Overview
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea. It has grown from a small fishing settlement into one of Egypt's most visited resort destinations, known above all for the clarity of its water and the richness of its coral ecosystems.
The city is loosely divided into several distinct zones: Naama Bay is the traditional tourist hub, with a pedestrianized strip of restaurants, dive centers, and shops; Hadaba and Sharks Bay offer a quieter feel; and the newer Nabq area extends northward with larger resort complexes. Each zone has its own character, so where you stay shapes your experience considerably.
Beyond the water, Sharm is also a gateway to the Sinai interior — desert landscapes, Bedouin communities, and Mount Sinai are within reach by road. The city has hosted major international summits and conferences, and its infrastructure reflects that international footprint, with well-maintained roads, a modern international airport, and hospitality options across a wide range of budgets.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements for Egypt, including Sharm El Sheikh, vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance and verify current requirements directly with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Egyptian embassy before travel.
Health
No vaccinations are universally mandatory for entry, but standard travel health precautions are sensible. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic before departure. Tap water in Sharm El Sheikh is not reliably safe to drink — bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. Sun protection is essential year-round; UV intensity is high even in winter months.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (some dive operators and marine reserves restrict chemical sunscreens to protect coral)
- Lightweight, modest clothing for visits outside resort areas
- A light layer for evenings, particularly October through March
- Underwater camera or housing if you plan to dive or snorkel
- Any prescription medications, as specialist supplies may be limited locally
Money
ATMs are available in Naama Bay and at major hotels. Cards are accepted at larger establishments, but cash is often expected at smaller restaurants, markets, and for taxis. Exchange rates at airport kiosks are typically less favorable than those at in-city exchange bureaus.
Getting There
By Air
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) receives direct flights from numerous European, Middle Eastern, and African cities, as well as domestic connections from Cairo. Check current airline schedules, as routes shift seasonally. The airport is located a short drive from the main resort areas.
By Road
Sharm El Sheikh is connected by road to Cairo and other Sinai destinations, but the journey from Cairo involves several hours of desert driving and may require passing through security checkpoints. Many travelers find flying more practical. If traveling overland, verify current road conditions and any travel advisories before departure.
By Ferry
Historically, ferry services have operated between Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada across the Red Sea, as well as between Aqaba in Jordan and Nuweiba further up the Sinai coast. Schedules and operators change; verify current availability and booking locally or through a reputable agent before building an itinerary around ferry travel.
Getting Around
Within Sharm El Sheikh, distances between zones can be significant. Taxis are the most common option for getting between Naama Bay, Hadaba, and other areas; agree on the fare before departing, as meters are not standard. Ride-hailing apps have had limited but growing presence — check availability locally.
Many larger resorts operate shuttle services to Naama Bay and nearby beaches. This is often the most convenient arrangement for travelers staying in outlying areas. Renting a quad bike or buggy is popular for short-range exploration, though exercise caution and verify insurance coverage.
For day trips to Ras Mohammed National Park, the Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh City (a separate, older district inland), or the Sinai interior, organized tours with a reputable operator are generally the most practical option, particularly if you are unfamiliar with local roads and conditions.
Things to See & Do
Diving and Snorkeling
The Red Sea around Sharm El Sheikh is widely regarded as one of the world's premier dive destinations. Sites such as Ras Mohammed National Park, the Thistlegorm wreck, Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef, and the Gordon and Thomas reefs off Tiran Island are accessible on day trips. Water temperatures and visibility are generally favorable year-round, though conditions are calmest between April and November. A large number of PADI- and SSI-certified dive centers operate in and around Naama Bay and Sharks Bay; look for operators affiliated with established international training bodies.
Ras Mohammed National Park
Established in 1983, this protected area at the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula encompasses both marine and desert environments. Day-trip access requires an entrance fee (verify current rates locally or at the park entrance). Snorkeling directly off the shore at Shark and Yolanda reefs is possible for non-divers.
Desert Excursions
Organized quad-bike tours, camel rides, and jeep safaris into the Sinai desert operate from Sharm El Sheikh. Bedouin-hosted experiences, including traditional dinners under the stars, are offered by several operators. Quality varies; seek recommendations from your accommodation.
Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery
A popular overnight excursion involves departing Sharm El Sheikh by coach in the early hours to climb Mount Sinai (Gebel Musa) in time for sunrise, then visiting St. Catherine's Monastery, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries. The monastery has its own opening hours and entry policies — verify before your trip.
Other Activities
- Glass-bottom boat trips for non-swimmers
- Parasailing and watersports in Naama Bay
- Swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Reef in Sharks Bay (approach with awareness of animal welfare considerations)
- Quad biking and sandboarding in the desert interior
Food & Drink
Naama Bay's pedestrian strip offers a wide variety of restaurants, from Egyptian staples to international cuisines catering to the European visitor majority. Expect menus in multiple languages and staff accustomed to dietary questions.
Traditional Egyptian dishes worth seeking out include koshari (a hearty mix of lentils, pasta, and tomato sauce), grilled fish and seafood from the Red Sea, ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), and freshly baked flatbread. Many resort buffets offer both international and Egyptian options.
Alcohol is available in licensed hotel bars and restaurants throughout the resort areas — Sharm El Sheikh is more permissive in this regard than many Egyptian cities. However, alcohol is not typically available in the older Sharm El Sheikh City district or in the more local-oriented parts of town. Always drink bottled or purified water; avoid ice of uncertain origin outside established hotels.
The Old Market area and parts of Sharm El Sheikh City offer a more local dining experience and lower prices than the Naama Bay tourist strip. A short taxi ride can make a significant difference to both atmosphere and cost.
Shopping
The Old Market (Sharm El Sheikh City) is the primary destination for traditional goods: spices, papyrus, Egyptian cotton, alabaster, and souvenirs. Bargaining is customary and expected. A friendly, patient approach generally yields better results than aggressive negotiation.
Naama Bay has souvenir shops and some branded outlets, but prices tend to be higher than in the Old Market. A small number of shopping malls operate in the city, carrying international and Egyptian brands.
Certified jewelers sell gold and silver at prices based on daily international rates plus workmanship; reputable shops provide certificates. Be cautious with any vendor claiming unusual provenance for antiquities — the export of genuine Egyptian antiquities is illegal.
Practical Information
Communications
SIM cards from Egyptian mobile operators are available at the airport and in Naama Bay. Coverage in the resort areas is generally reliable. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi; connection speeds vary.
Electricity
Egypt uses 220V, 50Hz current. Plug types are predominantly Type C (two round pins) and Type F. Travelers from countries using different standards should bring adapters.
Emergency Contacts
Verify local emergency numbers on arrival; posted information in your hotel lobby or from reception is the most reliable source. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for divers in particular.
Tipping
Tipping (baksheesh) is a meaningful part of the service economy. Small tips are appropriate for hotel housekeeping, restaurant service, and guided excursions. Amounts vary; ask your hotel or observe local practice.
Photography
Ask permission before photographing local people. Photographing military installations, checkpoints, or government buildings is not permitted and can result in serious consequences.
Safety
Sharm El Sheikh has a long track record as a tourist destination and the resort areas are generally considered safe for visitors. Normal urban precautions apply: be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, use reputable taxi services, and keep copies of important documents separate from originals.
Check your government's current travel advisory for Egypt and specifically for the Sinai Peninsula before departure. Parts of the Sinai Peninsula outside the main resort corridor have at times been subject to elevated security advisories; Sharm El Sheikh itself is typically assessed separately from the broader peninsula. Advice changes — consult an official government travel advisory close to your departure date.
For diving and water activities, use only operators with verifiable safety certifications and up-to-date equipment. Confirm that your travel insurance covers scuba diving if you plan to dive. Currents in some Red Sea channels can be strong; always follow your dive guide's instructions.
Sun and heat present genuine risks. Heatstroke and dehydration are possible in summer months (June–August) when temperatures routinely exceed 38°C. Stay hydrated, limit midday sun exposure, and take shade seriously.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Sharm El Sheikh exists in a somewhat distinct cultural space from the rest of Egypt, having been developed almost entirely as an international resort. Within the hotel and beach zones, dress codes are relaxed by Egyptian standards. However, outside these areas — in the Old Market, Sharm El Sheikh City, and en route to religious sites — modest dress is respectful and practically advisable. Shoulders and knees covered are a reasonable baseline.
Ramadan brings noticeable changes to the rhythm of the city: eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful. Many restaurants in tourist zones remain open, but hours may change. The atmosphere during Ramadan evenings can be lively and welcoming.
Local interactions are generally warm and hospitable. Basic Arabic greetings are appreciated and often reciprocated with enthusiasm. The phrase 'shukran' (thank you) goes a long way.