Sharm El Sheikh Travel Guide: Beaches, Diving & Day Trips

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It's a purpose-built resort city with some of the world's best diving, a mild year-round climate, and easy day-trip access to St Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai.

Main areas

• Naama Bay — the historic tourist center; walkable, restaurants, nightlife.
• Sharks Bay — reef access and family resorts.
• Nabq — newer 5-star resorts, quieter, further from Naama.
• Ras Um Sid — cliffside hotels and top snorkeling right off the beach.

Diving & snorkeling

Ras Mohammed National Park is a bucket-list dive location. Other must-dive sites: the SS Thistlegorm wreck, the Straits of Tiran, and Yolanda Reef. Even for snorkelers, drop-offs like Shark's Bay Reef are extraordinary.

Day trips

• Mount Sinai & St Catherine's Monastery — overnight climb for sunrise.
• Colored Canyon — striking rock formations near Nuweiba.
• Dahab — 90 minutes north; laid-back Bedouin town and the Blue Hole.
• Petra (Jordan) — day trip by ferry from Nuweiba or private plane.

Where to stay

Rixos, Four Seasons, Savoy and Sunrise are consistent 5-star choices. Naama Bay is best if you want walkable dining; Nabq is quieter but you'll rely on hotel amenities. Book resorts with reef access — it's a Sharm essential.