Use Sharm El Sheikh as a base for coral reefs, desert canyons, mountain landscapes and historic sites across South Sinai. Compare five rewarding excursions and choose the one that fits your time, interests and activity level.
These Sharm El Sheikh 5 destinations take you beyond the resort areas and show the variety of South Sinai. Ras Mohammed is the strongest marine-focused choice, St. Catherine combines sacred heritage with mountain scenery, Dahab offers a relaxed coast, and the Colored Canyon and Abu Galum add desert adventure.
This guide focuses specifically on day trips and destinations outside central Sharm El Sheikh. For beaches, nightlife, Old Market and activities within the resort, use our separate guide to things to do in Sharm El Sheikh.
Best forNature, diving, culture and adventure
Trip formatHalf-day and full-day excursions
Starting pointSharm El Sheikh hotels
RegionSouth Sinai, Egypt
Why take day trips from Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm’s location between the Red Sea and the Sinai mountains makes it a useful base for very different experiences. You can spend one day exploring coral reefs and another visiting a centuries-old monastery or walking through a desert landscape.
Planning note: Journey times and routes can change according to the hotel pickup point, road conditions, security procedures, weather and the operator’s itinerary. Confirm the current schedule and inclusions before booking.
1Ras Mohammed National Park
Ras Mohammed is the clearest choice for travelers who want a Red Sea nature excursion. The national park lies southwest of Sharm El Sheikh at the meeting point of the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. Its protected landscapes include coral reefs, marine habitats, coastal features and mangroves.
What to do
Snorkel or dive at a site suited to your ability.
Explore coastal viewpoints and desert scenery.
Look for reef fish, birds and other wildlife without disturbing them.
Best for
First-time Red Sea visitors, snorkelers, divers and travelers who want a protected-area experience close to Sharm.
Do not stand on or touch coral. Follow park and boat instructions, and use reef-safe practices throughout the visit.
South Sinai’s Red Sea coast is known for clear water and coral habitats.
2St. Catherine and Mount Sinai
This is the strongest cultural and mountain-focused excursion on the list. The UNESCO-listed Saint Catherine Area centres on Jebel Musa—also known as Mount Sinai or Mount Horeb—and St. Catherine’s Monastery at its foot.
The monastery was founded in the sixth century and has retained its monastic function. The wider area is sacred to Christianity, Islam and Judaism, giving the visit importance beyond its dramatic landscape.
Before you go: A Mount Sinai climb needs suitable footwear, water, layers for changing temperatures and a realistic assessment of fitness. Monastery access, opening arrangements and hiking schedules can change; verify them shortly before departure.
St. Catherine’s Monastery stands within the mountainous UNESCO World Heritage area.
The Sinai mountain landscape at sunrise; temperatures can be much cooler than at the coast.
3Dahab and the Blue Hole
Dahab has a more relaxed coastal rhythm than Sharm El Sheikh and suits visitors who want time by the sea combined with snorkeling, diving or a walk along the waterfront. Many itineraries pair the town with the Blue Hole or other nearby coastal sites.
Understanding the Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is one of Dahab’s best-known dive locations, but advanced routes can be dangerous. Divers must use appropriately qualified professionals and remain within the limits of their certification and experience. Snorkelers should follow current sea conditions and local safety guidance.
Choose Dahab if your priority is a mix of water activities and unhurried coastal time rather than a tightly scheduled sightseeing route.
Dahab combines a laid-back waterfront with easy access to desert and marine landscapes.
4Colored Canyon
Colored Canyon is a good option when you want to exchange the shoreline for Sinai’s geology. Narrow passages and layered sandstone create varied colors and textures, especially as the direction of the light changes.
Good for
Desert walking, geology, landscape photography and travelers wanting a contrast to beach excursions.
Bring with you
Closed walking shoes, drinking water, sun protection and clothing suited to dusty, rocky terrain.
Access routes and walking conditions vary. A guide who knows the current route is more valuable than relying on an old itinerary or map.
Rocky desert scenery and Bedouin camps are part of many South Sinai excursions.
5Abu Galum and the Blue Lagoon
Abu Galum Protectorate combines mountains, desert and protected coastline north of Dahab. Excursions may include snorkeling, off-road or boat transport, a stop at the Blue Lagoon and time in a local coastal settlement, depending on the route.
This destination suits travelers who prioritize scenery and outdoor adventure over formal sightseeing. Confirm the transport sequence, walking involved, equipment, meals, park fees and return time. Weather and sea conditions can change the itinerary.
Responsible travel: Take litter away, avoid single-use plastics where possible, respect local communities and follow protected-area instructions around coral, wildlife and access zones.
Which destination should you choose?
Destination
Best for
Typical experience
Activity level
Ras Mohammed
Snorkeling and diving
Reefs, marine life and protected coast
Easy–moderate
St. Catherine and Mount Sinai
Heritage and hiking
Monastery, sacred landscape and mountain route
Moderate–challenging
Dahab and Blue Hole
Coastal atmosphere and water activities
Waterfront time, snorkeling or professionally guided diving
Easy–moderate
Colored Canyon
Desert walking and photography
Rock formations and canyon route
Moderate
Abu Galum and Blue Lagoon
Nature and adventure
Protected coast, desert transport and water activities
Moderate
Practical tips for Sharm El Sheikh excursions
Check what is included
Confirm transport, park admission, equipment, meals, guide services and any optional fees before paying.
Match the trip to your fitness
Mountain and canyon excursions involve uneven terrain. Ask about walking distance and elevation before booking.
Prepare for the climate
Carry water, sunscreen and a hat. For Mount Sinai, bring layers because temperatures may be much lower than in Sharm.
Verify current access
Protected-area rules, monastery opening, sea conditions, security procedures and routes can change.
Plan your South Sinai experience
Combine the right excursion with your Sharm El Sheikh stay, or build a wider Egypt itinerary including Cairo, Luxor and the Nile Valley.
What are the best destinations from Sharm El Sheikh?
Ras Mohammed, St. Catherine and Mount Sinai, Dahab and the Blue Hole, Colored Canyon, and Abu Galum with the Blue Lagoon are five strong options. The best choice depends on whether you prefer marine life, heritage, hiking or desert scenery.
Which excursion is closest to Sharm El Sheikh?
Ras Mohammed is generally the most convenient of these five choices for a nearby protected-area excursion, although the exact journey depends on your hotel and whether you travel by road or boat.
Can St. Catherine be visited in one day?
Yes, it is commonly arranged as a long excursion. The schedule depends on transport, current access and whether the trip includes the monastery, a Mount Sinai climb or both.
Which trip is best for snorkeling?
Ras Mohammed is a leading choice because of its protected marine habitats and coral reefs. Dahab and Abu Galum can also suit snorkelers when conditions and the itinerary are appropriate.
Is the Blue Hole suitable for beginner divers?
Demanding parts of the Blue Hole are not suitable for inexperienced divers. Use qualified dive professionals and stay strictly within your certification, ability and the current local safety guidance.
What should I pack for a Sinai day trip?
Bring water, sun protection, supportive shoes, suitable clothing and personal medication. Add warmer layers for mountain trips and follow the operator’s equipment list for marine activities.
Can children join these excursions?
Some trips can suit families, but age limits, walking difficulty, boat conditions and equipment requirements vary. Check the exact itinerary with the operator rather than assuming every activity is child-friendly.
Do prices and access rules stay the same?
No. Admission fees, opening arrangements, protected-area rules and excursion inclusions can change. Confirm time-sensitive details shortly before travel.
Editorial note: Travel times, access rules, ticket prices and operating arrangements are subject to change. Verify time-sensitive information before travel.
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