What to Do in Sharm El Sheikh: Best Attractions & Activities

You’re looking out at the sparkling Red Sea from your hotel, wondering what lies beyond the sun lounger. You’ve heard Sharm El Sheikh is a world-class destination for sun, sea, and sand, but you want to experience more. Where do you start? What’s genuinely worth doing? How do you choose between a boat trip to a national park and a safari in the Sinai desert, especially when you’re trying to plan for your family, as a couple, or for friends with different interests? This guide helps you decide.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh?

The best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh focus on its two main assets: the Red Sea and the Sinai Desert. Top activities include snorkelling or diving in Ras Mohammed National Park, taking a boat trip to White Island or Tiran Island, and exploring the desert on a quad bike or camel. Beyond the natural attractions, visiting the Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque, enjoying the lively atmosphere of Naama Bay, and taking day trips to Dahab or St Catherine’s Monastery are highly recommended.

 Sharm El Sheikh 

Best Boat Trips and Water Activities in Sharm El Sheikh

The Red Sea is Sharm El Sheikh’s main attraction, famous for its clear water, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Boat trips are the best way to experience it.

Ras Mohammed National Park Boat Trip

A boat trip to Ras Mohammed is one of Sharm’s most popular excursions. This protected national park at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula is home to some of the world’s most famous dive and snorkel sites. You’ll typically stop at two or three different spots to snorkel over pristine reefs. The exact itinerary always depends on sea conditions and coastguard directives, but may include the famous Magic Lake.

Tiran Island Snorkeling Boat Trip from Sharm El Sheikh

White Island Snorkelling Trip

This trip usually forms part of the Ras Mohammed itinerary. White Island isn’t a permanent island but a stunning sandbar that appears in the middle of the Red Sea. The size and visibility of the sandbar depend heavily on the tide and sea conditions. It’s a beautiful spot for photos and paddling in the shallow, turquoise water.

Tiran Island Boat Trip

Located in the Gulf of Aqaba, the Straits of Tiran are famous for four large coral reefs: Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon. A boat trip here offers incredible snorkelling and diving opportunities. While dolphins are sometimes spotted in the area, sightings are never guaranteed. The trip focuses on exploring the rich coral walls and the possibility of seeing large pelagic fish.

Ras Mohammed Boat Trip from Sharm: Snorkeling & White Island

Scuba Diving for Beginners and Certified Divers

Sharm El Sheikh is a global hub for scuba diving.

• Introductory Diving: If you’ve never dived before, you can book an “intro dive” with a qualified instructor. It involves a safety briefing and a shallow, supervised dive, usually from a boat.
• Certified Dives: If you have a PADI or equivalent certification, you can join guided dives from a boat or the shore to explore deeper sites.
• Shore vs. Boat Diving: Shore diving involves entering the water directly from a beach or jetty, while boat diving takes you to offshore reefs that are inaccessible from land.

Glass-Bottom Boat and Semi-Submarine Trips

For those who can’t swim or prefer to stay dry, these are excellent options. A glass-bottom boat has a transparent floor for viewing the reef below. A semi-submarine is a larger vessel with an underwater viewing gallery, allowing you to sit below the water’s surface and look out through large windows. They are ideal for families with young children and older travellers.

Parasailing and Water Sports

Many beaches, particularly in Naama Bay, offer adrenaline-fuelled activities like parasailing, banana boat rides, and speedboat trips. These are operated by third-party vendors, and age, weight, and weather restrictions apply.

Private Yacht Trips and Romantic Cruises

For a more exclusive experience, consider hiring a private yacht. It allows you to create a custom itinerary, avoid the crowds, and enjoy the Red Sea at your own pace. These trips are perfect for couples on their honeymoon, families, or small groups celebrating a special occasion.

EXPLORE SHARM EL SHEIKH BOAT TRIPS

Desert Safari Adventures in Sharm El Sheikh

The dramatic landscapes of the Sinai Desert offer a completely different kind of adventure.

Quad Bike Safari in the Sinai Desert

This is one of Sharm’s most thrilling activities. After a quick briefing, you’ll follow a guide in a convoy, driving your own quad bike through valleys and across dusty plains. It’s a fun way to experience the vastness of the desert.

Camel Ride and Bedouin Village Experience

Many desert tours include a short camel ride, offering a more traditional way to travel. This is often combined with a visit to a recreated Bedouin-style camp, where you can rest, drink traditional tea, and learn a little about local culture.

Sharm El Sheikh Desert Safari: Quad, Camel, Dinner & Show

Desert Dinner and Traditional Show

Evening desert trips often culminate in a barbecue dinner under the stars. The meal is usually accompanied by a traditional show featuring belly dancers, Tanoura (whirling dervish) performers, and fire shows.

Stargazing in the Sinai Desert

With zero light pollution, the Sinai Desert is a remarkable place for stargazing. Specialised tours take you to a remote location with powerful telescopes and an astronomy guide to point out constellations, planets, and the Milky Way.

Sunrise or Sunset Desert Safari

Choosing the time of day affects the experience:

• Morning Safari: Cooler temperatures and a quicker programme, getting you back to your hotel for the afternoon.
• Sunset Safari: Offers beautiful, soft light for photography as the sun goes down behind the mountains.
• Evening Safari: A longer experience that typically includes the desert dinner and stargazing.

Beaches and Snorkelling Spots in Sharm El Sheikh

While most visitors stick to their hotel’s private beach, several public or semi-private beaches are worth a visit.

• Ras Um Sid: A famous cliffside beach with a fantastic house reef easily accessible from a jetty.
• El Fanar Beach: A well-managed beach club on the Ras Um Sid headland, offering excellent snorkelling and great views. An entry fee usually applies.
• Sharks Bay: Known for its long jetties that provide access over the reef shelf to deep water, making it a favourite for divers and serious snorkellers.
• Naama Bay Beach: The main tourist beach, with sandy shores, calm waters, and plenty of restaurants and water sports centres.
• Nabq Bay: Located in a protected area, this bay is known for its mangrove forest and can be quite windy, making it popular with kitesurfers.

20+ Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh You Can’t Miss

Historical and Cultural Attractions in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm is more than just beaches and desert.

• Sharm El Sheikh Old Market: This is the most authentic part of the city. Here you can shop for souvenirs, spices, and local crafts, and eat at traditional Egyptian seafood restaurants.
• Al Sahaba Mosque: Located in the Old Market, this stunning Ottoman-style mosque is an architectural landmark. Visitors are welcome to admire it from the outside and can sometimes enter permitted visitor areas when prayers are not in session (modest dress required).
• The Heavenly Cathedral: The largest Coptic Orthodox church in Sharm, known for its impressive biblical murals and beautiful artwork.
• Sharm El Sheikh Museum: A modern museum showcasing thousands of artefacts from ancient Egyptian history, making it a great cultural activity for a hot afternoon.
• Traditional Bedouin Culture in South Sinai: To experience local culture, book a desert tour that includes a genuine interaction at a Bedouin camp, where you can try traditional bread and tea.

Sharm El Sheikh’s Must-Visit Areas

Each neighbourhood in Sharm has a distinct character.

• Naama Bay: The bustling heart of Sharm, packed with international restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops. It’s the centre of nightlife.
• Old Market and Sharm El Maya: Offers a more local and relaxed atmosphere. This is the place for authentic food and souvenir shopping.
• Hadaba (or Ras Um Sid): A quieter area built on a cliff, offering spectacular sea views and home to some of the best shore-access reefs.
• Sharks Bay and SOHO Square: Sharks Bay is home to many premium resorts. Nearby SOHO Square is a modern entertainment complex with a dancing fountain, restaurants, and family-friendly shows.
• Nabq Bay: A newer, more spread-out area with large all-inclusive resorts, popular with families.

Blue Hole Snorkeling & Dahab Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh

Best Family Activities in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is a fantastic destination for families.

• Semi-Submarine and Glass-Bottom Boat Trips: Perfect for kids to see the coral reefs without getting in the water.
• Gentle Snorkelling From the Beach: Many hotel beaches have roped-off sandy areas for safe swimming and paddling.
• Family Boat Trips: A full-day boat trip can be a great adventure for older children who are confident swimmers.
• Aqua Parks and Resort Activities: Many hotels have their own water parks or offer daily kids’ club activities.
• Short Desert Experiences: A short camel ride or an early evening desert dinner can be a fun experience for children.
• Old Market and SOHO Square in the Evening: The lights and sounds of the Old Market or the fountain show at SOHO Square are entertaining for all ages.

A Practical Note for Parents: Always check the minimum age, swimming ability requirements, life-jacket availability, transfer duration, and child-seat policies before booking any tour.

Best Day Trips From Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm’s location makes it a great base for exploring more of Sinai and beyond.

• Dahab and the Blue Hole: A day trip to the laid-back town of Dahab, often combined with snorkelling at the world-famous Blue Hole sinkhole.
• Coloured Canyon and Salama Canyon: Explore stunning rock formations and narrow passages carved by wind and water over millennia. These tours often involve some walking and scrambling.
• Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery: A deeply spiritual journey. Most tours involve an overnight climb up Mount Sinai to watch the sunrise, followed by a visit to the ancient St Catherine’s Monastery at its base.
• Cairo and the Pyramids by Flight: A long but rewarding day. You’ll take an early morning flight to Cairo to see the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum before flying back in the evening.
• Petra Day Trip From Sharm El Sheikh: An ambitious trip involving a ferry or flight to Jordan to visit the ancient rock-carved city of Petra. This requires careful planning and visa considerations.
• Luxor Day Trip by Flight: Similar to the Cairo trip, this involves flying to Luxor to explore the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor, and the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

What to Do in Sharm El Sheikh at Night

The city comes alive after the sun sets.

1. Walk Along Naama Bay: The pedestrianised promenade is buzzing with energy, street performers, and outdoor cafés.
2. Visit SOHO Square: Enjoy the synchronised fountain show, browse the shops, or have a meal at one of the many international restaurants.
3. Explore the Old Market After Sunset: The market is at its most atmospheric at night, with lanterns lighting up the stalls and the scent of grilled fish in the air.
4. Book a Bedouin Dinner in the Desert: Enjoy a barbecue meal and traditional entertainment under a canopy of stars.
5. Enjoy a Relaxed Evening by the Marina or Beach: Many hotels and restaurants offer shisha lounges or quiet beachfront bars for a peaceful end to the day.

How Far Is Sharm El Sheikh from the Pyramids?

Free and Affordable Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh

You don’t always need to book a tour to have a good time.

• Walk around the vibrant promenade of Naama Bay.
• Explore the lanes and shops of the Old Market.
• Visit Al Sahaba Mosque (from the outside) to admire its architecture.
• Watch the sunset from a public viewpoint in Hadaba.
• Spend time on your hotel’s included beach.
• Browse local shops and enjoy a traditional tea or coffee at a local café.
• Take an evening walk around SOHO Square to see the fountain show.

Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh for Couples

The resort’s stunning setting makes it ideal for a romantic getaway.

• Private Boat or Yacht Trip: Spend a day on the Red Sea with just the two of you, snorkelling at secluded spots.
• Sunset Desert Safari: A private jeep or quad bike tour followed by a quiet dinner away from the main crowds.
• Romantic Beach Dinner: Many high-end hotels can arrange a private, candlelit dinner on the beach.
• Spa and Resort Day: Indulge in a couples’ massage or wellness treatment at one of Sharm’s luxurious spas.
• Evening Walk Through SOHO Square or Naama Bay: Enjoy the lively atmosphere hand-in-hand.

For more romantic travel ideas, see our guide on how to spend your honeymoon in Egypt.

What to Do in Sharm El Sheikh for Non-Swimmers

You can still have an amazing time in Sharm without being a strong swimmer.

• Semi-submarine or glass-bottom boat trip to see marine life.
• Wading in the shallow, sandy beach areas found in Naama Bay or at your hotel.
• A desert safari with quad biking, a camel ride, and a Bedouin dinner.
• Exploring the Old Market for shopping and local food.
• Visiting the Sharm El Sheikh Museum for a dose of history.
• Enjoying the evening entertainment at SOHO Square.
• Taking a day trip to Cairo or St Catherine’s Monastery, which don’t involve swimming.

How to Choose the Right Sharm El Sheikh Activity

Matching the activity to your travel style is key. 

Best Activities for Families With Young Children

Focus on shorter, less strenuous activities. A semi-submarine trip, a visit to a beach with shallow water, or an early evening walk through SOHO Square are great choices.

Best Activities for Teenagers

Teens often enjoy more adventurous activities. Quad biking, an introductory scuba dive, parasailing, and a boat trip with plenty of snorkelling will keep them engaged.

Best Activities for Couples

Privacy and atmosphere are key. A private yacht trip, a sunset desert safari with dinner, or a relaxing spa day offer romantic experiences.

Best Activities for Non-Swimmers

Glass-bottom boats, semi-submarines, desert safaris, and cultural tours to the Old Market or the museum are perfect.

Best Activities for Adventure Travellers

Serious divers should head for the reefs of Tiran or Ras Mohammed. Thrill-seekers will love quad biking, while hikers can tackle the Mount Sinai climb.

Best Activities for a Short Stay

If you only have a few days, prioritise the essentials: one boat trip (Ras Mohammed is a great all-rounder) and one desert experience (a sunset quad safari).

What to Do in Sharm El Sheikh Based on Your Stay

Here are some sample itineraries to help you plan.

What to Do in Sharm El Sheikh in 3 Days

• Day 1: Relax on the beach in the morning. In the late afternoon, visit the Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque, followed by dinner.
• Day 2: Take a full-day boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park and White Island for snorkelling.
• Day 3: Enjoy a sunset quad bike safari in the Sinai Desert, complete with a Bedouin-style evening.

What to Do in Sharm El Sheikh in 5 Days

Follow the 3-day plan, then add:

• Day 4: Choose between an introductory scuba dive, a semi-submarine trip, or a day trip to the relaxed town of Dahab.
• Day 5: Enjoy a relaxing day at your resort or explore the nightlife and restaurants of Naama Bay.

What to Do in Sharm El Sheikh in 7 Days

A week allows for a more relaxed pace and a major day trip.

• Follow the 5-day plan, but spread the activities out with a rest day in between.
• Use one full day for a major excursion, like a flight to see the Pyramids in Cairo or an overnight trip to St Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai.

Best Time to Visit Sharm El Sheikh for Outdoor Activities

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)

These are the best times to visit. The weather is warm and sunny without the intense heat of summer, and the sea is pleasant for swimming and snorkelling. Temperatures typically range from 25-35°C (77-95°F).

Summer (June-August)

Summer is very hot, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). While this is peak season for some European visitors, outdoor activities like desert safaris are best done early in the morning or late in the evening. Water activities are a must.

Winter (December-February)

Winter offers pleasant daytime sun, with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F). However, it can get cool and windy, especially in the evenings. The sea is colder, and you may prefer a wetsuit for long snorkelling sessions.

How Wind and Sea Conditions Affect Activities

• Boat trips can be rescheduled or have their itineraries altered by the captain due to high winds or rough seas.
• Some areas, like Nabq Bay, are naturally more exposed to wind.
• The appearance of White Island is entirely dependent on sea state and tide levels.
• Dive and snorkel site selection is always at the discretion of the crew, based on daily conditions for safety.

Practical Tips Before Booking Sharm El Sheikh Activities

• Check your exact hotel pickup area, as some remote hotels may have a supplement.
• Confirm whether hotel transfers are included in the price.
• Ask about extra fees, like national park entrance fees, which are often paid in cash on the day.
• Check for any minimum age or health restrictions, especially for diving and quad biking.
• Confirm if snorkelling equipment and life jackets are provided.
• Ask whether food and drinks are part of your tour package.
• Always carry sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) and suitable footwear.
• Do not touch or stand on coral reefs. This damages the fragile ecosystem.
• Never assume that a specific marine animal sighting (like dolphins or turtles) is guaranteed.
• Keep your passport or a copy with you, as it may be required for checkpoints on certain excursions.

Why Explore Sharm El Sheikh With a Local Tour Operator?

Navigating the options in Sharm can be overwhelming. Partnering with an experienced local operator like Respect Tours ensures your day runs smoothly and safely. The main benefits are:

• Convenient Hotel Transfers: Organised transport to and from your hotel saves you the hassle of finding taxis.
• Local Knowledge: Your guides know the best routes, the quietest times, and how to adapt to changing conditions.
• Clear Inclusions: You know exactly what’s included—from park fees and equipment to lunch and drinks.
• Suitable Activity Selection: We can help you choose the right trip for your family’s ages, your swimming ability, and your interests.
• Licensed Professionals: We work with licensed boat captains, dive instructors, and safari guides to ensure your safety.
• Support on the Day: If weather affects your programme, our team is on hand to assist and make alternative arrangements where possible.

Plan Your Sharm El Sheikh Adventure With Respect Tours

Whether you want to snorkel among Red Sea reefs, ride across the Sinai Desert, or arrange an easy family day out, Respect Tours can help you choose an experience that suits your hotel location, children’s ages, swimming ability, and available time. As a trusted local operator since 1978, we offer a programme built on safety, quality, and authentic experiences. View our full programme for current inclusions or contact our team for a personalised recommendation.

FAQs About Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh

What is Sharm El Sheikh best known for?

Sharm El Sheikh is best known for its world-class scuba diving and snorkelling in the Red Sea. Its vibrant coral reefs, clear warm waters, and diverse marine life attract visitors from all over the globe. It is also a popular base for exploring the Sinai Desert and enjoying luxury beach resorts.

What are the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh?

The top activities include boat trips to Ras Mohammed National Park or Tiran Island for snorkelling, quad biking in the desert, visiting the Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of Naama Bay. For non-swimmers, semi-submarine trips and desert safaris are excellent choices.

Is there anything to do in Sharm El Sheikh outside the resorts?

Yes, plenty. You can explore the local culture at the Old Market, visit mosques and churches, enjoy entertainment at SOHO Square, or book dozens of excursions. These include boat trips, desert safaris, and day trips to nearby destinations like Dahab, St Catherine’s Monastery, or even Cairo by flight.

Is Ras Mohammed or Tiran Island better?

It depends on your interest. Ras Mohammed is a protected national park with high biodiversity and famous sites like the Magic Lake. Tiran Island offers dramatic reef walls in the Straits of Tiran, known for strong currents and the chance to see larger marine life. Both offer exceptional snorkelling.

Can non-swimmers enjoy Sharm El Sheikh?

Absolutely. Non-swimmers can see the marine life on a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine trip. They can also enjoy desert safaris, camel rides, exploring the Old Market and SOHO Square, visiting the museum, and taking cultural day trips to places like St Catherine’s Monastery.

What can families do in Sharm El Sheikh?

Families can enjoy semi-submarine trips, gentle snorkelling from a beach, aqua parks, and family-friendly boat excursions. Short desert trips with a camel ride, exploring the Old Market, and watching the evening fountain show at SOHO Square are also great activities for children of all ages.

How many days do you need in Sharm El Sheikh?

A short stay of 3-4 days is enough to experience one sea trip and one desert trip. A week (5-7 days) is ideal to enjoy a mix of activities, relaxation, and perhaps a longer day trip to Dahab or Cairo, without feeling rushed.

Is Sharm El Sheikh good for couples?

Yes, it’s a very popular destination for couples and honeymooners. Romantic activities include private yacht trips, sunset desert safaris with a private dinner, relaxing spa treatments, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Naama Bay or the more polished atmosphere of SOHO Square.

What can you do in Sharm El Sheikh at night?

At night, you can explore the bustling promenade of Naama Bay, watch the fountain show at SOHO Square, shop and dine in the atmospheric Old Market, or book a Bedouin dinner in the desert with a traditional show and stargazing.

Can you visit the Pyramids from Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes, you can visit the Pyramids of Giza on a day trip from Sharm El Sheikh. The tour involves a short domestic flight to Cairo. It’s a long day, typically lasting around 15-17 hours, but allows you to see the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum.

Can you visit Mount Sinai from Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes, Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery are popular excursions from Sharm El Sheikh. The trip usually involves an overnight journey to climb the mountain for sunrise, followed by a morning visit to the ancient monastery at its base before returning to Sharm.