Sharm El Sheikh is a world-class resort destination where the golden desert meets the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. From thrilling underwater adventures to rich cultural experiences and vibrant nightlife, this coastal paradise offers something for every traveler. Here are the top 10 things to do in Sharm El Sheikh, complete with their best locations, expected costs, and ideal timings.
1. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling at Ras Mohammed
Ras Mohammed National Park is globally renowned for hosting some of the most breathtaking coral reefs and diverse marine life on earth. You can swim alongside sea turtles, rays, and thousands of colorful fish species.
- 📍 Best Location: Ras Mohammed National Park (Southern tip of Sinai)
- 💰 Estimated Cost: $40 - $80 (depending on boat trips and diving equipment)
- ⏰ Best Time of Day: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (for optimal sunlight underwater)
2. Quad Biking Safari in the Sinai Desert
Race across the shifting desert sands on an exhilarating ATV quad bike. Most tours include a stop at a traditional Bedouin camp for herbal tea and a glimpse into their nomadic lifestyle.
- 📍 Best Location: The Wadi Kharrouba Desert tracks
- 💰 Estimated Cost: $20 - $35 per quad
- ⏰ Best Time of Day: Sunrise (4:30 AM) or Sunset (4:00 PM) to avoid daytime heat
3. Exploring and Dining in Naama Bay
Naama Bay is the bustling heart of Sharm El Sheikh. It features a lively pedestrian promenade lined with international restaurants, cozy shisha cafes, local souvenir shops, and high-energy nightclubs.
- 📍 Best Location: Naama Bay Main Promenade
- 💰 Estimated Cost: Free entry (Dinners average $15 - $30 per person)
- ⏰ Best Time of Day: 6:00 PM – Midnight (when the nightlife comes alive)
4. Day Trip to Tiran Island by Boat
Take a relaxing cruise to Tiran Island, a famous spot located between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The area is packed with excellent shallow snorkeling reefs and dramatic shipwrecks to explore.
- 📍 Best Location: Boats depart from the Ghibli Raceway Marina or Naama Bay Jetty
- 💰 Estimated Cost: $35 - $50 (usually includes lunch and soft drinks)
- ⏰ Best Time of Day: Full-day excursion (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
5. Shopping and Visiting the Sahaba Mosque at the Old Market
Immerse yourself in authentic Egyptian culture at the Old Market (Sharm Old Town). Shop for spices, traditional oils, and handicrafts, and marvel at the stunning architectural fusion of Al-Sahaba Mosque.
- 📍 Best Location: Old Market Market District
- 💰 Estimated Cost: Free entry (Shopping and street food costs vary, $5 - $20)
- ⏰ Best Time of Day: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (cooler temperatures and beautiful mosque lighting)
6. Watching the Sunset at Farsha Mountain Lounge
Farsha is a legendary cliffside café carved into the mountains of Hadaba. Decorated with traditional antiques and floor cushions, it offers a magical, bohemian atmosphere overlooking the sea as night falls.
- 📍 Best Location: Umm El Seed Hill (Hadaba area)
- 💰 Estimated Cost: Minimum charge around $8 - $15 per person for drinks/snacks
- ⏰ Best Time of Day: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM (Arrive early to secure a prime sunset view)
7. Stargazing and Bedouin Night in the Desert
Escape the city's light pollution into the deep desert. Enjoy a traditional Bedouin barbecue dinner, watch cultural performances (Tanoura dance), and look through powerful telescopes to view planetary rings and constellations.
- 📍 Best Location: Eco-Laser desert camp zones near Nabq
- 💰 Estimated Cost: $30 - $45 per person
- ⏰ Best Time of Day: 5:00 PM – 9:35 PM
8. Parasailing and Water Sports at SOHO Square
Soar high above the Red Sea coastline on a thrilling parasailing ride, or enjoy banana boat rides. Afterward, walk through the ultra-modern SOHO Square entertainment hub to enjoy its dancing fountains.
- 📍 Best Location: White Knight Bay / SOHO Square Promenade
- 💰 Estimated Cost: $20 - $35 for water sports; Free entry to SOHO Square
- ⏰ Best Time of Day: 11:00 AM for water sports; 7:00 PM for the SOHO entertainment show
9. Hiking Mount Sinai and Visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery
A spiritual and historic journey. Hike up the mountain where Prophet Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments, then descend to tour St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world.
- 📍 Best Location: St. Catherine National Park (3 hours drive from Sharm)
- 💰 Estimated Cost: $45 - $60 (Includes transfers and a local Bedouin mountain guide)
- ⏰ Best Time of Day: Overnight trek starting at 10:00 PM to catch the breathtaking sunrise on the peak
10. Exploring Nabq Protected Area
Discover a completely unique ecosystem featuring the northernmost mangrove forests in the world, dunes, pristine isolated beaches, and excellent bird-watching opportunities away from tourist crowds.
- 📍 Best Location: Nabq Nature Reserve (North of Sharm El Sheikh)
- 💰 Estimated Cost: Entrance fee approx. $5 per person (4x4 tours around $40)
- ⏰ Best Time of Day: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🌍 Track Live Global Weather Interactively
Before booking your outdoor safaris or sea trips, make sure the weather is on your side! Clear skies and calm winds are crucial for the best diving and desert experiences.
Visit our Live Global Weather Platform to check real-time wind speeds, dust tracking, and daily forecasts for Sharm El Sheikh and destinations across the globe.
⚠️ Important Travel Notice: Local Laws & Scam Prevention
⚖️ Essential Local Laws & Regulations
To avoid severe legal fines or trouble during your vacation, always adhere to these local regulations:
- Protect Marine Life: It is strictly illegal to touch corals, collect seashells, feed the fish, or damage the reef ecosystem. Fines are extremely heavy.
- Drone Restrictions: Flying or importing recreational drones into Egypt is strictly prohibited without specialized military defense permits. Leave your drones at home.
- Photography: Do not take photos of military checkpoints, government installations, police buildings, or local residents without their explicit verbal permission.
🛑 Smart Tips to Avoid Tourist Scams
Sharm El Sheikh is generally safe, but like any global tourist hub, scamming can occur. Follow these tips to protect your wallet:
- Agree on Prices First: Always agree on the final price before getting into a taxi or ordering a service. Make sure to specify if the price is in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) or US Dollars (USD) to avoid surprises.
- Beware of "Free" Camel Rides: A classic scam is offering a camel ride for free or $1, but then demanding $20+ to let you climb down. Only deal with licensed guides through reputable hotel desks.
- Book Safaris with Registered Agencies: Avoid buying cheap tour packages from unauthorized street sellers. They often lack tourist insurance and cut corners on safety equipment. Book with certified PADI dive centers and well-reviewed travel agencies.