-known reef sites along the coast, with an experienced guide.
• A camel ride or short 4x4 trip into the nearby desert valleys.
• Lunch on the waterfront and time to wander the town.

Dahab suits travelers who want a change of scene without the long hours of a mountain excursion. Some day trips combine it with a short desert stop or a visit to a canyon area, which lengthens the day.

St. Catherine and Mount Sinai

The journey to St. Catherine is much longer and should be chosen for a specific reason: the monastery, the Mount Sinai setting or a particular hiking goal. The drive from Sharm takes around three hours each way through dramatic granite mountains.

St. Catherine's Monastery

The Monastery of St. Catherine, at the foot of Mount Sinai, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within its massive walls stand the basilica, a famous collection of icons and the plant traditionally identified as the burning bush. Visiting hours are limited, and the monastery closes on some days and religious holidays, so the schedule must be confirmed for your date. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.

Climbing Mount Sinai

Many visitors climb Mount Sinai overnight to watch the sunrise from the summit, then visit the monastery in the morning. This usually means leaving Sharm late in the evening and walking for several hours in the dark, by path or by the steep Steps of Repentance. It is cold at the top in winter, even when the coast is warm.

The climb and a monastery-only cultural day are very different experiences. If the climb is included, expect a demanding night with little sleep. If not, a daytime monastery visit is a long but manageable day.

Petra from Sharm El Sheikh

Petra appears in many excursion catalogs, but it is not a simple fixed day trip. A same-day visit depends on current cross-border transport, including ferry or flight schedules, immigration procedures and the arrangements of the Jordan partner on the ground.

When it is possible, expect a very long day with early departure, border formalities, a drive to Petra, a few hours on site and a late return. Many travelers find that Petra deserves at least one night in Jordan to see more than the main trail.

For these reasons, Nourbelle offers Petra from Sharm as a request-to-confirm extension rather than an always-available product. If it matters to you, tell us early so we can check the options for your exact date. Entry rules depend on your passport and can change, so please check the official source before you travel.

How to choose your day trip

If you have only one free day, pick the experience that adds something your trip does not already include:

• Beach and sea lovers: Ras Mohammed or a Tiran boat trip.
• Travelers who want a change of atmosphere: Dahab.
• Those with an interest in religious history or mountains: St. Catherine, with or without the climb.
• Travelers adding Jordan deliberately: Petra on request, ideally with an overnight.

Pacing your Red Sea stay

A Red Sea extension is often meant as rest after a busy tour of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. One or two carefully chosen trips usually work better than filling every day. Leave free days between long excursions, especially after a night climb.

Choosing a good operator

Excursions from Sharm vary widely in quality, and the cheapest option is not always the best value. For boat trips, ask about group size, the condition of the boat and snorkeling equipment, and whether a guide goes into the water with beginners. For desert and mountain trips, ask about the vehicle, the driver's experience and whether a local Bedouin guide joins the climb. Clear answers about what is included, and what is not, are a good sign that the trip is well organized.

Practical tips

• Bring sun protection, a hat and plenty of water on every trip.
• Pack a warm layer for St. Catherine, especially from November to March.
• Carry your passport for checkpoints in Sinai and for any cross-border travel.
• Ask whether park and site entrance fees are included.
• Confirm pickup times, which can be very early.

You can compare beach stays and combinations on our Egypt tours page and browse excursions on our day tours page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest day trip from Sharm El Sheikh?

Ras Mohammed and Dahab are usually the easiest, because they involve shorter travel than St. Catherine. A half-day Ras Mohammed boat trip is the gentlest option for most travelers.

Can I visit St. Catherine in one day?

Yes, but it is a long excursion of around three hours' drive each way. The timing depends on whether the trip includes the monastery, the Mount Sinai climb or both, and on the monastery's opening days.

Can I visit Petra from Sharm El Sheikh?

Sometimes, but it must be confirmed for the exact date because cross-border schedules and procedures can change. Expect a very long day, and consider an overnight in Jordan instead.

Is snorkeling at Ras Mohammed suitable for beginners?

Yes. Boat trips usually provide equipment and a guide, and many sites have calm, sheltered spots. Tell the crew if you are a beginner and consider a flotation vest.

Are day trips suitable for a Red Sea extension?

Yes. They work best when they add one or two carefully chosen experiences without turning a relaxing stay into a week of early starts.

Plan it with Nourbelle

If you would like help choosing excursions for your Sharm El Sheikh stay, share your dates on our plan your trip page, and we will suggest the right mix.