Diving & SnorkellingDive Ras Mohammed National Park
Full day
Egypt's first marine national park offers sheer coral walls, strong currents, and abundant marine life including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Suitable for advanced divers.
Destination guide
Sharm el-Sheikh
Middle East & North Africa · Egypt
Where the Desert Meets the Sea
Best season
October to April for comfortable temperatures; summer (June–August) is extremely hot but still popular for diving
From Nairobi
Approximately 4–5 hours (usually via Cairo or with direct charters)
Why Visit Sharm el-Sheikh?
Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the world's premier diving and snorkelling destinations, home to the legendary Ras Mohammed National Park, the Tiran and Sanafir island reefs, and the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm — a Second World War cargo ship that now ranks among the best dive sites on earth.
Above the water, the resort offers a dazzling range of experiences: quad-biking and camel rides into the Sinai desert, stargazing from Bedouin camps, and a pilgrimage to St Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai — a UNESCO World Heritage Site just two hours inland.
The city's Naama Bay strip pulses with open-air restaurants, shisha cafés, and rooftop bars, while the upmarket Hadaba and Sharks Bay areas offer quieter, more boutique escapes. Year-round sunshine, warm shallow water, and world-class all-inclusive resorts make it a practical choice for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.
- Dive the SS Thistlegorm, one of the world's top wreck dive sites
- Snorkel pristine coral gardens in Ras Mohammed National Park
- Watch the sunrise from the summit of Mount Sinai
- Quad-bike and camel trek through the lunar Sinai desert
- Dine and people-watch along the vibrant Naama Bay promenade
- Visit the ancient walls of St Catherine's Monastery
Best for
Divers, snorkellers, beach lovers, adventure seekers, and winter sun chasers
Trip style
Beach & Water Sports, Diving & Snorkelling, Desert Adventure, Cultural Day Trips
Known for
Red Sea coral reefs, Ras Mohammed National Park, SS Thistlegorm wreck dive, Mount Sinai sunrise hike
Quick facts
Best time to visit
October to April for comfortable temperatures; summer (June–August) is extremely hot but still popular for diving
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP); USD and EUR widely accepted in resort areas
Languages
Arabic (official); English widely spoken in tourist areas
Visa summary
Most nationalities receive a free Sinai-only entry stamp on arrival (valid within the Sinai Peninsula). A full Egypt visa is required to visit Cairo or the Nile.
Flight time from Nairobi
Approximately 4–5 hours (usually via Cairo or with direct charters)
Airport / arrival
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is about 10 km from Naama Bay; taxis and hotel transfers are readily available
Safety note
The resort zone is generally safe and heavily policed. Exercise caution outside designated tourist areas; check your government's current travel advisory before visiting.
Visa and entry
Look up entry rules by passport for travel to Egypt on the Tsavaro visa checker.
Check visa requirements for EgyptThings to do
Diving & Snorkelling
Diving & SnorkellingSS Thistlegorm Wreck Dive
Full day (liveaboard or day boat)
Explore a perfectly preserved WWII British cargo ship lying 30 m below the surface of the Red Sea, complete with motorcycles, trucks, and weapons still in its holds.
SnorkellingSnorkelling at Shark's Bay & Naama Bay
2–4 hours
Beginner-friendly house reefs right off the beach allow you to spot colourful reef fish and coral without a boat. Equipment rental widely available.
Hiking & CultureMount Sinai Sunrise Hike
Overnight (depart ~11 pm, return by midday)
Hike the 3,750 Steps of Repentance by night and arrive at the 2,285 m summit in time for a spectacular desert sunrise — one of Egypt's most moving experiences.
Culture & HistorySt Catherine's Monastery Visit
Half day (often combined with Mount Sinai)
Explore one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries, home to priceless Byzantine mosaics, rare manuscripts, and the site of the Burning Bush.
Adventure & CultureDesert Safari & Bedouin Camp
Half day to full day
Head into the Sinai's rust-red mountains by quad bike or 4WD, enjoy a Bedouin barbecue dinner under the stars, and try traditional mint tea and shisha.
Glass-Bottom Boat & Parasailing
2–3 hours
For non-divers, glass-bottom boat tours along the reef are great for families, while parasailing above the bay offers unforgettable views of the Sinai coastline.
Suggested itinerary
Classic Sharm el-Sheikh: 7 Days on the Red Sea
A week in Sharm el-Sheikh perfectly balances world-class underwater adventures with desert exploration and cultural highlights. This itinerary takes you from vibrant coral reefs to the summit of Mount Sinai and back to a sundowner on the beach.
Day 1
Arrival & Naama Bay Orientation
Transfer from SSH airport to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Naama Bay's beachfront promenade, browse dive shops, and sample fresh seafood at one of the open-air restaurants. Early night to prepare for the week ahead.
Travel essentials
Getting around
Within Sharm el-Sheikh, white taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber is available) are the easiest options. Naama Bay and Hadaba are walkable. Day trips to Ras Mohammed, the Thistlegorm, or Mount Sinai require a guided tour operator or private driver — most hotels can arrange this.
Typical costs
Budget travellers can find guesthouses from $25–40/night. Mid-range hotels run $60–150/night. All-inclusive 4- and 5-star resorts start from $100–200/night per person. Dive trips cost $50–120/day including equipment. Meals range from $5 at local spots to $30+ at resort restaurants.
Culture and etiquette
Egypt is a Muslim-majority country. Dress modestly outside resort areas — cover shoulders and knees in the Old Market and when visiting religious sites. Remove shoes before entering mosques or monasteries. Alcohol is freely available in tourist zones but avoid drinking in public non-tourist areas. Tipping (baksheesh) is customary.
Safety and planning
Sharm el-Sheikh's resort strip is considered safe with a strong security presence. Stay hydrated and use high-SPF sunscreen — the desert sun is intense. Never dive or snorkel alone. Respect reef rules: do not touch coral or feed fish. Check your government's travel advisory — the wider Sinai region has security restrictions.
Connectivity
Good 4G coverage in resort areas. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi. A local Vodafone Egypt or Etisalat SIM card (available at the airport) is the cheapest option for data.
Payments
Egyptian Pounds are required for small shops and local restaurants. USD and EUR are widely accepted in resorts. ATMs are plentiful in Naama Bay. Credit cards accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants but carry some cash for taxis and local markets.
Sharm el-Sheikh travel FAQs
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Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt