By the Misk Tours Team | Egypt-based travel specialists Published: August 2026
The top activities in Sharm el-Sheikh focus on the Red Sea and the Sinai Desert. You can dive or snorkel at Ras Mohammed National Park, take a boat trip to Tiran Island, climb Mount Sinai at sunrise, or go on a desert safari that ends with a Bedouin dinner. For shopping, visit the Old Market, and spend your evenings in Naama Bay. With all these options, you can easily fill three to ten days without repeating anything.
Some people think Sharm is just a beach resort, especially if they never leave their hotel’s private beach. But with amazing reefs nearby and the Sinai desert only twenty minutes away, it’s one of the rare places in Egypt where you can dive a famous shipwreck in the morning and see the sunrise from Mount Sinai the next day. Here’s a guide to what’s worth your time, what it costs, and what you might want to skip.
Is Sharm El Sheikh Worth Visiting?
Yes, and the reasons depend on what you want from your trip. If you love diving, Sharm is right next to Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran, so you can explore some of the healthiest reefs in the Red Sea and even dive the famous SS Thistlegorm wreck. If you prefer exploring on land, the Sinai interior offers Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery, and the Colored Canyon, all within a two-hour drive. These places feel completely different from the resort area.
The downside is that Sharm’s town center is pretty limited. Unlike Cairo or Luxor, there isn’t an old city to explore, and you’ll need to make an effort to find more traditional Egyptian experiences, such as visiting the Old Market or taking a desert trip. If you’re looking for ancient history in everyday life, this isn’t the place. But if you want amazing diving and the chance to visit historic sites on a day trip, Sharm is a great choice.
Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh, Ranked
1- Dive or snorkel at Ras Mohammed National Park.
This was Egypt’s first national marine park and is still the benchmark for Red Sea reefs. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are the main dive spots, known for their steep coral walls, strong currents, and frequent reef shark sightings. The nearby shallow plateau is calm enough for confident snorkelers. Most people join a half-day or full-day organized boat or bus trip, since park fees, transport, and equipment are usually included. Expect to pay about $25–45 for a half-day snorkeling trip, with guided diving costing more.
2- Snorkel or sail to Tiran Island.
Take a full-day boat trip across the Straits of Tiran, stopping at several well-known reefs. You can expect strong currents, lots of fish, and a good chance of seeing turtles. You don’t need a diving certification for the snorkeling stops. Full-day trips with lunch usually cost $35–50.
3- Dive the SS Thistlegorm wreck.
This World War II British supply ship sank in 1941 and now sits upright, with motorcycles, trucks, and rifles still in its cargo holds. The dive is challenging due to strong currents, depth, and an early start (often before 5 am), yet it is widely regarded as one of the best wreck dives in the world. Plan to spend $90–120 for a two-dive day trip.
4- Hike the Colored Canyon.
Located about 90 minutes north of Sharm in the Sinai interior, this narrow sandstone gorge is marked by red, purple, and gold mineral bands. The hike is an easy 800 meters through narrow sections and pairs well with a Blue Hole or Nuweiba day trip. Half-day tours start at about $35–45.
5- Climb Mount Sinai for sunrise.
Most tours leave around 11 pm, and you can hike or ride a camel part of the way to reach the 2,285m summit before sunrise. Many travelers say this is the highlight of their trip to Sharm, but be prepared—it gets cold at the top even if it’s warm below, and the walk down is tougher on your knees than you might think. Prices start at about $35–45 and often include a visit to St. Catherine’s.
6- Visit St. Catherine’s Monastery.
This is the oldest Christian monastery in the world to have been continuously inhabited. It was built at the site believed to be where the Burning Bush stood and houses a manuscript collection second only to the Vatican’s. Most people visit it alongside the Mount Sinai climb as part of a single overnight trip.
7- Quad-bike the Sinai desert.
You’ll spend 2 to 3 hours riding across the desert to a Bedouin camp, where you usually get a camel ride and some tea. Evening trips are the best deal and bring you back to Sharm in time for dinner. Expect to pay $20–30 for a basic quad tour.
8- Walk the Naama Bay promenade.
This is a free and easy place to get your bearings in Sharm. The palm-lined beachfront has cafes, dive shops, and restaurants, and most big hotels are less than a 10-minute walk away. It’s perfect for an evening stroll or a sunset drink, though it’s more of a relaxing stop than a main activity.
9- Catch the SOHO Square fountain show.
This modern plaza features a dancing fountain show that happens a few times each evening. Entry is free, but you’ll pay separately for food, rides, or other activities. It’s a fun option for families or for a break from the beach.
10- Shop the Old Market (Sharm Old Town).
This is the truly local part of Sharm, with spice stalls, papyrus shops, and small grill restaurants tucked into narrow lanes near Al Sahaba Mosque. Here, bargaining is the norm (see the section below), and you’ll get the most authentic taste of Egypt beyond the resort areas.
11- Visit Al Sahaba Mosque.
Located next to the Old Market, the mosque has twin minarets and Ottoman-style domes. It is truly one of the most impressive buildings in Sharm. The courtyard is open to respectful visitors outside of prayer times. Be sure to dress modestly and be prepared to take off your shoes.
12- Boat trip to White Island.
This is a bare sandbar that shows up at low tide and disappears when the tide comes in. Most trips also include a snorkeling stop at Ras Mohammed or Shark/Yolanda, making it a full day on the water. The price is usually around $40 to $50, and lunch is included.
13- Glass-bottom boat for families or non-swimmers.
These one-hour trips leave from Sharm Marina and pass over live coral. You do not need a wetsuit. This is the easiest way to see the reef if you have young children with you or if you do not swim. It is also budget-friendly, often costing less than $15.
14- Bedouin dinner under the stars.
Enjoy camel riding, an open-air grill dinner, and stargazing in a part of the Sinai with almost no light pollution. Most packages include hotel pickup, so it is easy to arrange. The cost is usually between $25 and $35.
15- Day trip to the Blue Hole, Dahab.
Located about two hours north, Dahab’s Blue Hole is a 130-meter-deep vertical shaft well known among freedivers. There is also a shallower area called the “Saddle” that is good for beginner snorkelers. Trips often include visits to Dahab old town and the Colored Canyon, making it a full-day outing.
Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh for Families
Some activities listed above may not be suitable for young children or non-swimmers, so here are the best options for families: take a glass-bottom boat to see the reef without needing to swim, visit SOHO Square for its free entry, fountain show, and food choices for all ages, stroll along the walkable and relaxed Naama Bay promenade where you can easily stop at a café if anyone gets tired, and choose a shorter quad-bike or camel ride instead of a full desert safari if you need to stick to bedtime. It’s best to avoid the SS Thistlegorm dive and the Mount Sinai overnight climb with young children, as both are very challenging even for adults.
What Things Actually Cost in Sharm El Sheikh
| Activity / Item | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Half-day Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip | $25–45 |
| Full-day Tiran Island boat trip | $35–50 |
| SS Thistlegorm two-dive trip | $90–120 |
| Colored Canyon half-day tour | $35–45 |
| Mount Sinai sunrise + St. Catherine’s | $35–45 |
| Quad-bike desert safari (2–3 hrs) | $20–30 |
| Bedouin dinner & stargazing | $25–35 |
| Glass-bottom boat (1 hr) | $10–15 |
| Airport transfer, per person one-way | $8–20 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal, Naama Bay | $12–25 |
| PADI Open Water certification course | $350–450 |
Here’s a quick note about the entrance fee for Ras Mohammed: prices can vary widely depending on your nationality, how you arrive, and who you ask. Some sources mention just a few dollars, while others say it can be over $30. Most visitors don’t pay this fee separately because it’s usually included in the price of your boat or bus tour. If you plan to drive yourself and pay at the gate, check the current fee directly before you go instead of relying on any single website, including ours.
How to Avoid Overpriced Tours and Hidden Fees
In Sharm, tour companies often compete by offering lower prices and then try to sell you extras. Here are a few things you should know before booking:
- If a tour seems much cheaper than others with the same itinerary, it often includes an unlisted stop at a perfume shop, papyrus gallery, or carpet showroom so the guide can earn a commission. Expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes there.
- Before you pay, make sure to ask if park entrance fees, snorkeling gear rental, and lunch are included. Prices listed as “from $X” often leave out at least one of these costs.
- In the Old Market, vendors usually start with prices that are two to three times higher than what is fair. Bargaining is normal and not considered rude. It’s common to start at 40 to 50 percent of the asking price.
- Licensed guides have a Ministry of Tourism ID. If someone approaches you outside a site entrance and offers to show you around for a fee, this is not the same as booking a licensed tour.
- Uber and Careem are not available in Sharm. While taxis are supposed to use meters, those near the airport and hotels often charge tourists much more than locals. Agree on a price before you get in, or book a hotel transfer in advance.
What’s Overrated in Sharm El Sheikh (and What to Skip)
- A day trip from Sharm to see the Cairo pyramids might sound tempting, but it involves a long 16- to 18-hour bus ride or a rushed flight. Unless this is your only chance to visit Cairo, it is a lot of effort for just a few hours at the sites.
- Camel rides offered at busy tourist spots are often overpriced, and you may be pressured to tip during the ride. If you want a photo, it’s better to book through a trusted operator and agree on the price in advance.
- Doing the SS Thistlegorm as your first dive is not overrated, but it is poorly timed. It is an advanced dive with strong currents, and trying it before you are used to Red Sea diving can make it stressful rather than enjoyable.
Best Time of Day and Year for These Activities
Boat trips to Ras Mohammed and Tiran are best with an early start, since the water is calmer and you can avoid the midday heat on deck. Desert excursions like quad-biking and Bedouin dinners usually happen from late afternoon into the evening for the same reasons, and this timing really does make the experience better. For desert activities and sightseeing, October to April is the most comfortable season in Sharm. If you care more about diving visibility than comfort, the water is usually clearest from March to May and September to November.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sharm El Sheikh best known for?
Sharm El Sheikh is famous for diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea, especially at Ras Mohammed National Park and the SS Thistlegorm wreck. Visitors also enjoy desert trips to places like Mount Sinai and the Colored Canyon.
How many days do you need in Sharm El Sheikh?
Three days is enough for the basics: a reef trip, a desert excursion, and time to see the Old Market and Naama Bay. If you stay five to seven days, you can also visit Mount Sinai, Tiran Island, and take a day trip to Dahab without feeling rushed.
Is Sharm El Sheikh good for non-divers?
Yes. You can snorkel from the same boats as divers, take glass-bottom boat tours, go on desert safaris, visit Mount Sinai, and explore the Old Market without any diving certification. Diving is the main attraction, but there are plenty of other things to do.
Do I need a visa to do these activities?
Many nationalities receive a free 15-day Sinai-only entry stamp that covers Sharm El Sheikh and the activities in this guide. If you plan to add Cairo or Luxor, you’ll need a full Egyptian tourist visa instead.
Is it safe to book tours through street vendors or unlicensed guides in Sharm?
There is no physical safety risk, but there is a financial risk. Unlicensed guides and tours booked on the street often lead to hidden fees and surprise shopping stops, as mentioned above. Booking with a licensed operator helps you avoid these problems.
What should I pack for a day of activities in Sharm El Sheikh?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water shoes for rocky areas, a light jacket or sweater for early morning boat trips, and a scarf or shawl if you plan to visit Al Sahaba Mosque or St. Catherine’s.
Final Note from the Misk Tours Team
The activities listed here are truly worth your time. Sharm El Sheikh has earned its great reputation. Most problems happen during booking, not because of the destination. Issues like unlicensed guides, surprise shopping stops, or tours that leave out park fees can spoil your trip. To avoid these problems, book with a licensed operator and ask what is included before you pay. After that, you can relax and enjoy your visit.
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