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Looking for the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh? This Red Sea destination combines world-class coral reefs, protected national parks, desert landscapes, lively promenades, beaches and easy access to some of South Sinai’s most memorable cultural and spiritual sites.
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula between dramatic desert mountains and the clear waters of the Red Sea. The city first became internationally famous for diving, but today’s visitor can choose from far more than underwater activities.
You can snorkel in protected marine areas, spend a day at Ras Mohammed, cruise toward the Straits of Tiran, ride through the desert, explore the Old Market, relax around Naama Bay or travel inland toward Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery.
This guide organizes the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh by experience type so you can choose activities that fit your interests, available time and travel style rather than filling every day with similar excursions.
1Visit Ras Mohammed National Park
Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the essential things to do in Sharm El Sheikh for travelers who want to understand why this part of Egypt became internationally famous for its marine environment.
Located southwest of the city, the protected area combines coral reefs, desert scenery, coastline, beaches and distinctive natural features. Visitors can explore the park by land or join boat excursions that focus on snorkeling and diving.
Underwater sites around Ras Mohammed are known for coral formations and abundant marine life. On land, the dramatic contrast between the desert and the Red Sea creates excellent viewpoints and photography opportunities.
Why include Ras Mohammed in your itinerary?
- One of the region’s most important protected natural areas
- Excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities
- Coastal and desert scenery in the same day
- Suitable for travelers who do not scuba dive
- Easy to combine with a full-day nature excursion
2Go Snorkeling in the Red Sea
You do not need scuba certification to experience the underwater world around Sharm El Sheikh. Snorkeling can be enjoyed from selected beaches, resort jetties and organized boat trips.
The best option depends on your swimming ability and the type of day you want. Shore snorkeling is convenient, while boat trips allow access to several reef areas and often combine swimming stops with a longer day on the water.
Shore Snorkeling
Ideal for travelers who want flexibility and do not want to commit to a full-day boat excursion.
Boat Snorkeling
Better for travelers who want to reach multiple reef areas and turn snorkeling into a full Red Sea experience.
3Scuba Dive Around Sharm El Sheikh
Scuba diving remains one of the most famous things to do in Sharm El Sheikh. The area offers local reefs as well as day-boat access toward Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran.
Beginners can look for introductory experiences with qualified instructors, while certified divers can select sites according to experience level, currents, depth and current sea conditions.
Snorkeling or scuba diving?
Choose snorkeling if you want a simpler way to see coral and marine life from the surface. Choose scuba diving if you want longer underwater exploration and are prepared to follow the required training and safety procedures.
4Take a Boat Trip Toward the Straits of Tiran
The waters around the Straits of Tiran are another major focus for snorkeling and diving excursions from Sharm El Sheikh. Boat trips allow travelers to spend a full day on the Red Sea while exploring reef areas away from the resort shoreline.
Conditions around individual reefs can vary, especially for divers, so the exact itinerary should be selected by qualified operators according to weather, currents and participant experience.
For non-divers, a boat day can still be worthwhile for the scenery, swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
5Relax on Sharm El Sheikh’s Beaches
A good Sharm itinerary should include unstructured beach time. The city has several bays and resort areas, and each has a different atmosphere.
Naama Bay is the best-known option for travelers who want beaches close to restaurants, shops and an active promenade. Nabq is often chosen by visitors looking for larger resort zones and a more spacious setting, while areas around Ras Um Sid are popular with travelers interested in reef access and coastal views.
6Try Water Sports and Parasailing
Travelers who want more activity than a beach day can find a wide range of water sports in Sharm El Sheikh. Depending on the location and conditions, options may include parasailing, banana boats, tubing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Some activities require very little preparation, while wind-based sports benefit from proper instruction. Use reputable operators, check safety equipment and do not choose an activity simply because it is the cheapest offer on the beach.
7Explore the Sinai Desert
The desert behind Sharm El Sheikh creates a completely different experience from the Red Sea. A typical desert excursion may include quad biking, a camel ride, mountain scenery and a stop associated with Bedouin hospitality.
Sunset is an especially attractive time because the changing light creates strong contrasts across the mountains. Some evening programs continue with dinner or stargazing away from the lights of the resort.
Common desert safari experiences include:
- Quad biking
- Desert buggy rides
- Camel riding
- Mountain viewpoints
- Bedouin-style tea or dinner
- Sunset photography
- Stargazing on selected evening programs
8Explore the Old Market
The Old Market gives visitors a different perspective from resort beaches and hotel complexes. Shops, restaurants, spices, souvenirs and local street life make it one of the more atmospheric places to spend an evening.
Bargaining is common in some shops, but there is no need to treat every purchase as a contest. Decide what an item is worth to you and keep the conversation friendly.
The area is also useful for travelers interested in local food. Rather than limiting your stay to resort buffets, try a well-reviewed local restaurant and sample familiar Egyptian dishes in a different setting.
9Spend an Evening at SOHO Square
SOHO Square offers a more polished entertainment experience with restaurants, shops and evening attractions. It works well for families, couples and groups who want an easy night out without arranging a full excursion.
The area is particularly lively after sunset and can be combined with a relaxing daytime schedule. It is a useful option when you want an evening activity that requires little planning.
10Visit Sharm El Sheikh Museum
Sharm El Sheikh is usually associated with beaches and diving, but travelers who want a cultural break can include the city’s museum. It offers a different rhythm from marine and desert activities and can be a useful addition on a hot afternoon or a quieter day.
If your Egypt itinerary also includes Cairo, Luxor or Aswan, the museum can serve as an introduction to the wider historical journey rather than replacing the major archaeological collections elsewhere in the country.
11Visit Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery
For travelers interested in history, religion and mountain landscapes, the St. Catherine area offers one of the most meaningful day-trip or overnight experiences from the Sharm region.
St. Catherine’s Monastery stands at the foot of the mountain traditionally associated with Moses. The wider Saint Catherine Area is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is significant to Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
Many travelers combine the monastery with a Mount Sinai hike, sometimes timed for sunrise. This is a much more demanding excursion than a beach or city activity, so consider walking ability, weather, transport time and the current access arrangements before booking.
12Choose Family-Friendly Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh works well for families because the itinerary can be adapted around age, swimming ability and energy level. You do not need to fill the holiday with long excursions.
Good family options include:
- Beach and resort pool days
- Supervised beginner-friendly snorkeling
- Boat trips with comfortable onboard facilities
- Glass-bottom or semi-submarine style marine experiences
- SOHO Square in the evening
- Selected water parks
- Short desert experiences suitable for the child’s age
Before booking activities for children, confirm age limits, life-jacket availability, transport arrangements and whether the excursion includes long periods in direct sun.
Evening Entertainment in Sharm El Sheikh
After snorkeling, diving or desert activities, evenings can be kept simple. Naama Bay, SOHO Square and the Old Market offer different combinations of restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
Travelers interested in a more structured evening can also consider a cultural entertainment program. Alacart Travel Egypt offers an Alf Leila Wa Leila show in Sharm El Sheikh .
How to Plan the Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
The best itinerary alternates sea, desert and relaxation rather than booking a boat excursion every morning. Use the number of days you have to decide how much variety you can comfortably include.
Available Time |
Main Focus |
Suggested Combination |
|---|---|---|
1 Day |
Choose one signature experience |
Ras Mohammed or a Red Sea snorkeling trip |
2–3 Days |
Mix sea, city and desert |
Ras Mohammed + desert safari + Old Market / Naama Bay |
4–5 Days |
Add more variety |
Diving or Tiran + beach day + desert + museum + nightlife |
6+ Days |
Explore South Sinai more deeply |
Add St. Catherine, Mount Sinai or another regional excursion |
For more ideas beyond the resort itself, see our Sharm El Sheikh destinations guide .
Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh by Travel Style
For Adventure Travelers
- Scuba diving
- Quad biking
- Parasailing
- Mount Sinai hiking
For Relaxation
- Resort beach day
- Naama Bay
- Boat trip with swimming stops
- Spa and pool time
For Nature Lovers
- Ras Mohammed National Park
- Nabq protected landscapes
- Snorkeling
- Sinai mountain scenery
For Culture & History
- Old Market
- Sharm El Sheikh Museum
- St. Catherine’s Monastery
- Mount Sinai
Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh: Practical Travel Tips
- Use licensed, established operators for diving, boat trips and desert excursions.
- Never touch or stand on coral reefs.
- Check wind and sea conditions before specialized water activities.
- Confirm exactly what is included in any excursion before paying.
- Carry sun protection and enough water for desert and boat days.
- Leave at least one relaxed day if you are staying several nights.
- Dress appropriately when leaving resort areas or visiting religious sites.
- Check current access conditions before long-distance Sinai excursions.
Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh FAQ
What are the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh?
Top experiences include Ras Mohammed National Park, snorkeling, scuba diving, boat trips toward the Straits of Tiran, desert safaris, Naama Bay, the Old Market and excursions to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery.
Is Ras Mohammed worth visiting?
Yes. Ras Mohammed is one of the region’s most important protected natural areas and combines Red Sea reefs, beaches, coastal scenery and desert landscapes.
Is Sharm El Sheikh good for snorkeling?
Yes. Snorkeling is one of the city’s signature activities and can be enjoyed through selected shore-access areas and organized boat excursions.
Can beginners scuba dive in Sharm El Sheikh?
Introductory diving experiences are available for beginners through qualified dive centers. Certified dive sites should always be chosen according to training, experience and current sea conditions.
What can I do in Sharm El Sheikh besides diving?
You can take a desert safari, relax on the beaches, explore the Old Market, visit SOHO Square and Sharm El Sheikh Museum, try water sports or arrange a cultural excursion into South Sinai.
How many days do I need in Sharm El Sheikh?
Several days gives most travelers enough time to combine a marine activity, a desert experience, local sightseeing and relaxation. Longer stays are better for divers or visitors planning regional excursions.
Is Sharm El Sheikh good for families?
Yes. Families can combine beaches, pools, beginner-friendly snorkeling, boat experiences, SOHO Square and selected attractions suitable for children. Always check age and safety requirements.
Can I visit Mount Sinai from Sharm El Sheikh?
Yes. Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery are popular regional excursions, but the trip is more demanding than local sightseeing. Check current access, transport and hiking arrangements before booking.
Plan Your Sharm El Sheikh Experiences With Alacart Travel Egypt
The best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh are not all underwater. A balanced visit combines the Red Sea with protected landscapes, desert adventures, local evenings and enough free time to enjoy the resort atmosphere.
Alacart Travel Egypt can include Sharm El Sheikh within a wider Egypt journey and combine the Red Sea with Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or other destinations according to your available time and travel interests.