Things to Do in Sharm el Sheikh: Reefs, Desert and Nights

The best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh are snorkelling and diving in Ras Mohammed National Park, desert trips, and relaxed evenings in Naama Bay. The Red Sea reefs, warm climate and easy resort setting suit almost every traveller. This guide shows what to do, where to base yourself and how to plan each day.

Quick answer

Sharm El Sheikh suits several travel styles, so pick by what you enjoy most. Most visitors combine a reef day, a protected-park trip and an evening out.

Reefs. The Red Sea reefs are the main draw. Snorkellers and divers see coral walls, colourful fish and clear water close to the shore. Beginners, families and confident swimmers can all find a suitable spot.

Ras Mohammed. This national park sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It combines dramatic coastal scenery with some of the area's best marine life. It suits nature lovers and keen snorkellers who want a full day out.

Desert trips. Inland, Sinai offers rocky landscapes, Bedouin-style camps and star-filled night skies. These tours suit travellers who want culture and scenery as well as sea time.

Naama Bay evenings. This lively resort strip comes alive after dark. It has cafés, restaurants, shops and a relaxed promenade.

• Families: shallow reef sites and gentle beach days work well.
• Couples: pair a sunset desert trip with a quiet dinner in Naama Bay.
• Active travellers: book diving or a full day at Ras Mohammed.
• Nightlife fans: plan late evenings around Naama Bay.
• Culture seekers: choose a desert tour with a Bedouin camp stop.

Check current prices and tour details before you book.

Best snorkelling and diving spots

The Red Sea around Sharm el Sheikh offers some of the clearest water and healthiest coral in the region. You can see reef walls, colourful fish and sometimes turtles or rays, even on a simple snorkelling trip.

Reef highlights

Ras Mohammed National Park sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Its steep reef walls and busy fish life suit both snorkellers and certified divers. Boat trips here usually include time at more than one site.

Tiran Island lies in the strait at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba. Its reefs, such as Jackson and Woodhouse, have strong currents. They suit confident swimmers and divers with some experience.

The Thistlegorm wreck is a famous Second World War cargo ship. Reaching it takes a long boat journey, and the dive is best for certified divers. Many travellers book it as a full-day or overnight trip.

Choosing a safe operator

Beginners should take time to compare centres before booking. A good operator puts safety ahead of speed. Check current prices, but do not choose on cost alone.

• Look for recognised training agency membership and qualified, named instructors.
• Ask about group size, guide ratios and the briefing before you enter the water.
• Check that boats carry oxygen, a first aid kit and radio equipment.
• Choose well-maintained gear that fits you properly.
• Tell the team honestly about your swimming ability and medical history.

If you travel with children, plan activities around their age and confidence. 5 Things Parents Should Avoid When Choosing a Holiday Hotel offers useful advice on matching a stay to family needs.

Desert and mountain day trips

The Sinai desert begins just beyond the resort strip, so a day away from the coast is easy to arrange. Most hotels and licensed local operators sell these trips, and many include hotel pickup.

Quad biking and Bedouin evenings

Quad biking is the most popular desert activity. You ride in a guided group over sand and rocky tracks, usually around sunset. Wear closed shoes, long trousers and a scarf or buff, because the dust gets everywhere.

Many quad tours end at a Bedouin-style camp. You can expect tea, a simple dinner, music and cushioned seating on rugs. Check current prices and what each tour includes before you book.

Stargazing

Away from the resort lights, the desert sky is remarkably clear. Evening camp trips often include time to look up, and some operators offer guided stargazing with a telescope. Bring a warm layer, as nights turn cold fast.

Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery

This is a long excursion, and it usually starts at night. Groups climb in the dark to reach the summit for sunrise, then visit the monastery in the morning.

• Take a torch or head torch and wear sturdy walking shoes.
• Pack layers, as the summit is cold before dawn.
• Cover shoulders and knees for the monastery.
• Carry water and some snacks.
• Check the monastery's visiting days before you book.

Rest well beforehand, and plan a quiet afternoon back at your hotel.

Best areas for evenings and dining

Sharm el Sheikh has four main areas for an evening out. Each has its own mood, so pick the one that suits your group.

Naama Bay

Naama Bay is the classic resort strip. Its promenade runs beside the sea and fills with restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs after dark. You will find international menus, fresh seafood and late-night music.

Soho Square

Soho Square is a large entertainment complex with a lively, polished feel. It has restaurants, shops, a bowling area and live shows. It suits groups who want everything in one place.

Old Market and Hadaba

The Old Market (Sharm el Maya) is the best choice for local flavour. Here you can bargain for spices, perfume oils, shisha pipes and souvenirs. Grill houses and street-style cafés serve Egyptian dishes such as koshari, grilled fish and fresh flatbread.

Nearby Hadaba is calmer and more local. It works well if you prefer a quiet meal away from the crowds.

Quick comparison

• Naama Bay: best for nightlife, bars and sea-view dining.
• Soho Square: best for shows, entertainment and easy group outings.
• Old Market: best for shopping, haggling and authentic Egyptian food.
• Hadaba: best for a relaxed, local evening.

Travelling with children? Soho Square and the early evening promenade usually feel the most relaxed. Our guide, 7 Things to Consider When Booking a Family Vacation, explains how to match your hotel location to your family's evening plans.

Relaxing resort and beach days

Sharm el Sheikh suits slow days by the sea. Many resorts sit on sheltered bays with calm, clear water. You can switch between a sunbed, a pool and the shore with little effort.

Beach clubs and day passes

Several beach clubs along the coast rent sunbeds, serve food and play music. Some hotels also sell day passes that include the beach, pools and sometimes meals. Ask what the pass covers, and check current prices before you commit.

Spas, water parks and family fun

Most larger resorts have a spa with massages, hammams and steam rooms. Book treatments early in busy weeks. Families can find water parks with slides and splash zones, plus kids' clubs, shallow pools and animation teams at many family-focused hotels.

Choosing a beach with a house reef

A house reef lets you snorkel straight from the resort, with no boat trip. Look for these signs before you book:

• A jetty or marked entry point, so you avoid walking over coral.
• Deep water close to shore, where fish gather.
• Lifeguards and a dive or snorkel centre on site.
• Recent guest photos showing healthy coral, not just sand.

Wear reef shoes where the shore is rocky. Never stand on coral, as it damages the reef and can cut your feet.

Practical tips before you go

The best times to visit are spring and autumn. Temperatures are warm but comfortable, and the sea stays pleasant for swimming. Summer is very hot, though sea temperatures suit long water days. Winter is mild, but evenings can feel cool and the water is cooler.

Dress and etiquette

Beachwear is fine at resorts and on boats. In town, markets and mosques, cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Carry a light scarf or shirt for these moments.

Sun and sea safety

The sun is strong all year, so wear high-factor sunscreen and a hat. Drink plenty of water, even when you feel fine. Wear reef shoes in the sea, because sharp coral and sea urchins can injure your feet. Never touch or stand on coral. Swim only where lifeguards or boat crews can see you, and heed any flag warnings.

Money, visas and booking

• Visas: Rules depend on your nationality and length of stay, so check official government guidance before you book.
• Tipping: Small tips are customary for guides, drivers and restaurant staff. Carry small notes in local currency.
• Prices: Excursion and hotel rates change by season, so check current prices before you commit.
• Excursions: Compare tour operators and read recent reviews before paying.

Booking early often widens your choice of rooms, and flexible rates give you room to change plans. For more ideas, read 5 Hacks for Saving Real Money on Hotel Bookings.

Key takeaways

Sharm El Sheikh suits travellers who want warm water, reliable sunshine and plenty of choice. You can fill a trip with marine life, desert scenery, lively evenings and slow resort days, or mix all four.

The Red Sea is the main draw. The reefs are easy to reach, and both beginners and experienced divers find suitable sites.

• Plan around the water: Snorkelling and diving give the best return, so book them early in your stay while you feel fresh.
• Add one big day out: A desert or mountain excursion shows a side of the Sinai that the coast cannot. Expect an early start.
• Choose your area with care: Each part of town has its own mood, from quiet bays to busy promenades. Match your hotel to the kind of evenings you want.
• Leave room to rest: Beach and pool time is part of the experience, so do not pack every day.
• Check before you commit: Confirm tour details, operator reputation and current prices before you pay.

How to use this guide

Start with the sections that match your main goal, then build the rest of your itinerary around them. Most visitors do best with one active day followed by one slow day.

Keep sun protection, reef-safe habits and local customs in mind throughout. These small choices make your trip smoother and protect the coast you came to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

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

The most popular choices are snorkelling or diving on the Red Sea reefs, a day trip to Ras Mohammed National Park, a desert tour with a Bedouin-style camp, and an evening in Naama Bay. Most visitors mix a reef day with one inland trip and a relaxed night out.

Is Sharm el Sheikh good for snorkelling?

Yes. The Red Sea reefs here have clear water, coral walls and plenty of colourful fish. Many sites suit beginners, and boat trips also reach deeper reefs for confident swimmers. Always follow your guide's safety advice and check current conditions before you go.

What is there to do in Sharm el Sheikh besides the beach?

You can join a desert tour, watch the stars from a Bedouin-style camp, visit Ras Mohammed National Park or stroll the promenade in Naama Bay. Cafés, restaurants and shops stay lively after dark, so evenings are easy to fill.

What can you do in Sharm el Sheikh at night?

Naama Bay is the main evening area. You can walk the promenade, browse shops, eat at restaurants and relax in cafés. Some visitors prefer a quiet dinner, while others stay out late. A desert trip with a sunset or stargazing stop is another option.

Is Sharm el Sheikh suitable for families?

Yes. Shallow reef sites, gentle beach days and resort-style facilities make it easy for families. Choose calm snorkelling spots for children, and check each tour's age rules and details before you book. Plan rest time during the hottest part of the day.

How many days do you need in Sharm el Sheikh?

Three to five days covers the main highlights. That gives you time for a reef trip, a day at Ras Mohammed, a desert tour and a few relaxed evenings in Naama Bay. Add more days if you want to dive or simply unwind.