18 Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh in 2026
Sharm El Sheikh is much more than a resort destination.
Come here for a few days and you can spend one morning snorkeling above colorful coral reefs, ride a quad bike across the Sinai desert in the afternoon, watch the sunset from a Bedouin camp and finish the evening walking through one of Sharm's lively entertainment districts.
Located between Ras Mohammed National Park and Nabq Protectorate, Sharm El Sheikh combines some of the Red Sea's most famous marine experiences with beaches, desert adventures, shopping, nightlife and easy day trips across South Sinai.
If you're planning your first visit, these are the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh and the experiences that are genuinely worth making time for.
1. Snorkel in Ras Mohammed National Park
If you book only one sea trip while staying in Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Mohammed National Park should be near the top of your list.
Located southwest of Sharm El Sheikh at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed is famous for coral reefs, clear Red Sea water and rich marine life. Egypt's tourism authorities describe it as one of the country's best-known natural protectorates and an important destination for divers and nature lovers.
Most visitors explore it either by:
- Boat and snorkeling trip
- Diving excursion
- Overland tour by vehicle
A boat trip is particularly good if your priority is spending as much time as possible in the water.
Why go?
You don't need to be an experienced diver to appreciate Ras Mohammed. Snorkeling alone can reveal coral formations and countless colorful Red Sea fish.
Best for: couples, families, snorkelers and first-time visitors.
Allow: approximately a full day for most organized excursions.
2. Take a Boat Trip to White Island
White Island is often combined with Ras Mohammed on full-day boat excursions.
Rather than a conventional island, it is a striking sandbank surrounded by bright turquoise water and is visible depending on sea conditions and tides. Egypt's official tourism website specifically highlights boat trips to White Island as one of Sharm El Sheikh's standout experiences.
A typical day combines:
Boat cruise → snorkeling stops → White Island → lunch on board → return to Sharm El Sheikh
That makes it an excellent choice if you're looking for a relaxing Red Sea day without needing diving experience.
3. Go Snorkeling or Diving Around Tiran Island
For travelers who come to Sharm specifically because of the Red Sea, the Straits of Tiran are another major highlight.
The area contains famous reefs and is particularly popular with experienced divers, although snorkeling boat trips are also widely available.
Egypt's official tourism information identifies the Straits of Tiran alongside Ras Mohammed as one of Sharm's important diving areas.
If you've already visited Ras Mohammed, Tiran makes a great second boat trip because it gives you another perspective on Sharm's underwater landscape.
Choose Tiran Island if you want:
clear water, reef snorkeling, diving and a full day at sea.
4. Try Scuba Diving in the Red Sea
Sharm El Sheikh earned much of its international reputation because of diving.
And you don't necessarily need a diving license to try it.
Beginners can book an introductory dive with an instructor, while certified divers can choose from reefs, walls and wreck sites around Sharm, Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran.
The area also has dive centers offering certification courses for visitors who want to progress beyond a first dive
Already certified?
Ask about sites such as:
- Shark Reef
- Yolanda Reef
- The Gardens
- Straits of Tiran
Never dived before?
Choose a beginner or introductory diving excursion rather than selecting a technically demanding dive site.
5. Spend a Day Snorkeling From the Shore
You don't have to take a boat every time you want to see coral reefs.
Some areas around Sharm offer excellent shore access.
One particularly well-known snorkeling area is Ras Um Sid, while the Gardens reefs and Al-Fanar area are also known for marine life and coral.
This can be a better choice than a boat trip if you:
- Have young children
- Prefer shorter activities
- Don't enjoy boats
- Want more time to relax on the beach
Best Desert Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
6. Ride a Quad Bike Through the Sinai Desert
After seeing the Red Sea, head in the opposite direction.
A quad-bike safari is one of the most popular adventure activities in Sharm El Sheikh, and ATV experiences appear prominently among the city's popular outdoor activities. Tripadvisor
Trips often take place in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more comfortable.
Expect desert tracks, mountain scenery and stops along the way.
Some tours also combine the experience with:
- Camel riding
- Bedouin tea
- Dinner
- Entertainment
- Stargazing
Best time
A sunset tour usually gives you the most atmospheric scenery and means you're not riding during the strongest midday sun.
7. Experience a Bedouin Desert Evening
If you prefer culture and scenery to speed, choose a Bedouin-style desert experience.
You'll leave the resort area behind and spend the evening surrounded by the mountains and open desert.
Depending on the excursion, your evening may include traditional food, tea, camel riding and stargazing.
It's particularly enjoyable for couples and families who want a different side of Sinai after spending several days beside the sea.
8. Go Stargazing in the Sinai Desert
Move far enough away from Sharm's hotels and city lights and the desert becomes an excellent setting for watching the night sky.
Stargazing is often included within longer desert safari packages rather than sold as a completely separate tour.
For the most complete experience, look for a package combining:
Quad bike + Bedouin camp + dinner + sunset + stargazing
That gives you several experiences in one evening.
Best Places to Visit in Sharm El Sheikh
9. Explore Naama Bay
For many travelers, Naama Bay is the classic center of Sharm El Sheikh.
The waterfront area has restaurants, cafés, hotels, shops and a long promenade, making it particularly lively in the evening.
Egypt's official tourism website describes Naama Bay as Sharm's bustling center and one of its best-known beach and entertainment districts. Experience Egypt
Come here after sunset for:
- Dinner
- Cafés
- Shopping
- Walking
- Nightlife
If you're visiting Sharm for the first time, it's worth spending at least one evening here.
10. Visit Sharm Old Market
For a completely different atmosphere, head to the Old Market.
Here you'll find souvenir shops, spices, cafés, local products and a more traditional market atmosphere than Sharm's resort districts.
The Egyptian tourism authority specifically recommends the Old Market for shopping for local souvenirs and spices. Experience Egypt
Go around sunset and stay into the evening when the area becomes livelier.
11. See Al Sahaba Mosque
While you're at the Old Market, don't miss the impressive Al Sahaba Mosque.
Its architecture makes it one of Sharm El Sheikh's most photographed landmarks, particularly after dark when the building is illuminated.
It's easy to combine with an Old Market visit, so you don't need to reserve a separate day.
Easy evening plan
Al Sahaba Mosque → Old Market → Dinner → Shopping
12. Spend an Evening at SOHO Square
If you want a polished, family-friendly evening, head to SOHO Square.
It consistently ranks among Sharm El Sheikh's popular visitor attractions and combines entertainment, restaurants, shops and evening activities in one location. Tripadvisor
It's especially convenient for families or anyone staying around Shark's Bay.
You don't need an organized tour. Simply come in the evening and explore at your own pace.
13. Relax at Shark's Bay
Not every day in Sharm needs to be filled with excursions.
Shark's Bay is a good option when you want beach time combined with snorkeling and nearby restaurants or resorts.
Its coastal setting and reef access make it especially appealing for travelers who want an easier day between longer excursions.
The bay is also an important departure area for boat trips to nearby Red Sea sites. Experience Egypt
14. Discover Nabq Protectorate
Travel north of the city and you'll reach a quieter side of Sharm.
Nabq Protectorate covers more than 600 square kilometers and includes mountains, dunes, beaches, mangroves and coastal ecosystems. Egypt's official tourism website describes it as home to the world's most northerly mangrove forest. Experience Egypt
Activities can include:
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Wildlife watching
- Camping
- Exploring mangroves
Nabq is a particularly good choice if you've already done the classic boat tours and want something less conventional.
Best Day Trips From Sharm El Sheikh
15. Take a Day Trip to Dahab
Dahab provides a very different atmosphere from Sharm El Sheikh.
It's smaller, more relaxed and famous for diving, snorkeling and its seaside cafés.
Depending on the itinerary, excursions may combine Dahab with nearby snorkeling areas, desert scenery or activities such as camel riding.
Choose this trip if you want to see more of South Sinai without changing hotels.
16. Visit Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery
One of the most memorable trips from Sharm El Sheikh takes you deep into the Sinai Peninsula.
Travelers commonly climb Mount Sinai overnight or before dawn to reach the summit around sunrise, followed by a visit to St Catherine's Monastery.
Egypt's official tourism website identifies Mount St Catherine and the monastery area among the important excursions accessible from Sharm. Experience Egypt
This is a very different experience from Sharm's beaches and boat tours and is particularly attractive to travelers interested in history, religion and mountain landscapes.
Be prepared
The excursion involves a long night and considerable walking, so comfortable footwear and warm layers are important.
17. Visit Sharm El Sheikh Museum
If you want a break from the sun, sea and desert, consider Sharm El Sheikh Museum.
The museum provides cultural and historical context and contains collections connected with Egyptian civilization. It is also highlighted by Egypt's official tourism website among places visitors can explore in Sharm. Experience Egypt
It's a useful option for:
- Families
- History lovers
- A quieter afternoon
- A break from outdoor activities
18. Enjoy a Red Sea Sunset Cruise
After several active days, finish your holiday with something slower.
A sunset boat trip gives you the Red Sea scenery without the packed itinerary of a full snorkeling excursion.
Depending on the cruise, you may get dinner, entertainment or simply time on the water as the sun goes down.
It's particularly good for couples or anyone celebrating a special occasion.
Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh for Families
Sharm is easy to adapt for a family holiday.
For younger children, prioritize:
- Beach days
- SOHO Square
- Glass-bottom boat experiences
- Calm snorkeling areas
- Easy boat cruises
- Hotel water parks
Older children and teenagers may enjoy:
- Quad biking
- Snorkeling
- Beginner diving
- Boat trips
- Camel riding
- Desert safaris
If you're traveling with children, don't try to book full-day excursions every day. Alternate adventure days with easier beach or resort days.
Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh for Couples
For couples, some of the best choices are:
- White Island boat trip
- Sunset desert safari
- Private boat trip
- Snorkeling in Ras Mohammed
- Dinner around Naama Bay
- Evening at SOHO Square
- Sunset cruise
For a honeymoon or special occasion, consider booking one private experience rather than making every excursion a large group tour.
Best Free Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
You don't have to book an excursion every day.
Some enjoyable low-cost or free activities include walking around:
- Naama Bay
- Old Market
- Al Sahaba Mosque area
- SOHO Square
- Resort promenades
Tripadvisor also currently lists SOHO Square, Old Market, Naama Bay Beach and Al Sahaba Mosque among popular free or low-barrier attractions in Sharm. Tripadvisor
How Many Days Do You Need in Sharm El Sheikh?
3 days
Enough for the essentials:
Day 1: Ras Mohammed + White Island
Day 2: Beach + Old Market + Naama Bay
Day 3: Desert safari
5 days
Better for first-time visitors:
Day 1: Relax and explore Naama Bay
Day 2: Ras Mohammed + White Island
Day 3: Beach and snorkeling
Day 4: Desert safari
Day 5: Tiran Island or Dahab
7 days
Ideal if you want both activities and relaxation.
Add:
- Diving
- Nabq
- Mount Sinai
- St Catherine
- Extra beach time
What Should You Not Miss in Sharm El Sheikh?
If you don't have enough time to do everything, prioritize these five:
- Ras Mohammed National Park
- White Island snorkeling trip
- Sinai desert safari
- Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque
- Naama Bay or SOHO Square in the evening
This combination gives you the best mix of sea, desert, culture and nightlife.
Is Sharm El Sheikh Worth Visiting?
Yes, particularly if your ideal holiday combines warm weather, Red Sea activities and resort comfort.
Sharm stands out because you don't need to choose between a beach holiday and an activity-packed trip.
You can spend several days relaxing at your hotel, or fill your itinerary with diving, snorkeling, desert safaris and day trips across Sinai.
That flexibility is one of the biggest reasons Sharm works equally well for couples, families and adventure travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sharm El Sheikh
What are the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh?
The top experiences include snorkeling or diving in Ras Mohammed, visiting White Island, taking a Tiran Island boat trip, going on a desert safari, visiting the Old Market and spending an evening in Naama Bay or SOHO Square.
What is Sharm El Sheikh most famous for?
Sharm El Sheikh is especially famous for its Red Sea coral reefs, snorkeling, scuba diving, beaches and desert scenery. Its location between Ras Mohammed and Nabq also gives visitors easy access to two important protected natural areas. Experience Egypt
Is Ras Mohammed worth visiting?
Yes. For most first-time visitors, it is one of the most worthwhile excursions from Sharm El Sheikh because it combines marine life, coral reefs and some of the area's most famous snorkeling and diving sites. Experience Egypt
Is Sharm El Sheikh good for non-divers?
Absolutely. Snorkeling, beach clubs, boat trips, desert safaris, quad biking, shopping and day trips mean you can have a full itinerary without scuba diving.
What can you do in Sharm El Sheikh at night?
Popular evening options include Naama Bay, SOHO Square, Old Market, restaurants, cafés and desert dinner experiences.
Is 5 days enough in Sharm El Sheikh?
Yes. Five days gives you enough time for Ras Mohammed, a desert safari, beach time and one or two evening areas without making the trip feel rushed.
What is the best boat trip from Sharm El Sheikh?
For a first visit, a Ras Mohammed and White Island snorkeling trip is one of the strongest choices because it combines two famous Red Sea experiences in one day.
Plan Your Sharm El Sheikh Experiences
The hardest part of visiting Sharm El Sheikh isn't finding something to do.
It's choosing between everything available.
If this is your first trip, build your itinerary around three experiences:
one Red Sea adventure, one Sinai desert experience and one evening exploring Sharm itself.
Then add extra snorkeling, diving or day trips depending on how many days you have.
Whether you're looking for coral reefs, desert adventure, relaxing beaches or memorable day trips, Sharm El Sheikh gives you far more than a typical resort holiday.
Ready to explore Sharm El Sheikh?
Browse our Sharm El Sheikh tours and excursions and choose the experiences that match your travel style, schedule and budget.
