Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt's premier Red Sea resort town, offering world-class coral reefs, year-round sunshine, and all-inclusive resort deals that make it surprisingly affordable compared to similar beach destinations. Package deals and fierce competition among resorts mean divers, snorkelers, and sun-seekers can live large for relatively little.
Why go to Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Mohammed National Park
Egypt's crown jewel marine reserve with jaw-dropping coral walls and shark-filled waters that rival anywhere on earth.
Naama Bay Snorkeling & Diving
Vibrant reef life just steps from the beach, with dive centers offering intro dives for as little as $40.
Tiran Island Day Trip
A boat excursion to four legendary dive sites with technicolor coral gardens and the eerie wreck of the Loullia.
St. Catherine's Monastery & Mount Sinai
Hike the 3,750 steps to a biblical sunrise over the Sinai Peninsula from one of Christianity's oldest monasteries.
Old Market (Sharm El Sheikh Bazaar)
A labyrinthine souk bursting with spices, lanterns, and papyrus where haggling is half the fun.
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Good to know in Sharm El Sheikh
- Transit: Minibuses run between Old Town, Naama Bay, and Hadaba for under $0.50; taxis are cheap but always agree on a price before you get in-expect $2-5 for most in-town trips.
- Tipping: Tipping is expected and important here; tip dive guides $5-10, restaurant staff 10%, and hotel housekeeping $1-2 per day in Egyptian pounds.
- Tap water: Do not drink tap water in Sharm El Sheikh; buy large 1.5-liter bottles from supermarkets for under $0.50 rather than paying hotel minibar prices.
- Free-entry days: Ras Mohammed National Park has no free-entry days ($10 entry fee applies), but snorkeling directly off Naama Bay's public beach and many hotel beaches is completely free if you walk in confidently during busy periods.