What is Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt known for? Hot dry weather and the most amazing coral reefs I have ever seen would be my answer. I believe we have been on holiday here over the years around 14 times and each time the sea blows me away! Where else can you jump in right off the beach and feel like you are in an aquarium? Therefore at the top of the list of Sharm-el-Sheikh’s best things to do is go in the sea! However there is so much more to discover in this region of Egypt when you visit Sharm-el-Sheikh. Read on to find out why the Sharm el Sheikh tourism is on fire!
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Snorkel In The Red Sea
As I mentioned above, this is by the far the most popular of all the Sharm el Sheikh activities on offer. And when you give it a go you will see why, the abundance of fish and coral is simply stunning. You are not permitted to touch, break or stand on the coral, however some people seem to think this doesn’t apply to them. Numerous times I’ve watched people crush the defenceless coral (I hope it hurt, they are spiky things).
Covid has been terrible for many places but I am hopeful that it has given the coral some much needed time to recover. The fact that you can snorkel all year round is great for the tourist but doesn’t give the wildlife a chance to breath. It would be one of Sharm-el-Sheikh’s best things they could do if the coral could be protected.
While you still can, grab your snorkel and head down to the beach and jump right in. Even beginners will be blown away holding on to the jetty about how much is literally off the shore. Check out the anemones for little clown fish and watch out for barracuda!
A Different Snorkel Destination?
If you are a fan of snorkelling but would prefer the Far East as your destination, check out The Similan Islands. These are only open 6 months of the year to preserve the coral, I like their conservation practices.
ATV Tour In The Sharm-el-Sheikh Desert
Something completely different to do is to go on a desert ATV tour. We went in convoy with a large group just out of town and into the desert. It was duty so you will need to wear a head scarf and sunglasses (even though it was sunset!) or your eyes will not be able to cope. The experience was fantastic, the scenery beautiful in its own barren way. It’s kind of like a Sharm el Sheikh version of a safari! Definitely one of Sharm-el-Sheikh’s best things on offer which I have tried.
Go To A Bar In Soho Square
What to do in Sharm el Sheikh at night? Visit Soho Square of course! This is a purpose built area of shops, bars, cinemas, bowling alleys and much more. There are hotels situated in the vicinity such as the Savoy, however there are lots of taxis available if you need a ride. head to one of the rooftop bars for a great vista & a cocktail.
Climb Mount Sinai
This area is called the Sinai and has a ‘mount’ of the same name which you can climb at sunset. These tours are usually combined with a bedouin tent experience where you get to drink tea, eat food from a fire and get involved with drum beating and a bit of dancing.
You don’t just have to climb Mount Sinai to get a good sunset view, there are many tours taking you out to the desert.
Ride A Camel
Another kind of desert safari you can go on in Sharm el Sheikh is where your transport is a camel! Mr C and I did this years ago and one of us enjoyed it far more than the other. Can you guess who that was? I have never been able to get him on one again, apparently it was slightly uncomfortable! In fact so uncomfortable that he rode it in to the desert but walked the camel out and refused to get back on it!
There are also camel rides available on some of the beaches. When we stayed at The Baron there was a guide walking up and down the beach with his. They do smell a bit though, and spit!
Spot A Dugong (Sea Cow)
These endangered, large but very docile creatures can be found off shore around Sharm el Sheikh. You will need to look carefully to spot one as they are really quick. We spotted one in a lagoon area where it came to graze on the grassy sea bed. Sadly I don’t have a photo, it was too fast however here is the lifeguard who spotted it first!
Watch A Sinai Sunset
Most hotels on the sea front will have their own bars where you can grab yourself a ‘sundowner’ and watch the fabulous orange sunsets. Dependant on the time of the month you may then get the moon shimmering on the still sea. You will more than likely be in an All Inclusive hotel so this is a cheap thing to do in Sharm el Sheikh!
Visit The Bazars & Haggle
When you are visiting Sharm el Sheikh you will want to take the opportunity to purchase some of the excellent local produce. From bags to trinkets, get yourself either to Old Sharm El Sheikh or to Soho Square for some bargains. Remember it is all about the haggle, never pay full price!
The Old Town Sharm el Sheikh is where the real Egypt vibe can be found and where locals shop. Here they also trade in chickens and camels not dollars! This is one of the many historical places in Sharm el Sheikh.
Find The Best Beach Hotel
We were in search of the best beaches in Sharm el Sheikh, having stayed here 14 times we have tried many of them. From Nabq Bay, Nama Bay to Sharks Bay we were on the hunt for the perfect location. Finally we nailed the hotel when we found The Baron Resort on Nabq bay. 600m of pure sandy beach, a jetty to snorkel from and a view of Tiran island. The hotels facilities were spot on and we could walk to Soho Square.
Sharks bay (don’t be scared of the name) is fantastic for snorkelling and also has some excellent hotels. If you choose a beach to far to the east however the sea will be too rough and the current too strong to be safe in. Stay near Tiran island for your perfect sun and snorkelling holiday in Egypt.
Ras Mohammed National Park
This particular national park is underneath the sea of course as is one of the most popular of Sharm el Sheikhs activities. We went here on an organised boat trip and snorkelled (with life jackets) for a few hours and were fed a lush fish lunch. Being a very popular Sharm el Sheikh trip you will have an abundance of tours to choose from.
Learn To Dive
One of the most famous Sharm el Sheikh activities is diving. There are livaboards and diving schools galore. Whether you are an experienced diver or beginner there will be something for you. Many people get their PADI license whilst they are here on holiday. With places such as the Ras Mohammed national Park is there anywhere better to learn than Sharm el Sheikh?
Day Trip To The Pyramids
There are numerous day trips from Sharm el Sheikh which can be taken. You will just need to be willing to set your alarm for an ungodly hour. Sharm el Sheikh to the Pyramids can be achieved with a short flight. They are actually quite close to Cairo city centre as I was fortunate enough to visit in my teens! Sightly further however still doable are the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Here you will discover Tutankhamun’s tiny tomb where endless treasures were found.
Go On A Boat Trip
From pirate ships, party boats and snorkelling days out, there is a boat trip designed for everyone visiting. They cover many of the places to visit in Sharm el Sheikh from the National Park to Tiran Island. We have taken several of these trips and they have always included your drinks and a lush lunch! Look out for the sunset cruises for a more romantic evening with the one you love.
Watch out for the deadly fish
The sea doesn’t just provide lovely cute fish for you to swim with, there are some deadly ones to watch out for. And I am not just talking about the sharks and barracudas! Beware of the lion fish, stone fish, puffa fish and conga eels to name a few! Most won’t go anywhere near you however it is best to snorkel safely and just enjoy yourself!
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