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Planning a trip to Sharm El-Sheikh? We’re here to help you plan an unforgettable adventure!
I’ve visited Sharm El-Sheikh multiple times, and each trip leaves me even more in awe of its stunning landscapes and endless activities. Whether it’s snorkeling in the Red Sea, exploring the vast desert by ATV, or taking a day trip to see Egypt’s ancient wonders, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
With so much to choose from, I’ve rounded up the 7 absolute best things to do in Sharm El-Sheikh – tried, tested, and guaranteed to make your trip memorable. So if you’re ready for an epic adventure, keep reading!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Sharm El-Sheikh was this Red Sea snorkeling tour! We felt like VIPs on the scenic boat ride and loved each of the three snorkeling spots we stopped at.
It’s super affordable and well worth it to see Egypt’s top snorkeling destination!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
- 1. Visit White Island and Ras Mohamed National Park on a luxury yacht
- 2. Go snorkeling in the Red Sea
- 3. Explore the Colored Canyon on a thrilling jeep tour
- 4. Dip your toes into scuba diving on a discovery dive
- 5. Go on a desert safari – quads, camels, show, dinner, and stargazing
- 6. Fly to Cairo for the day
- 7. See Sharm El-Sheikh’s top sights on a city tour
- Where to Stay in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
1. Visit White Island and Ras Mohamed National Park on a luxury yacht
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Take a luxury cruise along the spectacular Sinai coastline, go on a guided snorkeling tour at Ras Mohammed National Park, and visit the pristine White Island for a buffet lunch
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, guide, snorkeling equipment, unlimited soft drinks, lunch
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 800+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking to explore Sharm El-Sheikh’s underwater world in luxury, this White Island and Ras Mohammed National Park tour is perfect! With guided snorkeling sessions, a visit to the stunning White Island, and a ride on a luxury yacht, it’s the ultimate blend of adventure and relaxation.
The day starts with a visit to Ras Mohammed National Park, one of the Red Sea’s most famous snorkeling spots. Here, you’ll enjoy two 90-minute guided snorkeling sessions, exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. From schools of tropical fish to colorful corals, the underwater scenery is nothing short of spectacular!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even upgrade the tour when booking to include a 15-minute introductory dive – it’s a great way to try scuba diving if you’re new to it!
After exploring Ras Mohammed, the yacht sets sail for White Island, a picturesque sandbar that seems to float in the middle of the sea. It’s the perfect spot to relax, snap some photos, or just soak up the sun. We even enjoyed a buffet lunch featuring chicken, rice, and vegetables – it was delicious!
With its luxurious yacht, world-class snorkeling, and rave reviews you can read here, this tour is an unforgettable way to experience Sharm El-Sheikh’s natural beauty!
Learn more about my favorite tour and secure your spot here!
2. Go snorkeling in the Red Sea
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Go snorkeling at 3 different spots in the Red Sea, enjoy unlimited alcoholic drinks onboard, indulge in a delicious lunch
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, guide, snorkeling equipment, unlimited alcoholic drinks, lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 630+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re an ocean lover like me, this full-day snorkeling tour is an absolute must! It takes you to three of the Red Sea’s top snorkeling spots, where you’ll explore Sharm El-Sheikh’s vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
The adventure begins with a scenic boat ride to the first snorkel site. Then it’s time to gear up with the provided equipment and dive in! And don’t worry if you’ve never snorkeled before – the guides were fantastic at making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable at all times.
Once underwater, I was blown away by the colorful coral reefs and swarms of tropical fish. At one stop, I even spotted a stingray and a sea turtle gliding gracefully through the water! Our guide mentioned that if you’re lucky, you might also see a manta ray or whale shark, so keep your eyes peeled.
But the fun doesn’t stop there – the time on the boat was just as enjoyable! Between snorkeling sessions, we soaked up the sun, sipped on unlimited alcoholic beverages, and savored a delicious lunch while taking in breathtaking views of the Red Sea.
With over 600 glowing 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why this tour is so popular. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced snorkeler, this is an adventure you won’t want to miss in Sharm El-Sheikh!
Check availability for this popular snorkeling tour here!
3. Explore the Colored Canyon on a thrilling jeep tour
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Explore the Sinai Peninsula in a jeep, visit the coastal town of Dahab and go for a camel ride, go on an ATV adventure (if option selected), snorkel in Blue Hole National Park, and walk through the Colored Canyon
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, guide, water, lunch, camel ride, canyon entry fee
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check out the 400+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of my absolute favorite experiences in Sharm El-Sheikh was this full-day jeep tour to Dahab, the Blue Hole, and the stunning Colored Canyon. It’s the perfect way to experience the highlights of the Sinai Peninsula in one action-packed day!
The adventure started in Dahab, a charming seaside town I instantly fell in love with. We strolled through its quirky local shops, went on a peaceful camel ride along the beach, and even upgraded to an ATV ride through the desert. Honestly, the ATV ride was such a blast – I’m so glad we added it on when booking, and I highly recommend doing the same!
Next, we headed to the iconic Blue Hole, one of the world’s most famous snorkeling spots. The water here is so clear, and the coral reefs are teeming with life. Even if you’re not into snorkeling, just hanging out by the shore and taking in the views is an experience in itself.
But the highlight of the trip for me was visiting the Colored Canyon. Riding through the desert in the jeep was exhilarating, and hiking through the canyon was like stepping into another world. The vibrant red and orange sandstone rock formations were absolutely breathtaking – make sure you bring your camera!
This tour was such a fun adventure, and the variety of activities made it one of my favorite days in Egypt. If you’re looking for a day packed with thrills and stunning scenery, this is it!
Read all of the 5-star reviews and secure your spot here!
4. Dip your toes into scuba diving on a discovery dive
- Duration: 1 day
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Learn essential scuba diving skills, enjoy 2 beach dives with certified instructors
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, PADI instructor, beverages, lunch, equipment
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 1,600+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever dreamed of trying scuba diving but don’t want to commit to a full certification course, this PADI discovery dive in Sharm El-Sheikh is the perfect introduction! It’s an exciting way to explore the Red Sea’s incredible underwater world while learning the basics of scuba diving.
The day starts with a thorough safety briefing and hands-on training session led by certified PADI instructors. They’re amazing at easing any nerves and making sure you feel comfortable before heading into the water. Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to dive into the Red Sea! The vibrant coral reefs, swarms of tropical fish, and crystal-clear waters are mesmerizing.
What’s even better? The two dives you’ll complete during this experience count toward your PADI Open Water Certification if you decide to continue your scuba journey in the future! It’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of diving without any long-term commitment (although I guarantee it will leave you wanting more!).
Whether you’re trying scuba for the first time or are brushing up on your skills, this tour is the perfect way to get a closer look at Sharm El-Sheikh’s world-renowned dive sites – just look at the hundreds of 5-star reviews!
If you’re ready to dive into the Red Sea – check availability for this tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Go on a desert safari – quads, camels, show, dinner, and stargazing
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 3:30 pm or 4 pm
- Highlights: Race an ATV across the desert, go on a camel ride in a Bedouin village, enjoy dinner and a traditional performance, and stargaze through a high-powered telescope
Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, guide, water/soft drinks, dinner, camel ride, ATV ride - Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 350+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
For an adventure-filled evening in Sharm El-Sheikh, this 5-in-1 desert safari truly has it all – quad biking, camel rides, Bedouin culture, and stargazing under the desert sky. It’s the perfect way to experience the magic of the Sinai Desert!
The tour starts with an exhilarating ATV ride across the golden sands. Cruising through the desert with the sun setting in the background was such a thrill! Next, we hopped on camels for a peaceful ride along scenic trails – talk about a bucket-list moment!
After all that action, we arrived at a Bedouin camp, where we were greeted with warm hospitality and a delicious traditional dinner. The spread included dishes like Bedouin bread, grilled chicken, rice, and more. As we dined, we were entertained by an incredible performance that featured belly dancing, a fire show, and lively Bedouin music – it was such a fun way to immerse ourselves in the local culture!
To top it all off, the evening ended with stargazing. Using a high-powered telescope, we marveled at constellations and even spotted a few planets in the crystal-clear desert sky.
We love how seamlessly this tour combines adventure and culture into one unforgettable experience. Trust me, you’ll want to add it to your Sharm El-Sheikh itinerary right away!
Reserve your spot in advance here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
6. Fly to Cairo for the day
- Duration: 16 to 18 hours
- Time: 3 am, 3:30 am, 4 am, or 6 am
- Highlights: Fly to Cairo for a day of exploring, visit the Pyramids of Giza, see the Great Sphinx, and go on a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, flight tickets, A/C transportation, water, lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 600+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re short on time but still want to see Cairo’s iconic landmarks and ancient wonders, this day trip from Sharm El-Sheikh by plane is the perfect solution! It’s a hassle-free way to experience Egypt’s rich history without spending hours on the road.
The adventure starts with an early morning flight to Cairo. Once we arrived, we were greeted by our incredible guide, Ahmed, whose deep knowledge and engaging stories really brought the city’s history to life!
Our first stop was the Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of ancient artifacts, including the famous treasures of King Tutankhamun. Seeing these relics up close was absolutely surreal!
Next, we made our way to the Giza Plateau to see the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx up close. Let me tell you, no matter how many times you’ve seen them in photos, nothing compares to standing right in front of these ancient marvels! Ahmed shared fascinating details about their construction and the mysteries that surround them, making the visit even more special.
There is also an option to go on a peaceful Nile River cruise for a small additional cost. And when you’re booking, we recommend choosing the option that includes entrance fees to make the day truly seamless.
There’s a reason this tour has so many amazing reviews – if you want to experience the best of Cairo in just one day this tour is the way to do it!
Check pricing and availability for this Cairo day trip here!
7. See Sharm El-Sheikh’s top sights on a city tour
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Time: 4:30 pm or 8 pm
- Highlights: See the highlights of Sharm El-Sheikh with a private guide, see the mosque at the Old Market, visit the Genena City Shopping Mall, explore Soho Square
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, private guide and transportation
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 150+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
For a personalized deep dive into the culture and history of Sharm El-Sheikh, this private city sightseeing tour is the way to go! Having a private guide made all the difference, as we could explore at our own pace and focus on the spots that interested us most.
The tour began with a visit to the stunning Al Sahaba Mosque, an architectural gem with towering minarets and intricate designs. Our guide shared fascinating insights about its history and significance, making it much more than just a photo stop.
Next, we wandered through the Old Market, a lively maze of stalls selling everything from fragrant spices and handcrafted souvenirs to local sweets. I loved the energy here and found it to be one of the best spots for picking up souvenirs!
From there, we visited Genena City Shopping Mall, which offers a mix of modern shops, entertainment, and local boutiques. But the real highlight for me was Soho Square, a buzzing hub with dazzling fountains, street performances, and a fun, lively atmosphere. It was the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and wrap up the tour on a high note!
With a private guide, comfortable transportation, and plenty of flexibility, this tour is an easy and enjoyable way to experience the best of Sharm El-Sheikh!
Read the full itinerary and secure your spot here!
Where to Stay in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Now that you have your activities planned, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! Sharm El-Sheikh has tons of options from high-end beachfront resorts to budget-friendly escapes. To help you decide, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Sharm El-Sheikh for every type of traveler below!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxurious all-inclusive stay in Sharm El-Sheikh, the Pickalbatros Palace Sharm has everything you need and more! This 5-star resort boasts a private beach, 11 swimming pools (including an Aqua Park!), and 7 on-site restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines. With top-notch amenities, breathtaking sea views, and daily entertainment, you’re guaranteed to have a fun stay here!
Prices vary by season but start around $160 USD per night for an all-inclusive room for 2 people. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Amphoras Beach Resort is a great mid-range, all-inclusive option in Sharm El-Sheikh. Set on a private beach, it’s known for its amazing coral reefs and great snorkeling. The resort has six swimming pools, multiple restaurants, and a full all-inclusive package, covering meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and activities like mini golf and live entertainment. If you’re looking for a comfortable stay with plenty to do, this is an awesome choice!
Prices for the all-inclusive package for 2 people start at only $130 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a budget-friendly stay in Sharm El-Sheikh, Verginia Sharm Resort offers great value! This resort has two swimming pools including a family pool with an aqua park and a quiet pool for adults only. The beach is just a 5-minute shuttle away and guests can choose between a room-only rate or an all-inclusive package. The resort also has an on-site restaurant, bar, spa, and fitness center, making it a solid choice for an affordable yet comfortable stay!
The room-only rates start as low as $50 USD per night, and the all-inclusive rates start around $80 USD. Check prices and book your stay on Booking.com.
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope our guide to Sharm El-Sheikh has you excited for your trip! This part of Egypt is well worth exploring and it has tons of incredible adventures. Plus the location right along the Red Sea is so stunning!
While you’re planning your upcoming trip, have a look through all our travel blogs. We have tons of advice, inspiration, and tips to share!