Egypt travel
8 Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh: A Guide's Picks
Discover the top things to do in Sharm El Sheikh! From Red Sea diving to desert safaris, get a local guide's practical tips on prices, logistics, and tours.
By Mohamed Hassan · Senior Local Guide · 12 years
Most blogs about things to do in Sharm El Sheikh make the same mistake. They hand you a giant list, mix the memorable with the disposable, and leave you to figure out which trips are worth your holiday time. That's how people end up booking the loudest boat, the most crowded safari, or a “city tour” that burns half a day and gives very little back.
Sharm isn't a one-note beach resort. It's one of the Red Sea's most activity-rich resort bases, with reefs, desert excursions, nightlife, shopping, family attractions, and easy day trips all packed into one destination, which is exactly why it works for both relaxed holidaymakers and active travelers, as noted by this Sharm El Sheikh destination guide. But that range is also the trap. Because there's so much on offer, generic lists keep repeating the same names without helping you decide what suits your style, your energy, or your budget.
So here's the local-guide version. These are the eight experiences I'd recommend first, with the key trade-offs: where crowds matter, when private tours make more sense, what's family-friendly, what's better for divers, and what looks better on Instagram than it feels in real life. Sharm sits inside a very large tourism market, and that usually means better flight options, more operators, and easier booking for classic Red Sea experiences, especially for European leisure travelers, according to Egypt's tourism year-end outlook. That's good news for visitors. It also means you need to choose carefully.
Table of Contents
- 1. Red Sea Snorkeling & Submarine Tours
- 2. Scuba Diving in Ras Mohammed Shark & Yolanda Reefs
- 3. Scuba Diving in the Straits of Tiran
- 4. Desert Safari 4x4 Expedition into the Sinai
- 5. Parasailing & Adrenaline Water Sports
- 6. Sunset Dinner Cruise
- 7. Day Trip to Dahab
- 8. St. Catherine's Monastery & Mount Sinai
- Sharm el Sheikh, 8-Activity Comparison
- Making Your Sharm El Sheikh Trip Unforgettable
1. Red Sea Snorkeling & Submarine Tours
If you're only doing one easy water activity in Sharm, make it this. Snorkeling is the simplest way to understand why people come here in the first place. Sharm's marine appeal is the core draw, and reef areas around the city include well-known sites such as Ras Um Sid, Amphoras, Tower, and Far Garden, which one guide notes reaches around 40 meters in depth. Expedia also highlights easy reef access at El Fanar Beach and treats snorkeling and scuba as major reasons people choose the destination.
Submarine and semi-submarine tours are the honest alternative for people who don't want masks, fins, saltwater, or boat ladders. I'd point grandparents, nervous swimmers, and families with very young kids that way before pushing them onto a long boat trip.
Who should choose what
Snorkeling wins on freedom and value. A good morning trip gets you several stops, better light, and a real sense of the reef. The downside is obvious. If the boat is crowded, the briefing is rushed, or sea conditions are bumpy, the experience drops fast.
The submarine option is shorter and more controlled. You stay dry, sit comfortably, and still see marine life through large viewing windows. It's less immersive, of course, but much easier for mixed-age groups.
Practical rule: Book snorkeling early in the morning if you can. The light is softer, visibility is often better, and you beat many of the later departures.
A few details make a big difference:
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen: Coral areas are fragile, and standard habits from pool holidays don't belong on a reef trip.
- Take seasickness tablets early: If you get motion sick, deal with it before boarding, not after the boat starts moving.
- Ask what kind of boat it is: A smaller, well-run boat can be far better than a packed cheap trip with loud music and no shade.
- Choose by traveler type: Non-swimmers and retirees usually enjoy the submarine more. Confident swimmers and reef lovers should snorkel.
For travelers comparing operators, it helps to browse current Sharm El Sheikh tour options and then ask direct questions about group size, pickup timing, and whether the trip is reef-focused or just a general boat outing.
2. Scuba Diving in Ras Mohammed Shark & Yolanda Reefs
For experienced divers, this is the dive day people remember. Ras Mohammed keeps showing up on every list for a reason, but the important part is not just that it's famous. It's that marine outings around Sharm are not interchangeable, and the best results depend on sea conditions, crowding, and whether the trip is built for real diving rather than basic sightseeing, as discussed in this Sharm marine tour overview.
Shark and Yolanda Reefs are where many divers feel the difference between “nice Red Sea diving” and “serious site.” The drop-off, the drift, the fish life, the exposure, all of it feels bigger.
Who it suits
This is not where I'd send someone who got certified yesterday and wants a relaxed first sea dive. Confident buoyancy control matters. Listening to the briefing matters. Staying calm in current matters.
Advanced divers usually get the most from this site, especially those who enjoy drift profiles and don't need constant hand-holding. If you're rusty, do an easier local dive first and check your weighting.
What's overrated is booking the cheapest possible package and assuming the site alone guarantees a good day. It doesn't. A rushed operator can turn a world-class dive into a crowded swim with poor timing.
Conditions decide the dive. A famous site on the wrong day is still the wrong choice.
Use these filters before you book:
- Pick a licensed operator: Good kit, clear safety procedures, and respect for park rules matter more than a bargain.
- Ask about guide ratio: Divers with cameras, newer divers, and couples often enjoy the day more with a private guide.
- Bring your dive computer: This isn't the place to guess your profile.
- Be honest about your level: Good dive staff can adapt the plan. Bad divers pretending to be stronger than they are create problems for everyone.
For serious divers, Ras Mohammed is one of the clearest examples of paying a bit more for the right operator and getting a much better experience.
3. Scuba Diving in the Straits of Tiran
If Ras Mohammed feels dramatic, Tiran feels alive. The reef systems around Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon each have their own mood. Some sections feel open and fish-heavy. Others are easier, brighter, and more forgiving for newer certified divers.
This is why I often recommend Tiran over Ras Mohammed for mixed-level dive pairs. If one diver is very experienced and the other is recently certified, Tiran often gives you more flexibility without feeling like a compromise.
How to dive Tiran well
A lot of people book Tiran because they've heard the reef names, then treat it like a basic boat day. That's the wrong approach. You'll get more from it if your operator matches the route to the conditions and your level.
For newer divers, the smarter move is to stay in more sheltered sections and treat the day as reef enjoyment, not a test of nerve. For confident divers, Tiran can deliver excellent coral structure and a lot of fish movement without the same kind of “must perform” pressure some people feel at Shark and Yolanda.
A few practical differences matter:
- Do a check dive first: If you haven't dived for a while, fix your weighting on an easier site before heading to Tiran.
- Carry an SMB if you know how to use one: It's standard good practice on drift-oriented Red Sea diving.
- Brief the guide on your real comfort level: Don't say “advanced” if what you mean is “I did my course two summers ago.”
- Consider a private guide: This is one of the best places to avoid underwater crowding by adjusting route and pace.
There's also a simple comfort issue people forget. Tiran can be a wonderful dive day, but the boat ride isn't ideal for everyone. If you're prone to seasickness, don't wait until you feel bad to regret the booking.
4. Desert Safari 4x4 Expedition into the Sinai
Too many safari trips are sold as “authentic Bedouin experience” and end up feeling like a convoy with dust, noise, and one quick tea stop. The desert itself is worth your time. The mass-market version often isn't.
A proper 4x4 safari gives you what the coast can't. Space. Silence. Rock formations, wadis, and a side of Sinai that makes Sharm feel much bigger than a hotel strip. Longer routes may include areas near the Colored Canyon or combine the drive with a stop toward Dahab.
What makes a safari good or bad
The biggest difference is pace. Good trips don't rush every stop. Bad trips spend too much time waiting for other vehicles, too little time walking, and too much time trying to sell add-ons.
Private safaris are worth it here more often than people expect. Families with children, older travelers, and anyone who doesn't enjoy the stop-start rhythm of big groups usually feels the difference immediately.
The desert is the activity. If your trip feels built around selling camel photos, you booked the wrong one.
Pack for the environment, not the resort:
- Carry plenty of water: Desert air dries you out faster than people expect.
- Wear closed shoes: Sandals are miserable in rocky canyon sections.
- Use light long sleeves: They work better than a vest top once the sun gets harsh.
- Check your desert packing basics: This practical Egypt packing guide covers the kind of clothing and small essentials that make these outings much more comfortable.
If you like scenic views and movement, this is one of the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh. If you hate dust, don't romanticize it. Pick a shorter desert outing or skip it.
5. Parasailing & Adrenaline Water Sports
Not everything in Sharm needs to be a full-day commitment. If you want a quick hit of fun between beach time and dinner, parasailing and other water sports do the job well.
Naama Bay is the obvious hub, and Shark's Bay also has operators offering the usual menu: parasailing, banana boat rides, wakeboarding, speedboat fun, and jet ski sessions. Here, convenience beats depth. You're not booking the most meaningful experience of your trip. You're booking something light, easy, and memorable for an hour.
Best areas and booking advice
Parasailing works best when the water is calm and the beach isn't chaotic. Early morning usually gives you the smoothest run. By late day, things can get busier, louder, and less relaxed around the pickup points.
For couples, parasailing is usually better than jet skis unless you both want pure speed. You get the view, the photos, and far less engine noise. For teenagers and friend groups, jet skis and towables often win because they feel more active.
Keep your expectations realistic:
- Confirm the full price first: Don't agree on the beach and sort out details later.
- Ask how long the activity lasts: Some operators quote the whole process, not your real time in the air or on the water.
- Wear something comfortable under the life jacket: A rash guard helps.
- Secure your phone: If you want photos, use a waterproof pouch or let the boat staff handle the shots only if you trust the setup.
This category gets dismissed as touristy, but that's not a problem if you treat it as what it is. A short, fun, seaside adrenaline break. Just don't let anyone upsell you into a package you didn't want.
6. Sunset Dinner Cruise
This one divides people. Some travelers love it. Others think it sounds cheesy and skip it. My honest view is simple. A dinner cruise is worth doing if you want an easy evening, sea air, and no effort. It's not worth doing if you expect a private-yacht mood from a standard shared boat.
The best part is usually the setting, not the buffet. Sunset on the water with the Sinai mountains in the background can be beautiful. The weak point is that some cruises lean too hard into generic entertainment and not enough into comfort.
When it is worth booking private
Shared dinner cruises make sense for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants a soft evening after diving or desert activities. You show up, board, eat, listen to music, and drift along the coast. No planning stress.
Private or smaller-boat options make more sense for honeymoon couples, anniversaries, and travelers who care about space and atmosphere. If the point is romance, privacy matters more than menu variety.
A few things to ask before you pay:
- Where are the best seats: Upper deck or forward seating usually feels much nicer.
- What is included: Drinks policies vary, and that changes the whole tone of the evening.
- Can they handle dietary requests: Vegetarian meals are usually possible if requested in advance.
- What kind of boat is it: Some people want a classic wooden look. Others care more about stable seating and clean facilities.
If you're choosing between this and another night out, I'd say pick the cruise when your days are already active and you want one evening that asks nothing from you.
7. Day Trip to Dahab
This is my favorite contrast day from Sharm. Dahab has a different rhythm. Less polished, more laid-back, more dive-town energy. It's the trip I suggest for travelers who want a break from resort polish without doing something exhausting.
A lot of broad guides mention day trips to Dahab's Blue Hole as one of the reasons visitors base themselves in Sharm, because the city makes these excursions easy to arrange alongside the standard Red Sea activities, as summarized in this overview of Sharm's main visitor draws. That's true. But ease of access doesn't mean every Dahab trip is equally good.
What to do once you arrive
The Blue Hole is the headline stop, but your experience depends on whether you're snorkeling, diving, or just visiting. Snorkelers should stay in designated areas and not get drawn into deep-water bravado. Divers already know the site deserves respect.
Beyond the water, Dahab is worth it for the atmosphere. Walk the seafront. Eat in a local restaurant. Don't rush straight back to Sharm after one splash and a souvenir stop.
For this trip, private transport is often the smartest upgrade. It lets you leave earlier, avoid the bus-group rhythm, and spend your time on the parts you care about.
- Wear water shoes: Entries can be awkward on rocky shorelines.
- Stay realistic at the Blue Hole: Beautiful place, serious water.
- Eat locally if you can: The meal is part of the day, not an afterthought.
- Don't overpack the itinerary: Dahab works best when you leave room to just be there.
This is one of the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh if you've already done the classic boat trip and want a different texture to the holiday.
8. St. Catherine's Monastery & Mount Sinai
This is the most demanding trip on the list, and it's also one of the most rewarding. The overnight journey, the climb in darkness, the sunrise, and the descent to St. Catherine's Monastery create a day that feels completely separate from resort Sharm.
Mount Sinai is sacred to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and St. Catherine's Monastery is one of the world's oldest working Christian monasteries. That alone makes the trip special. But don't sell it to yourself as a light excursion. It isn't.
What catches people out
Fatigue is the big one. People focus on the summit photo and forget they're climbing at night, often after interrupted sleep, in shifting temperatures. Layering matters. Footwear matters. Pace matters.
The final section is where many visitors struggle. Camels can help on part of the route, but not all of it. You still need to walk the last section yourself.
If you have knee trouble, poor balance, or low stamina, think carefully before booking this one as a shared rush trip.
A better approach is to treat it like a proper mountain outing:
- Dress in layers: You can be warm while moving and cold once you stop.
- Bring a headlamp: Don't rely on phone battery alone.
- Carry snacks and water: The summit is not the place to discover you're running on empty.
- Book with pacing in mind: Private guidance helps couples, seniors, and anyone who doesn't want to climb in a rushed pack.
For history lovers and spiritual travelers, this can be the highlight of the whole trip. For people who just want an easy sunrise photo, it may be more effort than joy.
Sharm el Sheikh, 8-Activity Comparison
| Activity | Complexity 🔄 | Resources & Cost ⚡ | Expected outcomes 📊 | Ideal use cases 💡 | Key advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Sea Snorkeling & Submarine Tours | Low – easy logistics; short briefings | €39–€89; boat, snorkel kit rental or submarine cabin; 1–5 h | Outstanding coral visibility and casual wildlife viewing; Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, non-swimmers, casual tourists, morning outings | Accessible to all fitness levels; world-class reefs; submarine option |
| Scuba Diving in Ras Mohammed (Shark & Yolanda) | High – drift/deep wall dives; advanced skills required | €99–€169; full day, park fees, advanced certification; dive gear | Exceptional, dramatic dives with pelagics; Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Advanced divers seeking bucket‑list wall/drift dives | Pristine protected site; dramatic topography; conservation-focused |
| Scuba Diving in the Straits of Tiran | Moderate–High – boat crossings, varying currents | €89–€169; full day, two-tank setup; PADI Open Water min. | Vibrant coral gardens and varied sites suitable for many levels; Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Open Water to advanced divers; underwater photographers | Mix of shallow plateaus and walls; excellent biodiversity |
| Desert Safari: 4x4 Expedition into the Sinai | Moderate – remote logistics, early start | €89–€139; 7–8 h, 4x4 vehicle, guide; water and sun protection needed | Strong cultural immersion and striking landscape photos; Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Adventure seekers, photographers, culture enthusiasts | Off‑the‑beaten‑path landscape; Bedouin cultural experience |
| Parasailing & Adrenaline Water Sports | Low–Moderate – short sessions, operator-dependent | €39–€79 per activity; 30–60 min; lifejackets and briefing | High-adrenaline aerial/sea views; quick thrill; Quality: ⭐⭐⭐ | Thrill-seekers, teens, short-stay visitors | Fast, accessible thrills; spectacular coastal views |
| Sunset Dinner Cruise | Low – minimal planning; transfers usually included | €59–€99; 2–3 h cruise; buffet and entertainment | Relaxing romantic evening with scenic sunset views; Quality: ⭐⭐⭐ | Couples, families, relaxed travelers, special occasions | Combines dinner + entertainment; suitable for all fitness levels |
| Day Trip to Dahab | Low–Moderate – full day travel; private transport recommended | €99–€149; 8–10 h, private car/guide; possible dive/snorkel gear | Authentic town vibe and unique sites (Blue Hole); Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Solo travelers, divers, those seeking a relaxed local scene | Different cultural atmosphere; iconic Blue Hole access |
| St. Catherine's Monastery & Mount Sinai | Very high – overnight hike; physically demanding | €129–€199; 16–18 h, guide, warm layers; headlamp and supplies | Profound spiritual/historical experience; unforgettable sunrise; Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fit travelers, spiritual seekers, history buffs | UNESCO site; iconic sunrise summit; deep historical significance |
Making Your Sharm El Sheikh Trip Unforgettable
The mistake people make in Sharm is assuming more activities automatically means a better holiday. Usually the opposite is true. The best trips here have shape. One or two strong sea days, one land-based contrast day, one easy evening, and enough free time to enjoy the resort or beach without turning the whole week into a checklist.
Sharm works because it has range. You can dive one of the Red Sea's most famous sites, spend another day in the desert, then switch gears completely with a slow dinner cruise or an easy walk in Naama Bay. It also sits in a tourism economy large enough to support reliable infrastructure, broad activity choice, and well-developed coastal experiences. Egypt's tourism revenues reached USD 16.7 billion in 2025, up from USD 14.4 billion in 2024, which is one reason destinations like Sharm can offer everything from basic shared excursions to more comfortable private options.
That scale is helpful, but it doesn't make every excursion good. What's important is knowing what fits you. Reef-focused travelers usually get more value from a proper boat or dive day than from generic city sightseeing. Families often care more about simple logistics, easy water access, and kid-friendly stops than about ticking off every famous name. Couples usually enjoy Sharm more when they spend a bit extra on privacy where it matters most, like a private transfer, a smaller boat, or a custom-paced desert day. This perspective is crucial, as much existing content still tells people what exists, not what to skip, combine, or treat as overrated, a weakness pointed out in this analysis of typical Sharm activity coverage.
If you want my simplest advice, choose quality over quantity. Book the reef trip you want. Don't fill your itinerary with “maybe” activities just because they're nearby. Leave some room for weather, energy, and mood. Sharm rewards that kind of planning.
A private guide isn't necessary for everything. But for Dahab, desert safaris, Mount Sinai, and any trip where timing or comfort makes a big difference, it often turns a standard excursion into a much better day. That's one reason some travelers look at local operators such as Oh Yes Tours, which offers Sharm El Sheikh among its Egypt destinations and focuses on direct booking with local guides. Egypt? Oh Yes!
If you want help planning the right mix of reef time, desert, and day trips, take a look at Oh Yes Tours. You can compare private and day-trip options, book directly with local guides in Egypt, and choose the pace that fits your holiday instead of settling for a generic group schedule.