South Sinai · Egypt
Egypt's largest Red Sea resort town, built around extraordinary coral reefs and some of the best diving conditions on Earth.
Photo: Mohammed Moussa · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt's largest and best-developed Red Sea resort town, built along the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the desert meets some of the most extraordinary coral reefs on Earth.
Its real draw is underwater — extraordinary visibility, healthy coral and a density of marine species that has made this coastline one of the world's premier diving destinations for decades.
Most visitors base themselves around Naama Bay or a nearby resort strip, splitting time between diving or snorkelling trips to Ras Mohammed National Park and simply relaxing by the Red Sea itself.
Why visit
Sharm El Sheikh's case rests on being one of the world's great diving and snorkelling destinations, with resort infrastructure to match.
Extraordinary coral walls and visibility at the meeting point of two seas.
Some of the best-preserved reef systems left in the Red Sea.
From beginner snorkellers to advanced technical divers, all well catered for.
A wide range of hotels, restaurants and dive centres to suit any budget.
A direct flight connects easily to Cairo or elsewhere in Egypt.
Main attractions
Sharm El Sheikh's essential sights are mostly underwater, at some of the Red Sea's finest reef locations.
The town's main hub, a curving bay lined with hotels, restaurants and dive centres right on the water.
Tip A lively spot for an evening stroll, with restaurants spanning every cuisine and budget.
One of the world's premier dive and snorkel sites, where the Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Suez meet in extraordinary biodiversity.
Tip Book a full-day boat trip here rather than a rushed half-day for the best experience.
Remarkably healthy and colourful, among the best-preserved coral systems remaining in the Red Sea.
Tip Never touch or stand on coral — it's a fragile, slow-growing ecosystem.
A reliable, delightful sighting for snorkellers and divers alike across the reef.
Tip Watch quietly from a respectful distance — clownfish are territorial and can nip if disturbed.
A real, if not guaranteed, highlight of many dives and snorkel trips around Ras Mohammed.
Tip Never chase or touch a turtle — observe patiently and let it approach on its own terms.
A relaxed stretch of sand right in the centre of town, easy access for a swim between other activities.
Tip Most resort beaches are private to guests, though public access points exist nearby.
A common sighting for divers exploring the reef's crevices and coral overhangs.
Tip A good subject for underwater photography, if you keep a safe, respectful distance.
Things to do
Sharm El Sheikh exists for its underwater world, though plenty of relaxation rounds out a visit.
An essential Sharm El Sheikh experience, exploring some of the Red Sea's finest reef at this protected national park.
Tip Book with a PADI or SSI certified dive centre, especially for anything beyond snorkelling.
A delightful, accessible sighting even for first-time snorkellers.
Tip Bring an underwater camera or housing — this is one of the reef's most photogenic residents.
A memorable moment for many visitors, spotting a hawksbill turtle gliding gracefully over the reef.
Tip Stay calm and still — sudden movements tend to send turtles swimming away quickly.
An easy way to balance out days of diving, simple beach time right in the centre of town.
Tip Most resorts offer sun loungers and water sports right on the sand.
An exciting find for divers exploring the reef's nooks and coral formations.
Tip Ask your dive guide to point out likely moray hiding spots along the route.
A colourful highlight of any dive or snorkel trip, angelfish among the reef's most striking residents.
Tip Their vivid colours make them a rewarding subject for underwater photography.
Local food
Sharm El Sheikh's food spans international resort dining alongside fresh Red Sea seafood.
A highlight of dining here, fish and shellfish landed fresh from the surrounding waters.
Where to try it Restaurants throughout Naama Bay and the wider resort strip.
A reliable classic, found throughout the town's restaurants.
Where to try it Restaurants throughout Sharm El Sheikh.
Available at Egyptian restaurants throughout the resort area, a taste of home for local staff and visitors alike.
Where to try it Egyptian restaurants throughout the town.
A traditional breakfast option, found at both resort buffets and local cafés.
Where to try it Cafés and resort breakfasts throughout Sharm El Sheikh.
Egypt's own fava bean version of falafel, available throughout the town.
Where to try it Restaurants and street stalls throughout Sharm El Sheikh.
A refreshing national drink, a nice complement to a day by the Red Sea.
Where to try it Cafés and restaurants throughout the resort area.
Accommodation
Sharm El Sheikh offers a huge range of resort accommodation, from budget dive lodges to luxury all-inclusive hotels.
Transport
Sharm El Sheikh is well connected by direct flights, both domestic and international.
Sharm El Sheikh is spread across a resort strip, with taxis and organised transfers the standard way around.
When to go
Sharm El Sheikh is a year-round destination, with water temperatures staying warm even in winter.
The most comfortable air and water temperatures for diving and beach time.
Hot on land, though the water itself stays pleasant for diving and snorkelling.
Mild and popular with visitors escaping colder climates, water temperatures still comfortable.
Worth planning around: Nothing strongly — Sharm El Sheikh's warm Red Sea waters make it a workable diving destination in any season.
Itinerary
Built around a full-day Ras Mohammed trip on day one, relaxation and a second dive on day two.
A full-day diving or snorkelling trip.
Beach time and an optional local reef dive.
Travel tips
Practical notes that make a Sharm El Sheikh visit noticeably smoother.
FAQ
Four to five days allows for multiple dive or snorkel trips alongside real relaxation time.
No, not — excellent snorkelling is available for non-divers, and beginner dive courses are widely offered.
Yes — it's considered one of the world's premier dive and snorkel sites, with extraordinary visibility and marine life.
World-class Red Sea diving and snorkelling, alongside a well-developed resort scene at Naama Bay.
Yes — the resort has extensive infrastructure for every experience level, from first-time snorkellers to advanced divers.
Yes, easily — a direct flight connects to Cairo, making it a natural Red Sea extension to a Nile-focused Egypt trip.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Sharm El Sheikh, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
South Sinai, Egypt
Egypt's laid-back Red Sea diving town, a former Bedouin fishing village built around house-reef diving, the legendary Blue Hole and a famously relaxed backpacker pace.
Don't miss Sitting cross-legged on cushions at a seafront camp in Masbat, watching the sun rise pink over the Gulf of Aqaba after an early dive.
Explore Destination — DahabRed Sea, Egypt
Egypt's original and largest Red Sea resort city, built around long beach hotels, offshore reef and wreck diving, and easy day trips to Giftun Island and El Gouna.
Don't miss Cutting the engine over the Abu Nuhas wrecks, sunlight falling through impossibly clear water onto a century-old ship's hull.
Explore Destination — HurghadaUpper Egypt, Egypt
A multi-night journey between Luxor and Aswan, the classic way to see the Nile's temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo without repeated hotel changes.
Don't miss Waking up on deck to find the boat has moored beside a temple overnight, stepping straight off the gangplank into Kom Ombo before the day's heat sets in.
Explore Destination — A Nile CruiseRead next
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